Kansas funds passenger rail expansion

An official, dedicated funding mechanism for Amtrak and intercity passenger rail service is now a reality in Kansas thanks to SMART-TD led legislative efforts. 

“This is an historic milestone that was years in the making,” Kansas Safety & Legislative Director Ty Dragoo said. “Our shared vision of a more connected, accessible Kansas is on step closer to reality.” 

Getting passenger rail included in the budget was a hard-fought victory for the state’s labor community and allies. Getting results requires a coalition of organizations and continuous pressure for years at a time. Each step completed is a victory. 

Breakthrough for Midwest passenger rail

Signed into law by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the state’s budget for the 2026 fiscal year creates a “passenger rail service revolving fund.” The budget, which takes effect in July 2025, provides funds for infrastructure and operational needs at a time when federal rail funding across the country is on the chopping block. 
 
Some of those needs include connections to the Heartland Flyer expansion and additional Midwest and national routes.  
 
“The inclusion of a passenger rail service revolving fund [in the budget] marks a breakthrough for expanding rail service across the state,” Dragoo said. “I’m very proud of the labor community and our supporters for getting this across the finish line and never backing down, especially in the face of so many line-item vetoes to the budget.

Union advocacy also protects two-person crew laws and rail safety regulations

In addition to the Passenger Rail Service Revolving Fund, SMART-TD and its legislative allies achieved several other wins during the session, including protecting two-person crew laws and stopping harmful deregulation efforts.  
 
“Whether it’s preserving rail safety laws, winning new funding for passenger rail service, or pushing back against deregulation, there’s nothing that we can’t accomplish when we work together to get things done,” Dragoo said. “We scored an historic victory for Kansas rail and are more motivated than ever to add to our legislative accomplishments.  
 
In statehouses across the country, SMART-TD members demonstrate what it means to fight for their brothers and sisters. SLD Dragoo provides an excellent example of what we can accomplish by staying focused and working together to get things done.