METL

METL is a regional coalition of the Manhattan, Emporia, Topeka, and Lawrence Chambers of Commerce, which seeks to leverage the combined strength of nearly 3,000 member businesses and organizations, represented by 30 elected representatives and senators in our region.

2026 Legislative Priorities

Workforce Development

The METL coalition recognizes that workforce development is a critical issue for our state, with only 86 available workers for every 100 open jobs. We urge our delegation to resist proposed defunding of key workforce initiatives, and to support a commitment to outcomes-based investments that grow the workforce, such as upskilling, technical training, and development programs such as the Promise Act, which funds tuition-free training for in-demand sectors including nursing, technical training, and manufacturing.

Childcare

Legislation passed in 2025 to create the new Office of Early Childhood is an important step to support and recognize the ongoing need for childcare among our state’s working families. We urge continued support as the office becomes operational later next year, and new licensing specialist certification requirements take effect next July. Childcare tax credits remain an important element in support of workforce and family.

Housing

We urge the Legislature to support and expand affordable housing and housing tax credit support. The development of a strong and large workforce is dependent upon the availability of housing at all economic levels. Housing in the moderate-income bracket is vital to economic development yet challenging given that many federal housing programs focus on lower income households. For example, the Moderate-Income Housing Program, funded through the State Housing Trust Fund, provides loans and grants for affordable housing development and should be protected.

OTHER ISSUES:

Fiscally Responsible Taxation

We support a tax policy that encourages business growth and is competitive with surrounding states. This includes seeking ways to make state tax reporting requirements more business friendly, especially for small businesses and supporting the Kansas Framework for Growth, as well as existing incentives, such as the HPIP, PEAK and STAR bonds.

Transportation

Protect existing transportation funding sources (sales tax, fuel tax, bonding, vehicle registration fees, etc.) Undiminished funding of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation.

Military

Strengthening the Governor’s Military Council. The GMC is a key partner working to grow and optimize the military presence in Kansas. GMC leverages this growth into additional defense related industry and jobs.

Medicaid Expansion

KanCare expansion will help stimulate the economy, create thousands of jobs, and protect access to care, especially in rural areas.

Film and Television Tax Credit

Kansas is one of only 10 states without film and television tax credits since the practice began in 2001. We urge consideration of this economic driver.