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Blake Carpenter champions the ideals of limited government and personal freedom. If re-elected to Topeka, here’s how he will serve you:
- Defend Kansas Values and Constitutional Rights: Ensuring our state’s laws respect and uphold the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
- Limit Government Expansion: Keeping government size and power manageable, and preventing unnecessary increases in regulations.
- Prioritize Fundamental State Needs: Directing legislative attention towards essential services and key issues to ensure comprehensive state development.
- Represent Sedgwick County Families: Advocating for the interests of local families over those of special interest groups.
Commitment to Tax Relief
Blake Carpenter is dedicated to lowering taxes for all Kansans, consistently supporting legislation designed to reduce the tax burden on our citizens. Throughout the legislative sessions of 2023 and 2024, Blake has consistently voted in favor of every proposed tax reduction measure presented to the House.
Here are just a few of the taxes he has voted to cut:
– Eliminating Social Security Tax
– Eliminating Food Sales Tax
– Cutting Property Tax
– Cutting Income Tax
Persistent Challenges and Actions
Despite the clear demand for tax relief, our efforts have been continually thwarted by the governor’s refusal to pass tax cut legislation. Each initiative that has been brought to her desk has been vetoed, even those that have garnered broad bipartisan support. Notably, a significant tax bill recently passed with overwhelming support from both the House and the Senate, receiving only 20 votes against it in a legislature that has 165 members between the House and Senate. This strong legislative backing highlights the unified call for tax relief, yet we face the possibility of another veto.
Financial State and Justification for Tax Cuts
The financial health of Kansas is stronger than ever, with our state treasury holding an excess of $3 billion and an additional $1.7 billion in the rainy day fund, totaling nearly $5 billion. This surplus not only demonstrates our state’s robust financial standing but also underscores the feasibility and necessity of implementing tax cuts.
Blake’s Promise
Blake Carpenter remains steadfast in his commitment to fight for significant tax relief. Should the governor call a special legislative session, Blake is prepared to advocate vigorously for the most beneficial tax reductions possible for the people of Kansas. The time for tax cuts is now, and the people of Kansas not only need it—they deserve it.
Security and Sovereignty for Kansas
Blake Carpenter has been a vigilant defender of Kansas’s security and sovereignty, with a keen focus on protecting our state from the undue influence and interference of foreign adversaries such as China. His legislative initiatives during the 2024 session and beyond highlight his unwavering commitment to keeping Kansas safe and prosperous.
- Preventing Land Ownership by Foreign Adversaries: Blake spearheaded efforts to craft legislation that would prohibit China and other countries of concern from owning land in Kansas. This measure aims to protect our agricultural and technological assets from foreign exploitation, ensuring they remain in hands that prioritize Kansas’s welfare.
- Enhancing Data Security: Blake co-authored legislation aimed at removing DJI drones from use within state agencies and law enforcement. Given the potential for these devices to be used for spying, this legislation was crucial for safeguarding Kansas’s privacy and security. Although it did not pass, the fight for these common-sense protections continues.
- Strengthening Financial Stability: On the financial front, Blake played a pivotal role in successfully passing legislation that divested the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) funds from foreign countries of concern. This strategic move protects the investments and retirement savings of Kansas’s public servants from global economic risks and adversarial actions, underscoring a proactive approach to state financial security.
As we look to future sessions, Blake remains committed to reintroducing and championing these critical protections. His leadership is essential for ensuring that all dimensions of Kansas’s sovereignty—from land ownership to financial investments—are secure from foreign threats.
Reserve Status, Blake Carpenter is a member of the Kansas Air National Guard. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Air Force or the Department of Defense.
Advocating for Second Amendment Rights
Blake Carpenter is a steadfast advocate for the Second Amendment and has actively supported legislation to uphold and enhance the rights of Kansans to bear arms. Throughout his legislative terms, Blake has shown a strong commitment to ensuring that Kansas residents can exercise their rights without undue financial or regulatory burdens.
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Legislative Actions: Blake has authored and co-sponsored a range of legislation aimed at bolstering gun rights. His efforts include reducing and eliminating fees for concealed carry permits, making it more accessible for law-abiding citizens to carry firearms for their protection. Furthermore, Blake supported a significant initiative to amend the Kansas Constitution, aiming to fortify the protections around gun ownership rights, ensuring they remain inviolable into the future.
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Role in Kansas State Rifle Association: Since 2020, Blake has served as a board member of the Kansas State Rifle Association (KSRA), the state affiliate of the National Rifle Association (NRA). The KSRA plays a critical role in advocating for the rights of gun owners in Kansas, providing educational resources, and promoting safe and responsible gun ownership.
Blake’s active role in the KSRA and his legislative efforts demonstrate his dedication to protecting and promoting the rights of Kansas gun owners. His ongoing work ensures that the fundamental rights enshrined in the Second Amendment are preserved and respected in Kansas.
Championing Fairness in Women’s Sports
Blake Carpenter is a committed advocate for maintaining integrity and fairness in women’s sports. Understanding the importance of providing a level playing field, Blake played a crucial role in the passage of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. This landmark legislation ensures that women’s sports in Kansas are preserved for biological females, providing them with equitable opportunities to compete and succeed.
- Legislative Journey: The road to victory was challenging. Despite facing opposition and veto attempts from Governor Kelly, Blake remained steadfast. His dedication, along with the relentless efforts of like-minded legislators, culminated in a successful override of the governor’s veto on the third attempt. This triumph underscored a significant legislative win for fairness in sports.
- Advocacy and Collaboration: In a testament to his commitment, Blake was photographed with Riley Gaines, a renowned national advocate for protecting women’s sports. Riley’s advocacy work aligns closely with the goals of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, and her support played a pivotal role in rallying public and legislative backing for the bill.
The Need for Principled Leadership
This legislative success story highlights the necessity for strong, principled leadership in Topeka—leaders who are willing to stand against a governor who may be out of touch with the needs and values of Kansans. Blake Carpenter has consistently demonstrated such leadership, showing that he will fight for what is right for the citizens of Kansas, even in the face of significant opposition.
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:
- Helped broker a deal with BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas on behalf of longtime area resident Julie Dombo.
- Helped the Boys and Girls Club to cut through red tape and open three new locations in Derby.
- 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.
- Gave the idea to the City of Derby to become a Purple Heart City.
- Authored Cybersecurity legislation to improve the entire state government systems to better protect your data from hackers and foreign actors.
- Regularly helps constituents cut through red tape with state agencies.