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UBER is getting out of Dodge, and the rest of Kansas

UBERTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Ride-hailing company Uber says it is getting out of Dodge, and the rest of Kansas, after the state Legislature voted to override Gov. Sam Brownback’s veto of new regulations.

The company said in a statement shortly after Tuesday’s House vote that it was ceasing operations in the state. Both legislative chambers comfortably surpassed the two-thirds majority votes needed for the override.

Uber’s statement said it was saddened by the loss of jobs and transportation choice for consumers.

The measure requires drivers for ride-hailing companies to undergo state background checks and hold additional auto insurance coverage.

Uber connects drivers to riders through a mobile app, and was operating in Wichita and Kansas City.

The Uber app displayed a message saying “KANSAS JUST SHUT DOWN UBER” to Kansas users after the Senate vote.

On April 20, Governor Sam Brownback vetoed House Substitute for SB 117, The Creation of Kansas Transportation Network Company Services Act, more commonly referred to as the “Uber bill.” The Governor issued the following statement in response to Tuesday’s override of that veto.

“As I said when I vetoed this bill, Kansas should be known as a state that welcomes and embraces innovation and the economic growth that comes with it. Over-regulation of businesses discourages investment and harms the open and free marketplace. Uber, and other innovative businesses, should be encouraged to operate, grow and create jobs here in Kansas.”

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