TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ Democratic governor on Friday vetoed proposed tax breaks for anti-abortion counseling centers while allowing restrictions on college diversity initiatives approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature to become law without her signature.
Gov. Laura Kelly also vetoed a bill with bipartisan support to increase the penalties for killing a law enforcement dog or horse, a move that the GOP leader who pushed it called “political pettiness.” In addition, she rejected two elections measures fueled at least in part by the influence of people promoting baseless election conspiracies among Republicans.
Kelly’s action on the bill dealing with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives stood out because it broke with her vetoes last year of anti-DEI measure from the current state budget.
The new law, taking effect July 1, prohibits state universities, community colleges and technical schools from requiring prospective students or applicants for jobs or promotions to make statements on their views about diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Kelly let it become law only two days after the state’s higher education board adopted its own, narrower ban on the same practices.
American democracy in terminal decline
WWF calls for global treaty to protect high seas
Chinese FM discusses progress of outlook on peace, development in Horn of Africa
BP defeated thousands of suits by sick Gulf spill cleanup workers. But not one by a boat captain
China approves first cargo airport
China urges the U.S. to correct its wrongdoing against Chinese students
IAEA chief calls for "maximum restraint" over Zaporizhzhia attacks
For the world's largest democratic exercise, one village's polling officers are all women
UN chief applauds formation of transitional council in Haiti
Swiatek beats Raducanu in Stuttgart quarters. Sabalenka loses to Vondrousova
The Latest: UN chief calls for restraint after Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel