Oletha Faust-Goudeau facts for kids

Oletha A. Goudeau, born on August 5, 1959, is a politician from the Democratic Party. She serves in the Kansas Senate, representing the 29th district in Wichita since 2009. She made history as the first African-American woman to join the Kansas Senate.

Currently, she holds the important role of Senate Assistant Minority Leader. Before becoming a Senator, she was a Kansas Representative from 2004 to 2009. Oletha Faust-Goudeau is also known as a community leader in Wichita.

Early Life and Education

Oletha Faust-Goudeau was born in Wichita, Kansas on August 5, 1959. She grew up with four siblings. Her mother, Oretha Faust, was a well-known community activist and politician in Wichita.

Oletha studied pre-law at Wichita State University. After her studies, she worked as a photographer and became involved in community activism.

Serving in the Kansas House of Representatives

In 2002, Oletha Faust-Goudeau ran for a seat in the Kansas House of Representatives. She aimed to represent the 84th District in Wichita. She was not elected at that time.

However, in 2003, a spot opened up when the previous representative moved to the state senate. Oletha Faust-Goudeau was chosen to fill this empty seat. In 2004, she was officially elected, becoming the first African-American woman to represent her district. She was re-elected in 2006.

Joining the Kansas Senate

In 2008, Faust-Goudeau was elected to the Kansas Senate. She began representing the 29th District in Wichita in 2009. This made her the first African-American woman in the history of the Kansas Senate.

She has been re-elected several times by large numbers of votes. This includes elections in 2012, 2016 (where she ran unopposed), and 2020. Her district covers central, north-central, and northeast Wichita. This area includes many diverse neighborhoods.

Working on Committees

As a Senator, Oletha Faust-Goudeau works on several important committees. These groups discuss and make decisions about different topics.

Her committee assignments include:

• Ethics and Elections
• Federal and State Affairs
• Joint Committee on Arts and Cultural Resources
• Joint Committee on Children's Issues
• Commerce
• Joint Committee on Economic Development
• Local Government

Key Issues and Laws

Oletha Faust-Goudeau focuses on helping families and children. She also works to protect the rights and services for seniors and people with disabilities. She supports business growth in her area.

Here are some laws she helped create:

• "Grandparents' rights" bills: She introduced several bills to help grandparents. These laws make sure courts consider grandparents for custody of children. This is especially important in cases where the state gets involved, like foster care. Earlier laws she helped pass made sure grandparents caring for grandchildren as foster parents received the same support as other foster parents.
• Firefighters' insurance bill: This law, passed in 2012, helps families of firefighters. If a firefighter dies while on duty, their family can continue to receive insurance coverage for 18 months.
• Helping poor and working-class families: She often speaks up for people in her district who are struggling financially. For example, she has opposed strict rules on welfare. She also supported removing sales tax on food, especially fruits and vegetables. This tax often affects lower-income families more.

Awards and Recognition

Oletha Faust-Goudeau has received many awards for her public service:

• "Perfect Attendance" record for Senate votes in 2010, 2011, and other years.
• 2008: Named one of "10 to Watch in 2010" by the Wichita Eagle newspaper.
• 2008: Service Award from Sedgwick County, Kansas.
• 2011: "Legislator of the Year Award" from the "Silver-Haired Legislature," a group for senior citizens.
• 2017: Distinguished Service to Children Award from the Kansas Children's Service League.
• 2017: Outstanding Ally in Government Award from Voices for Choice.
• 2017: Wichita - Butterfly Award from the Katherine Johnson Scholar Sisters Elementary STEM Club.
• 2021: Legislator of the Year Award from Kansas Interfaith Action.
• 2024: Senator Anthony Hensley Legislative Achievement Award from the Kansas Democratic Party.

Community Involvement

Oletha Faust-Goudeau has been a part of many community groups and boards:

• Wichita Habitat for Humanity executive board
• Legal Services of Wichita executive board
• League of Women Voters
• KPTS-TV (public TV station) Community Advisory Board
• NAACP Wichita Branch
• City of Wichita Human Services Board

See also

• Kansas's 29th Senate district