Senator Mary Ware

01/31/2025

12/20/2024

I’m encouraged that the City Council has softened its stance on enforcing the camping ordinance. Lowering fines from $500 to $200 is a step in the right direction, though still too much for those without financial means. The decision not to issue citations when no shelter beds are available is a crucial improvement.

However, the 72-hour notice to vacate encampments remains problematic. Imagine packing up all your belongings and finding a new place to go within such a short time, especially with no transportation beyond your own two feet. This policy fails to address the practical barriers our unhoused neighbors face.

Still, I was heartened by the many compassionate Wichitans who stood up for our most vulnerable neighbors. Homelessness is solvable, and Wichita can focus on proven strategies like the Multi-Agency Center (MAC). Modeled after San Antonio’s success, MAC provides lasting solutions. Redirecting resources from punitive measures to MAC aligns with our values and creates real change.

We can and must do better.

12/05/2024

Did you know that under current federal law, some workers with disabilities can legally be paid less than minimum wage? This outdated policy under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act undervalues the hard work and contributions of people with disabilities. A fair day's work deserves a fair day's pay—no exceptions.

I fully support the Biden-Harris administration's new proposed rule to phase out this inequitable practice and ensure all workers earn at least the federal minimum wage. It's a step forward, but not enough as $7.25 is not a livable wage anymore. It’s time to align our policies with the values of fairness and inclusion. Here in Kansas, we must also lead by example by passing state-level initiatives that empower people with disabilities to fully participate in our workforce and communities.

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11/30/2024

I’m filled with gratitude for my family, especially my husband Tom, who stood by me through every challenge of the campaign. To our amazing volunteers—you gave your time, energy, and hearts to this cause, and I am forever thankful.

We must not lose hope. Now, more than ever, we need to come together and fight for what we believe in—expanding Medicaid, protecting reproductive rights, and supporting working families across Kansas.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but we can build a better future and make our voices heard. Let’s hold onto hope and keep moving forward.

Wishing you and your families a warm and peaceful Thanksgiving weekend. 🦃💛

11/07/2024

Folks, the results of the election were not what we had hoped for. It is a lot to digest, and I appreciate everyone who came out to support us many months. However, the fight is not over, there is work to be done in the next couple of years. We have lessons to learn, and we will rebuild as a party to be prepared for the next election. The supermajority cannot remain unchecked, and I will continue to do my duty as Senator to fight back against policies that hurt our working-class neighbors. Do not give up, be the hope to inspire the next generation.

11/06/2024

Truth and love have been smacked down, so many more times in history before today. Truth, because it’s often inconvenient, and love because it is vulnerable.

But truth is like gravity, and carbon, and the sun behind an eclipse: it’s still there. And love stays alive if you tend it like a flame. If you feel crushed by unkindness today, it’s a time for grieving, reaching out to loved ones, noticing one bright color somewhere in the day. Remembering what there is to love. Starting with the immediate, the place and people we can tend ourselves, and make safe. We can’t save everything all at once, but it’s still worth saving something. Because there are so many of us to do it.

And we are all still here today, exactly as we were yesterday. Like gravity, and carbon, and the sun behind an eclipse.

11/05/2024

We have a real shot at taking back control from politicians who aren’t listening to us. We can break the supermajority and make sure our voices are finally heard on issues that actually matter to our families—like protecting our reproductive rights, expanding Medicaid so folks don’t have to choose between rent and healthcare, and ensuring our public schools get the funding they deserve.

Don’t sit this one out—your vote is power. Show up by 7pm, make it count, and let’s get Kansas back on track for all of us, not just a select few. Find your polling place here: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview

11/04/2024

You can still vote early today! Don't wait until tomorrow. You can still vote at the Historic Courthouse at 510 N Main as long as you are in line by noon! The stakes of this election are incredibly high, make your voice heard, and let's break the supermajority.

10/31/2024

PSA: There is an individual pretending to work with the Kansas Corporation Commission offering utility customers a 30% discount in exchange for your credit card information. Do NOT give out any of your personal information to anyone you do not know. Stay alert!

10/30/2024

Join us on November 5th at 7pm, after you've voted, for an Election BBQ Bash! There will be food, a pay bar, and more! Come and watch the results with the WSU Young Democrats and other local candidates at the Rhatigan Student Center. Let's break the supermajority!

RSVP Here: https://givebutter.com/demsbbqbash