Our Kansas Legislature could be working on some issues that a majority of Kansans actually want.

They could be creating a bill to eliminate the sales tax on food. They could finally expand Medicaid in Kansas.

Instead, they are looking at wedge issues with patriotic or religious sounding titles and descriptions:

• The Parents’ Bill of Rights and Transparency Act. It gives the parents the right to “inspect any materials, activities, curriculum, lessons, syllabi, surveys, tests, questionnaires, examinations, books, magazines, handouts, professional development and training materials and any other materials or activities that are provided to the parent’s child.” Great Bend USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton said this information is currently available to parents. So, what’s the point of this bill? The bill also gives parents the right to challenge any material. Will they freak out if they learn Common Core Math is still a thing?

• The creation of an “educational savings account,” or de-funding public schools by using public money for private education.

• A bill that would strip the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (and county-level health officers) of their powers. Because, people who have resisted efforts to prevent the spread of infectious or contagious disease shouldn’t have to put up with “too much government.”

• “Reforming” election laws to stop election fraud and make sure fewer of “those people” are able to vote.

• Another attack on transgendered students who want to participate in school sports. The Kansas State High School Activities Association has a policy that addresses the participation of trans students in activities, but our Legislature is always looking out for our children. Most of them, anyhow.

• Constitutional amendments. There are at least six possible constitutional amendments being debated, in addition to the one already approved for the Aug. 2 primary. At least if any of these get on the ballot, they should be on the general election ballot this fall.

By the way, the Kansas “No Right to Abortion in Constitution” Amendment — also known as “Value the Both” by proponents and “Value Women Less” by opponents — will be voted on in the Aug. 2 PRIMARY election. You can vote on this even if your political party doesn’t have a primary — or if you haven’t declared a political party. All registered voted can weigh in on this one.