Sharp files for re-election to the 17th District

Topeka, KS – Representative Stephanie Sharp (R-Lenexa) filed today for a third term to represent the 17th District in the Kansas House of Representatives.

A key member of the bi-partisan education coalitions that have crafted solutions to fund Kansas schools over the past four years, Sharp is looking forward to “continuing the fight to maintain educational excellence in Shawnee, Lenexa, and across Kansas”.  After years of financial drought, state and local funding for the Shawnee Mission School District has increased by $20 million during her four years in the House of Representatives.

Sharp began her public service on the foreign affairs, trade and defense staff of former Senator John Ashcroft.  Upon returning to Kansas, she was a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society.  With the endorsement of longtime 17th District Representative Lisa Benlon, Sharp was elected in 2002 to represent the northern Lenexa and southern Shawnee district.

The focus of Sharp’s public service is being an accessible source of information for voters.  Her legislative e-newsletter, the Sharp Record, is touted as a Kansas favorite because it provides real-time updates on the legislative process, comprehensive and easy-to-read explanations of bills before the legislature, and keeps Sharp accountable to her voters by telling them how = she votes.  Visit www.stephaniesharp.com to subscribe to the Sharp Record.

Cracking down on uninsured drivers, providing retired teachers and state workers with a long-awaited COLA, and requiring elected officials to be accountable for their campaign expenditures, are among the initiatives Sharp has introduced.

Additionally, seeing a need for enhanced math and science education, she shepherded the Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) proposal through the House of Representatives.  KAMS was approved by both the House and Senate and earned the Governor’s signature earlier this month.

During her tenure, Sharp has been endorsed by each member of the Shawnee and Lenexa City Councils, and Mayors of both communities.  Pro-education, teachers, parents, and business organizations alike have been active supporters of Representative Sharp, including the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During her first legislative session, the Kansas Disability Caucus presented Sharp with an award for “courageous leadership”.  She has been recognized statewide for her efforts to work with Kansans across the political and regional spectrum to craft and pass solutions to the Kansas education crisis.

Born in Missouri, Sharp considers herself an “adopted” Kansan, and has lived in Kansas for 29 of her 30 years.  She graduated from Garden City High School, Southwestern College (Winfield, KS), and George Washington University (Washington, DC).  Sharp is a member of the Shawnee and Lenexa Chambers of Commerce, is an active member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, and volunteers for various community charities.  She and her husband, Dan Bruyn, live in Lenexa.