Matthew Ryan Kleinmann

[{"question": "Video for Ballotpedia", "answer_html": "<div style=\"float:left\">\n<table cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"wikitable\" width=\"205\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td><div class=\"thumb embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"width: 258px;\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideowrap youtube\" style=\"width: 250px\"><iframe allow=\"accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"141\" loading=\"lazy\" modestbranding=\"1\" src=\"//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/M8bqu7-h61w\" width=\"250\"></iframe></div><!--\n--></div><!--\n--></div><span style=\"font-size:80%\">Video submitted to Ballotpedia<br/>Released May 20, 2024</span>\n</td></tr></tbody></table></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>", "answer_text": "Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released May 20, 2024"}, {"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Matthew Kleinmann completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kleinmann's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading-bio-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy name is Matt Kleinmann, and I'm running for Congress to champion the needs and values of everyday Kansans. I've worked alongside working-class communities throughout my career, focusing on creating stronger, healthier, and more supportive environments.\r\n<p>I was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, and later attended the University of Kansas as a walk-on for the KU men's basketball team, helping to win the 2008 National Championship. I balanced athletics with academics, earning a degree in architecture. I then attended Washington University in St. Louis, where I earned my master's in Architecture and Urban Design.\r\n</p><p>After working for an architecture firm in Kansas City, Missouri, I began teaching architecture at the University of Kansas. There, I helped launch Dotte Agency, an award-winning community engagement collaboration between KU students and community members in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Together, we worked to build up our community by listening to the needs of residents and translating them into tangible improvements.\r\n</p><p>For the past decade, I have dedicated myself to improving health outcomes, increasing access to affordable housing, helping young people develop their careers, and caring for the most vulnerable residents. I've seen how federal resources impact access to a better life.\r\n</p>\nI'm running for Congress to ensure our community invests in good-paying jobs, supports our teachers and unions, and provides opportunities for everyone to thrive.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading-key-message-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>The Kansas Second Congressional District needs more investment. We need to support local businesses, affordable housing, and good schools. Our infrastructure should connect us to jobs and ensure fair wages. In Congress, I’ll fight for federal investment in roads, bridges, internet, schools, and power to create jobs and opportunities.\r\n<p>Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home. I’ll work to increase housing with federal incentives so Kansas families aren't left behind.\r\n</p><p>Good infrastructure supports our economy. I will work to make Kansas one of our nation's energy leaders, creating good-paying jobs that reduce carbon emissions.\r\n</p>\nHomelessness needs real solutions. I’ll push for healthcare, mental health support, and housing-first solutions.</li><li>We must ensure everyone has access to life-saving care. Abortion is healthcare, and Kansans voted overwhelmingly in 2022 to protect access to abortions.\r\n\r\nEveryone deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including gender-affirming care. I will fight to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs and advocate for paid sick time.\r\n\r\nWe must support the vulnerable, including children without health insurance and families facing mental health and addiction challenges. Every child deserves a safe, healthy upbringing.\r\n\r\nWe need to invest in working families by lowering childcare costs and supporting seniors so they can age in place with dignity. And we must back first responders and provide mental health support for the homeless.</li><li>As a Christian, I was raised to Love God, Love My Neighbor, and to leave it better than I found it. \r\n\r\nI believe in an America founded on prosperity and justice for all. I don’t believe that government or corporations should take away our rights to love our spouse, care for the vulnerable, or make choices about our bodies.\r\n\r\nI will fight to ensure everyone can choose what is right for their own bodies and families, including access to abortion, IVF, and contraception. \r\n\r\nI will work for pragmatic immigration reform, balancing our nation's security with compassion for our neighbors. And I will champion working-class families, farmers, and labor unions by prioritizing people over profit.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading1-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe our nation is under threat. The far-right agenda of Project 2025 aims to dismantle our government and reshape our way of life. The Supreme Court refuses ethical standards and rolls back the rights of everyday Americans. I'm concerned about an extreme takeover by elected officials who are friendlier with authoritarian regimes than their fellow Americans. <br/><br/>\n<p>I know that good policy requires compromise and finding common ground.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nThis moment requires public servants, not career politicians. Kansans want us to focus on kitchen table issues, which requires a functioning democracy. We must protect the right to vote and elect leaders who represent us, not an extremist agenda out of touch with Kansas values and our American way of life.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading2-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe that integrity, transparency, and a commitment to public service are crucial for an elected official. <br/><br/>\n<p>Our nation suffers from a lack of trust in our elected officials and government. To rebuild that trust takes time, but elected officials must be willing to listen, compromise, and act in the best interest of their constituents.<br/><br/>\r\nI have served my community for a decade, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and diverse perspectives are included in making informed decisions. This requires that elected officials be present in and listen to the community they serve, be an accessible resource that shares their knowledge and wisdom, and get things done that show tangible progress. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nI have demonstrated those characteristics over the last decade in service to my community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading3-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe my qualities of being hard-working, principled, and compassionate will make me a successful officeholder. <br/><br/>\n<p>With a career spanning architecture, education, nonprofit work, and health equity initiatives, I have consistently worked to improve access to education, nutritious food, and quality healthcare for working-class communities. <br/><br/>\r\nMy dedication to strengthening Kansas communities and my proven advocacy for community well-being reflect my commitment to serving others. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nI am ready to bring my passion and expertise to Congress to ensure every Kansas family can thrive.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading4-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibilities of a Congressperson include representing the interests of their constituents, translating those views into legislation, and ensuring that our government is held accountable to Kansans.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading5-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe U.S. House of Representatives is unique due to its direct representation of the people. <br/><br/>\n<p>Our two-year election cycle requires our representatives to be responsive and accountable, which results in a dynamic reflection of public opinion. <br/><br/>\r\nThis structure also allows for a diverse range of voices and perspectives, which helps to represent the varied interests across America. <br/><br/>\r\nIn theory, this allows our government to better adapt in response to our evolving priorities, which in turn allows our legislation remains responsive to our needs.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nHowever, in recent years we've seen the U.S. House of Representatives grow increasingly dysfunctional, as some members have abandoned decorum and norms in favor of partisan attacks that elevate their own political careers.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading6-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhile experience in government or politics can be beneficial, it's also important to have representatives with diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives. <br/><br/>\n<p>Understanding real-world issues can be just as valuable as political experience. <br/><br/>\r\nFor the last decade of my career, I've been a public servant working alongside working-class families to elevate their issues and provide tangible relief in under-resourced communities. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nMore than experience in government or politics, I believe we should elect leaders who care about their communities and are not career politicians seeking to climb another rung on the ladder.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading7-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe have many challenges to face as a nation. <br/><br/>\n<p>First and foremost is addressing income inequality, which we're seeing as the bedrock issue in almost every other issue we face. Americans should receive an honest day's pay for an honest day's work, and in the richest country in the world no child should go hungry or homeless.<br/><br/>\r\nIf we can do that, we can ensure that we have affordable healthcare for all. Right now, insurance and drug companies have created a 'sick-care' system, where you are only treated when you are sick, and IF you can afford it. I believe we can do better by passing healthcare reform that ensures every American the right to healthcare. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nCombating climate change is also a priority that requires us to plan for a future where extreme weather events are more common. Addressing this requires more federal investment to reduce our carbon footprint now, which will create good-paying jobs in Kansas. We must also prepare for resiliency, so that extreme events don't lead to unnecessary death or destruction.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading8-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, I believe the two-year term length ensures that representatives remain accountable to their constituents and responsive to their changing needs and concerns.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading9-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI agree that term limits can help prevent career politicians from becoming disconnected from their constituents. <br/><br/>\n<p>Allowing for fresh perspectives and new ideas in government is healthy if our democracy to continue to grow and evolve. <br/><br/>\r\nHowever, the details of how term limits are implemented is important. Having institutional knowledge can be critical to overcoming the polarization we see today in our politics. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nI would support term limits provided it does not lead to a political class where only the wealthiest are allowed to pass laws in our country.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading10-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI personally admire the late John Lewis for his commitment to civil rights, justice, and his principle of getting into \"good trouble\" to create meaningful change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading11-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAt a recent KU Basketball event, a family came up to me to share that their son had cancer. <br/><br/>\n<p>The father, a veteran and labor union member, was unable to work due to disability. The mother, a home healthcare worker, had to work two jobs to make ends meet. <br/><br/>\r\nAs a family, they were being crushed by medical debt, which impacted every aspect of their lives, and the lives of their children. <br/><br/>\r\nKansans deserve a country where one bad diagnosis does not ruin our lives.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI am fighting for working families to make sure that we take care of each other and provide access to the resources we need to survive.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading12-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, I believe that compromise is essential for effective policymaking. <br/><br/>\r\nWhen we have more diversity around the decision-making table--whether that be based on our personal characteristics or political views--we can identify barriers to success and create more balanced and practical legislation that can succeed.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading13-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThis power allows for the House of Representatives to exert significant influence over our nation’s budget and tax policies. <br/><br/>\r\nI would use this authority to ensure that we have a fair tax system, and work to fund programs that benefit working families and vulnerable communities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading14-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe the House of Representatives should use its powers to hold government officials and agencies accountable, uncover corruption, and ensure transparency. <br/><br/>\r\nWe must work to build public trust in the integrity of our democratic institutions.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading15-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDr. Barbara Bollier, Former Kansas State Senator Anthony Hensley, Barry Grissom, Moti Rieber, and the Crawford County Young Democrats, among others.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading16-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBased on my experience in architecture, urban design, teaching, and public health, I am interested in serving on committees related to health, education, and infrastructure. These committees are crucial for the well-being and prosperity of Kansans.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-246432-2024-07-01\" id=\"heading17-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-246432-2024-07-01\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-246432-2024-07-01\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-246432-2024-07-01\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe that financial transparency and government accountability are essential for maintaining public trust. <br/><br/>\n<p>Elected officials must be open about their finances and decision-making processes to prevent corruption and ensure that they serve the public interest. <br/><br/>\r\nThis includes the need for reforms on stock market trading by members of Congress to prevent insider trading and conflicts of interest. <br/><br/>\r\nWe must also enforce ethical standards for the Supreme Court of the United States to maintain its integrity and impartiality. <br/><br/>\r\nIt's also crucial to end Citizens United to reduce the corrosive influence of unlimited money in politics to ensure that our laws serve the people, not corporate interests. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nThe health of our democracy depends on our collective trust of our government institutions. I believe we must enact reforms to ensure financial transparency and accountability to protect that trust.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Kleinmann submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on July 1, 2024.</i></p></div>\n<div class=\"text-center\" style=\"margin-top: 30px\"><button class=\"btn btn-default showResponses text-center\">Show past responses</button><button class=\"btn btn-default hideResponses text-center\">Hide past responses</button></div>\n<div class=\"pastResponses\" style=\"display: none\"><p class=\"large-date\">\tJune 6 submission</p><div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-246432-2024-06-06\" id=\"heading-bio-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-246432-2024-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-246432-2024-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tMatt was born and raised in Kansas. Matt played basketball as an invited walk-on for the University of Kansas Men's Basketball team from 2004 to 2009. While there, he helped KU win the 2008 NCAA National Championship. \r\n<p>Matt also excelled academically while studying architecture, where he was a five-time member of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll. \r\n</p><p>While studying urban design in graduate school in St. Louis, Matt began using his design skills with communities to help them build stronger, more resilient communities. After returning to Kansas City, Matt worked at an architecture firm. He later met his wife, Sangeeta Shastry, because of a story she wrote about his church, Resurrection. \r\n</p><p>The two married in 2015, and they returned to school together. Sangeeta earned her law degree at KU, while Matt taught architecture and later started a Ph.D. focused on public health and community engagement. \r\n</p><p>Together, they now live in Kansas City, Kansas, with their two dogs, Tobi and Nola.Matt has dedicated his career to serving communities. While at KU, he co-founded Dotte Agency, an international award-winning community engagement collaboration. \r\n</p>\nHe has worked for various non-profits, training construction apprentices, launching a mobile market to tackle food deserts, supporting healthy families through research and policy change, and managing a coalition promoting health equity in Wyandotte County.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-246432-2024-06-06\" id=\"heading-key-message-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-246432-2024-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-246432-2024-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Stronger Communities - Building up our communities so every Kansan can thrive.</li><li>Affordable Healthcare - Ensuring access to quality healthcare for every Kansan.</li><li>Economic Security - Advocating for better wages and affordable childcare to support hardworking families.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-246432-2024-06-06\" id=\"heading1-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-246432-2024-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-246432-2024-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tHousing, healthcare\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-246432-2024-06-06\" id=\"heading2-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-246432-2024-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-246432-2024-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tParable of the Sower\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-246432-2024-06-06\" id=\"heading3-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-246432-2024-06-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-246432-2024-06-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-246432-2024-06-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tyes\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p><p><i><b>Note:</b> Kleinmann submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on June 6, 2024.</i></p></div></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nMatthew Kleinmann completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kleinmann's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. My name is Matt Kleinmann, and I'm running for Congress to champion the needs and values of everyday Kansans. I've worked alongside working-class communities throughout my career, focusing on creating stronger, healthier, and more supportive environments. I was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, and later attended the University of Kansas as a walk-on for the KU men's basketball team, helping to win the 2008 National Championship. I balanced athletics with academics, earning a degree in architecture. I then attended Washington University in St. Louis, where I earned my master's in Architecture and Urban Design. After working for an architecture firm in Kansas City, Missouri, I began teaching architecture at the University of Kansas. There, I helped launch Dotte Agency, an award-winning community engagement collaboration between KU students and community members in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Together, we worked to build up our community by listening to the needs of residents and translating them into tangible improvements. For the past decade, I have dedicated myself to improving health outcomes, increasing access to affordable housing, helping young people develop their careers, and caring for the most vulnerable residents. I've seen how federal resources impact access to a better life. I'm running for Congress to ensure our community invests in good-paying jobs, supports our teachers and unions, and provides opportunities for everyone to thrive. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? The Kansas Second Congressional District needs more investment. We need to support local businesses, affordable housing, and good schools. Our infrastructure should connect us to jobs and ensure fair wages. In Congress, I’ll fight for federal investment in roads, bridges, internet, schools, and power to create jobs and opportunities. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home. I’ll work to increase housing with federal incentives so Kansas families aren't left behind. Good infrastructure supports our economy. I will work to make Kansas one of our nation's energy leaders, creating good-paying jobs that reduce carbon emissions. Homelessness needs real solutions. I’ll push for healthcare, mental health support, and housing-first solutions. We must ensure everyone has access to life-saving care. Abortion is healthcare, and Kansans voted overwhelmingly in 2022 to protect access to abortions.\r\n\r\nEveryone deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including gender-affirming care. I will fight to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs and advocate for paid sick time.\r\n\r\nWe must support the vulnerable, including children without health insurance and families facing mental health and addiction challenges. Every child deserves a safe, healthy upbringing.\r\n\r\nWe need to invest in working families by lowering childcare costs and supporting seniors so they can age in place with dignity. And we must back first responders and provide mental health support for the homeless. As a Christian, I was raised to Love God, Love My Neighbor, and to leave it better than I found it. \r\n\r\nI believe in an America founded on prosperity and justice for all. I don’t believe that government or corporations should take away our rights to love our spouse, care for the vulnerable, or make choices about our bodies.\r\n\r\nI will fight to ensure everyone can choose what is right for their own bodies and families, including access to abortion, IVF, and contraception. \r\n\r\nI will work for pragmatic immigration reform, balancing our nation's security with compassion for our neighbors. And I will champion working-class families, farmers, and labor unions by prioritizing people over profit. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I believe our nation is under threat. The far-right agenda of Project 2025 aims to dismantle our government and reshape our way of life. The Supreme Court refuses ethical standards and rolls back the rights of everyday Americans. I'm concerned about an extreme takeover by elected officials who are friendlier with authoritarian regimes than their fellow Americans. I know that good policy requires compromise and finding common ground. This moment requires public servants, not career politicians. Kansans want us to focus on kitchen table issues, which requires a functioning democracy. We must protect the right to vote and elect leaders who represent us, not an extremist agenda out of touch with Kansas values and our American way of life. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? I believe that integrity, transparency, and a commitment to public service are crucial for an elected official. Our nation suffers from a lack of trust in our elected officials and government. To rebuild that trust takes time, but elected officials must be willing to listen, compromise, and act in the best interest of their constituents. I have served my community for a decade, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and diverse perspectives are included in making informed decisions. This requires that elected officials be present in and listen to the community they serve, be an accessible resource that shares their knowledge and wisdom, and get things done that show tangible progress. I have demonstrated those characteristics over the last decade in service to my community. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I believe my qualities of being hard-working, principled, and compassionate will make me a successful officeholder. With a career spanning architecture, education, nonprofit work, and health equity initiatives, I have consistently worked to improve access to education, nutritious food, and quality healthcare for working-class communities. My dedication to strengthening Kansas communities and my proven advocacy for community well-being reflect my commitment to serving others. I am ready to bring my passion and expertise to Congress to ensure every Kansas family can thrive. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibilities of a Congressperson include representing the interests of their constituents, translating those views into legislation, and ensuring that our government is held accountable to Kansans. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The U.S. House of Representatives is unique due to its direct representation of the people. Our two-year election cycle requires our representatives to be responsive and accountable, which results in a dynamic reflection of public opinion. This structure also allows for a diverse range of voices and perspectives, which helps to represent the varied interests across America. In theory, this allows our government to better adapt in response to our evolving priorities, which in turn allows our legislation remains responsive to our needs. However, in recent years we've seen the U.S. House of Representatives grow increasingly dysfunctional, as some members have abandoned decorum and norms in favor of partisan attacks that elevate their own political careers. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? While experience in government or politics can be beneficial, it's also important to have representatives with diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives. Understanding real-world issues can be just as valuable as political experience. For the last decade of my career, I've been a public servant working alongside working-class families to elevate their issues and provide tangible relief in under-resourced communities. More than experience in government or politics, I believe we should elect leaders who care about their communities and are not career politicians seeking to climb another rung on the ladder. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? We have many challenges to face as a nation. First and foremost is addressing income inequality, which we're seeing as the bedrock issue in almost every other issue we face. Americans should receive an honest day's pay for an honest day's work, and in the richest country in the world no child should go hungry or homeless. If we can do that, we can ensure that we have affordable healthcare for all. Right now, insurance and drug companies have created a 'sick-care' system, where you are only treated when you are sick, and IF you can afford it. I believe we can do better by passing healthcare reform that ensures every American the right to healthcare. Combating climate change is also a priority that requires us to plan for a future where extreme weather events are more common. Addressing this requires more federal investment to reduce our carbon footprint now, which will create good-paying jobs in Kansas. We must also prepare for resiliency, so that extreme events don't lead to unnecessary death or destruction. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes, I believe the two-year term length ensures that representatives remain accountable to their constituents and responsive to their changing needs and concerns. What are your thoughts on term limits? I agree that term limits can help prevent career politicians from becoming disconnected from their constituents. Allowing for fresh perspectives and new ideas in government is healthy if our democracy to continue to grow and evolve. However, the details of how term limits are implemented is important. Having institutional knowledge can be critical to overcoming the polarization we see today in our politics. I would support term limits provided it does not lead to a political class where only the wealthiest are allowed to pass laws in our country. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? I personally admire the late John Lewis for his commitment to civil rights, justice, and his principle of getting into \"good trouble\" to create meaningful change. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? At a recent KU Basketball event, a family came up to me to share that their son had cancer. The father, a veteran and labor union member, was unable to work due to disability. The mother, a home healthcare worker, had to work two jobs to make ends meet. As a family, they were being crushed by medical debt, which impacted every aspect of their lives, and the lives of their children. Kansans deserve a country where one bad diagnosis does not ruin our lives. I am fighting for working families to make sure that we take care of each other and provide access to the resources we need to survive. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes, I believe that compromise is essential for effective policymaking. When we have more diversity around the decision-making table--whether that be based on our personal characteristics or political views--we can identify barriers to success and create more balanced and practical legislation that can succeed. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? This power allows for the House of Representatives to exert significant influence over our nation’s budget and tax policies. I would use this authority to ensure that we have a fair tax system, and work to fund programs that benefit working families and vulnerable communities. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? I believe the House of Representatives should use its powers to hold government officials and agencies accountable, uncover corruption, and ensure transparency. We must work to build public trust in the integrity of our democratic institutions. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Dr. Barbara Bollier, Former Kansas State Senator Anthony Hensley, Barry Grissom, Moti Rieber, and the Crawford County Young Democrats, among others. What committees interest you? Based on my experience in architecture, urban design, teaching, and public health, I am interested in serving on committees related to health, education, and infrastructure. These committees are crucial for the well-being and prosperity of Kansans. What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are essential for maintaining public trust. Elected officials must be open about their finances and decision-making processes to prevent corruption and ensure that they serve the public interest. This includes the need for reforms on stock market trading by members of Congress to prevent insider trading and conflicts of interest. We must also enforce ethical standards for the Supreme Court of the United States to maintain its integrity and impartiality. It's also crucial to end Citizens United to reduce the corrosive influence of unlimited money in politics to ensure that our laws serve the people, not corporate interests. The health of our democracy depends on our collective trust of our government institutions. I believe we must enact reforms to ensure financial transparency and accountability to protect that trust.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\nNote: Kleinmann submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on July 1, 2024.\nShow past responses Hide past responses\nJune 6 submission Who are you? Tell us about yourself. Matt was born and raised in Kansas. Matt played basketball as an invited walk-on for the University of Kansas Men's Basketball team from 2004 to 2009. While there, he helped KU win the 2008 NCAA National Championship. Matt also excelled academically while studying architecture, where he was a five-time member of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll. While studying urban design in graduate school in St. Louis, Matt began using his design skills with communities to help them build stronger, more resilient communities. After returning to Kansas City, Matt worked at an architecture firm. He later met his wife, Sangeeta Shastry, because of a story she wrote about his church, Resurrection. The two married in 2015, and they returned to school together. Sangeeta earned her law degree at KU, while Matt taught architecture and later started a Ph.D. focused on public health and community engagement. Together, they now live in Kansas City, Kansas, with their two dogs, Tobi and Nola.Matt has dedicated his career to serving communities. While at KU, he co-founded Dotte Agency, an international award-winning community engagement collaboration. He has worked for various non-profits, training construction apprentices, launching a mobile market to tackle food deserts, supporting healthy families through research and policy change, and managing a coalition promoting health equity in Wyandotte County. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Stronger Communities - Building up our communities so every Kansan can thrive. Affordable Healthcare - Ensuring access to quality healthcare for every Kansan. Economic Security - Advocating for better wages and affordable childcare to support hardworking families. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Housing, healthcare What is your favorite book? Why? Parable of the Sower Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? yes Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it. Note: Kleinmann submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on June 6, 2024."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Kleinmann’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><big><big><b><u>Build Up Our Communities</u></b></big></big><br/><br/>\nFrom small towns to city streets, the Kansas Second Congressional District lacks investment.\n<br/><br/>\n<b>We must unlock homegrown entrepreneurship so that working families can create opportunities and find affordable housing and good schools in their own backyards.</b><br/><br/>\nWe need infrastructure that connects us to our economy and ensures that every person receives a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. We cannot property tax our way into prosperity, but instead, we need a champion who will go to Congress and fight for you. I will work to bring back federal investment to build up our roads, bridges, sewers, internet, schools, and power grid. By building up our community, we will create good-paying jobs that support working families and invest so that our next generation will choose to live in Kansas.<br/>\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Make Housing Affordable</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, and by increasing our affordable housing supply, we ensure that no family is left behind. I will sponsor legislation that helps first-time home buyers make down payments more affordable, incentivize landlords to offer more affordable rental housing, and ensure that children aging out of foster care have a place to call home. We can close racial disparities in home ownership while preventing evictions and displacement so that nobody loses their home due to irregular income. It's time for Congress to make a safe and welcoming home possible for every American.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Invest in Infrastructure</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>Reliable infrastructure is the backbone of our communities, enabling economic growth and providing the foundation for local businesses to thrive. Kansas has the potential to become our nation's energy breadbasket, which means good-paying jobs and thriving local economies.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Support Fair Wages</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>By supporting fair wages, we help working families achieve financial stability and dignity, making our communities stronger and more resilient. I will support collective bargaining and an increase to the federal minimum wage for the first time since 2009.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Homelessness</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>Homelessness is a concern across the country and to address it we must support the services that actually work to reduce it. I will advocate for better healthcare, mental health support, substance use treatment, and job training services for the homeless community. It takes a wraparound service and housing-first approach that includes lowering the barrier to entry to ensure that service providers can get people off the streets and into stable housing. We must recognize that providing permanent supportive housing that supports people in a holistic way is a better use of our taxpayer dollars than criminalizing homelessness.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Save the Postal Service</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>I will fight to restore the U.S. Postal Service to its former glory by reversing harmful policies that have led to slower mail, higher prices, and fewer hours at rural post offices. The Postal Service is a vital lifeline for our communities, especially for seniors, veterans, and those in rural areas. We need to invest in modernizing postal infrastructure, ensuring timely delivery, and expanding services to meet the needs of the 21st century. Let's make the Postal Service great again by putting the needs of the American people first.\n<br/><br/><br/>\n<big><big><b><u>Improve Access to Care</u></b></big></big><br/><br/>\nThe measure of a society is how we treat our most vulnerable. Whether it’s children being cut off from their health insurance or families struggling with mental health and addiction, we need to ensure everyone has access to life-saving care. Every child should grow up in a safe, secure, and healthy family.\n<br/><br/>\n<b>We must invest in working families who struggle to pay for childcare expenses and are forced to make tough choices about where they live and how they work.</b>\n<br/><br/>\nSupporting our seniors as they age with dignity and healthcare within reach is also critical. In the Second Congressional District of Kansas, we face many challenges, and we must support our first responders who deal with trauma daily and provide mental health support for our homeless population. We can build a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone that lowers the cost of living while loving our neighbors.<br/>\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Expand Access to Affordable Healthcare</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>I will fight to lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs. And I will work with state legislators across Kansas to expand Medicaid. Everyone in Kansas deserves quality healthcare, regardless of income or background.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Address Maternal Health Disparities</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is worsening, with Black women dying at more than twice the rate of white or Hispanic women. We must address this crisis by supporting the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which makes historic investments to address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities. By ensuring better healthcare access, expanding Medicaid, and providing critical support for maternal mental health and substance use disorders, we can save lives and promote equity in maternal health. Our moms and babies deserve the best care, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>End PBM Abuse</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) exploit their power to inflate drug costs and squeeze out independent pharmacies. This hurts all of us, especially our seniors, by driving up drug prices and limiting access to essential medications. I will fight to regulate PBMs by demanding transparency and fairness in the prescription drug market. We need policies that protect patients, support local and rural pharmacies, and reduce the overall cost of healthcare. By standing up to these middlemen, we can ensure that everyone has access to affordable medications without sacrificing the livelihoods of our Main Street pharmacies.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Support Mental Health</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>Together, we will advocate for increased mental health services for our first responders and the homeless population to provide the necessary support to those who protect and serve our communities and those in need.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Ensure Paid Sick Time</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>We will secure paid sick time for working families. No family should choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their health or their child's well-being.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Let Our Seniors Age in Place</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>We will ensure that our seniors can age with dignity and access to healthcare. Our elderly deserve to spend their later years in comfort and security with a sustainable healthcare workforce that can meet their needs.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Protect Gender Affirming Care</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>People deserve the right to make healthcare choices about their bodies. That process should include parents, not politicians, for young people. Non-binary and trans youth are no exception. I believe all people have the fundamental right to access life-affirming care.\n<br/><br/><br/>\n<big><big><b><u>Protect Our Freedoms</u></b></big></big><br/><br/>\nAs a Christian, I was raised to love God and my neighbor above all else. I don’t believe that big government or greedy corporations should take away our rights to love our spouse, care for the most vulnerable, determine the choices we make with our bodies, or put profit over people. \n<br/><br/>\n<b>I believe in an America that was founded on the principles of prosperity and justice for all. </b><br/><br/>\nWe will work together to protect our freedom, to form our families without government interference, to collectively organize and welcome our neighbors, to protect our health and data privacy, and to get money out of politics.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Block Project 2025</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>Project 2025 is a dangerous plan crafted by far-right politicians to dismantle decades of progress in civil rights, abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and environmental protections. Their extreme agenda aims to establish an authoritarian government that prioritizes a white, Christian nationalist vision. I will fight to stop Project 2025 and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms that define our nation. We cannot allow extremist politicians to end America as we know it. Together, we will safeguard our democracy and ensure justice and equality for all.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Protect the Right to Abortion, IVF, and Contraception</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>We must stand against any efforts that interfere in the doctor’s office. Far-right Republicans have worked to strip away these rights, but voters in the Second Congressional District of Kansas voted overwhelmingly to protect the right to an abortion in 2022. I will fight so that each individual can choose what healthcare is best for them.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Fix Our Broken Immigration System</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>We need an immigration system that actually works for Americans. Despite efforts by extreme far-right Republicans to kill bipartisan deals, I will work to find common ground on pragmatic immigration reform. We can fix a broken immigration system to protect Kansas residents who have contributed to our economy while ensuring Americans have the opportunity to work good-paying jobs. Kansans across the district want both better security and a more compassionate approach. We can do both while ensuring that immigrants are not exploited.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Restore Voting and Civil Rights</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>We must protect and restore the voting rights and civil rights of every American, with a particular focus on addressing systemic injustices faced by the Black community. As someone that lives in a community that was unfairly gerrymandered, I strongly support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. I will fight against voter suppression and work to ensure that every citizen has a voice in our democracy.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>People Over Corporate Profit</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>I will fight to get money out of politics and focus on supporting working-class families, farmers, and labor unions. We must rebuild our middle class so everyone has the right to economic prosperity. And we must put people over corporate profits by safeguarding our data privacy from big tech corporations.\n</p>\n<ul><li><big><b>Fight for the Right to Repair</b></big></li></ul>\n<p>Farmers like my Grandpa Gene and Uncle Brent know what it takes to take care of their equipment. They don't need big corporations exploiting them for thousands of dollars in software and repairs just because they can. These restrictions lead to longer wait times and more expensive repairs that can cripple farms. I support legislation that restores the Right to Repair, ensuring farmers can maintain their equipment, support independent repair shops, and boost rural economies. By empowering farmers with the tools they need, we can support homegrown entrepreneurship in rural America.\n<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_3-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-3\">[3]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Matthew Kleinmann’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-4\"><a href=\"#cite_note-4\">[4]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Kleinmann’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Build Up Our Communities From small towns to city streets, the Kansas Second Congressional District lacks investment. We must unlock homegrown entrepreneurship so that working families can create opportunities and find affordable housing and good schools in their own backyards. We need infrastructure that connects us to our economy and ensures that every person receives a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. We cannot property tax our way into prosperity, but instead, we need a champion who will go to Congress and fight for you. I will work to bring back federal investment to build up our roads, bridges, sewers, internet, schools, and power grid. By building up our community, we will create good-paying jobs that support working families and invest so that our next generation will choose to live in Kansas. Make Housing Affordable Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, and by increasing our affordable housing supply, we ensure that no family is left behind. I will sponsor legislation that helps first-time home buyers make down payments more affordable, incentivize landlords to offer more affordable rental housing, and ensure that children aging out of foster care have a place to call home. We can close racial disparities in home ownership while preventing evictions and displacement so that nobody loses their home due to irregular income. It's time for Congress to make a safe and welcoming home possible for every American. Invest in Infrastructure Reliable infrastructure is the backbone of our communities, enabling economic growth and providing the foundation for local businesses to thrive. Kansas has the potential to become our nation's energy breadbasket, which means good-paying jobs and thriving local economies. Support Fair Wages By supporting fair wages, we help working families achieve financial stability and dignity, making our communities stronger and more resilient. I will support collective bargaining and an increase to the federal minimum wage for the first time since 2009. Homelessness Homelessness is a concern across the country and to address it we must support the services that actually work to reduce it. I will advocate for better healthcare, mental health support, substance use treatment, and job training services for the homeless community. It takes a wraparound service and housing-first approach that includes lowering the barrier to entry to ensure that service providers can get people off the streets and into stable housing. We must recognize that providing permanent supportive housing that supports people in a holistic way is a better use of our taxpayer dollars than criminalizing homelessness. Save the Postal Service I will fight to restore the U.S. Postal Service to its former glory by reversing harmful policies that have led to slower mail, higher prices, and fewer hours at rural post offices. The Postal Service is a vital lifeline for our communities, especially for seniors, veterans, and those in rural areas. We need to invest in modernizing postal infrastructure, ensuring timely delivery, and expanding services to meet the needs of the 21st century. Let's make the Postal Service great again by putting the needs of the American people first. Improve Access to Care The measure of a society is how we treat our most vulnerable. Whether it’s children being cut off from their health insurance or families struggling with mental health and addiction, we need to ensure everyone has access to life-saving care. Every child should grow up in a safe, secure, and healthy family. We must invest in working families who struggle to pay for childcare expenses and are forced to make tough choices about where they live and how they work. Supporting our seniors as they age with dignity and healthcare within reach is also critical. In the Second Congressional District of Kansas, we face many challenges, and we must support our first responders who deal with trauma daily and provide mental health support for our homeless population. We can build a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone that lowers the cost of living while loving our neighbors. Expand Access to Affordable Healthcare I will fight to lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs. And I will work with state legislators across Kansas to expand Medicaid. Everyone in Kansas deserves quality healthcare, regardless of income or background. Address Maternal Health Disparities The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is worsening, with Black women dying at more than twice the rate of white or Hispanic women. We must address this crisis by supporting the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which makes historic investments to address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities. By ensuring better healthcare access, expanding Medicaid, and providing critical support for maternal mental health and substance use disorders, we can save lives and promote equity in maternal health. Our moms and babies deserve the best care, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. End PBM Abuse Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) exploit their power to inflate drug costs and squeeze out independent pharmacies. This hurts all of us, especially our seniors, by driving up drug prices and limiting access to essential medications. I will fight to regulate PBMs by demanding transparency and fairness in the prescription drug market. We need policies that protect patients, support local and rural pharmacies, and reduce the overall cost of healthcare. By standing up to these middlemen, we can ensure that everyone has access to affordable medications without sacrificing the livelihoods of our Main Street pharmacies. Support Mental Health Together, we will advocate for increased mental health services for our first responders and the homeless population to provide the necessary support to those who protect and serve our communities and those in need. Ensure Paid Sick Time We will secure paid sick time for working families. No family should choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their health or their child's well-being. Let Our Seniors Age in Place We will ensure that our seniors can age with dignity and access to healthcare. Our elderly deserve to spend their later years in comfort and security with a sustainable healthcare workforce that can meet their needs. Protect Gender Affirming Care People deserve the right to make healthcare choices about their bodies. That process should include parents, not politicians, for young people. Non-binary and trans youth are no exception. I believe all people have the fundamental right to access life-affirming care. Protect Our Freedoms As a Christian, I was raised to love God and my neighbor above all else. I don’t believe that big government or greedy corporations should take away our rights to love our spouse, care for the most vulnerable, determine the choices we make with our bodies, or put profit over people. I believe in an America that was founded on the principles of prosperity and justice for all. We will work together to protect our freedom, to form our families without government interference, to collectively organize and welcome our neighbors, to protect our health and data privacy, and to get money out of politics. Block Project 2025 Project 2025 is a dangerous plan crafted by far-right politicians to dismantle decades of progress in civil rights, abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and environmental protections. Their extreme agenda aims to establish an authoritarian government that prioritizes a white, Christian nationalist vision. I will fight to stop Project 2025 and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms that define our nation. We cannot allow extremist politicians to end America as we know it. Together, we will safeguard our democracy and ensure justice and equality for all. Protect the Right to Abortion, IVF, and Contraception We must stand against any efforts that interfere in the doctor’s office. Far-right Republicans have worked to strip away these rights, but voters in the Second Congressional District of Kansas voted overwhelmingly to protect the right to an abortion in 2022. I will fight so that each individual can choose what healthcare is best for them. Fix Our Broken Immigration System We need an immigration system that actually works for Americans. Despite efforts by extreme far-right Republicans to kill bipartisan deals, I will work to find common ground on pragmatic immigration reform. We can fix a broken immigration system to protect Kansas residents who have contributed to our economy while ensuring Americans have the opportunity to work good-paying jobs. Kansans across the district want both better security and a more compassionate approach. We can do both while ensuring that immigrants are not exploited. Restore Voting and Civil Rights We must protect and restore the voting rights and civil rights of every American, with a particular focus on addressing systemic injustices faced by the Black community. As someone that lives in a community that was unfairly gerrymandered, I strongly support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. I will fight against voter suppression and work to ensure that every citizen has a voice in our democracy. People Over Corporate Profit I will fight to get money out of politics and focus on supporting working-class families, farmers, and labor unions. We must rebuild our middle class so everyone has the right to economic prosperity. And we must put people over corporate profits by safeguarding our data privacy from big tech corporations. Fight for the Right to Repair Farmers like my Grandpa Gene and Uncle Brent know what it takes to take care of their equipment. They don't need big corporations exploiting them for thousands of dollars in software and repairs just because they can. These restrictions lead to longer wait times and more expensive repairs that can cripple farms. I support legislation that restores the Right to Repair, ensuring farmers can maintain their equipment, support independent repair shops, and boost rural economies. By empowering farmers with the tools they need, we can support homegrown entrepreneurship in rural America. [3] ” —Matthew Kleinmann’s campaign website (2024) [4]"}]