On Wednesday, Aug. 30, State Rep. Tory Marie Blew filed to represent state Senate District 33. Blew, a Great Bend Republican, currently represents House District 112 in the Kansas Legislature, where she’s served in the House since 2017. She now seeks to represent district 33 in the Kansas Senate.

“I am a consistent, common-sense conservative. I want to find solutions for the challenges rural communities face,” Blew said. “That’s one thing I’ve fought for my entire time in the Legislature – making sure western Kansas is a part of every conversation.”

As a state representative, Blew consistently voted to slash government regulations and lower the tax burden rural businesses and families face. She helped spearhead legislation that eliminated some of the red tape that made it difficult for childcare operators to open or stay in business. After a period of decline, available childcare slots are increasing.

Blew also helped appropriate necessary funding for a renovation of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation laboratory in Great Bend. The renovation utilized unspent American Rescue Plan Act funding for the upgrades. The federal funding limited costs to local and state taxpayers.

Currently, Blew serves on the Rural Judicial Initiative committee, tasked with recruiting attorneys to rural Kansas. Blew hosted the committee members at a Great Bend meet-and-greet last week.

In the Senate, Blew plans to continue to fight for western Kansas families by focusing on rural access to quality, affordable childcare, critical services, and housing.

“I’m recently married and eager to raise a family of my own. I want to see western Kansas, and specifically our area, thrive, because I want my family to have the same opportunities and sense of community I had growing up here,” Blew said.