Armed with water bottles, ponchos and several pairs of socks, more than a dozen Kansas moms, teachers and students gathered at Chatlain Park in Merriam on Friday.
Together they began their 3-day journey towards Topeka—all on foot.
“There has been rain, there has been hail. There are blisters, you’re tired and you’re crabby,” said Heather Ousley, leading the pack. “It’s totally worth it, but your feet feel it by the end of the day.”
This is the fifth year Ousley will be making the trek to advocate for public education.
66 miles. 132,000 steps. That's how far this group is traveling to send a powerful message to lawmakers in Topeka @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/VMbSsEcjyn
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) March 24, 2017
But this year, she and others are advocating for much more.
The group is calling for the elimination of the LLC loophole, restoration of the three tax bracket and the removal of the glide path to zero income tax. Additionally, they would like cuts to programs and agencies, like KDOT, restored.
“This is very personal. Not only is my daughter affected, but my husband is a paramedic for a county so he receives KPERS,” said Lauren Vanwagoner.
The group will walk 66 miles, about 132,000 steps, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They are expected to arrive in Topeka Monday around 10:30 a.m., where they will rally on the second floor of the state capitol.
“Knowing that you’re doing it for something bigger than yourself… I mean exercise is nice but raising the awareness is really what we are here for,” said Amy Gnau.
