Tracey Mann: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today as our Nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of American independence. For nearly…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today as our Nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of American independence. For nearly two-and-a-half centuries, America has been a nation not like any other, not because of the size of our economy, the strength of our military, or the power of our government, but because our founding was rooted in the simple and revolutionary truth that our rights are derived from God, not from government. The Declaration of Independence says that we are endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights. That belief has guided our country through war, hardship, division, and uncertainty. It has reminded generations that freedom is a gift, and with that gift comes responsibility. Kansas understands this well. Our State was born in the struggle over freedom. From the days of Bleeding Kansas to the farmers, ranchers, teachers, pastors, and families who built our communities, Kansans have always known that liberty must be defended and faith has an important place in public life. Growing up as a western Kansas farm kid, I was taught the value of faith, family, hard work, and personal responsibility. Those values shaped my life. My faith is my foundation. It shaped how I serve and how I approach the work before us in this Chamber.”