Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers on Richard Paz’s priorities for Kansas House District 38.
What specific steps would Richard Paz take to lower property taxes in Kansas?
For decades, Kansas shared part of its sales tax revenue with cities and counties to help hold down property taxes. The state stopped those payments after 2003 and abolished the program in 2024. Richard wants to explore a new state, county, and city revenue-sharing partnership that eases the pressure on property taxes. Assessment caps may be part of that reform, but caps alone do not solve the problem, because local governments can still raise their tax rates.
Lasting relief also depends on economic development that grows the tax base. Strong public schools, affordable health care, and reliable infrastructure build the healthy, skilled workforce every employer needs. Richard wants Kansas to rethink its heavy reliance on tax breaks for a few large companies and judge public incentives by what they return to the community, with clear conditions and clawbacks when promises are not kept.
He also advocates for reviewing and closing tax breaks that benefit large corporations and out-of-state interests, redirecting that revenue toward property tax relief for working families and retirees on fixed incomes.
How would Medicaid expansion specifically benefit Kansas District 38 residents?
Medicaid expansion would extend coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, including working Kansans who currently have no affordable coverage option.
For District 38, expansion would reduce strain on local emergency rooms, strengthen rural and community clinics, and give working adults in Leavenworth, Basehor, and Bonner Springs access to preventive care.
What is Richard Paz’s position on school vouchers and private school funding?
Richard opposes school vouchers and private school tax credit programs that move public money to private or religious schools.
A voucher spends state money on private tuition. A tax credit gives up state revenue so a donor can pay that tuition instead. Kansas forgives 75 cents of state tax for every dollar given to a private school scholarship group. In 2026 the Legislature raised that program’s cap and joined a new federal program over the governor’s veto. Different label, same general fund. Richard would put those dollars into fully funding public schools, including special education, teacher pay, and school buildings.
What does Richard Paz mean when he talks about the childcare shortage?
Kansas faces a shortage of licensed, affordable childcare, especially in rural and suburban communities. Many District 38 families struggle to find care that is accessible and within budget.
Richard supports expanding Child Care Assistance for working families, helping providers open in underserved areas, and workforce development programs that improve pay and training for childcare workers.
How does Richard Paz’s military background inform his policy positions?
Richard spent 30 years as an Army officer, including helping plan and carry out major Army health care reforms.
That experience taught him that good policy requires discipline, data, accountability, and a clear understanding of how decisions affect real people.
What rights would Richard Paz protect for LGBTQ Kansans?
Richard believes every Kansan should be able to work, rent a home, and be served by local businesses without being treated differently because of who they are.
He supports protecting LGBTQ Kansans from discrimination in employment and housing.