ACTION ALERT: Keep current process on immunization regulations in Kansas

Legislation: Kansas Bill HB 2601 weakens the ability of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to regulate and promulgate rules as it relates to vaccination requirements/schedules. Instead, this authority would be vested with the state legislature, which meets for four months a year and lacks the background and medical expertise to determine appropriate action. Currently, KDHE has the ability and authority to act quickly based on new information and best practices from the CDC. Removing expertise from this process and placing it in the political arena for consideration is not in the best interests of disease prevention and the well-being of Kansans, young and old, who rely on vaccination information based on science, not politics.

Activity: A legislative hearing on the proposed bill is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 1:30 p.m. before the House Education Committee. It meets in room 346-S.

Action Needed: It is important that Nurture KC, including members of the Mid America Immunization Coalition (MAIC) and our valued partners, provide testimony informing the committee of the importance of retaining the current process on immunization regulations. Please plan to attend, speak and reach out to others, including parents willing to share stories about the importance of vaccination. Testimony should be submitted by Wednesday, February 12, to Deborah Bremer (Committee Assistant) at Deborah.Bremer@house.ks.gov.

House Education Committee: The below are live links so you are able to view legislator’s districts, contact information and background.  There are five members whose districts are in Johnson County.  They are:  Stephanie Clayton, David Benson, Jerry Stogsdill, Adam Thomas and John Toplikar.

Chair

• Rep. Steve Huebert

Vice Chair

• Rep. Brenda Dietrich

Ranking Minority Member

• Rep. Jim Ward

Members

House

•     Rep. David Benson
•     Rep. Stephanie Clayton
•     Rep. Renee Erickson
•     Rep. Cheryl Helmer
•     Rep. Steven Johnson
•     Rep. Jim Karleskint
•     Rep. Mark Samsel
•     Rep. Mark Schreiber
•     Rep. Adam Smith
•     Rep. Jerry Stogsdill
•     Rep. Adam Thomas
•     Rep. John Toplikar
•     Rep. Jene Vickrey
•     Rep. Stephanie Yeager

Your advocacy and participation is critical to keep the citizens of Kansas safe and healthy. We appreciate your support. If you have questions, please reach out to Tracy Russell, Executive Director of Nurture KC, at trussell@nurturekc.org.