Category Archives: Government

Government

USDA Approval of SNAP Soda and Candy Waiver Announced

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Governor Kelly Announces USDA Approval
of SNAP Soda and Candy Waiver


TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Kansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Restriction Waiver.

“Today, Kansas joins 21 other states in implementing restrictions on candy and soda purchases with SNAP dollars,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I have always supported policies that incentivize healthy eating, including axing the state sales tax on food to put more money back in Kansans’ pockets. Going forward, I would encourage the USDA to develop a nationwide eligibility strategy to reduce confusion and uncertainty for retailers and recipients alike.”

The approved waiver, which will go into effect February 15, 2027, will exclude all candy and soda beverages (also known as soft drinks) from the definition of eligible foods under 7 CFR 271.2 for purchase with SNAP benefits. Candy and soda are defined by the state’s food and sales tax laws within the state retailer tax:

  • Candy is defined as a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. Candy does not include any preparation containing flour and shall require no refrigeration.
  • Soft drink beverages are defined as nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. Soft drinks do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes or beverages that are greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

During the approval process USDA recommended an implementation date of February 15, 2027. USDA provided this recommendation based on feedback from retailers in other states that have similar approved waivers and avoids concerns with implementing restrictions over and through the 2026 holiday season.

The Kansas SNAP Food Restriction Waiver is made up of four plans that focus on communicating information to SNAP Food Assistance recipients and authorized retailers, as well as detailed evaluation, monitoring, and compliance plans.

DCF released a request for proposals (RFP) which closed on February 17, 2026. This RFP is to bring on a contracting partner to help DCF manage the implementation plans and process. The proposals received are under review and a contract is expected to be in place by April 2026.

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Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Meets on March 10

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The Uniontown City Council will meet on March 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. at city hall.

Attachments:

02102026 Regular Meeting

ORDINANCE No. 209-Sewer Rates 26

ORDINANCE NO. 208-Water Rates

2026 Sewer Rate Adjustments

2026 Water Rate Adjustment

ORDINANCE NO. 208-Water Rates eff 03262026

ORDINANCE No. 209-Sewer Rates 26

2026 Financials-February

CAll TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL:  ___ Kyle Knight ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett

___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of February 10, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Haley Arnold  

Upcoming Days City Hall Closed

Spring and Fall Citywide Cleanup

Town Wide Garage Sales?

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Knight –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding–

 

 

Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Area News, Government, Kansas

Extension Given to Wild Horse/Burro Program at Hutchinson Correctional Facility

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Kansas Department of Corrections and Bureau of Land Management Announce Extension of Wild Horse and Burro Program at Hutchinson Correctional Facility

~Temporary extension ensures the program remains active through May 31, 2026~

HUTCHINSON, Kansas. – The Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have reached an agreement to extend the Wild Horse and Burro Program at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF). This extension ensures the program remains active through May 31, 2026, while both agencies work toward a long-term contract to secure the program’s future.

The decision directly prevents the immediate closure of a program that has been in operation for over 25 years. By extending the partnership, both agencies are prioritizing the following:

  • Animal Welfare: Approximately 300 wild horses and burros will remain at HCF under the care of experienced handlers, avoiding immediate relocation to long-term holding facilities.
  • Workforce Retention: The extension saves the specialized roles of resident horse handlers, allowing these individuals to continue gaining vocational skills in animal husbandry and training.
  • Program Continuity: The additional time allows both the BLM and KDOC to negotiate sustainable funding and operational model to keep this rehabilitative program active indefinitely.

Since its inception in 2001, the Wild Horse and Burro program at HCF has been a cornerstone of the BLM’s adoption efforts, providing halter and saddle training to wild horses to make them suitable for private ownership. The program also serves a critical role in the rehabilitation of residents, offering emotional growth and professional skills that aid in successful reentry into society.

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Government, Kansas

Community Arts Grant Program Announced

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KAC Grant Applications Now Open to Support Community Arts

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that applications are being accepted for three Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) grant programs that support a wide range of arts and cultural activities across the state.

The grant programs, which are designed to foster community pride, economic growth and cultural heritage, include:

  • General Operating Support Grant: Provides funding for day-to-day operations of established arts organizations
  • Arts Everywhere Grant: Supports specific projects and initiatives and is open to both arts and non-arts organizations
  • Public Art & MuralsGrant: Funds permanent and semi-permanent public art installations

“Communities across Kansas are experiencing the positive impacts that the arts provide — strengthening culture, vibrancy and economic vitality statewide,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kansas Arts Commission will continue to support organizations that are enriching communities, boosting local economies, and connecting Kansans with meaningful arts and cultural experiences.”

KAC has awarded more than 130 grants to organizations in 38 counties this fiscal year — distributing more than $1.25 million to support museums, arts education, music, dance, visual arts, theatre, murals, poetry and more. Award funding is made possible through appropriations by the Kansas Legislature, federal support from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), and fees collected from the Kansas “State of the Arts” license plate program.

“The arts are prevalent across Kansas — across every county and every town, brilliant artists, dedicated organizations, leaders, educators and volunteers are actively bringing vibrancy and creativity to our state,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “We are excited to see what this next round of applications will bring to Kansas.”

Eligible applicants include Kansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of local government (e.g., schools, universities, libraries, art agencies, etc.) and federally recognized tribal communities. All applicants must have at least one fiscal year of completed arts programming.

The deadline for all three KAC grant applications is 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 23. The grant period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and all grants require a one-to-one match. For details, guidelines and eligibility, click here.

Applications must be submitted through the Kansas Commerce online application portal. To apply, click here.

About the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC):

The Kansas Arts Commission stewards the state’s investment in the arts by empowering creativity, fostering innovation, and strengthening the economy to enhance the vitality of every Kansas community. The Kansas Arts Commission is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. To learn more about KAC, click here or contact Ben Stanton at [email protected] or (785) 213-5959.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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March 2

Hello,

Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

U.S. Military Operations in Iran
I am praying for the safety of our military men and women engaged in operations against Iran and who are stationed in the region. My prayers are also with the families of the six American heroes who were killed in action and the troops who were wounded as part of the military operations in the region.

For years, Iran has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, supported proxy militias that undermine regional stability, threatened Israel’s security, and demonstrated ambitions that put American interests at risk.

Our Constitution vests the decision to take our nation to war in Congress. When American forces are engaged or may be further committed, the administration should provide full, timely briefings to Congress so that we can understand the objectives, risks and costs for continued or expanded military action.

Update on ROTOR Act
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass aviation safety legislation that I introduced alongside Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act. The ROTOR Act was introduced six months after the tragic midair collision that occurred over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025, and it included many aviation safety measures that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been recommending for years. This legislation was the result of months of bipartisan negotiations and passed unanimously in the Senate. The final product was supported by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary, the NTSB, the families of the Flight 5342 victims and even the Department of Defense until its last-minute reversal the day before the House was scheduled to vote.

The NTSB’s yearlong investigation found that lives could have been saved on January 29, 2025, if the policies in the ROTOR Act had been in place. The failure to pass this legislation is disappointing, and my thoughts are with the families of the victims who turned their grief into advocacy by championing this legislation. Despite this week’s, I remain committed to working to pass the ROTOR Act and making certain it is signed into law. We cannot afford to delay.

Learning from Veterans at Joint Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing 

On Tuesday, the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs held the first of three yearly joint hearings to hear directly from veterans service organizations (VSOs). During these hearings, the committees received the legislative presentations of Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, Blue Star Families, Vietnam Veterans of America, National Congress of American Indians, Service Women’s Action Network, Gold Star Wives of America and the Black Veterans Project.

Every day, in every state and district, veterans bring a wealth of skills, leadership, experience and values from the military into their communities. It is our responsibility to make certain that federal programs and policies – at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and in every other department and agency – help veterans translate those strengths into long-term stability, health and opportunity. I appreciated hearing from representatives of these eight organizations at this past week’s hearing and visiting with veterans who came all the way from Kansas to attend the hearing, and I look forward to leading the next two hearings later this week to hear more from veterans across the country about the issues that are most important to them.

You can watch my full opening remarks here.

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Good News for KS Ag: Delisting Lesser Prairie-Chicken
I applaud the recent announcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) that it has removed the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), after a federal court ruling. For more than a decade, I have worked to delist the lesser prairie-chicken from the endangered species list. Kansas producers have long been committed to protecting the bird’s habitat through voluntary, locally-driven conservation efforts. In August, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas ruled that the listing should be withdrawn, and FWS is taking steps to reduce burdensome federal regulations that have placed significant strain on Kansas farmers, ranchers and rural communities. I will continue to support these local initiatives to make certain there are voluntary solutions and adequate resources available to protect the lesser prairie-chicken and promote long-term conservation.

You can read more about this from the Hays Post here.

Supporting Modernized and Reliable Weather Forecasting
This week, I introduced the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 with Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to bolster weather forecasting and emergency communications capabilities at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Kansans and Americans, especially farmers and ranchers, rely on access to timely and reliable weather data every day, and this legislation seeks to improve both the accuracy and delivery of that data. This legislation also includes parts of my other legislation, the Federal Operational Resilience in Emergency Conditions and Storm Tracking (FORECAST) Act, which makes certain that NWS offices remain staffed 24/7 to provide lifesaving weather forecasting.

The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 is co-sponsored by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass this legislation.

Reaffirming U.S. Support for Ukraine on 4th Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion
This past Tuesday marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. I spoke on the Senate floor to commemorate the anniversary and reaffirm that the U.S. and allies must remain committed to supporting the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom. Because of the bravery and innovation of the Ukrainians, aided by American and European support, Vladimir Putin’s objective to conquer and control the Ukrainian government remains unobtainable. His war is a strategic failure.

You can watch my full remarks on the Senate floor here.

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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401		 Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789		 Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room 521
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521
Fax: (202) 228-6966		 Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259

Garden City
312 N. 8th Street, Suite B
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025

 Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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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

Government, Kansas

February Total Tax Collections at $506.3M; 10.3% Below Estimate

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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.

Government, Kansas

National Consumer Protection Week March 1-7

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Kobach advises consumers to ‘spot, avoid, and report’ scams during National Consumer Protection Week

TOPEKA – (March 2, 2026) – In observance of National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1–7, 2026, Kansas Attorney General Kobach is joining consumer advocates nationwide to educate and empower citizens to recognize, report, and avoid scams and deceptive business practices.

Scammers are evolving their tactics to utilize artificial intelligence, deep fakes, and sophisticated phishing techniques. Attorney General Kobach is urging the community to remain vigilant. U.S. consumers reported billions in fraud losses last year. Accordingly, consumer protection week serves as a crucial reminder to be aware and practice smart consumer habits.

“Scammers are getting more sophisticated every day, but there are basic steps we can all take to spot fraud and protect ourselves,” Kobach said.

“Consumer protection is an important function of an attorney general’s office, and this week is a great opportunity to learn about the latest scam trends and share tips with family and friends,” said Joseph Sciarrotta, Chief Deputy Attorney General, said.

The Attorney General’s Public Protection Division resolved 4,039 consumer complaints, filed 3,952 new ones, and secured $3,241,320 in settlements for Kansas in 2025. Their efforts protect Kansans from fraud and scams. In his first three years in office, Attorney General Kobach has held businesses large and small to account.

Scams to watch for:

  •  Imposter Scams: Callers posing as government agents or bank fraud departments claiming your account is compromised.
  • Job Scams: Fake job solicitations promising high pay for little work designed to steal personal information or money.
  • -Investment & Romance Scams: Long-term groomingscams, like “pig butchering” where scammers build trust online before luring victims into, often times, fake cryptocurrency investments.
  • Online Shopping & Subscription Traps: Deceptive websites offer “free trials” that become difficult to cancel and lead to unauthorized recurring monthly charges.

Protect yourself:

  • Stop and Think. If a call, text, or email pressures you to act immediately, it’s a scam. Legitimate organizations will not threaten you on the spot.
  • Verify the Source. Never trust caller ID or an incoming text or email alone. Hang up on the caller and contact the company or agency directly using a number you look up yourself, not the one provided in the message. Do the same for an email or text. Go to the legitimate website on your own initiative to verify the inquiry, never click a link in an email or text.
  • Use Secure Payment Methods. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate government or business organizations will not request payment by gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto. Never pay for “free” gifts, prizes, or services either.
  • Guard your Personal Information. Do not share sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank information in response to an unexpected request.

If you suspect a scam or have been targeted, you can contact the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection section at [email protected] or (800) 432-3699. Complaints may also be filed online at www.ag.ks.gov.

 

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Kansas Attorney General’s Office | 120 SW 10th Ave. | Topeka, KS 66612 US
Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Special Meeting Today at Noon.

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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)

 

Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

This week, I was honored to join my colleagues in both chambers of Congress to attend President Trump’s State of the Union address and reflect on the accomplishments his administration and the 119th Congress have completed. While we’ve done great work, there is still much to accomplish and issues that we must tackle in order to provide further stability and assurance to the American people.

On Tuesday, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on the importance of career and technical education (CTE) for the small business workforce. Mike Gibson from Associated General Contractors–Kansas testified before the committee at my invitation about the Build UP Kansas initiative and prioritizing great CTE jobs for the next generation. Thank you, Mike, for your testimony and expertise.

Rep. Derek Schmidt (KS-2) questions witnesses during House Committee on Small Business hearing. 

Also earlier this week, I introduced a bill called the State Partnerships to Enhance Removal of Criminal Aliens Act, which focuses on what most Kansans agree should be the top priority for immigration enforcement – swift deportation of illegal aliens who also commit crimes while present in the United States. The bill would authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into voluntary agreements with state and local prosecutors to represent DHS in removal proceedings before immigration courts, streamlining the process to obtain removal orders for aliens convicted in state courts.

We are roughly two weeks into a partial government shutdown due to a lapse of funding for DHS. In my view, and as I often shared previously, government shutdowns are preventable and unnecessary. It is my hope that congressional Democrats come to the table to fully open DHS and work with congressional leadership to ensure every department in the federal government is fully funded.
Around the District

Enjoyed visiting with Kansans this past week! Thank you to the following for the hospitality and productive discussions:

  • Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth
  • Western Farm Show in Kansas City
  • KCK Fire Department in Kansas City
  • Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka
  • FritoLay in Topeka
  • Brown County Conservation District Annual Dinner in Hiawatha
Kansans in Washington

I also enjoyed meeting with many Kansans during their visits to Washington:

  • Mike Gibson, Associated General Contactors-Kansas
  • John Ford, Riley County Commission
  • Kansas State University
  • Kansas Municipal Utilities
  • Kansas Medical Society
  • National Industries for the Blind
  • Liberty Utilities

Thank you all for stopping by!
Constituent Services

My team stands ready to help Kansans in the Second Congressional District who are dealing with unresolved federal issues. This includes assistance with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, and other federal agencies.

 

If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency and need assistance, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.

 

It’s a tremendous honor to represent our Second Congressional District in Congress!

Sincerely,

Derek Schmidt

Member of Congress

Washington D.C. Office
1223 Longworth

House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Topeka Office

3550 SW 5th St.

Suite B

Topeka, KS 66606

Pittsburg Office

402 North Broadway St.

Suite B

Pittsburg, KS  66762
Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Data Protection Victory in USDA SNAP Data Request

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~~USDA’s New Agreement Protects Kansans’ Personal Information from Foreign Entities, Addresses Concerns with Scope of Data Request~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that her administration has secured an agreement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that protects Kansans’ personal private data from being shared with foreign governments and complies with state and federal privacy laws related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The agreement also ensures that after the data is shared, USDA will cancel its disallowance letter, ending USDA’s efforts to disallow Kansas’ SNAP funds.

“The USDA’s decision to adhere to the DCF’s terms ensures that Kansans’ private, personal information, including full social security numbers, will not be shared with foreign governments,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansas has complied with federal and state laws throughout this entire process and all we have wanted is for the USDA to do the same. In reaching this agreement, we have successfully preserved Kansans’ privacy against the threat posed by the USDA’s initial request that amounted to federal overreach and violation of data protection laws.”

From the onset of the USDA’s far-reaching data request, Governor Kelly and her administration have remained consistent that until concerns about data protection were addressed, Kansas could not legally turn over the data. Now that these concerns have been addressed, data sharing is possible.

The USDA initially demanded that DCF turn over the private, legally protected, personal information of all Kansans and members of their households who have received, or applied for, SNAP benefits in the last 5 years. The USDA’s request included provisions allowing for Kansans’ personal information—which includes full Social Security numbers and dates of birth—to be shared with foreign governments.

After the USDA rejected DCF’s Corrective Action Proposal in response to the data request in September 2025, DCF swiftly filed an appeal with the USDA. The filing of that appeal immediately prevented the USDA from withholding $10.4 million in administrative funding for SNAP. The State of Kansas has not lost any SNAP administrative funding, and the program continues to operate as usual.

DCF has complied with state and federal law at every stage of this process and has maintained the confidentiality of thousands of Kansans whose personal information would be at risk. Protection of this personally identifiable information is legally required by both the Food Nutrition Act (FNA) and the Kansas Cybersecurity Act (KCA).

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Government, Kansas

KS Wildfire Response Efforts

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Governor Kelly Signs Executive Order to
Allow Relief from Transportation Restrictions
for Wildfire Response Efforts


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Executive Order 26-01 to waive certain requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers that are assisting in providing relief from the wildfires impacting parts of Kansas.

“As Kansas communities grapple with the impacts of these damaging wildfires, it’s essential that they have access to additional resources for response and recovery efforts,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In signing this executive order, we’re taking a critical step to facilitate the delivery of hay and other supplies that our farmers and ranchers need for fire suppression and emergency recovery.”

On February 15, 2026, Governor Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster declaration in response to the wildland fires, followed by a written state of disaster declaration signed on February 24. Several large fires have caused extensive damage to Kansans’ property, including agricultural land. The February 15 emergency proclamation waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers under the conditions of providing direct assistance during an emergency for up to 14 days from the date of Governor Kelly’s verbal state of disaster declaration. Executive Order 26-01 waives certain dimension restrictions and permit fees for motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts.

Motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts must still obtain the requisite over-dimension permits as required by the Kansas Department of Transportation, but fees associated with these permits have been temporarily waived. Permits may be obtained here.

Additional information on Executive Order 26-01, including requirements and exemptions for carriers and drivers, can be found here. A copy of the written state of disaster declaration is available here.

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