issues

Blake Carpenter is guided by principles of limited government and individual liberty. In Topeka, you can count on him to:

  • Keep Government Growth in Check
  • Focus on the Essentials
  • Protect Kansas Values and Our Constitutional Rights
  • Work for Sedgwick County Families, Not Special Interests

Keep Government Growth in Check

With our state general fund budget now reaching nearly $8 billion a year, government must be reined in and stopped from repeatedly upping our tax bills. When Kansas families are tightening their belts, government should too.

Blake opposes tax increases and will continue to oppose Gov. Kelly’s push to add new taxes on Netflix, iTunes, and other online music and movie purchases.

Blake voted against the largest tax increase in Kansas history; strongly supported the Property Tax Transparency Act to end stealth property tax increases; and consistently votes to reduce the sales tax on food.

Focus on the Essentials

Government’s role should be limited, and, where there is a proper government function, it should be done efficiently and effectively.

For example, K-12 education is an important government function, and, accordingly, we are investing half of the state general fund each year in our schools. As we maintain this funding priority, we must continually look for ways to get more money into the classroom to improve results for Kansas kids. Measurable student achievement should be our focus.

Roads and highways are another essential state function, and we are investing heavily here as well. The 10-year Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Plan is devoting $10 billion to our state highway system, including maintenance, expansion, and safety improvements. Our highway system is regularly ranked among the best in the nation.

The state also provides a large welfare safety net, with $7.3 billion in state and federal funds going annually to human services such as healthcare and aging and disability assistance in Kansas.

Protect Kansas Values and Our Constitutional Rights

Our nation was founded on the idea of God-given rights such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Our Constitution is intended to protect those rights.

In that spirit, Blake Carpenter believes deeply that the right to life is fundamental and works to defend the most vulnerable among us not just with words, but actions.

He is also a leader in our state on 2nd Amendment issues, steadfastly protecting law-abiding citizens’ right to bear arms, and he regularly pushes back on federal overreach in keeping with the 10th Amendment, which was written to protect states and the people from excessive central government.

Work for Sedgwick County Families, Not Special Interests

Blake ran for office to get results for us. He has championed significant legislation and assisted countless constituents navigating through government bureaucracy:

  • Enacted a bill paving the way for voters in Sedgwick County to conveniently vote at any county polling place (rather than just one precinct) starting in 2021.
  • Helped broker a deal with BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas on behalf of longtime area resident Julie Dombo.
  • Closed a DUI loophole in Kansas law at the request of a Derby resident.
  • Passed transparency legislation allowing constituents to listen to legislative committee debates live.
  • Regularly helps constituents cut through red tape with state agencies.