Jason Probst

Jason Probst was born in Wickenburg, Arizona. He earned an associate degree from Hutchinson Community College in 2001. He earned a bachelor's degree from Baker University in 2003. Probst's career experience includes working as an editor at The Hutchinson News and as a manager with a content consulting and writing company.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I work to represent the interests of my community and the state, not a party or industry groups. I've grew up in Reno County and lived most of my life in Hutchinson. I serve in the Kansas Legislature to make life better for the people in Hutchinson, and help create policies that provide more opportunity for more people. I study the issues, ask questions, and try to develop creative, collaborative solutions. I worked as a CNC Machinist full time while attending college, and later worked as a reporter and editor for the Hutchinson News.

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?

Medicaid expansion supports the state's workforce, and allows families to prosper without the financial fear that prevents access to adequate healthcare. We need to invest more in startup businesses and locally owned small businesses, instead of handing out endless corporate giveaways. Rural Kansas is important to the entire state. We need to make investments in infrastructure - including education, highways, and broadband internet - to ensure these areas can thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Access to healthcare, good-paying employment, opportunity for small business creation, fair and balanced tax policy, rural development, education

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I've read a number of biographies on Teddy Roosevelt, and admire his forward looking stance and his resolve to move the country ahead during changing times. I also admire Malcolm Gladwell, and try to read everything he writes.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Curiosity, thoughtfulness, and a desire to help people and find solutions.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I study with a goal to understand, not to validate my point of view. I care about the people I serve, and I work tirelessly to help them in any way I can.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Connection to the people he or she serves.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want people who aren't born wealthy, or grew up in challenging circumstances to know that they can play a part in local and state government. I want them to feel empowered to grow and build their dreams.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I recall the Space Shuttle launches as a young child, and was completely fascinated by it. I was maybe 5 or 6 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was in middle school, working on my teacher's farm. I did that for upwards of three years. I did whatever I was asked to do, whether is was cleaning out the horse pen or rounding up cattle.

What is your favorite book? Why?

East of Eden. The story is amazing, and the characters are complex.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Hamilton Soundtrack

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Money. I grew up without much money. I had kids very young, when I didn't make enough money to provide for my family.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

In the past several years, the Senate has been the bottleneck for much needed legislation. The House tends to move somewhat more quickly through the process.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It helps to have an understanding of process. But I don't think the absence of previous government experience prevents someone from being able to effectively serve. The key components are curiosity, ability to view an issue from several perspectives, and a desire to find real solutions to problems.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

After the financial fallout from Covid-19, our biggest challenge will be addressing what could be a sustained budget shortfall.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

One that is collaborative, and done in good faith to achieve desired results.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. These relationships help us understand one another better, and allow us to include more voices in the decision making process.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Non partisan commission that decides boundaries on geography, shared interest/community, and population. There should be no room for partisan politics in establishing these boundaries.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about rural Kansas, the agriculture industry, and the way we can leverage tools in our Commerce Department to attract and retain employers.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Possibly.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I greatly admired Don Hineman, who understood the process well and knew how to really dive into to an issue to find the best solution.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this time.

Both sitting legislators 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?

I hear the stories almost every day from people who can't survive no matter how much they try. They have low paying jobs, and struggle to pay for food, shelter, medical care, day care, transportation, utilities, and any unexpected expenses that come up. Life for some people is a daily struggle, and when people are stuck in that cycle, our economy will never be as robust as it could be.