Legislative Session Wrap-Up: Senator Dinah Sykes Reflects on Wins, Challenges, and What’s Ahead

The contents of the blog come from an interview conducted with Kansas Senator, Dinah Sykes.

Dinah Sykes

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With the Kansas legislative session now complete, lawmakers are taking a moment to reflect on what was accomplished and what issues remain unresolved. In a recent interview with Senator Dinah Sykes, she discussed how the final weeks unfolded, key policy highlights, and what Kansans should be watching as we move toward the next session.

As Senator Sykes explained, the final stretch of the session is always fast-paced. “The last week is really a sprint to the finish line,” she said. “You’re going in and out of conference committees, negotiating between the House and Senate, and trying to make sure good policy makes it across the finish line.”

During that time, lawmakers review conference committee reports closely, since multiple provisions can be added to a bill late in the process. That makes the final days especially important—and sometimes unpredictable.

Property Tax Relief Remains a Major Concern

One of the biggest issues many Kansans continue to watch is property tax relief. Senator Sykes noted that despite ongoing discussions, meaningful relief did not materialize during this session. Instead, she expressed concern that a last-minute proposal could create new pressure on local governments.

According to Sykes, the legislation placed an artificial cap on property tax assessments without addressing underlying funding responsibilities—particularly when it comes to education.

A major driver of local property taxes, she said, is the state’s ongoing shortfall in special education funding. Kansas law requires the state to cover a significant portion of special education costs, but the current funding level falls well short of that obligation.

Because school districts are still required to provide services, local communities must make up the difference—often through property taxes.

Special Education Funding Still Falls Short

Special education funding remains one of the most pressing issues heading into the future. Senator Sykes explained that the state currently funds only about 60 percent of its required obligation, and recent budget decisions did not close that gap. In fact, she noted the state may have taken a step backward this year.

Looking ahead, she encouraged Kansans to pay close attention to the next legislative session, when the state’s school funding formula is scheduled to be rewritten.

That process, expected in 2027, will shape how education funding is distributed for years to come.

“We have not fully funded special education since 2011,” she said. “That will be a key piece to watch as the school funding formula is rewritten.”

Legislative Wins: Pharmacy Reform and Expanded Health Coverage

Despite the challenges, Senator Sykes highlighted several accomplishments she believes will benefit Kansans in the long run.

Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform

One major achievement was legislation addressing pharmacy benefit managers—often referred to as PBMs—the middlemen between pharmacies, insurers, and drug manufacturers.

Independent pharmacies across Kansas have faced increasing financial pressure, and many have closed in recent years. The new law aims to increase transparency and ensure pharmacies are fairly reimbursed for prescriptions.

Senator Sykes believes the reform could ultimately lower costs for consumers.

“At the end, it’s going to save Kansans money in their pockets on prescriptions,” she said.

Expanding Access to Children’s Health Insurance

Another significant change involved the state’s Child Health Insurance Program, commonly known as CHIP.

Previously, eligibility rules were tied to income standards set in 2008. Because those thresholds had not been updated, many families no longer qualified—even as the cost of living increased.

The new legislation removes that outdated benchmark, allowing more children to access health coverage and preventive care.

Senator Sykes said the change will improve health outcomes while reducing long-term costs.

“More Kansans will be insured and receive the preventive health care they need,” she said.

Supporting Child Care Solutions for Working Families

Child care availability and affordability remain major concerns across Kansas, particularly for working families and employers.

To address this challenge, lawmakers expanded tax credit opportunities for businesses that help provide child care for employees. That support can include on-site child care or financial contributions toward child care costs.

Senator Sykes said the expansion gives businesses more flexibility to support their workforce.

“We know child care across the state is a challenge—finding slots and affordability,” she said. “This gives businesses more ways to help.”

Mental Health Services in Schools Partially Restored

Mental health support in schools was another area closely watched this session.

Funding for school-based mental health intervention teams had been reduced earlier in the budget process. Lawmakers ultimately restored a portion of that funding—$12 million—though not the full amount originally proposed.

While the outcome was an improvement, Senator Sykes said more work remains.

“It was definitely better than the complete cut,” she said. “But I wish we would have been able to preserve the full funding.”

What Happens Next: Veto Session and Budget Decisions

Although the legislative session has ended, the process is not entirely finished.

The governor still has the authority to veto specific parts of the budget through a line-item veto. Lawmakers will reconvene for the veto session to decide whether to uphold or override those decisions.

That makes the next step an important one for finalizing the state’s spending plan.

Looking Ahead

As Kansas prepares for the next legislative cycle, several major issues remain on the horizon:

• Rewriting the state’s school funding formula

• Addressing special education funding obligations

• Managing property tax pressures

• Expanding access to mental health and child care services

Senator Sykes emphasized that public attention will be critical as those discussions continue.

For Kansans, the work of the legislature may pause between sessions—but the policy decisions made in the coming year will have lasting impacts on schools, communities, and families across the state.