Kansas Senate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kansas Senate |
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|---|---|
| Kansas Legislature | |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
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Term limits
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None |
| History | |
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New session started
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January 9, 2017 |
| Leadership | |
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President of the Senate
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Susan Wagle (R)
Since January 14, 2013 |
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Vice President of the Senate
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Jeff Longbine (R)
Since January 9, 2017 |
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Majority Leader
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Jim Denning (R)
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Minority Leader
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Anthony Hensley (D)
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| Structure | |
| Seats | 40 |
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Political groups
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Majority
Minority
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Length of term
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4 years |
| Authority | Article 2, Kansas Constitution |
| Salary | $88.66/day + per diem |
| Elections | |
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Last election
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November 8, 2016 (40 seats) |
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Next election
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November 3, 2020 (40 seats) |
| Redistricting | Kansas Reapportionment Commission |
| Meeting place | |
| State Senate Chamber Kansas State Capitol Topeka, Kansas |
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The Kansas Senate is an important part of the Kansas Legislature. Think of it as one of the two main groups that make laws for the state of Kansas. The other group is the Kansas House of Representatives.
The Kansas Senate has 40 members. These members are elected by people from different parts of Kansas. Most of them belong to political parties. For example, 28 members are Republicans. 11 members are Democrats. There is also one Independent member. This means they don't belong to a major political party.
Contents
What the Kansas Senate Does
The Kansas Senate has a big job. Its main purpose is to create and approve laws for the state. These laws affect everyone living in Kansas. They cover things like schools, roads, and healthcare.
How Laws Are Made
When a new idea for a law comes up, it often starts as a bill. Senators discuss these bills. They vote on them to decide if they should become laws. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives must agree on a bill for it to pass.
Working with the Governor
After a bill passes both parts of the Legislature, it goes to the Governor. The Governor can sign the bill into law. They can also veto it, which means they don't approve it. If the Governor vetoes a bill, the Senate and House can sometimes vote again to make it a law anyway.
Who Are the Senators?
There are 40 people who serve as senators in Kansas. Each senator represents a different area of the state. They are chosen by voters in their area.
How Senators Are Elected
Senators are elected for a term of four years. This means they serve for four years before they need to be re-elected. They work hard to represent the people who voted for them.
Important Leaders in the Senate
The Kansas Senate has special leaders. The main leader is called the President of the Senate. This person helps guide discussions and votes. There are also leaders for the different political parties. These include a Majority Leader and a Minority Leader. They help their party members work together.
Where the Senate Meets
The Kansas Senate meets in a special building. This building is called the Kansas State Capitol. It is located in Topeka, which is the capital city of Kansas.
The Senate Chamber
Senators meet in a large room called the State Senate Chamber. This is where they hold their meetings and vote on bills. It's a very important place for the state government.
Images for kids
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The Kansas Senate chamber in 1905
