The stakes run high for 130,000-some low-income Kansans who stand to gain from expanding Medicaid coverage and for the political players who will decide the contentious issue.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly made expansion a centerpiece of the election that put her in office. Two Republican leaders Senate President Susan Wagle and Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning could see their elevation to higher office also turn on the issue.
Signing an expansion bill into law after six years contentious debate would be a big win for the Democratic governor. Getting there will test her skills at matching wits with the Republican-controlled Legislature.
