Representative Jim Ward

TOPEKA – Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita, announced today he will seek a fourth term in the Kansas House of Representatives serving the 88th District.

Throughout his six years in the Legislature, health care has been one of Ward's top priorities. In 2008, he fought for comprehensive health care reform.

"Health care should always be affordable and available when we need it," said Ward.

Ward also voted for a school funding plan that provided much needed money to Wichita schools and teachers. In addition, he successfully worked for legislation to create stronger penalties for sex offenders with the passage of "Jessica's Law" in 2006.

"We need common sense leadership in Topeka that achieves real results for working people," Ward said. "Important steps to make health care more affordable were made this year, but there is more work to do. Working families need a raise and I will continue to battle for an increase in the state's minimum wage. It's been far too long for this basic fairness."

Ward is the House Assistant Minority Leader, a position he has held since 2005. He currently serves on the Judiciary, Health and Human Services, Legislative Budget, Interstate Cooperation, and the Joint Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committees.

He represents the 88th House District, which includes southeast Wichita.