Governmental Affairs

Current and past Legislative Update newsletters provided by Bright and Carpenter Consulting.

Your involvement in securing more pro-business legislators at all levels of government is a way for you to help ensure the passage of legislation that Kansas businesses need to grow and prosper.

WIBA Bill Tracker

The WIBA Bill Tracker gives you the latest word on how bills are progressing in Topeka.

Candidate Survey Answers

WIBA sends surveys out to those running for office to find out how they stand on various issues. This section will provide you with links to these survey answers. Some surveys are still out so check back if you don't find one you are looking for.

News Articles for the Week

Published articles of importance for WIBA members

You can play an active role in the legislative process at local, state and national levels. WIBA and KIBC are here to help guide you through the process. While we have lobbyists who work for our members, you can also become an advocate of independent business in three distinct ways:

Lobby your legislator

The Kansas Legislature convenes annually on the second Monday in January and traditionally concludes in May. Legislators consider hundreds of bills and several of them impact the operations of your Kansas business. Hundreds of lobbyists converge on Topeka to advocate their special interests, so it is imperative that you as a business leader participate in the process as much as possible.

Legislators are most interested in the opinions of their constituents. The most effective legislative communications come from local residents whom the legislator knows personally and to whom the legislator is locally accountable. While the final votes are cast in the capitol building, some of the most effective lobbying is done at or from back home.

The following link contains some suggestions that may be useful in assuring that your local views are heard by your elected official.

Help your favorite candidates

ü Make contributions, either direct or in-kind.
ü Assist in fundraising efforts or host other social events.
ü Participate in phone banks, door-to-door canvassing or other volunteer activities.
ü Serve as poll watchers and engage in other Get-Out-The-Vote efforts.
ü Assist in the placement of signs on personal or business property.
ü Circulate nomination petitions.
ü Send postcards, mailings or other communications on personal stationary or campaign stationary.
ü Conduct voter registration drives for candidates.
ü Hold positions on committees for candidates, e.g., finance committee, public relations, etc.

Join the WIBA/KIBC government affairs committee
All members are welcome and encouraged to participate in the WIBA/KIBC Government Affairs Committee. Simply email your request to membership@wiba.org or call our office at 316-201-3264.