What we’re watching: April 2025 local and federal policy update

At Health Forward Foundation, we’re committed to providing timely updates on key local and federal policy developments that impact the health and well-being of our communities. This resource is designed to help our advocacy partners in and around Kansas City stay connected to the issues, opportunities, and decisions shaping our region — so we can continue working together toward a more just and equitable health outcomes.

With so much happening across all levels of government, staying current can be a challenge. We hope this update helps you cut through the noise, spark conversations, and support your efforts to advance meaningful change.

In our Kansas service area

A housing locator was launched in March for the Kansas City metro area.  Anyone in search of housing – on either side of the state line, whether affordable or market rate, can go to kchousinglocator.com and search for housing that fits your needs and budget in Kansas City and surrounding areas.  The service is free of charge.

Wyandotte County 

• The Wyandotte County Land Bank provided its annual update at the end of March, showing both the properties that remain in the land bank as well as properties that have been sold. Properties that are in the Land Bank can provide opportunities for people to buy homes and land at a relatively low cost and add revenue back to the county by putting vacant properties back on to the tax rolls.

Allen County

• The county clerk is working to improve elections reporting by replacing Express Vote machines and is in the process of purchasing newer elections software. In a time when voting access is challenged, it is important for county clerks to exercise their power to ensure that access remains open and equitable.

Johnson County

• The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners unanimously accepted the Johnson County Broadband and Digital Access Plan and will work toward implementing the action steps and strategies therein. The Board of County Commissioners appointed a new Director of Appraiser Operations – Carolyn Logan. She assumed the role April 15 and will be ultimately responsible for county property tax assessments going forward – a cost that many homeowners are ever mindful of as property taxes play a part in housing cost burden.

In our Missouri service area

KCMO/Jackson County 

• Important elections were held in Kansas City, Missouri earlier this month. An overwhelming majority of Kansas City voters approved a $474 bond to pay for maintenance needs at Kansas City Public and charter schools. The public safety sales tax was extended by 20 years by 63% of voters, with the largest margin of voters coming from Kansas City and Clay and Platte counties. Proceeds from the tax will go toward a new jail, as well as to support 911 calls and other essential services.

Lafayette County 

• There was a recent home explosion that ended the life of one boy and injured several others and damaged nearby homes. Our hearts go out to the family and, and as we hear, the community is grappling with the loss.

On the Federal level

The House of Representatives recently passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or dubiously dubbed the SAVE ACT, which if adopted by the full Congress would significantly inhibit voting rights and access across the nation. The SAVE ACT must next be voted on by the US Senate to become law. This is harmful legislation that would negatively impact our democracy by requiring documentary proof of citizenship – like a birth certificate or passport – to vote.  Many eligible US citizens do not have ready access to these costly documents that are only available at state offices inaccessible across our states. We hope the Senate votes it down.

Also on the federal level, legislation that would cut federal funding for the Medicaid program is making its way through Congress. Both chambers of Congress are now putting together their proposed budgets and cuts together for the reconciliation process. Cuts to Medicaid would impact both states that have and have not expanded Medicaid – including Kansas and Missouri – and would result in job losses and the loss of many health care services for our seniors, children, folks that are differently able. Nursing home and extended care facilities would be impacted. The states economies would be impacted.  And other state services would be cut, as federal funding allows states to use their dollars for other necessary services in education, public safety, and the like.

Both of these issues should be the subject of dinner table conversations and are in need of your advocacy to ensure policy makers and your loved ones are aware and can influence the will of policy makers. Let your positions be known on these issues before they pass.

We remain here to inform and serve you and our communities as we continue to work each day to support and build inclusive, powerful and healthy communities that prioritize people that face the greatest injustices in health outcomes. Never hesitate to reach out to our team with your policy concerns.