Brownback resigns as Governor of Kansas
On January 31, 2018, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback resigned from his position to accept a position as the U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. Brownback had served as governor since 2011 and was a prominent figure in Kansas politics. His resignation triggered a succession process, with the lieutenant governor assuming the role of governor.
Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer assumes office
As per the Kansas Constitution, Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer took over as governor of the state upon Brownback’s resignation. Colyer had served as lieutenant governor since 2011 and was a plastic surgeon by profession. He had also been involved in various public service activities, including medical missions to places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Colyer takes oath as Governor of Kansas
On January 31, 2018, Jeff Colyer took the oath of office as the 47th governor of Kansas. The ceremony took place at the State Capitol in Topeka, with Chief Justice Lawton Nuss administering the oath. Colyer’s wife, Ruth, held the Bible during the swearing-in ceremony. Colyer’s children, Serena and Tristan, were also present at the event.
Colyer becomes Kansas’ 47th Governor
With his appointment as governor, Jeff Colyer became the 47th person to hold the position in Kansas. He succeeded Sam Brownback, who had served as governor since January 2011. Colyer’s appointment as governor was met with both support and criticism from various groups in Kansas.
Colyer’s background and political career
Jeff Colyer was born in Hays, Kansas, and grew up in Hays and Overland Park. He attended Georgetown University, where he earned a degree in economics, and later went on to study medicine at the University of Kansas. In addition to his medical career, Colyer had also been involved in politics for many years, serving as a state representative and senator in the Kansas Legislature before being appointed lieutenant governor in 2011.
Colyer shares vision for Kansas’ future
In his inaugural address, Governor Colyer shared his vision for the future of Kansas. He emphasized the importance of economic growth and job creation, education, and healthcare. He also pledged to work with lawmakers from both parties to address the state’s budget issues and improve the lives of Kansans.
Colyer announces cabinet appointments
Soon after taking office, Governor Colyer announced his cabinet appointments. His cabinet included a mix of experienced politicians and fresh faces, with a number of women and minorities represented. Colyer also appointed Tracy Mann as his lieutenant governor.
Kansas lawmakers react to Colyer’s appointment
Kansas lawmakers had mixed reactions to Colyer’s appointment as governor. Some praised his experience and leadership skills, while others expressed concerns about his ties to former Governor Brownback and his stance on certain issues, such as Medicaid expansion.
Colyer faces challenges in education and budget
As governor, Jeff Colyer faced a number of challenges, including a budget deficit and education funding issues. He also had to navigate the aftermath of the Brownback administration, which had been controversial and divisive.
Colyer pledges to work with legislators
Governor Colyer pledged to work with lawmakers from both parties to address the state’s challenges and find common ground. He emphasized the importance of bipartisanship and compromise in moving the state forward.
Colyer sets priorities for his administration
In his first few months in office, Governor Colyer set a number of priorities for his administration. These priorities included economic growth and job creation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in state government.
Kansas residents express hopes for Colyer’s leadership
Kansas residents had different hopes for Governor Colyer’s leadership, depending on their political leanings and priorities. Some hoped that he would continue the conservative policies of the Brownback administration, while others hoped that he would take a more moderate approach and work to undo some of the damage caused by Brownback’s policies. Overall, many Kansans expressed hope that Colyer would be a strong and effective leader for the state.
