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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 27, 2026
The Property Tax Cap Assessment Protection (CAP) Amendment (SCR 1616) would limit annual assessment increases to 3% or less, a measure that cleared the Senate 30 to 10 and now moves to the House. Today there’s no cap, so rising county appraisals can dramatically raise tax bills even when mill levies stay flat. Residential values have jumped over an average of 40% in four years, with Linn County up 91%. The amendment would limit the assessment value used to calculate taxes to 3% or less growth, transfer that cap when a property changes owners, and year 2022 is the baseline because of the recent surge in values.
In 1989, the Kansas Constitution was amended to protect agriculture by moving to the current use-value system, instead of market value. This helps ensure farmers aren’t taxed off their land. SCR 1616 simply provides protection and predictability to homeowners, businesses, and agriculture. If approved by the House, voters will decide if the CAP Amendment becomes law at the ballot box on August 4, 2026. I voted yes.
Seniors In Need and Disabled Veterans property tax relief is expanded in SB 402. It passed the Senate 39‑1. I voted yes. The bill consolidates the Homestead I and II (Property Tax Freeze for seniors and disabled vets) applications into a single form. It raises the maximum home value from $350,000 to $375,000 for both programs. SB 402 updates the Homestead I household income definition to match Homestead II, Kansas Adjusted Gross Income (KAGI), which excludes Social Security so more people will qualify. The bill also makes changes to the SAFESR program, another Kansas property tax refund program. To qualify for SAFESR, taxpayers must have an income below $25,380 (adjusted each year for inflation) and be born before January 1, 1961. The bill also ensures that once a taxpayer qualifies, they cannot be kicked off the program if the homes valuation should exceed the programs’ limit.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
February Total Tax Collections at $506.3M; 10.3% Below Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends February 2026 with total tax collections at $506.3 million. That is $58.4 million, or 10.3%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 7.6% from February 2025.
“February’s report reflects that revenues collected were down nearly $59 million, at the same time the Legislature is building their budget,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Legislature should keep in mind the structural imbalance their past budget created and look to my budget for a path to rectify the unsustainable imbalance over time.”
Individual income tax collections were $205.7 million. That is $44.3 million, or 17.7% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections were down 14.1% from February 2025. Corporate income tax collections were negative $349,104. That is $15.3 million, or 102.3% below the estimate, and down 102.1% from February 2025.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $253.4 million, which is $433,844, or 0.2% above the estimate, and up 2.6% from February 2025.
Click here to view the February 2026 revenue numbers.
National Consumer Protection Week March 1-7
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Kansas Thespians Theatre in Our Schools Advocacy Day Topeka, KS
— On March 11, 2026 Kansas Thespians host a Theatre in Our Schools Advocacy Day at the Kansas State Capitol. Over 200 Students, educators, and advocates come to the Capitol from across the state to advocate for positive arts legislation and theatre programming in our schools.
As dedicated supporters of theatre, Senator Cindy Holscher, and Representative Kirk Haskins have partnered with Kansas Thespians for this day to highlight the economic impact of the arts in our communities and the importance of strong arts education in our schools. Kansas Thespians promote lifelong learning through theatre in over 100 high school and junior high Thespian troupes across the state, with over 3000 inducted students.
Their hard work has been honored numerous times at the International Thespian Festival with schools, individual students, and educators from our state being recognized for their remarkable work.
The impact of arts programming and theatre can be felt in communities across Kansas. It is estimated by the Thespians that high school theatre brings in around a million dollars in community monies which is significant to our state. Theatre students will visit with their legislators, observe legislators in action on the floor of the senate, and have a possible photo op with the Governor.
### For more information on the advocacy day, contact the Kansas Thespians Advocacy Chair, Contact: Katie Murphy Advocacy Chair Email: [email protected]
Representatives are available for interviews to speak on this issue and bring awareness to the cause.
To schedule an interview with Thespian Representatives, please contact Katie Murphy
DRAFT Schedule for Theatre in Our Schools Advocacy Day FROM 2025
8:30- Begin arriving. Enter through North Entrance at ground level to pass through security. Proceed to first floor to check in.
9:00- Check on first floor. Tables will be visible.
9:30 – Large group photo
10:00-12:00 – Meetings with Reps
12:00 – Go to singing positions in Rotunda ground floor. Warm up etc.
12:15- Sing in the Rotunda
12:30- 12:50- Press Conference with Senator Cindy Holscher, Representative Haskins and Advocacy Steering Committee committee member
12:50- Lunch, additional legislative appointments
2:15 Assigned schools enter the Senate Gallery.
2:30 Senator Cindy Holscher’s Point of Privilege and Proclamation.
DID YOU KNOW KANSAS THESPIANS …
- Maintains 98 active Thespian or Junior Thespian troupes.
- Has over 2900 active high school or junior high Thespian members in Kansas.
- Has numerous Thespian troupes attend The International Thespian Festival.
- Maintains 6 Student Thespian Officers who work together on the Kansas Thespian State Board.
- Holds a Kansas Thespians Festival each year with over 2300 students, teachers, and college representatives in attendance. During this time Kansas Thespians rent the entire Century II Convention Center and The Wichita Hyatt Regency, Wichita, Kansas for this three day event.
- Had an administrator recognized as Theatre Administrator of the Year by the Educational Theatre Association 2023 and 2024.
- Has an Olathe Director of Theatre selected to serve on the national Educational Theatre Association Board of Directors.
- Is recognized as a Gold Honor Chapter by The Educational Theatre Association.
- Olathe South High School chosen as Outstanding Theatre School 2020 by The Educational Theatre Association.
- Leavenworth High School garnered first place in the nation 2020 for the Theatre in Our Schools Impact Award.
- Topeka West High School chosen as Outstanding Theatre School 2022 by The Educational Theatre Association.
- Topeka West High School garnered first place in the nation 2022 and 2023 for the Theatre in Our Schools Impact Award.
- Topeka High School chosen as Outstanding Theatre School 2023 by The Educational Theatre Association.
Overall, Kansas has over 20,000 students involved in theatre each year with each Kansas Thespian School producing an average of five productions a year. This equates into an average of 15 performances a year per school with an average attendance of 150 people or more per show. When the math is figured,and you add the total number of performances across Kansas, we have at least a quarter of a million people watching high school musicals and plays across our great state with a box office impact of at least $1,300,000 spent on attending high school productions, not to mention spending impact on local businesses for production supplies estimated at another half a million or more.
THEATRE EDUCATION IN THE SPOTLIGHT IN MARCH
Students at Fort Scott High School Lead Community Advocacy Efforts
Students at Fort Scott High School are joining the national grassroots effort called Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS) to advocate for the benefits of theatre education in schools. Members of International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe #7365 are drawing attention to the need for increased access to quality theatre programs for all students.
To get the word out, students are participating in a number of theatre related activities. On Feb. 27 the troupe participated in community service activities at the Senior Center in downtown Fort Scott. They held a Theatre in Our Schools Month Kick-Off Party on March 1 at FSHS and presents to the USD 234 Board of Education on March 9. On March 11, the troupe travels to Topeka to meet with Thespians from across the state and Senator Tim Shallenburger and Representative Rick James to celebrate and discuss Theatre Advocacy Day in KS.
Throughout the month, the troupe will dress to represent various musicals on Musical Mondays and wear theatre-related shirts on Theatre Shirt Thursdays. They also have Improv Acting Troupe practice on Tuesdays after school and FSMS Drama Club on Fridays after school. A group of Thespians are also traveling to New York City to see Broadway shows and tour the Broadway Museum over Spring Break. To finish out the month, the troupe holds the annual FSHS Talent Show & Senior Minute to Win It at 7 p.m. on March 26. The Talent Show is open to the public and tickets are $5 at the door.
The ITS is the theatre honor society for middle and high school students. These Thespians plan and implement TIOS activities in their schools, in their communities, and with elected officials. The presentations and activities explain how theatre education positively shapes students’ lives by instilling necessary life skills. TIOS Month is an opportunity for students, parents, communities, school boards, and elected officials to come together to make theatre education more available to all students. One of the key messages is that theatre skills help students develop vital 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, as well as social/emotional skills critical to students’ growth as young adults.
Sophomore Aimee Hardwick said, “Drama didn’t just teach me how to act, it taught me how to believe in myself. And while sometimes, I’m still quiet, it’s no longer because I feel like I have to, it’s because I choose to be. Drama isn’t just an activity, it’s my safe space, and it has changed my life.”
Isis Patton, sophomore, adds, “Theatre education helps students be creative with others and say what they think and feel. When students act, direct and put on a show they learn how to talk to people and see things from different points of view. These skills are useful when students are on stage and in life.”
Theatre in Our Schools is jointly sponsored by the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) and the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). For more information about TIOS, visit schooltheatre.org/tios and follow #TheatreInOurSchools on social media.
About the Educational Theatre Association
The Educational Theatre Association is an international nonprofit that serves as the professional association for theatre educators. EdTA is the parent organization of the International Thespian Society, the honor society for theatre students that’s inducted more than 2.5 million Thespians since 1929. Additionally, EdTA operates the Educational Theatre Foundation, the organization’s philanthropic arm dedicated to broadening representation and increasing access. Visit schooltheatre.org to learn how EdTA inspires theatre educators to transform lives.
About the American Alliance for Theatre & Education
The American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE), among the most recognized arts education organizations, works to ensure that every young person experiences quality theatre arts in their lives provided by proficient, talented artists and educators. Based in Washington, DC, AATE continues to advocate for arts education, serving as a national co-sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill and on the leadership team of the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS). AATE co-authored the National Standards for Theatre Education K-12, sits on the Arts Education Partnership steering committee as well as the Arts Education National Advisory Council, and serves on the editorial board of the Arts Education Policy Review.
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Nazarene Youth Trivia Night is March 7
FSN TEENS ANNOUNCES 4TH ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHT TO SUPPORT STUDENT MISSIONS AND CAMP EXPERIENCES
Fort Scott, KS — Fort Scott Nazarene Church’s student ministry, FSN Teens, is excited to host its 4th Annual Trivia Night on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm at 1728 Horton Rd., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
This fun-filled evening is open to everyone and designed to bring the community together for a great cause. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for laughs and fellowship, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy friendly competition while supporting FSN Teens.
Participants can register as individuals or form teams of up to six people. Entry is $10 per person or $60 per full team. Trivia will be played in rounds throughout the night, with plenty of chances to show off your knowledge. Dinner will be available for purchase, and childcare will be provided with registration.
Proceeds from the event help send students to transformational experiences, including summer camps, mission trips, and the Nazarene Youth Conference — opportunities that foster growth in faith, community, and leadership.
Local businesses and supporters are encouraged to get involved by entering a team, sponsoring a round or the entire event, donating a silent auction basket, or helping promote the night in the community. If you are interested in sponsoring the event reach out to Andrea Bryant at [email protected].
Event Details at a Glance:
📅 Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
📍 Location: 1728 Horton Rd., Fort Scott, KS 66701
💵 Cost: $10/person or $60/team (up to 6)
📧 Contact: [email protected]
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support the next generation of leaders — gather your squad, dust off your trivia skills, and join us for a night of fun and purpose!
https://facebook.com/events/s/-4th-annual-trivia-night-/1660731478226895/
Uniontown Preschool Enrollment Is Open For Next Year
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
FROM THE BLEACHERS-753
BY DR. JACK WELCH
The “Dropout” Who Became a Harvard Professor
We live in a world that loves labels. In the education field we hear words like advanced, average, behind and dropout frequently. Sometimes the label says more about the system than the student, though.
Todd Rose is often cited as a powerful example of this truth. In high school, he struggled academically and eventually dropped out with a 0.9 GPA. By most traditional measures, it was apparent, he was not college material. He did not appear to be promising in obtaining college degrees. By all means, he did not appear to be likely to succeed.
Life compounded the narrative. He was married at a young age and was working low-wage jobs. He was on welfare, and at one point was even homeless. His future did not look like it included higher education, much less elite academia, but necessity has a way of clarifying purpose.
Todd was determined to provide for his family. He earned his GED and enrolled at a local community college. He did not have a master plan. He had a simple goal: just to do better. Then something unexpected happened. After receiving his GED, he realized he wasn’t incapable. He had simply not thrived in a one-size-fits-all, factory-style education model. He was given flexibility, encouragement, and space to learn differently, and his abilities surfaced. Community college became the proving ground where his confidence replaced doubt. From there, his path accelerated.
After receiving his Associates Degree, he transferred to a four-year college. He earned a bachelor’s degree and eventually a masters. What followed was amazing, he then received a Ph.D. from Harvard University.
Where did this lead Todd? Not only did he receive a Ph.D. from Harvard, he became a Harvard professor. At Harvard he launched a think tank focused on personalized education and rethinking how we measure human potential.
Let that sink in. Todd was a high school dropout with a 0.9 GPA and became a Harvard professor. The lesson isn’t that everyone will follow that exact path. The lesson is that potential is often mismeasured.
Education systems can identify performance. They cannot always identify capacity. That’s why second chances matter. That’s why alternative pathways matter. That’s why community colleges matter. Some students don’t fit the mold. That doesn’t mean they lack ability. It may simply mean they need a different road map.
We would be wise to remember: the “dropout” in one chapter may be the doctoral candidate in the next.
Thought for the Week, “Never confuse someone’s current performance with their ultimate potential.” Jack Welch
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
Bourbon County Arts Council 34th Annual Fine Arts Exhibit
The Bourbon County Arts Council will present its 34th Annual Fine Arts Exhibit from March 5th through March 14th, at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College.
The Arts Council will host the Chamber Coffee at 8:00am on Thursday March 5th, at the Ellis Center. The Exhibit will be open to the public beginning Thursday March 5th through Saturday March 14th: weekdays from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, and on Saturdays, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The Opening Reception to honor this year’s Juror and artists will be held on Thursday the 5th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm; the public are invited to attend and enjoy the opportunity to meet and visit with them about the art.
Artists will have their work on display and for sale in this multi-media exhibit, in categories including Ceramics, Drawing & Graphics, Fiber Arts, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor. A “themed” category was added to the Exhibit, with this year’s theme being “Life Inspiring”. An artist may create a piece in any of the above categories, in relation to the theme. This year, artists from Kansas and Missouri, will participate in the Fine Art Exhibit, including local artists Kathy Allen, John Batrelsmeyer, Sally Brandon, Steve Floyd, Kate Freeman, Oriah Freeman, Lucy Gladbach, Leslie Godden, Sara Hannigan, Katie Hueston, Jodi Johnson, Bobbi Kemna, Andrea Latham, Katelynn McCoy, Jill Moler, Connie Neil, Kadra Nevitt, Eric Popp, Elisabeth Ross, Kaitlyn Walker, and Karen Wilterding.
Cash prizes awarded for category winners are given by the Bourbon County Arts Council in memory of E.C. Gordon, and by the generous sponsorship from these local businesses: Buerge Art Studio, Citizens Bank, City State Bank, Edward Jones-Jamie Armstrong , T.E. Freeman Studios, Front Door Realty-Crystal Mason and Diane Striler, H&H Realty, Landmark Bank, Lyons Realty, Mid-Continental Restoration, State Farm Insurance, Union State Bank, and Ward Kraft.
Al Letner will serve as Juror for this year’s exhibit. Mr. Letner is a 1976 graduate of Pittsburg State University with degrees in Art and History in Education. He has been an artist and educator both in Missouri and Kansas for more than 40 years. He has exhibited and won awards for his work for decades and has judged art competitions on both educational and professional levels. Mr. Letner continues to work in 2-D and 3-D at his studio near Pittsburg, Kansas.
The Bourbon County Arts Council encourages everyone to come and enjoy an exciting collection of original artwork! The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 1208 Horton St., in Fort Scott, Kansas. There is no admission charge for this event.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 1
FSCC Trustees Special Meeting Today at Noon.
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
BURRIS building
MARCH 02, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 CONSIDERATION OF RFP – CONTRACTOR – FRAME GRANT (ACTION)
4.0 ADJOURN (INFORMATION)