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Governor Laura Kelly is launching a statewide listening tour, The People’s Budget, to gather Kansans’ input on the state budget ahead of the 2026 legislative session. The tour will visit eight communities this fall, starting Thursday, October 9, in Salina, with Governor Kelly joined by Adam Proffitt, Director of the Budget/Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration.

The tour comes after the Kansas Legislature passed a budget in April that ignores the Governor’s proposal and is projected to spend $300 to $700 million more than the state receives annually, creating long-term fiscal challenges. Governor Kelly aims to hear residents’ priorities for repairing the state’s finances and shaping future investments in education, health care, infrastructure, public safety, and other key areas.

Events will be held in Salina, Hays, Garden City, Kansas City, Leawood, Emporia, Pittsburg, and Wichita. Attendance is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, with RSVPs encouraged to gauge community interest.