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Government, Kansas

Office of Rural Prosperity to hold press conference Monday

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Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers will hold a press conference at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Lt. Governor’s Conference Room. The Office of Rural Prosperity will be announcing the release of its report after a year of traveling throughout the state, and the formation of the office.

 

Who:              Lt. Governor Rogers, Governor Laura Kelly, ORP Team

What:             Press Conference – Office of Rural Prosperity: Release of ORP Report

When:            10:30 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2020

Where:           Kansas Statehouse

Lt. Governor’s Conference Room 252-S

Topeka, KS

Government, Kansas

Governor’s State of the State address to be broadcast live on TV

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For the first time since 2015, the Governor’s State of the State address will be broadcast on live television in Kansas.

 

During the annual State of the State speech, Governor Kelly will report to the Kansas Legislature and to the state on her administration’s priorities for the 2020 Legislative Session.

 

When: Live broadcast: Wednesday, January 15, at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Smoky Hills Public Television; KTWU in Topeka; KPTS in Wichita; Check your local PBS network listings for information on the live and replayed State of the State broadcast on those stations and others throughout Kansas.

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Animal Health Board to Meet January 16

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MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Board will meet via conference call at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020. This is a regularly scheduled board meeting.

 

The meeting is open to the public. Individuals who have questions about the meeting, including how to access call-in information, should contact Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith at 785-564-6601 or [email protected].

 

Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting.

 

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WHO:            Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Animal Health Board

 

WHAT:         Regular board meeting via conference call

 

WHEN:         7:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020

 

WHERE:       Conference call
Fort Scott Community College

FSCC HVAC Ranks in Top 10 for “Best Value HVAC School”

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Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) program received top ranks based on degree, cost, post-graduation average salaries, and median pay. According to data collected from Integrated Post-secondary Education Data System (IPEDS), College Scoreboard and the Bureau of Labor and Statistics collected by airfiltersdelivered.com, FSCC HVAC ranks number 10 out of the top 17 community colleges with the HVAC program, which also makes FSCC in the top 15 in the nation based upon location.

“It is always nice to be recognized, but this would not be possible without the hard work and team effort of the FSCC staff”, says Chris Sterrett, FSCC HVAC Instructor.

Airfiltersdelivered.com describes FSCC’s HVAC program as “[a] program [that] incorporates electrical and mechanical systems and prepares students to earn the EPA refrigerant handling certification and other industry-recognized credentials. Small class sizes give students time for a variety of hands-on experience” (2020).

“It is an honor to be receive this recognition and Chris Sterrett our instructor certainly does an outstanding job teaching each of the students and truly giving them an excellent value when it comes to their training for a successful future”, says Kris Mengarelli, Director of FSCC CTEC.

For more information on FSCC’s HVAC program, please go to fortscott.edu/HVAC or call 620.232.5644.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Medicaid Expansion In Kansas

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Governor, Senate Majority Leader announce compromise
proposal to lower healthcare costs for Kansas families

Bipartisan agreement paves way for both Medicaid expansion and reinsurance

TOPEKA – After weeks of negotiations, Democratic Governor Laura Kelly and Republican Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning today announced a compromise proposal to expand Medicaid while lowering health insurance premiums for Kansas families.

 

“This process is far from over, as there are still several critical steps to be taken by the Kansas Legislature,” Kelly said. “But today, Senator Denning and I are proud to stand together to propose a bipartisan compromise that will expand Medicaid and lower healthcare costs for Kansas families. This proposal includes elements of my plan, of Senator Denning’s plan, of the 2019 House plan, and of the bipartisan plan that passed both chambers in 2017.”

 

The compromise proposal includes key elements to address concerns raised from both parties, in both chambers:

 

    • Full Medicaid Expansion: The proposal includes a full expansion of Medicaid to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) with a 90/10 match, to be effective no later than January 1, 2021.
    • Reinsurance: Pending Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval of a 1332 waiver and release of funding by the State Finance Council, the proposal includes a reinsurance program to be effective no later than January 1, 2022. The agreement also requires the Kansas Insurance Department to complete an actuarial study of the reinsurance proposal and submit to the State Finance Council.
    • Medicaid Funding: The proposal includes an annual hospital Medicaid expansion support surcharge of up to $35 million, which has been endorsed by the Kansas Hospital Association, to be effective July 1, 2021. This compromise proposal does not require a tax increase.
    • Promoting Personal Responsibility: The agreement includes a robust work referral program that promotes self-reliance for non-working Medicaid beneficiaries, while limiting costly administrative red tape that drives up overall costs to taxpayers. Enrollees within the expansion population will make a modest contribution for health services through monthly premiums of up to $25 per month, or $100 for a family of four, as proposed in House Bill 2066.  The bill does not contain any lockouts. Instead, it collects unpaid premiums through the state’s debt setoff program. A hardship provision is also included.
    • Rural Health Care Innovations: The proposal creates an advisory committee within the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to support rural hospitals in assessing viability and identifying new delivery models, strategic partnerships and implementing financial and delivery system reform to improve the health of rural communities.

 

“My top priority is to lower the cost of healthcare for Kansans across the board. We want to give as many Kansans health care coverage as we can, in the Medicaid market and the non-Medicaid market,” Denning said.

While this proposal is the most sweeping compromise offered since the debate over Medicaid expansion began in 2013, both Kelly and Denning underscored that more work remains.

 

“We’ll both be working with our respective caucuses in the coming days to get their feedback and buy-in,” Denning said. “But all sides can find something in this bill to like. That means it’s probably about as middle of the road as it can get.”

 

“This compromise was an important first step, but our work is not over yet,” Kelly said. “Legislators, many of whom were here today, have the ability to bring this over the finish line in the early days of the 2020 session. I am calling on them to do just that.”

 

Ascension Via Christi, Business, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Via Christi Supports Expanding Medicaid In Kansas

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Response to today’s announcement of a bipartisan agreement on Medicaid expansion
” Ascension Via Christi extends our appreciation to Gov. Laura Kelly and Sen. Jim Denning for
reaching an agreement on expanding Medicaid in Kansas. Ascension Via Christi, along with the
Kansas Hospital Association and many other healthcare organizations, have been advocating for
Medicaid expansion for the past eight years as a way to make sure that all of our citizens have
access to care.
Expanding Medicaid will bring hundreds of millions in federal dollars to our state, giving Kansans
residents increased access to health care coverage while supporting healthcare providers and our
entire Kansas economy.
Across Ascension’s markets we know that expanded Medicaid has enhanced access to coverage
and care, resulted in more appropriate utilization of services, and has created financial security
among the poor and vulnerable.
Our ministry’s support of Medicaid expansion is rooted in our mission to serve all persons, with
special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable, and to protect and promote the inherent
dignity of all human life from conception until natural death .”
-Submitted by Don King, chief executive officer, Ascension Via Christi

Area News, Business

Farmers’ Market Workshop in February

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Regional Farmers’ Market Workshops Scheduled for February

The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will host six regional workshops in February 2020 to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers. Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy. In 2019, 57 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.

“Farmers’ markets provide growers a wonderful opportunity to have real interaction with consumers, and a chance to tell their farm’s story,” said Londa Nwadike, consumer food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell at a farmers’ market.”

Workshop topics will vary slightly by location. Main topics include:

  • Double Up Food Bucks Program and Accepting EBT
  • Food Safety and Regulations on Selling Meat, Eggs and Poultry
  • Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Certified Farmer Training
  • Marketing Tips
  • Produce Grower Panel

KDA’s weights and measures program will also offer free scale certification at the workshops for attendees.Dates and locations for the Farmers’ Market events are as follows:

Saturday, Feb. 1 — Iola: Allen Community College

Saturday, Feb. 8 — Wichita: Sedgwick County Extension Office

Friday, Feb. 21 — Olathe: KSU Olathe

Saturday, Feb. 22 — Hiawatha: Fisher Center

Friday, Feb. 28 — Beloit: Beloit First Christian Church

Saturday, Feb. 29 — Leoti: Wichita County Community Building

Registration for the February workshops is now open. The cost is $20 per participant to cover the cost of lunch. Lunch will only be guaranteed to those participants who register prior to the respective workshop date. Registration for the workshops can be found at FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMworkshop or at local extension offices.

Onsite registration for the workshops will open at 8:30 a.m. and the workshops will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m. The Wichita workshop will begin onsite registration at 8:15 a.m. and the workshop begins at 8:45 a.m., concluding at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Robin Blume, KDA’s education and events coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or [email protected]. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, K-State Research and Extension, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy has identified training for small companies via workshops as a key growth outcome for the specialty crop sector. The farmers’ market workshops will provide education through partnerships to help make Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses more successful.

Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

Martin Luther King Celebration Begins Jan. 15

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Gordon Parks Museum to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held next week, with several events planned in Fort Scott.

The event begins on Wednesday, January 15th at the Gordon Parks Museum. The day will include three film showings at 9:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm. A Lunch and Learn event will also be held at 11:00am featuring a dramatic reading of ‘Letters from Birmingham Jail’ by FSCC students and members of the community. A reception will follow with birthday cake. Participants may bring their own lunch.

On Thursday the community is invited to the Fort Scott High School for a Martin Luther King Jr. assembly program. The program will include presentations by the Project Based Learning students, and the Advance Placement Government class.

The celebration will wrap up with a 12:00pm Lunch and Learn at the Gordon Parks Museum on Monday, January 20th. This community discussion will be moderated by Rev. George Proctor of the United Missionary Baptist Church. Lunch will be provided by Luther’s BBQ. Films will also be shown throughout the day Monday at 9:00am, 10:30am, and 1:30pm.

A full list of film showings can be found at www.visitfortscott.com/events. For more information call the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850.

Submitted by Allyson Turvey

[email protected]

(620) 238-4919

Government, Kansas

New Kansas Department of Human Services

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Governor Kelly Announces Reorganization Creating

Kansas Department of Human Services

New agency to include DCF, KDADS and KDOC Juvenile Services

 

Governor Laura Kelly today announced her intent to submit an executive reorganization order to the Kansas Legislature creating the Kansas Department of Human Services (KDHS). The new agency will include the current programs at the Department for Children and Families (DCF), Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and the juvenile services division of the Department of Corrections.

 

Current Secretary of DCF and KDADS, Laura Howard, will lead the new KDHS.

 

“I ran for office, in part, to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens were protected and that somebody in Topeka was advocating for them,” Kelly said. “One of my key priorities since taking office has been fixing our broken safety net and ensuring that we have a system that is worthy of our citizens. The creation of this new, combined agency reinforces my commitment to our children and families in need and ensures they have access to critical services.

 

“The creation of the new agency allows us to focus on prevention, so that we can get to these families before their situation becomes a crisis,” Kelly said. “The Department of Human Services will partner with communities across the state to create a single point of entry for those who need access to services for things like child welfare, mental health, economic support and juvenile justice.”

 

Programs included in the new agency will include:

  • Adult protective services
  • Adult behavioral health
  • Long-term services and supports
  • Economic supports
  • Employment supports
  • Children’s mental-health supports
  • Child protective services
  • Juvenile justice and crossover youth
  • Foster care
  • Prevention
  • Licensing, credentialing, survey and certification
  • Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex
  • Larned State Hospital
  • Parsons State Hospital
  • Osawatomie State Hospital
  • Kansas Neurological Institute

 

Governor Kelly recognizes juvenile justice reform has resulted in a reduced need for incarceration while at the same time improving county community corrections case management. Including juvenile services in the new agency continues the improvement process.

 

“Given the needs of families for community collaboration and overlap, it makes sense to organize juvenile services and child welfare resources under one agency,” Kelly said.

 

“This is not going to be business as usual,” Howard said. “This combination of services gives us an opportunity to think differently about service delivery. We want Kansans to have seamless access to programs and services that will allow them to thrive. KDHS will be known for its innovation and willingness to work with community partners.”

 

“Secretary Howard is the perfect person to lead the new agency,” Kelly said. “I am confident that she has the vision and experience to launch an organization of this magnitude and ensure that all Kansans are well served by a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.”

 

Governor Kelly will submit the ERO to the legislature within the first 30 days of session. The ERO becomes effective on July 1, following its transmittal to the Legislature, unless either the Senate or the House takes action on the ERO within 60 calendar days after submission.