The Kansas Democratic Party announced the death of State Representative Gail Finney (D-Wichita) on Saturday morning, August 20. She was 63 at the time.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we learn of the death of a dear friend and dedicated public servant, Representative Gail Finney,” KDP Chair Vicki Hiatt said. “We mourn her death, we celebrate her life and her dedication to her community, and we are thinking of her family and friends at this difficult time.”
How did Kansas State Representative Gail Finney die?
State Representative Gail Finney died Saturday morning, according to the Sedgwick County Democratic Party. Finney served in the Kansas Statehouse for 13 years, representing Wichita’s District 84.
“Rep. Gail Finney was a shining example of a public servant,” Democratic House Leader Tom Sawyer said in a statement Saturday. Her ongoing efforts to ensure her neighborhood’s proper representation in Topeka demonstrated an admirable dedication to her neighbors and community.
Rep. Finney was a true fighter, serving in her official legislative capacity even while recovering from major surgery. Her feelings for Wichita were limitless. It was an honor to serve alongside her. It has been a true honor.”
Cause of death of Gail Finney.
The cause of death is still unknown.
Gail Finney, Democratic State Representative, died at the age of 63.
Finney had recently undergone a kidney transplant. According to the Sedgwick County Democratic Party’s Facebook page, Finney is a “leader for the people and by the people.”
Who was Gail Finney?
Gail Finney (August 16, 1959 – August 20, 2022) was an American businesswoman and politician who served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 2009 until her death, representing the 84th House District.
Finney was born in the Kansas city of Wichita. She graduated from Southeast High School and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wichita State University as well as an MBA from Friends University. She ran her own company.
The career of Gail Finney
Finney served on the Visioneering Racial, Diversity, Opportunities, and Harmony Board of the Wichita Chamber of Commerce, as well as the District 1 Advisory Board, Precinct Committee Woman, and the Governor’s Kansas African American Advisory Commission.
Positions on issues
Finney’s legislative priorities are listed on her website as follows:
- Providing a high-quality education to all Kansas children,
- Reduce the cost of health care and prescription drugs
- We are working with all levels of government and the private sector to expand our economy and job base.
- Committee memberships for 2016
- Her Session Committee assignments for 2015-2016 were as follows:
Appropriations in the House
- House Juvenile Justice and Corrections
- Budgets for Transportation and Public Safety in the House, Ranking Democrat
Proposed legislation
- H 5003 Kansas constitutional amendment; equal rights; no sex discrimination H 5014 on January 23, 2009 Rail service expanded from Kansas City to Fort Worth, Texas; congratulating the Kansas Department of Transportation and others; and urging action. March 17, 2009
- Finney wants Kansas caregivers (including teachers and parents) to be able to spank children to the point of bruising without consequence, it was discovered in February 2014.
Significant contributors
- Individual donors made up the majority of the top five donors to Finney’s 2008 campaign
- Gail Finney $4,991
- Kansas Contractors Association $750
- $750 Kansans for Lifesaving Cure
- Jerrold Finney Jr. $500
- Jerrold Finney Sr. $500
Tributes to Gail Finney
Finney’s death was announced on Facebook Saturday morning by the Sedgwick County Democratic Party, who described her as a “hardworking and fierce democrat.” “She worked hard every day for her community,” the post continued. As we reflect on her life and legacy, our hearts break.”
Kansas legislators from both parties expressed their sadness about her death, gratitude for her service, and condolences to her family on social media Saturday morning.
“She was an absolute sweetheart, full of kindness and compassion,” Republican Representative Stephen Owens wrote on Facebook. In Topeka, I’ll miss her beautiful smile. My friend, until we meet again!”
“Gail’s work in the Legislature made life better for Kansans,” Democratic Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers wrote on Facebook. She was a fierce advocate, and her kindness and love for others will be remembered.”
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Local officials also took to Facebook on Saturday. “This is a devastating loss for our community,” Sedgwick County Commissioner Lacey Cruse wrote. She will be remembered for the sacrifice and service she gave to this state, as well as the friendship she freely shared.”
“Rep. Finney was a champion of good policy, a fierce fighter on behalf of our community, and a role model for folks like myself who had the honor,” Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple wrote.
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