Governor Laura Kelly Signs Executive Order Allowing for Return of License Renewal Deadlines, Return to Normal

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed an executive order that gives licensing agencies flexibility to start reimposing license renewal deadlines and fees, marking another step in Kansas’ continued return to normal life following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the pandemic began, my administration took steps right away to keep Kansans healthy and mitigate the spread of the virus by limiting the need for in-person contact to complete routine responsibilities like license renewal,” Governor Kelly said. “Through quick and efficient vaccine distribution, COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Kansas – and some of these measures are no longer needed. This executive order allowing for the reimposition of license renewal deadlines is another step in our return to normal.”

Executive Order #21-22 is effective immediately and remains in force until rescinded, or until May 28, 2021, whichever is earlier.

View E.O. #21-22 here.

April 23, 2021

Governor Vetoes Several Bills

The Governor vetoed a number of bills.  Several of these were good bills that needed to pass into law.  There will be an attempt to override the vetoes during Veto-Session, which starts May 3. A list of vetoed bills should be posted at

http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/year1/measures/reports/veto_fr/

Fairness in Women’s Sports

The Governor vetoed SB 55 that would have limited competition in women’s sports to biological females.  The Governor’s veto entitles transgender athletes at the expense of biological female athletes.  How can a talented high school woman athlete get a college scholarship competing against biological males?  The Governor said this bill, “would harm our ability to attract and retain businesses.”  Let’s be clear, she is talking about out-of-state multi-national corporations trying to force state policy that goes against Kansas values.  The Governor is cowering to them.  The legislature will try to override this veto but the votes will be close.

Protecting Elections

The Governor vetoed two election bills (HB 2183 and HB2332) that would strengthen the integrity of Kansas elections.  One of her excuses was, “hundreds of major companies across the nation have made it abundantly clear that this kind of legislation is wrong.”  Who does she represent? Definitely not Kansans when she is more worried about national corporations instead of the accuracy of Kansas elections.  Our Governor is talking the national Democrat propaganda, instead representing Kansas.  We will have the votes for a veto override on both of the bills if no legislator changes their vote.

2^nd Amendment

The Governor vetoed two 2^nd Amendment bills.  HB 2089 would allow local school boards options to offer gun safety education.  HB 2058 would lower the minimum age to conceal carry in Kansas  from 21 to 18 years old.  It also establishes reciprocity for persons 18 to  20 years of age that hold a concealed carry permit from another state.  Can you believe the veto override will be more difficult on the firearm education bill, HB 2089?  The Senate and House should have the votes on HB 2058.  The House needs 5 Representatives to change their vote on HB 2089 to override the Governor’s veto.

Basic Civics and Finance Education

The Governor vetoed HB 2039, requiring students pass an exam with 60 questions from the naturalization tests administered by the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services. It would enlighten our students on American civics. It would also require students in grades 10, 11, or 12 to pass a personal financial literacy course in order to graduate.  The bar for a veto override will be higher on this bill – the bill passed with 25 yes and 13 no votes in the Senate and 72 to 51 in the House.  The Senate needs 27 votes and the House 84 votes for a veto override.  Hopefully, legislators who voted No will realize how important it is that students have basic civics and financial knowledge.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12^th District State Senator.

Caryn

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For more information:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706
[email protected]

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2021 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds for the program are awarded to the agency by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

The funds are in turn granted to projects and organizations to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops; expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and addressing local, regional and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.”

Applications will be evaluated by a team of external reviewers. The team will rate proposals on their ability to successfully promote specialty crops in Kansas and make a positive impact on the Kansas economy. Those recommendations will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final awards. In 2021, Kansas has been allocated more than $338,000 for this program.

Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. CDT on May 21, 2021. For more information, including the Request for Application form and additional guidance about the grant program and the grant application process, go to the KDA website at: agriculture.ks.gov/specialtycrop.

The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.