Last night was a success. I really want to thank all who came out to support the Sared Choices Women's Clinic. A special thank you to the Jackpot, Penny Lane, ChoiceUSA, Boo & Boo Too, Death & Flowers, Mountain Tops, and Groovelight, we couldn't have done it without you! Thanks so much. 

A Letter from Sarah London:  

The legislators have finally gone home. (Now if only the state board members would do the same…) Here's a quick update on our the status of sex ed in Kansas:

1. State Board of Education backs down from their original proposal to mandate nine weeks of abstinence-until-marriage curriculum. They introduced and discussed their "statement" at the board meeting this week, but took no action. Note: They are considering putting the statement in the introduction to the health standards, right next to the "opt-in" segment. This is only a recommendation and is not binding. There could be a vote next month. Thanks to the YWCA street visibility team for making sure that the board members noticed us on their way into the meeting! Also, kudos to our speakers: Alicia and Erin. The ab-only folks did not send a representative to the open forum. Press below:

Kansas ed board backs away from abstinence-only mandate on sex ed http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/state/14539671.htm

2. Legislature fails to pass SB 508, The Abstinence Plus Education Act. On the bright side, they removed the abortion lessons mandate from the final school finance package.

A message from S. London

Hello again from Topeka!

On Tuesday, the House voted (73-48) to reject the motion by Representative Dale Swenson (R-Wichita) to bring SB 508 out of committee and onto the floor for debate. FYI-the final vote count does not reflect the number of people who changed their vote once roll call was announced. Initially, the motion received 61 votes, which encouraged our supporters that the votes just might be there on a second attempt.

Later that afternooon, Representative Jim Yonally (R-Overland Park) introduced 508 as an amendment to the school finance bill. The following legislators spoke in support of the motion:

1. Rep. Dale Swenson (R-Wichita)
2. Rep. Terrie Huntington (R-Mission Hills)
3. Rep. Annie Kuether (D-Topeka)
4. Rep. Ann Mah (D-Topeka)
5. Rep. Paul Davis (D-Lawrence)

Reps. Bonnie Huy (R-Wichita) and Lance Kinzer (Olathe) spoke in opposition.

The debate was great! Reps read from the testimony our groups provided in the Senate, and used our great messaging. Unfortunately, the effort fell short by two votes. The final vote count was (60-62). I've attached the votes.

The Mary Pilcher-Cook amendment came back that day, with more than 70 reps voting to teach abortion methods in school. I've attached that vote as well (Its the first one–carried by Mast (R-Emporia).

Nevertheless, the bill died in final action yesterday. We may be starting all over again!

SB 508 could still come back–especially if we can move just a couple of votes to our side. Also, we still could encourage Sen. Schodorf to pull it into a conference committee. I'll keep you posted.

SO CLOSE!

This week, the House almost passed an amendment that would have enacted the Abstinence-Plus Education Act, SB 508. The vote was 60-62!

Rep. Jim Yonally (R-Overland Park) and a bipartisan group of legislators spoke out on the House floor in support of age-appropriate, medically accurate sex education in schools.

Unfortunately, your legislator, Rob Olson, voted NO on this important amendment.

Please take a moment to express your disappointment to your State Representative for voting NO on the Yonally amendment: The Abstinence-Plus Education Act!

Thank you,

Advocates for Abstinence-Plus

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Representatives not supporting abstinence-plus (if you live in KS)

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: I'm disappointed that you voted NO on abstinence-plus

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

I'm disappointed that you did not vote for the Yonally amendment to SB 584, which would have enacted the Abstinence-Plus Education Act.

Young people deserve life-saving information about preventing unintended pregnancies and STIs.

As a Kansas taxpayer, I urge you to reconsider your position and support responsible sex ed in the future.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]