Sustain Governor Brownback’S Veto
Just over a week ago, Governor Brownback stood up for innovation and job creation in Kansas by vetoing SB 117 – a bill that would have forced Uber to leave the state. As a result, Uber now operates in more than 10 cities in Kansas where nearly 800 current drivers rely on the Uber platform as a way to help make ends meet. But all that could change today.
We’ve received word that Kansas lawmakers are looking to override Governor Brownback’s veto of SB 117, thereby turning their backs on these drivers along with over 6,600 supporters who asked lawmakers to keep Uber in Kansas. Should this veto override occur, we will be forced to cease operations throughout the state immediately.
States including Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Indiana have recently passed statewide ridesharing regulations and cities such as Kansas City, Missouri have created regulations that allow for innovation to flourish and keep Uber in their community. A vote to override the Governor’s veto will send a message across the nation that Kansas is not open to innovation or the economic opportunity ridesharing can provide.
A veto override would:
- Decrease the availability of safe rides for those who need them most, and remove a great tool to reduce DUI-related accidents.
- Trigger the loss of hundreds of jobs and thousands of new earning opportunities in the coming years.
- Make Kansas the first and only state in the nation to pass laws so restrictive that Uber would be forced to cease operations immediately.
We hope lawmakers will remember that their constituents have spoken up to support ridesharing in their communities and that, unless Governor Brownback’s veto stands, Uber will be forced to leave Kansas.