Legislative update from the smart State Legislative Director

​In an unprecedented move by Senate Leadership Sen. Bollier stripped of committee leadership post.

Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, this afternoon stripped Sen. Barbara Bollier, R-Mission Hills, of her post as vice chair of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee after Bollier endorsed Democrats for state and federal office.

Bollier has endorsed Democrat Tom Niermann, Prairie Village, in the 3rd Congressional District for which U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kan., is seeking the GOP nomination, and she has said that she would vote for Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka, for governor. 

"After Sen. Bollier's embarrassing endorsements, I have no choice but to remove her from her leadership position, effective immediately," Wagle said. "While we respect differing opinions in our caucus, it is unacceptable to betray members of your own party by publicly endorsing leftist Democrats. Sen. Bollier has lost credibility within our caucus which makes it impossible for her to function in a leadership role."

Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, R-Overland Park, said, "This is a profound and personal disappointment to me. At this time, this is what is best for the Republican Majority Caucus and Sen. Bollier's office moving forward. I look forward to continuing an environment where ideas are debated, and the caucus reflects Kansas values and the will of the voters who elected the Republican membership."

Bollier is also a member of the Senate's Commerce and Education committees.

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Ty Dragoo
United Transportation Union - SMART
Kansas Legislative Director