In belated state of the state address, Laura Kelly warns Republicans away from conservative agenda

Gov. Laura Kelly warned Republican lawmakers in her state of the state speech Tuesday night, saying they should steer clear of the conservative agenda they have already signaled on taxes, education policy and other issues.

The speech was postponed from its traditional date during the first week of session after it was believed Kelly had tested positive for COVID-19, though her office eventually said it was a false positive. That meant a "happy birthday" serenade for Kelly on Tuesday, who at 73 is the oldest governor in Kansas history.

The state of the state still included a reprise of Kelly's top priorities, including a suite of tax cuts, increases to special education funding and medical marijuana legalization.

But legislative leaders have already signaled they will largely pursue an agenda that will focus elsewhere, including a flat income tax for individuals and businesses, an expansion of the state's school choice offerings and increased requirements to obtain welfare benefits.

That didn't stop Kelly from repeating one of her now infamous mantras, urging lawmakers to forge a more moderate and bipartisan route.

"Long gone are the days of Kansas making headlines for failure and mismanagement," she said. "Now, because we worked together, Kansas is back on track. Kansas is on the road to prosperity. And the state of our state is strong."