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.
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.
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 Posthere.
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.
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
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 Veteransproperty 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.
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.
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.
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 AliensAct, 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.
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!
~~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).
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.
TOPEKA – As the agricultural trade landscape continues to be unpredictable and everyday costs high, Governor Laura Kelly urges Congress to take action to authorize year-round E15 sales nationwide. Authorization of year-round E15 sales will create increased domestic demand for Kansas corn and grain sorghum while lowering gas costs for Kansans. Currently eight states have received EPA approval to opt out of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for E10, effectively allowing E15 sales year-round in those states. Governor Kelly released the below statement regarding year-round E15 sales.
“While I have resisted opting out of the EPA waiver for the State of Kansas in favor of following the nationwide emergency waiver for the years of 2022 through 2025, the reliance on the granting of this emergency waiver continues to cause stress on our fuel retailers and agricultural industry.
“Congress can eliminate this patchwork of regulatory relief by implementing a nation-wide solution to this issue and providing regulatory certainty for industry and lower gas prices for Americans. Failure to do so will continue to harm demand for Kansas corn and grain sorghum at a time when supplies are at record levels and prices are depressed.
“Further delay of a national solution to this issue by Congress will cause me to give strong consideration to submitting a request to join the eight other states who have received EPA approval to sell E15 year-round. The deadline to submit this waiver request is April 1, 2026.”
Supreme Court, Court of Appeals now give advance notice of decisions to be released
TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch website has a new feature that gives visitors advance notice of decisions to be released by appellate courts.
The search decisions page at https://searchdro.kscourts.gov/ has two new options: buttons titled Anticipated Decisions and Released Decisions.
Selecting Anticipated Decisions produces a list of case numbers with simple captions and county of origin for both published and unpublished decisions the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals anticipate they will release Friday morning. The anticipated decisions list will be available after 2 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Selecting Released Decisions produces a list of case numbers with simple captions, county of origin, and disposition from both appellate courts. The list will be available after 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
“We’ve heard from lawyers, news reporters, and others how helpful it is to know beforehand when we plan to release a decision,” said Chief Justice Eric Rosen. “These new features are to give notice and make it easier for people to find decisions of interest.”
Rosen clarified it’s always possible a decision will not be released as anticipated and added it should be rare.
The search decisions page allows searching by keyword, date, court, and published or unpublished. Its default display is a list of recent case decisions in chronological order from newest to oldest. It also has a link to another page that lists decisions by court and release date.
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.
Calling on USDA to Support Farmers & Ranchers Impacted by Wildfires
Beginning last Tuesday, wildfires spread up from Oklahoma and across western Kansas, forcing many to evacuate their homes, businesses and communities. Firefighters across the state, including many volunteers, have worked around the clock to put out these prairie fires and protect the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. I’m grateful to these firefighters, the other first responders and the Kansas emergency departments that are currently working to keep Kansans safe.
Our agriculture community in Kansas knows too well the devastation that can occur from natural disasters. After fires ravaged Kansas in 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) strengthened its disaster programs to better assist farmers, ranchers and producers impacted by natural disasters. To make certain these programs are utilized, I led my colleagues, Sen. Roger Marshall (Kan.) and U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01), in urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to take immediate action to support those affected by the wildfires. You can learn more here.
For more information on these recovery resources and others, visit my website here, as well as the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) website here.
USDA Announces Farmer Bridge Payments Enrollment Period
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the opening of enrollment for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program to provide $11 billion in one-time payments to row crop producers. The enrollment period will run from February 23 through April 17, 2026. Producers with eligible commodities who filed their 2025 crop acreage report can access their pre-filled FBA application utilizing their Login.gov account or may request a pre-filled application from their FSA county office. For more information regarding the FBA program, you can visit the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) website here or visit your local FSA office with any additional questions you might have.
Briefing from U.S. European Command & Visiting Kansas Sailors on USS Bulkeley
It was an honor to meet and personally thank the sailors serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the Destroyer USS Bulkeley – including two Kansans, Navy Chaplain Joshua Keatts of Olathe, and Kendal Bebb of Mound Valley. The USS Bulkeley is currently deployed to conduct maritime security and support our NATO partnerships, deterring aggression from Russia, Iran, and other adversaries in the region. Prior to visiting the USS Bulkeley, I was briefed by Four-Star General Grynkewich, the Commanding General of U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe. He briefed us on current activity on the European continent and on our NATO allies’ efforts to meet their defense spending commitments, which contribute to this critical alliance. We also discussed the interconnectivity of the European theater and our nation’s other threats, including Iran. EUCOM has and continues to provide critical security in support of troops, partners, and allies in the European and surrounding theaters. I am grateful to our men and women in uniform for their service to our country and their commitment to protecting freedom.
Applauding Kansas Federal Judicial Nominations
This week, President Trump announced the appointments of Jeffrey Kuhlman, Tony Mattivi and Anthony Powell, dedicated public servants whom I was pleased to recommend to the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. After a lengthy process where I had the opportunity to meet with many qualified candidates who expressed interest in serving on the bench, these individuals stood out for their deep commitment to serving Kansas and our country, pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law. I am grateful for the President’s confidence in these candidates, and I look forward to their confirmation process in the Senate.
You can read more about these three nominees from The Topeka Capital-Journal here.
Securing Federal Resources for Kansas Hospitals
As a senior appropriator, I worked to secure federal resources for Kansas hospitals, including $20 million for The University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS). TUKHS will use these resources to purchase equipment for the new KU Cancer Center building to help fight and cure cancer and help support the expansion of the psychiatric-safe emergency department at the main hospital campus, making upgrades to provide life-saving resources and care for patients in Kansas and the region. You can read more about this investment from the Lawrence Journal-World here.
I also worked to secure more than $7 million in federal support for rural Kansas hospitals and community centers. Rural hospitals and health care providers play a critical role in sustaining communities across our state, with access to quality medical care often being the deciding factor for families determining whether they can remain in the rural communities they call home. These resources will help providers improve patient outcomes, invest in new medical capabilities and strengthen access to care in some of our state’s smallest communities. You can read more about this investment from KSN here.
These investments build on the nearly $222 million that Kansas received this year through the Rural Health Transformation Program, which I worked to establish during the reconciliation process last year. Together, these efforts will make certain hospitals across our state remain strong and able to serve Kansans for years to come.
Supporting Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this week that it would no longer report veterans who are appointed a fiduciary by VA to help manage their financial decisions and VA benefits to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Previously, when VA appointed a fiduciary to a veteran who needed assistance managing their finances and VA benefits, VA reported that veteran to the FBI’s NICS list, effectively stripping them of their Second Amendment right to legally purchase and own a firearm, without any findings by a court of law that the veteran may be a danger to themselves or others.
Since 2024, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and I have worked to secure language in annual appropriations legislation to provide temporary due process protections for veterans and, last year, we introduced legislation to permanently end this wrongful practice. No veteran should be penalized or stripped of their right to legally purchase and own a firearm without due process simply because they sought assistance from VA regarding their finances or earned benefits. I applaud VA for correcting this practice, as it will allow veterans in Kansas and across the country to obtain the necessary and critical help they need to manage their benefits, without jeopardizing their constitutional rights, and I will continue to work toward passage of the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to make certain this breach of due process cannot occur again under any administration.
Commending Retiring Adjutant General of Kansas National Guard
This week, following more than three decades of distinguished service, Major General Michael Venerdi announced his retirement as Adjutant General of the Kansas National Guard. Major General Venerdi has served Kansas, the men and women of the Kansas National Guard and our entire country well during his time as Adjutant General of the Kansas National Guard. Our state has benefited from his steady leadership, integrity and commitment to bolstering readiness and supporting the mission of our Guard members. I’m grateful to Major General Venerdi for his service in our work together on behalf of Kansans, and I congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement. I look forward to working with Brigadier General Paul Schneider as he assumes the role of Adjutant General for Kansas.
Sen. Moran with Major General Venerdi at Kansas National Guard’s new Joint Force Headquarters Ribbon Cutting in May 2025
Supporting Aerospace Innovation
I recently introduced legislation with Sens. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to bolster emerging aviation technologies and American leadership in aerospace innovation. The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update and streamline the type certification process for new aviation technologies – including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft – to make certain that the process is transparent and reliable.
This legislation will build on my bill that was signed into law in 2022, the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which directed the Department of Transportation to establish an AAM interagency working group to plan and coordinate efforts necessary to improving the AAM ecosystem and integrating AAM into the airspace.
Supporting Small Businesses Using AI Rural small businesses face limited resources and workforce shortages, and artificial intelligence (AI) has tremendous potential to fill in the gaps. I introduced legislation with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) that would support small businesses seeking to use AI to meet their needs, expand and innovate. The Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act would authorize the Department of Commerce to work with the Small Business Administration to create and distribute AI training resources and tools to help small businesses leverage AI in their operations. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation.
You can read more about this legislation from KCLY here.
Newman University & GCCC Announce Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree This week, Newman University and Garden City Community College (GCCC) announced a joint partnership to offer a new bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This announcement builds on the strong partnership between Newman University and GCCC, while helping address the critical need for health care professionals in rural Kansas. With the addition of this new program, students in southwest Kansas will have the opportunity to learn the high-demand skills needed to provide quality care to their local communities. Just as importantly, this effort will help to retain Kansas talent and make certain that young students who want to pursue careers in health care can achieve that success right here at home. I look forward to seeing the positive results this program will provide Kansas students when it launches this fall.
You can read more about this announcement from Newman University here.
Remembering Verlin Pfannenstiel I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of my longtime friend Verlin Pfannenstiel. Verlin was a staple in Ellis County who made a difference in the lives of many. From his childhood roots in Munjor to his career as owner of Heartland Building Centers in Hays, Russell and Stockton, Verlin dedicated his life to serving his local communities. He graciously supported his alma mater, Fort Hays University, and served on numerous boards including those of the FHSU Endowment Association, Hays Community Assistance Center and St. Francis Catholic Church of Munjor. Verlin also organized the annual City Wide Festival of Faith and, along with his wife, Elaine, was instrumental in the construction of the new Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas office in Hays.
Verlin’s strong faith, devotion to his family and belief in the good of others were central to his life. I was grateful to call him a friend and for the impact he made on so many lives. He will be deeply missed. My prayers are with Elaine, their children, Christi, Cindy, Russ and Ryan, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
You can learn more about Verlin’s life from the Hays Post here.
Information for Kansans Traveling in Mexico
Due to cartel violence in parts of Mexico, Kansans in the impacted regions should follow travel guidance from the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico which can be found here and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Travel Enrollment Program which can be found here.
Kansans in Mexico who are in need of assistance can also reach out to my office by calling 202-224-6521 or emailing [email protected].
Now Accepting Summer 2026 Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.
Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the Summer 2026 session are due Sunday, March 8. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence.
Now Accepting Summer 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Summer Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 22. You can learn more about the Senate Page program here.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
