Vanessa West

Healthcare Women should have access to affordable reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortions. It is vital for women and girls to have access to birth control pills and other contraceptive medications. Vanessa understands women and girls deserve healthcare privacy to have a choice of treatment for all medical conditions, including pregnancy. However, political extremists will continue to push harsh and unjust state laws in Kansas, such as Amendment 2, which will hinder reproductive health and rights. Vanessa will fight for Kansas women to maintain autonomous control of our own bodies and medical care. She will also work to ensure that no child or adult is forced into a decision regarding their pregnancy. Education I support tax credits for higher education students. Education Every student in Kansas should have access to world-class public school education. While some progress has been made, Vanessa knows more can be done to assure excellence in our public schools. This includes increasing teacher pay and incentives to attract and retain teachers, restoring due process protections for teachers, and ensuring access to affordable preschool education. As a mom of two elementary students, you can count on Vanessa to passionately advocate for students, educators, and local school districts. Infrastructure / Transportation As our region grows, we must maintain our highways that connect our communities, link us to jobs and facilitate commerce. Vanessa supports transportation and transit improvements that reduce congestion, increase safety, improve efficiency, and increase mobility. Government Reform By creating a space for diverse perspectives and emerging voices, Vanessa will strive to build an inclusive government. She will consider the impact of various policy options on different groups in society. Constituents can always count on Vanessa to be present and to listen to their concerns. There is no doubt that Vanessa hears you, sees you, and will actively represent your interests in the Legislature. Taxes / Budget I support the elimination of income tax on retirement income. Taxes / Budget I support lowering the Residential Assessment rate from 11.5% to 10%. Taxes / Budget I support eliminating the sales tax on hygiene products. Taxes / Budget I support the IMMEDIATE elimination of the sales tax on food. Taxes / Budget I support restoring the Local Ad Valorem Tax Relief Fund (LAVTRF) for local units of government to lower property taxes. Taxes / Budget I support eliminating the sales tax on over the counter drugs. Abortion / Contraception Abortion care is health care and health care is a human right.