Barbara Ballard

Barbara W. Ballard (born November 14, 1944) is a Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 44th district. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, she has served since 1993.

Prior to her election to the House, Ballard served on the Lawrence School Board from 1985 to 1993. Ballard is treasurer of the Kansas African American Legislative Caucus.

Ballard earned a bachelor's degree from Webster College in 1967, a Master of Science in 1976 and a doctorate in 1980, both from Kansas State University. She worked as an elementary school teacher, and from 1980 until 2004 was dean of students at the University of Kansas as well as director of the Emily Taylor Women's Resource Center. She is now associate director of Civic Engagement & Outreach for the Dole Institute of Politics.

Ballard is the chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus.

Committee membership
During the Legislative Sessions of 2013–2014, Rep. Ballard served on the following legislative committees: During the Legislative Sessions of 2021–2022, Rep. Ballard served on the following legislative committees:
 * Appropriations
 * Calendar and Printing (Ranking minority member)
 * Robert G. (Bob) Bethell Joint Committee on Home and community Based Services and KanCare Oversight
 * Social Services Budget (Ranking minority member)


 * Social Services Budget (Ranking minority member)
 * Robert G. (Bob) Bethell Joint Committee on Home and Community Based Services and KanCare Oversight
 * 2022 Special Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disability Waiver Modernization
 * Redistricting
 * Transportation
 * Interstate Cooperation
 * 2020 Special Committee on Kansas Mental Health Modernization and Reform
 * Appropriations
 * 2021 Special Committee on Kansas Mental Health Modernization and Reform
 * 2021 Special Committee on Home and Community Based Services Intellectual and Developmental Disability Waiver