The 2022 legislative session is quickly coming to a close. Last week was turnaround, considered the halfway point of session. However, it is not the same amount of time to complete the “second half” of session. The first half is about 1.5 months, while the second half is less than 4 week. We have about two weeks for committee meetings and then a few full days on the floor to work bills.
There are still some major issues to tackle – redistricting maps, a budget, election security, health freedom, and hopefully tax cuts, including sales tax on food. With so many important issues to be finished, the next few weeks will be extremely busy.
There were a few bills debated on the floor, but no final action was taken during the week.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that applications are currently being accepted for the Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP). CSP provides an opportunity for private, non-profit organizations and public health care entities to improve their ability to undertake major capital campaigns for projects involving children and family services, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship and youth technical training and health care.
“The Community Service Tax Credit program is an incredible opportunity for nonprofit organizations to create lasting, meaningful changes for people across Kansas,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “These tax credits will foster local solutions to local challenges, and they will help improve the quality of life for Kansans now and into the future.”
Under this program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors making contributions towards approved projects. Proposed projects should be unique or one-time in nature and create a lasting value for charitable organizations. For example, projects might include a capital campaign, major equipment purchase, major renovation, capacity building, etc.
Since 2019, CSP has earmarked $1 million for childcare and early childhood development projects for services to those under the age of 5.
“These tax credits help local nonprofit and healthcare organizations streamline their fundraising efforts, to more effectively improve the health and economic wellbeing of Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “We’re asking Kansans to tell us about their initiatives, and if they are a good fit for the CSP program, we will provide a significant resource to help bring these projects to fruition across Kansas.”
Applicants may request up to $200,000 in tax credits. Applicant organizations in rural areas (less than 15,000 population) are eligible for a 70 percent credit. Applicant organizations in non-rural areas are eligible for a 50 percent credit. The application window is open through April 30, 2022 at kansascommerce.gov/csp.
CSP is administered by the Community Development Division of the Department of Commerce. More information on the program, guidelines, and application process may be found online here.
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 in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’sGovernor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’sGold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’sBest Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
June 3-18, 2022
TOPEKA— The Kansas Historical Society and the Kansas Anthropological Association announced that registration is now open for the Kansas Archeology Training Program (KATP), which will be held at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, in Topeka, June 3-18, 2022. The public can register online through kshs.org through May 31, 2022. Participation is limited per day and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
The annual field school will partner with the park and the National Park Service’s Midwest Archeological Center (MWAC). The park includes the Monroe Elementary School and commemorates the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end the nation’s legal segregation. This landmark victory for civil rights in America helped inspire the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Monroe Elementary School was built in 1927; the previous Monroe School was built in 1874. Both were intended as segregated schools for Black children, which provide a broader historical context to the location prior to the 1954 court decision.
The goal of this year’s field school is to expand knowledge of the school property from the early years when it was purchased by John Ritchie in 1855 and later when the current Monroe Elementary School was built. This will be an opportunity to explore structures buried on the property that once stood near the earlier Monroe School. Little is known regarding the preservation of these structures. Through archeology better understanding can be gained about those who lived in the school neighborhood. This project will help tell of the crucial time between the Civil War and the Civil Rights era, which profoundly impacted people’s lives throughout the nation. Research goals will be shaped by input from the National Park Service to assist in telling this story and gaining more understanding about the surrounding community.
The annual field school is an opportunity for the public to work alongside professional and avocational archeologists in finding and excavating archeological sites and processing the resulting artifacts. This year’s artifacts found at the site will be processed in the Kansas Historical Society’s archeology laboratory. No experience is necessary—just a desire to learn. Volunteers can attend a few days or the entire field school. Participants must be at least 12 years old, and children aged 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or sponsor.
The registration fee for members of the Kansas Historical Society and the Kansas Anthropological Association is $35 for standard participants, $25 for participants 65 or older, and $15 for all students currently enrolled at a middle school, high school, or college. For individuals that are not members of either organization, the fee is $90.
A full schedule of evening programs will be held in Topeka; a tentative schedule will be posted online. Admission to the programs is free and open to the public. Please note, the field school is closed on Mondays (June 6 and June 13), which is a great opportunity for participants to explore the area. There is potential for other scheduled programming on these days.
Sens. Moran, Marshall Call for Vladimir Putin to Be Held Accountable for War Crimes
WASHINGTON – Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and 16 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution calling for Vladimir Putin and members of his regime to be held accountable for the numerous acts of war, aggression and human rights abuses that have been conducted under his command.
“The appalling attacks on civilians in Ukraine are the latest in a long line of Vladimir Putin’s unjustifiable orders,” said Sen. Moran. “From indiscriminate bombings in Chechnya and Syria to targeted assassinations in London and Berlin, Vladimir Putin and those who obey his commands are not just thugs, they are war criminals. The United States and international community should hold them accountable.”
“Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has caused widespread destruction and substantial loss of life,” said Sen. Marshall. “The United States must stand with the people of Ukraine and hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his war crimes against innocent civilians.”
The Senate resolution:
Strongly condemns the ongoing violence, war crimes, crimes against humanity and systematic human rights abuses continually being carried out by the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies and President Putin’s military commanders, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin.
Encourages nations to take any and all action to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies, and President Putin’s military commanders, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin.
Supports any investigation into war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses levied by President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Security Council, the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies, and President Putin’s military commanders.
Encourages the United States Government and partner nations to use its voice, vote, and influence in international institutions in which they are members to hold President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Security Council, the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies and President Putin’s military commanders accountable for their sponsorship of ongoing violence, war crimes, crimes against humanity and systematic human rights abuses.
The resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Angus King (I-Maine), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
There will be a meeting of the Fort Scott Land Bank held on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public.
This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 8, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• 2022 Noxious Weed Management Plan
• 2022 Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report
• Mowing & Snow Removal Bids
• Discussion of Liquor Sales in the County
• Lora Holdridge – Discussion of 17 County Meeting (Date to be determined)
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Monday, March 7th, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session regarding licensing.
The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has begun the renovation of the old Price Chopper store at 2322 S. Main, which will be fully operational by December 31, 2022.
“We have completed the interior design of our new clinic in the Price Chopper building and renovation started,” CHC/SEK Cheif Executive Officer Krista Postai, said.
Krista Postai, President and CEO of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. Submitted photo.A graphic floor plan of the new CHC/SEK Fort Scott Clinic. Submitted.
Postai sent a graphic on the reconfigured building and explained the color designations.
In the above graphic the entrance is shaded pink, with the CHC Walk-In Care area in the space where the Price Chopper Donut Shop was, she said. Walk-In Care has its own entrance and waiting area.
Behind the walk-in area is the Wellness Center, which will have offices for staff including a chiropractor.
“That space will also have a shower,” Postai said. “Walk-In staff will also be able to exit the building for drive-in testing and vaccinations with dedicated parking for this purpose, should it still be needed in the future.”
“The main entrance will remain where it currently is with a spacious waiting area with a receptionist and check-in area,” Postai said. “The lab (blue shaded area on the graphic) is immediately inside next to the entrance for those coming in just for lab work.”
“The yellow space will be dedicated to the imaging ( department), including our new 64-slice CT Scanner, 3-D mammography, ultrasound and x-ray,” Postai said. “Our bone density unit will also be housed here. Centrally located it will be easily accessible from Walk-In Care, as well as the main medical clinic, which is the lighter purple shaded area in the graphic. This portion is laid out in pods with exam rooms plus a nursing station for each. There is space for current staff, plus extra pods have been created for the recruitment of additional medical providers.”
The pharmacy (at the bottom) – will have a large space for over-the-counter items and a drive-through. It will be accessible from the lobby and from an exterior entrance.
“The green area off the lobby will be dedicated to behavioral health services and the blue area behind that for telemedicine/specialty services.”
“To the far right (in light blue) is the back of the building which includes the staff entrance, break room, administrative offices, conference and classrooms, which will be available to Fort Scott Community College Nursing Students, and storage space,” she said.
“While this is our design, it may be modified as we go if we encounter something unexpected which almost always happens during renovation,” Postai said.
The renovation of the building is still on schedule and is expected to be fully operational by December 31, 2022, she said.
“The estimated cost of the project is $8 million, including the building, which CHC/SEK is funding itself,” Postai said. “A portion of the equipment has been purchased with American Rescue Act funds which CHC/SEK received in 2021. This is the single largest investment in our history which we feel is critical to adequately handle the needs of our Bourbon County patients.”
The new clinic will be in the former Price Chopper building that left the building empty after a year’s business in Fort Scott failed to produce the income needed to sustain it.
Renovation began Feb. 2022 on the future CHC/SEK Fort Scott Clinic in the former Price Chopper building on South Main Street.
On Feb. 23 there were several work crews inside the building at 2322 S. Main.
Jason Nutter, president of Nutter Electric, one of the crews, said his workers were “doing some demo work. Some electric stuff is being disconnected in preparation for walls being built.”
He said his crew will be there for approximately two weeks.
Others working simultaneously are framers, plumber and heating/ventilation/airconditioning crews, he said.
All together Nutter estimated about 16 people were working inside the building that day.
Wound Care Clinic Will Open In March
“The Wound Care Clinic is opening later this month in Ft. Scott,” Postai said. “We are pleased we could bring this service back.”
The current location of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
About CHC/SEK Fort Scott
CHC/SEK Fort Scott provides healthcare to anyone, regardless of their insurance or financial circumstance, according to information received from CHC.
In 2021 they had 71,000 patient visits in their Fort Scott clinics, have provided 1,400 mammograms, filled 57,700 prescriptions, given 8,769 COVID-19 tests and 7,972 COVID-19 vaccines.
They are investing $8 million dollars to create a modern clinic for everyone in Fort Scott.
More than 100 people are employed who live and work in Bourbon County, and have invested $6.3 million in the community in 2021.
Senate PASSES Marshall’s Resolution to End COVID State of Emergency
(Washington, D.C., March 3, 2022) – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted 48-47 in favor of his legislation to end the COVID-19 national state of emergency currently in effect under the National Emergencies Act (NEA). Despite all scientific advances and our possession of a much greater understanding of COVID, President Joe Biden stealthily extended the national emergency declaration two weeks ago. You may click HERE or on the image below to watch Senator Marshall’s speech.
“After nearly two years of living under this state of emergency, the American people are worn out and yearning to breathe free; they long for their God-given freedoms, and for leaders to take their side. There is no doubt, it’s time for our nation to learn to live with COVID,” said Senator Marshall. “I am proud my colleagues came together to repeal this emergency declaration and delivered a symbolic victory to our citizens that normalcy is around the corner and that limited government and our constitutional rights still reign supreme. It’s high time to stop talking about restrictions and the unknown. We must chart a new course to victory today that respects the virus and our freedoms.”
PASSED: Sen. Marshall Resolution to Block Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Workers
(Washington, D.C., March 2, 2022) – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed his legislation to halt President Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. Senator Marshall delivered remarks on the Senate floor prior to the vote. You may click HERE or on the image below to view the Senator’s speech.
“Make no mistake, this federal vaccine mandate is not about public health or science – it’s about Joe Biden fulfilling his desire to control every aspect of our lives, and it’s a slap in the face to the hard-working men and women who never took a day off on the frontline fight against COVID-19,” said Senator Marshall. “Today is a huge victory for all the healthcare workers who ran to the sound of the COVID battle as Senate Republicans joined forces taking us one step closer to invalidating President Biden’s overreaching and harmful CMS vaccine mandate. These workers are the true heroes of the pandemic and deserve our best fight and utmost respect.”
You may click HERE to view Senator Marshall’s remarks as prepared.
Background:
Senator Marshall’s resolution stops the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for virtually all healthcare employees and prevents any similar rule from being proposed in the future. The resolution now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives. Companion legislation was introduced by Representatives Jeff Duncan (SC) and has the support from over 168 members.
President Biden’s mandate would exacerbate staffing shortages and impose burdensome costs at health care facilities. According to CMS, the unfunded mandate will cost over $158 million to health care facilities to implement. For nursing homes and rural health providers, which already face staff shortages, losing even one percent of staff is catastrophic in their field. These providers would be forced to limit available services or close their doors for not meeting minimum staffing requirements. The rule also does not take into account infection-acquired immunity or the fact that vaccines do not prevent the transmission of the now dominant Omicron variant.
The CMS vaccine mandate was previously prohibited from taking effect by two federal courts in Louisiana and Missouri. While the Supreme Court ruled in January that the CMS has the statutory authority to impose conditions upon health care facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid, it harms access to care for rural and underserved communities. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and nine other Attorneys General have asked a separate federal court to reopen litigation to lift the stay on further district proceedings.
The Congressional Review Act is a legal tool whereby Congress can overturn rules issued by federal agencies, once it has been properly noticed. “Proper notice” occurs once a regulation is printed in the Federal Register and received by the Clerks of the House and Senate. The CMS vaccine mandate regulation was printed in the Federal Register on November 5, 2021. With more than 36 original cosponsors, the resolution received privilege in the Senate and allowed the body to vote on it.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces February Total Tax Collections Continue to Exceed Estimates
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that total tax collections for February were $502.5 million. That is $18.7 million, or 3.9%, more than the February estimate. Those collections are also $46.6 million, or 10.2%, more than February 2021.
“My administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy, and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I urge the Legislature to work together to send me a clean bill eliminating the state’s tax on food immediately, so that we can put this money back into the pockets of Kansas taxpayers.”
Individual income tax collections were $183.4 million in February. That is $6.6 million, or 3.5%, below the estimate. However, it is important to note that income tax refunds are being issued much quicker than in prior years. There have been 15,000 more refunds sent out in February 2022 compared to February 2021. The increase in refunds total $21.0 million more paid out in February compared to the same month of 2021.
“The positive trend in tax receipts continues with all of the major tax types, individual income tax, corporate income tax, retailer’s sales tax, and compensating use tax, performing well. But for the larger number of refunds issued in February, individual income tax receipts also would have surpassed the February estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “We are pleased to be able to get individual income tax refunds paid more quickly and into the accounts of taxpayers.”
So far, nearly 281,000 refunds, totaling $147.0 million, have been paid out this filing season. Refunds for electronically filed returns can be expected to be deposited in taxpayers’ bank accounts in 4-7 days, with some deposits occurring in as little as three days.
Corporate income tax collections were $23.4 million, which is $12.4 million, or 112.8%, more than the February 2022 estimate. Those collections are $15.2 million, or 186.3% more than February 2021, reflecting substantial corporate profits.
Retail sales tax collections were $195.2 million, which is $5.2 million, or 2.8% more than the estimate. Those collections are also $16.0 million, or 8.9%, greater than February 2021. Compensating use tax collections were $59.4 million, which is $4.4 million, or 8.0%, more than the estimate. Those collections were $20.7 million, or 53.7%, more than February 2021.
Fort Scott Airport is the recipient of a Kansas Department of Transportation managed grant to help safeguard and secure the airport.
Thirty-six projects were selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for the purpose of planning, constructing or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports, according to a Kansas Department of Transportation press release. Fort Scott was one.
Seth Simpson, Fort Scott City Airport Manager.
“The grant will be to replace a gate and install an electric keypad,” Seth Simpson, airport manager, said. “This is the east side gate, near the fuel tanks.”
“The benefit to the public is less potential for loss, due to damage or theft or wildlife damage,” Simpson said. “The benefit to the airport is security and safety.”
Taken from airnav.com
On the horizon for the airport is runway resurfacing.
“On April 1, we will be applying for the grant to resurface,” Simpson said. “The FDA already officially, unofficially approved it.”
“Every so many years you have to resurface to maintain the runway, just like a highway,” he said.
There are currently two employees at the airport, Simpson and Bryan Matkin, a maintenance technician, he said.
Twenty-one airplanes are housed at the airport whose owners are from Fort Scott and surrounding areas.
The City of Fort Scott owns the airport, which is located four miles from the city. The phone number is 620-223-5490.
Taken from airnav.com
About KAIP
KAIP receives $5 million annually through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE, and requires airport sponsors to share in the project costs by paying between 5% and 50% of the total project. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, which manages the program, considered 145 project applications this year with a combined total project value of over $78 million.
“The aviation industry brings $20.6 billion in total economic impact to the State of Kansas,” said KDOT Director of Aviation Bob Brock. “The KAIP program helps this important industry remain a vital part of the Kansas economy. That translates into jobs and quality of life for the residents of Kansas.”
The selection board identified $4,968,161 in projects to address the most impactful airport improvements across the state. Please direct any questions to [email protected].
