The president of the Kansas Farmers Union and two potential candidates for major political offices gave their views on government to members of the Kansas Progressive Caucus meeting Saturday afternoon at the Emporia Public Library.
Caucus members talked about their legislative agenda, fundraising and the Kansas energy bill, among other topics, during a business session for members held in the morning.
Jim Herrmann and Serene Hein, both of Kansas City, Kan., are co-chairpersons for the Progressives, a group established formally after the Kansas Democratic party instituted caucuses of its members.
“We decided we’re going to go for Pro-Choice politics,” Hein said.
The group also will promote a “ProGrassive” movement to decriminalize marijuana use in the state. According to a pamphlet distributed at the meeting, decriminalization would bring in tax monies that “could help protect Kansas from future economic downturns.”
The pamphlet touts as benefits a “wealth of new business” and adding a unique cash crop for the farmers of Kansas.
“You’d be taxing it both ways, to buy it and to sell it,” Hein said.