TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will remain among the handful of states that haven’t legalized the medical use of marijuana or expanded their Medicaid programs for at least another year.
Republican state senators on Friday blocked efforts to force debates on both issues before the GOP-controlled Legislature’s scheduled adjournment for the year Tuesday. Supporters of each measure fell short of the 24 of 40 votes required to pull a bill on each subject out of committee.
Backers of both proposals argue that they have popular support yet have been thwarted going on a decade in each case. Kansas doesn’t allow voters to put proposed laws on the ballot statewide, a path that has led to approval for each measure in other states.
All but 12 states have legalized medical marijuana, and all but 10 have expanded Medicaid in line with the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act and its promise to cover almost all of the cost. Besides Kansas, only Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming have done neither, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
China strives to refuel economy with green hydrogen energy
Soar, slide, splash? It’s skiers’ choice as spring’s wacky pond skimming tradition returns
China activates emergency response to rain, snowstorms amid holiday traffic peak
Verona confirms Serie A status for another year after beating Salernitana
U.S. stocks end mixed ahead of inflation data
Türkiye ready to act as guarantor in resolving Gaza conflict: Erdogan
Messi in and Dybala out in Argentina squad for pre
Saudi Arabia extends voluntary cut of oil production
US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 2018
Sabrina Impacciatore and Domhnall Gleeson join The Office spinoff in first casting announcement