Vicki Schmidt (born September 15, 1955) is an American politician who is currently the Kansas Insurance Commissioner. She was a Republican member of the Kansas Senate, representing the 20th district, from 2005 to 2019. She also served as the Senate Assistant Majority Leader from 2009 to 2012, and from 2017 to 2019.[1] She was elected Kansas Insurance Commissioner in 2018, and reelected in 2022.
Vicki Schmidt | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 26th Kansas Insurance Commissioner | |
| Assumed office January 14, 2019 | |
| Governor | Laura Kelly |
| Preceded by | Ken Selzer |
| Member of the Kansas Senate from the 20th district | |
| In office January 10, 2005 – January 14, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Bill Bunten |
| Succeeded by | Eric Rucker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Vicki Ensz September 15, 1955 Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Michael |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Kansas (BS) |
| Website | www.VickiSchmidt.org |
Early life
editSchmidt attended Wichita South High School in Wichita, Kansas where she met her future husband. After high school, she attended the University of Kansas and graduated from the school's pharmacy program.[2]
Kansas Senate
editIn the Kansas Senate, Schmidt served as chairwoman of the Public Health and Welfare Committee, Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations, and the State Employee Pay Plan Oversight Committee. She also served as a member of the Health Care Stabilization Fund Oversight Committee, and the education, financial institutions and insurance, transportation committees.[3]
Kansas Insurance Department
editSchmidt was elected Kansas Insurance Commissioner in 2018, and reelected in 2022.
In October 2023, Schmidt announced a reduction of producer licensing fees for 2024. It is estimated that these reductions will be reduced by a total of $1.2 million.[4][5]
The department has staff who regularly assists Kansans answer insurance-related questions and resolve insurance issues. This includes assisting individuals with previously denied claims. During 2023, the department assisted with recovering $16 million for Kansas policyholders with disputes with their insurance companies. 2023 marks the largest single-year recovery in the history of the department. Since the beginning of Schmidt's tenure as commissioner in 2019, the department has recovered $35 million in total.[6][7]
In early 2024, Schmidt introduced legislation to protect Kansas investors, including the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, which was signed into law. As of July 1, 2024, the new law strengthened the ability of Kansas Department of Insurance and financial advisers to protect seniors and vulnerable adults from financial abuse and fraud. Various organizations, including financial adviser firms and AARP supported the legislation.[8][9]
Personal life
editIn May 2023, Schmidt was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. She underwent surgery and radiation treatments, and became cancer free in September. Following her battle with cancer, Schmidt continuously encouraged other women in Kansas to undergo routine mammogram screenings.[10]
References
edit- ^ "KanFocus -- Error". www.kanfocus.com.
- ^ "2022 General Election Bios" (PDF). KansasChamber.org.
- ^ "Profile from the Kansas Legislature".
- ^ Jones, Shayndel. "Kansas Insurance Commissioner reduces producer licensing fees by $1.2 million". Channel 13 News. Channel 13 News. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
- ^ "Kansas Producer License Fees to be Reduced by $1.2 Million in 2024". Insurance Journal. Wells Media Group, Inc. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
- ^ Motter, Sara. "$16 million recovered for insurance policy holders in Kansas after 2023 disputes". 13 WIBW. WIBW-TV. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ Brunner, Melissa. "KS Insurance Commissioner reminds people of consumer resources available". 13 WIBW. WIBW-TV. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ Harvel, Jack. "Financial advisers in Kansas can now pause transactions if elder fraud is suspected". cjonline.com. The Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ Strathman, Kyle. "Securities bills designed to protect vulnerable Kansans signed into law" (PDF). insurance.ks.gov. Kansas Department of Insurance. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ Brunner, Melissa. ""It's humbling:" KS Insurance Commissioner discusses breast cancer journey". 13 WIBW News. WIBW-TV. Retrieved 19 October 2023.