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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

TOPEKA - When it comes to holding the line on spending and returning hard-earned dollars to Kansas taxpayers, Representative Kasha Kelley is a true champion., according to a statement released by Americans for Prosperity, a taxation watchdog group.

At a ceremony earlier this week she was given the "Champion of the Taxpayer" banner by the organization for her votes against the second-highest state spending spike in Kansas history and for meaningful tax relief, the release said.

"Our hats are off to Rep. Kelley who voted for the interests of the taxpayers she represents and for citizens across Kansas," said AFP Kansas Director Alan Cobb.

"By boldly defending our hard-earned tax dollars against the ravenous appetite of big government this citizen advocate has championed the rights of all Kansas taxpayers."

AFP-Kansas granted the award to lawmakers based on their vote to reduce the Kansas tax burden as well as their vote against the bloated state budget. Kelley was among 35 of Kansas' 165 state lawmakers to receive the "Champion of the Taxpayer" award.

"While many of our state lawmakers talk about reducing the size of government and delivering meaningful tax relief to Kansans, Rep. Kelley backed up those words with votes," Cobb said.

"This award proves that Kelley is a consistent and effective ally in our battle to hold the line on spending, limit the size of government, and empower taxpayers."

A full list of lawmakers to receive the award is below can be found online by visiting www.AFPKS.org.