Jeff Colyer on Government Reform

For new Constitutional convention to limit federal power

Supported Texas challenge to 2020 presidential election

4-point plan to increase state government transparency

1. First, we will no longer charge Kansans for open records requests of less than 100 pages.
2. Second, we will institute policies to ensure the Administration relies on official email accounts to conduct state business.
3. Third, I will implement performance metrics for Cabinet Agencies so Kansans can see how we perform.
4. Fourth, we are launching a website to serve as a one-stop-shop for Cabinet Agencies to post open meetings, locations and materials.

Supports voter ID requirements

Colyer embraced requirements that voters provide a photograph identification when casting a ballot to minimize the potential of illegal immigrants influencing the outcome of elections. In 2008, he voted in the House for a voter ID bill that would have applied to everyone except those older than 65, people with a disability, individuals residing overseas and members of the military.

Then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius issued a veto message to block the kind of voter ID legislation eventually signed into law by Brownback. "No elected official should support enacting new laws discouraging or disenfranchising any American who has been legally voting for years," Sebelius said.

Require voter identification for advance voting

Excerpts from veto message: I cannot support creating any roadblock to prevent our citizens from adding their voices to democratic discourse. HB 2019 seeks to solve a problem of voter fraud which does not exist, due to the tireless efforts of our local election officials. The needless, additional identification requirements of HB 2019 will only work to disenfranchise many of the electorate.

Legislative outcome: Rep. Jeff Colyer voted YEA; Bill passed House 67-56-2; Bill passed Senate 27-3-10; Vetoed by Gov. Sebelius May 18