Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly inherited a state facing serious fiscal challenges. Eight years later, she says Kansas has a $2 billion rainy-day fund, has paid down debt, fully funded schools and transportation — and cut taxes.
In this exclusive conversation on The Dan Parsons Show, Kelly joins Nebraska gubernatorial candidate and former state Sen. Lynne Walz to discuss what Kansas learned — and what those lessons could mean for Nebraska.
We talk about:
• Winning Republican and independent voters in traditionally Republican states
• Governing with a Republican-controlled legislature
• Nebraska’s budget challenges and Walz’s criticism of across-the-board cuts
• Economic development and rebuilding rural communities
• Why Kelly says divided government can force compromise
• The changing tone of American politics
• Whether the political middle is making a comeback
• Why Kelly believes Walz is prepared to be governor
Walz argues Nebraska is “bleeding” financially. Kelly responds with the story of Kansas’ fiscal turnaround, including rebuilding reserves, investing in schools and infrastructure, attracting major economic development and cutting taxes.
It’s a conversation about two neighboring states, two political paths, and whether Kansas offers lessons for Nebraska’s future.
The Dan Parsons Show — Beyond the Headlines.