Jim McLean

Vice President for Public Affairs

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Jim McLean, vice president for public affairs, oversees the KHI News Service and the production and dissemination of KHI publications. He also directs the institute’s media relations. Prior to coming to KHI, McLean had a distinguished career as a journalist, serving as the news director and Statehouse bureau chief for Kansas Public Radio and a managing editor for the Topeka Capital-Journal. During his more than 20 years in Kansas journalism, McLean won numerous awards for journalistic excellence from the Kansas Press Association, regional chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. In 1997, McLean and two Capital-Journal colleagues received the Burton W. Marvin News Enterprise Award from the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism for a series of stories on the state’s business climate. McLean holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Washburn University.

Work by Jim

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New kind of Kansas health insurance company in the works

Federal funds would be used to start member-owned company to compete in individual, small group markets

A Wichita group is working to develop a member-owned co-op that would provide thousands of Kansans with health insurance. And they want the coverage to be different from plans offered by traditional carriers.

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The Great Health Reform Debate: Some Kansas experts weigh in

To help Kansans better understand the law, the problems it was intended to address and the issues that prompted Kansas and 25 other states to challenge it in court, the Kansas Health Institute recently talked to several experts. Excerpts from those conversations are featured in this collection of short videos.

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New drug disposal program unveiled

State health officials say they've come up with a safer, easier way for households to dispose of unwanted or out-of-date prescription drugs. The new program is expected to help reduce the growing number of people treated at Kansas hospitals for unintentional drug poisoning.

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Schmidt’s pledge to join ACA challenge bolstered candidacy

Kansas AG optimistic states will prevail, but Washburn law professor predicts otherwise

A year ago, newly sworn in Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt asked to join the multistate lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. That case has now made it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which began an unprecedented three days of hearings on it this week.

Interview: Attorney Derek Schmidt on the legal challenge of the health reform law

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Kansas solicitor general goes to D.C. for health reform case

KU law professor Stephen McAllister to help prep states' attorney in ACA challenge

Attorney General Derek Schmidt has dispatched Kansas Solicitor General Stephen McAllister to Washington, D.C., to help prepare the attorneys representing Kansas and 25 other states in their challenge of the federal health reform law.

Leadership training awarded to two organizations

Unable to choose between two finalist organizations, the Kansas Leadership Center on Thursday selected both to receive $1 million worth of leadership training.

House passes tax reform bill

In addition to income tax reductions, measure now calls for repeal of sales tax on food

The Kansas House on Wednesday gave final approval to an overhaul of the state’s tax structure.

House postpones debate on tax-reduction plan

Advocates for the poor make case for keeping Earned Income Tax Credit

Today’s expected House vote on a plan to reduce income taxes and cap state spending has been rescheduled to Tuesday.

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Hundreds protest Brownback initiatives, influence of ALEC

A coalition made up of what one participant called “a ragtag group of brave people” rallied on the Statehouse steps to demonstrate their opposition to a range of policy changes advocated by Gov. Sam Brownback.

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