Category Archives: Government

Government

US Representative Derek Schmidt Newsletter

1 Comment
Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

Our extended District Work Period is in full swing. I was home in Kansas last week, speaking with the folks I’m blessed to represent across the Second District.

Removing Big Government from Kansans’ Lives

I’ve repeatedly cited the Congressional Review Act (CRA) as an incredibly important tool to remove the intrusion of big government from Kansans’ lives. The CRA allows Congress to remove any federal rule within 60 legislative days of its enactment, a period known as the “CRA lookback window.” After a disapproval resolution is introduced, it must be approved by both chambers of Congress before being signed by the President.

 

Earlier this year, I introduced the Congressional Review Reform Act (CRRA). My legislation would eliminate the CRA’s 60 legislative day lookback period, allowing Congress to disapprove of any federal agency rule, regardless of when it was implemented.

 

Last week, Nick Clifford of the Pacific Legal Foundation – a group who “defends Americans’ liberties against government overreach and abuse” – penned an excellent op-ed in support of my legislation.

As Mr. Clifford aptly points out, there are several major issues with the CRA in its current form. First, it’s confusing: “experts struggle to pinpoint exactly when it opens and closes, since it’s determined by congressional parliamentarians.” The Biden Administration issued a staggering 1,406 federal agency rules from August 16, 2024-January 20, 2025. Moving the start of the looback period up or back by just one day could have MASSIVE implications on Congress’s ability to provide an important check on the Executive’s power.

 

Second, using the CRA is often difficult because it requires a Presidential signature to take effect. If Congress holds differing beliefs from the President, it “can only effectively disapprove of executive actions with a veto-proof majority.” In today’s political climate, achieving a 2/3 majority in both chambers is incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Congress should have lawmaking power regardless of who lives in the White House.

 

Since its creation in 1996, the CRA has only been used to overturn 36 rules. In that time period, the number of pages in the Federal Register has increased by roughly 40,000. Congress has Article I power and obligation to make federal laws; it should not be this difficult for us to overturn regulations imposed by unelected bureaucrats. My legislation would provide an important fix for these issues and return lawmaking power to where it belongs: the people.

The Wall That Heals

This past week, the Wall that Heals visited the Second District. The Wall is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, that bears the name of nearly 60,000 heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice or were reported missing during the conflict, including hundreds of Kansans. I had the opportunity to visit on Thursday.

The Wall is a solemn reminder that freedom isn’t free. It’s also a call to action for those in government to ensure our nation is honoring its promises to those who’ve served. We remain committed to keeping those promises; in fact, the House recently advanced the annual appropriations bill that provides funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our legislation makes historic investments in veterans’ care by increasing funding levels from fiscal year 2025, ensuring former servicemembers have access to the full scope of benefits they’ve earned.

 

Thank you to all those in Kansas and across our great country who have answered the call to defend our nation. We owe you a debt of gratitude we will never be able to repay.

Supporting Kansas Farmers & Ranchers

The “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” contains huge wins for farmers and ranchers across Kansas. The version of the bill signed into law by President Trump improves crop insurance affordability, strengthens farm safety net programs, protects America’s farmers from foreign competition, and roots out waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

 

Though Congress delivered wins to our farmers before leaving for our extended district work period, we MUST pass the long overdue Farm Bill when we return to Washington. I recently joined KVOE to discuss how important it is to enact this legislation and what I hope to see included.

I truly believe there’s a large appetite for a bipartisan farm bill on Capitol Hill. Everyone recognizes how important it is to provide long-term stability to our nation’s agricultural producers. As my colleagues and I work to provide our farmers and ranchers with increased foreign market access, we must ensure they have the resources they need to succeed at home. Simply kicking the can down the road – which Congress has done for years – doesn’t cut it. I’m committed to passing a comprehensive package that ensures those who feed, clothe, and fuel our country can achieve both short- and long-term success.

Summer Interns

Thank you to Jackson, Fayaz, and Halle, who recently completed their internships with my office!

All three of these Kansans worked hard to provide the people of the Second District with excellent service all summer. I’m truly grateful for their dedication; they certainly have bright futures ahead of them!

 

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for an internship in my office, please click here.

Though it often seems like there’s a lot going on – and there is – I’d ask you to remember this: your representatives in government – including myself – are working hard to enact the changes you expect us to. Progress can seem slow at times, but I truly feel we’re well on our way to righting the ship and restoring our nation’s greatness.

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 an incredible 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
 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda For the FS City Commission on August 19

2 Comments

    NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

August 19, 2025  –  6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.     Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1390-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of July 23, 2025 – August 12, 2025 – $662,802.14
  4. Approval of Minutes: Special Meeting of July 30, 2025; Special Meeting of August 4, 2025; and Regular Meeting of August 5, 2025.
  5. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18159 – 21-303 – Davis Lift Station – Addendum No. 4 ($11,600.00) and Addendum No. 5 ($18,600.00) – Total $30,3200.00
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18141 – EEI No. 25-12 – East National Project Phase I – Survey 100% ($6,400.00) and Preliminary Design 12.5% ($12,937.50) – Total $19,337.50
  7. Request to Pay – Cardinal Sitework – Application for Payment No. 2 (FINAL) – Charles Street Lift Station EEI No. 24-003B – $3,587.45
  8. July Financials

 

  1. Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

  1. Rachel Carpenter – Tourism Report
  2. Thomas Metcalf Jr. – 3rd Annual Sons of American Legion Car Show – August 30, 2025 – Request for Temporary Street Closure – National Ave. between Oak St. and Pine St.

 

VIII.   Unfinished Business

Public Hearing:

  1. Planning Commission Case No. 1052 – Conditional Use Permit – 2400 S. Main – Amazon Storage Unit – Recommended by Planning Commission on July 9, 2025 – Tabled from August 5, 2025
  2. Vacation of Alley – Lewis Nihiser – Revisit requested by City Commission

 

Action Items:

  1. A. Consideration of Appointment of (1) Member for FSHPRC – Tabled from August 5,

2025  – L. Dillon

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2025 RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 121 S. MARGRAVE – Tabled from April 15, 2025

 

  1. New Business
  2. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – Gordon Parks Mural at Main & Wall (Wilder House Building) – Approved by Design Review Board – L. Dillon
  1. Consideration of Fort Scott Developer Partnership Incentive Package 2026 – L. Dillon
  2. Consideration of Sales Tax Ballot Question – B. Matkin
  3. Discussion with Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Requested by M. Wells

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. Adjourn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

USD235 New Teachers, Goals, and Construction Projects in 2025

Leave a comment
Vance Eden from the district’s website.
Students start school in USD235, Uniontown, on August 20.
“We anticipate enrollment numbers being similar to what it was last year,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We frequently see fluctuations in enrollment all the way through the first week of school, though.”
This year, there is a new athletic director/assistant principal, Megan Mason.
Additionally, the following new teachers are: Aidan Abandon, high school history; Jennifer Ziegler, high school English; Cole Criss, junior/senior high physical education; Lauren Shinn, 6th grade; and Dallas Masoner, 6th grade.
The teachers in new assignments this year are Jenny Covey, 3rd grade; Rose Gauthier, 2nd grade; and Haley Troutman, Kindergarten.
“The kindergarten through 8th grade have new math resources this year, and there is a sprinkling of new supplementary materials throughout the district,” Eden said.
“A noteworthy item, the new ag shop will provide students with a better learning and shop space,” Eden said. “We are excited for what this can mean for the (agriculture) program.”
“For pre-kindergarten, we opened enrollment to three-year-old students who meet the necessary criteria for participation. We are excited to provide this opportunity to families and those young learners.”
“The district has adopted six goals as part of this year’s strategic plan.  Those include:
  • 1.5-  Conduct a thorough review of literacy and math proficiency rates K-12 to determine successes, trends, and potential gaps.
  • 1.8- Conduct a review of discipline policies and align them and their implementation to district objectives of clarity, consistency, and accountability.
  • 2.3-  Support staff development efforts through shadowing other educators in other districts.
  • 2.8-  Develop additional ways to utilize hands-on and experiential learning opportunities.
  • 3.4-  Develop additional ways to recognize students who are consistently meeting specific expectations.
  • 3.6-  Increase timely, consistent, and effective communication between schools and families. Consider options with apps, newsletters, and additional surveys for input.”
“Aside from that, the district will be completing all of the relevant construction projects related to the passing of the bond  (last year approved by constituents) over the next year. Timelines for those individual projects vary.”
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board of Education Agenda For August 11

Leave a comment

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

August 11, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                                                      David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            4.1       Board Minutes

                                    07-14-25

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – July 18, 2025 –  $1,681,850.38

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       Resolution 25-08 – Remove Bank Signers

4.8       Resolution 25-09 – Add Bank Signers

5.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            5.1       Superintendent’s Report (Destry)  

5.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Zach)

            5.3       Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Terry)

            5.4       Special Education Director’s Report

 

6.0       New Business

6.1       2025-26 High School Handbook (Action) Handbook Edits

6.2       Parent Expectation Policy (Action)

            6.3       2025-2026 Preliminary Budget Report with Needs Assessment (Info only)

6.4       2025-2026 Preliminary Budget Presentation

6.5       Audit Contract with Diehl, Banwart, and Bolton, CPA’s, P.A.  (Action)

6.6       MOU for IT Services between USD 234 and City of Fort Scott (Action)

6.7       All-Weather Track Structural Spray Bids (Action)

6.8       Purchase of Transit Van (Action)

 

7.0       Public Forum

8.0       Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________

8.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

8.2       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

8.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)        

 

9.0       Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Government, Kansas

Today From The Kansas Supreme Court

1 Comment

Today from the Kansas Supreme Court:

Appeal No. 125,999: Sarah E. Tharrett, as Successor Trustee of the Roxine Poznich Revocable Trust v. David T. Everett

 

Summary calendar. No oral argument.

 

The Supreme Court affirmed in part and reversed in part the Court of Appeals judgment that dismissed Everett’s appeal due to acquiescence to the Bourbon County District Court judgment. The Court of Appeals held that Everett had acquiesced to the district court’s closure of the trust by accepting his distribution check. The Court of Appeals further held that it did not have jurisdiction to award Tharrett her attorney fees on appeal based on its reading of Kaelter v. Sokol, 301 Kan. 247, 340 P.3d 1210 (2015). On appeal, Everett argued that the district court judgment was void for lack of due process or that an exception to acquiescence doctrine applied. In a unanimous decision written by Justice Caleb Stegall, the Supreme Court held that when a trust beneficiary accepts the distribution awarded to them, they cannot then take an inconsistent position and challenge the amount distributed on appeal. Furthermore, due process violations do not necessarily void a judgment. Due process violations that completely undermine personal jurisdiction void a judgment, but that situation was not present here. No exception to acquiescence applied. Therefore, the Court of Appeals correctly dismissed the merits for lack of jurisdiction. However, the Supreme Court found there was a live controversy as to fees, so it awarded Tharrett $11,320 in attorney fees.

Appeal Nos. 126,718 and 126,719: In the Interests of K.W.D. and E.L.D., Minor Children

 

Appeal Nos. 126,718 and 126,719 archived oral argument

 

The Leavenworth County District Court terminated Father’s parental rights to two minor children who were adjudicated as children in need of care and remained in state custody for an extended period while Father was incarcerated. The Court of Appeals affirmed on grounds of Father’s unfitness due to incarceration. On review, a majority of the Supreme Court agreed the district court had not erred in terminating Father’s parental rights on this basis. In a decision written by Justice Melissa Standridge, the majority explained that in assessing the likelihood parental unfitness will change in the foreseeable future, the inquiry does not end merely because the underlying condition has a defined endpoint. Rather than simply determining whether the parent will be physically available, the majority held the critical question is whether the parent will be able to care properly for the child in a time frame consistent with the child’s best interests. In dissent, Justices Caleb Stegall and K.J. Wall would find that Father’s parental rights were improperly terminated based on his incarceration since Father had a designated release date and his condition of unfitness was likely to change in the foreseeable future.

This case was argued before the Supreme Court at its April 29, 2025, special session in the Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center in Logan.

 

Appeal No. 127,534: State of Kansas vs. Stanton Holt

 

Appeal No. 127,534 archived oral argument

 

The Supreme Court affirmed the Geary County District Court judgment that denied Holt’s motion for postconviction DNA testing pursuant to K.S.A. 21-2512. Holt was convicted of more than 60 offenses including two counts of first-degree murder following a string of 1993 burglaries. In 2020, Holt motioned for additional testing of blood-stained exhibits. He alleged that new DNA testing techniques could show that the biological material on the exhibits was solely his DNA. However, the district court denied Holt’s motion following an evidentiary hearing because the exhibits had been stored in such a manner that would materially undermine the scientific accuracy of any testing, specifically due to concerns with the chain of evidence, handling of, and the physical condition of the exhibits. In a decision written by Justice Caleb Stegall, a unanimous Court held that additional testing of corrupted exhibits would be inconclusive and any results from additional testing could not be exculpatory, as required by K.S.A. 21-2512(c).

Case No. 128,150: In the Matter of Paul F. Good

 

Case No. 128,150 archived oral argument

 

Good engaged in a series of actions from 2021 through 2023 in which his alcohol use played a role. These actions resulted in law enforcement intervention and several criminal convictions. Disciplinary proceedings were initiated. During the course of those proceedings, he sent a series of emails to the disciplinary administrator and other attorneys containing implicit threats of harm and asserting he was suffering from a terminal illness, which was not true. This conduct, in addition to other violations of disciplinary rules, led the Supreme Court to impose a sanction of indefinite suspension from the practice of law in Kansas.

Case No. 128,447: In the Matter of Thomas C. McDowell

 

Case No. 128,447 archived oral argument

 

The Supreme Court suspended McDowell indefinitely from the practice of law after finding multiple violations of the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct. The Court found that McDowell failed to file a will with the court and upon learning of his omission, proceeded to bully his client into submitting a false affidavit with the court to attempt tardy admission of the will even though that could expose the client to liability. He further engaged in a pattern of conduct to cover up his shortcomings for over four years. This resulted in the client losing approximately $155,000 he would have otherwise inherited from his parents. Furthermore, the client did not pursue a malpractice suit because McDowell did not have malpractice insurance. The Court held that it would consider reinstatement only after McDowell had made full restitution of $155,000 to the client.

Visit our Search Decisions page for published and unpublished decisions from the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

 
url    url    url    url    url

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda Packet for August 12

Leave a comment

City of Uniontown Council Meeting at 7 p.m. on August 12 at City Hall.

 

attachments:

2025 Financials

-July 2026 Budget

AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL:  ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett

 ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

2026 Budget Hearing

 

At 8PM, regardless of where we are in the meeting, Motion by _____________, Second by   __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of July 8, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, July 19, 2025 Special Meeting, July 19, 2025 Budget Worksession, and July 21, 2025 Special Meeting
  2. July Treasurers Report, Profit & Loss by Class Report & August Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Park Food Truck Outlets

 

 

Clerk Report:

Dog complaint on 8/7.  Chased by dog while riding bicycle with her dog.  Wants to know why “everyone” sees dogs running at large but does nothing about it.  Would not give description of dog or location of “attack”.

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant –

 

FEMA Flooding–Had a conference call with FEMA and KDEM on August 6.  Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD on Project Rip Rap (DR4800) has been reviewed and signed

 

Sidewalk – Rogers & Sons started on August 5.

 

Park electric – Completed, smoothed, and seeded.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

Motion by _____________, Second by   __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

 

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

 

Attachments:

07212025 Special Meeting

07192025 Special Meeting

07192025 Budget Worksession

07082025 Regular Minutes

 

Government, Housing

Housing and Urban Development Rules on Tenants Termination

Leave a comment

HUD Final Rule

HUD issued Final Rule in the Federal Register on December 13, 2024, regarding termination of tenancy for non-payment of rent.

Effective January 15, 2025, HUD requires that a 30-day notice to pay be given to the tenant before a judicial eviction is filed due to non-payment of rent. While Kansas law provides for a 3-day notice to pay or quit, the HUD requirement prevails.

In addition, HUD details the requirements of the notice. “All termination notices in cases of failure to pay must include:

 

  • Instructions on how the tenant can cure the nonpayment of rent violation, and include:
  • an itemized amount, separated by month of alleged rent owed by the tenant,
  • any other arrearages allowed by HUD and included in the lease, separated by month,
  • the date by which the tenant must pay the amount of rent owed before an eviction for nonpayment of rent can be filed.”

This means owners may no longer state only the total amount owed but must provide a separate line item for each fee. An example of the itemization follows:
January 2025 – rent $250
January 2025 – late fee $30
February 2025 – rent $350
February 2025 – late fee $30
February 2025 – Repayment agreement $50
Total balance due $710
The 20th annual Kansas Housing Conference will take place this Oct. 27-29 at the

Overland Park Convention Center. This year’s event brings together housing professionals from across the state and region to network, learn, and explore the latest trends and innovations in affordable housing.

Sponsor + Exhibitor registration is open, but space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

The conference hotel room block is open! Reserve your at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel today! Our hotel block fills up quickly. We will share more information about overflow hotel booking as the Sheraton room block nears capacity. Unused rooms will be released on Oct. 6, 2025.

COMING SOON!

  • General registration opens; conference agenda released | mid-August 2025

Make sure you are subscribed to the conference mailing list for all the latest updates.
Questions? Contact conference@kshousingcorp.org.

Compliance Session Details

Gary Kirkman of US Housing Consultants will offer the following compliance training sessions for housing administrators Oct. 27-29, listed in the left column below. Attendees of these sessions will be provided with digital training materials.

Brandon Bay of US Housing Consultants will offer NSPIRE training sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 28, listed in the right column below. Attendees of NSPIRE training sessions will be provided with digital training materials that will make the class easy to follow.
Compliance Training

Monday, Oct. 27

2:15-3:45 | HOME Final Rule Summary

Gary Kirkman will delve into providing attendees with a brief overview of the HOME Final Rule. Some of the topics to be discussed will include income determinations, rent compliance, handling over-income tenant households, and what changed under verifications. Gary will conclude the session speaking about tenant protections and selection, which HUD delayed under April 20, 2026.

4:00-5:30 | Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Training

Gary Kirkman will speak on the importance of understanding the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Gary will address where we are today as it relates to VAWA, protections under VAWA, key terms of VAWA you’ll want to remember, bifurcation process, and notification of occupancy rights. This session is vital to anyone working with applicants and tenants who have the ability to come in contact with those seeking protections under the law.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

9:00-10:30 | Calculating Income under HOTMA

Gary Kirkman will address how we calculate income to determine eligibility under HOTMA. Some of the topics to be discussed will include the Safe Harbor Income Determination, De Minimis Errors, Child Support/Alimony under HOTMA, student financial assistance for both Section 8 and non-Section 8 recipients, and the handling of in-kind benefits, when applicable. This session is a layered programs training and geared to those who will be determining a household’s eligibility.

10:45-12:15 | Calculating Assets Under HOTMA (Part 1)

Gary Kirkman will address how HOTMA changed the way we handle assets when determining a household’s eligibility. HUD recognizes that all assets fall into two categories, either personal property or real property, but how will that affect what we count as income, when do we need to impute, or how this affects the Asset Threshold (which can change each and every year). Gary will train to assist those working in the industry to determine eligibility for households to leave with a clearer understanding of the ins and outs of HOTMA assets!

2:00-3:30 | Calculating Assets Under HOTMA (Part 2)

Gary Kirkman will address how HOTMA changed the way we handle assets when determining a household’s eligibility. HUD recognizes that all assets fall into two categories, either personal property or real property, but how will that affect what we count as income, when do we need to impute, or how this affects the Asset Threshold (which can change each and every year). Gary will train to assist those working in the industry to determine eligibility for households to leave with a clearer understanding of the ins and outs of HOTMA assets!

3:45-5:15 Conducting Annuals & Interims under HOTMA

Gary Kirkman will tackle the complexity of conducting Annual and Interim Recertifications which changed under HOTMA. Gary will address how income should be calculated for recertifications, when you will be required to conduct interims, and speak about HUD’s non-interim transactions. This session is designed for those working HUD multifamily housing projects and will serve as a review of how HUD looks to see certifications processed for the tenants we serve at our properties.

Wednesday, Oct. 29

9:30-11:00 | Handling Student Eligibility

Gary Kirkman will review student eligibility requirements for our common affordable housing programs (e.g., LIHTC, HUD, Rural Development and HOME). Each of the programs has their own student requirements in order for a household to be eligible for housing, but what happens when management has layered funding at a property? Does one student rule outweigh another’s student requirements? This session will help clear up some of the questions an attendee may have to whether a student reside in a unit or not and be eligible.

11:15-12:45 | The Average income Test Refresher

Gary Kirkman will speak about the Average Income Test (AIT) and the requirements we have to remember when working on those projects where the owner made this very important Minimum Set-Aside MSA) election. Gary will review the two-point test owners/agents have to remember to satisfy AIT, speak about the grouping of units when determining AIT and the Applicable Fraction, and discuss the importance of AIT as it relates to handling non-compliances. This session is designed to be a refresher in this MSA and for those curious to see how units can affect the owner’s ability to claim credits.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 | NSPIRE Training

9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | NSPIRE Chapter 1 Review

This first 90-minute segment includes a breakdown of the origins of NSPIRE, and the differences between UPCS, HQS, and NSPIRE. This includes the breakdown of the new severity ratings; the new pass or fail rating; the applicability of the rules for HCV, PBV, HUD CPD programs; and REAC agency inspections from Multifamily Section 8, Public Housing, and LIHTC. The course then reviews the procedures required to close out findings in REAC’s new online system after REAC Inspection, and the expectations of closeout procedures. We will then discuss new procedures for REAC appeals, consequences for non-compliance, and new oversight processes from both HUD and REAC.

10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | NSPRIE Chapters 2-4 Review

This session will review the NSPIRE standards, following manual chapters 2 through 4 as a guide, including: Fire and life safety standards, and kitchen and bathroom standards. We will then cover how to understand the requirements and the underlying codes that many of these standards are based upon.

2:00-3:30 p.m. | NSPIRE Chapters 5-7 Review

This session will review the NSPIRE standards, following manual chapters 5 through 7 as a guide, including: Interior finishes; guardrails and railings; lighting and electrical standards; and windows and doors. We will then cover how to understand the requirements and the underlying codes that many of these standards are based upon.

3:45-5:15 p.m. | NSPIRE Chapters 8-11 Review

This session will review the NSPIRE standards, following manual chapters 8 through 11 as a guide, including: Mechanical standards; hazards; site and grounds standards; and structural issues. We will then cover how to understand the requirements and the underlying codes that many of these standards are based upon.
Brandon Bay, a Pacific Northwest native and father of two girls, has passionately worked in the Affordable Housing Industry in many capacities over the last 10 years. He is eager to use his knowledge and experience to serve the clients and partners of US Housing Consultants. His journey began as an investor in multifamily properties. Shortly thereafter, he began to develop properties and subsequently founded his own real estate investment, development and holding company in Oregon.

During this time, Brandon worked on all areas of Multifamily housing, and often refers to himself as “Maintenance Guy-CEO”, having truly learned to understand and appreciate all the roles involved in operating Affordable Housing. Brandon is an enthusiastic and engaging trainer. His passion for the sharing of knowledge is self-evident in his presentations. He conducts public and private trainings and also delivers information at industry conferences. He offers open forums with positive interaction, and assures attendees, “There is never a question that doesn’t benefit the entire room.”
Mr. Gary Kirkman has acquired over 18 years of valuable leadership experience within the affordable housing industry and now serves as the Director of Compliance Training for US Housing Consultants. Having started in the industry as a Regional Property Manager, Mr. Kirkman managed Rural Development and HUD properties before being promoted to Training Specialist, where he was responsible for overseeing multiple affordable communities while training personnel on the affordable housing programs.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

200 S.W. 6th Avenue | Topeka, KS 66603

[email protected]
Facebook  X  Youtube  LinkedIn
Elections, Government

U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt Weekly Newsletter

Leave a comment
Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

After a busy first half of the legislative year, Congress recently began our annual extended district work period. It has been a productive few months. While we certainly have much more work to do, I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish to date. We’ve had a great first quarter of the 119th Congress, and we’re just getting started.

Lowering Drug Prices

An overwhelming majority of Kansans agree drug prices are too high. For years, foreign countries have benefitted from American ingenuity, capitalizing on our domestic innovation without paying the cost of research & development (R&D). The statistics are staggering: though American patients account for less than 5% of the global population, we fund nearly 75% of global pharmaceutical profits around the world. In 2023 alone, manufacturers invested over $96 billion in R&D, with more than $71 billion coming from the United States.

 

Encouraging continued pharmaceutical R&D investment is critical to achieving medical breakthroughs; however, Kansans shouldn’t have to bear an unfair share of the cost. That why I recently joined my colleagues to encourage United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to take further action to address foreign policies that force the American health care system to subsidize an unfair share of pharmaceutical R&D. We wrote the letter following the establishment of USTR’s commonsense Request for Comments Regarding Foreign Nations Freeloading on American-Financed Innovation initiative, which aims to end years-long practices by foreign nations who benefit from American ingenuity without paying their fair share.

 

President Trump and Ambassador Greer have done an excellent job securing trade deals that protect our domestic industries from foreign competitors while leveling the playing field for American producers and manufacturers in global markets. Foreign countries’ price controls have negatively affected American patients for far too long; I’m optimistic we can finally address this glaring problem and lower prices for patients in Kansas and across the country.

Assisting Kansas Veterans

Last week, President Trump signed the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law. I proudly supported this legislation in the House.

Originally introduced by my colleague Rep. Derrick Van Orden from Wisconsin, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act will provide a critical lifeline to help many veterans facing financial difficulties avoid losing their homes.

 

Kansas is home to nearly 150,000 of our nation’s heroes. Many veterans carry visible and invisible wounds with them for their entire lives, which can make stable employment and income difficult to maintain. This lack of stability unfortunately often leads to a host of problems, including bankruptcy and loss of housing. In fact, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 40,056 veterans are homeless on any given night. That number represents 13% of our country’s adult homeless population.

 

This legislation provides a safety net to our veterans by creating a partial claim program that is in-line with current Federal Housing Administration loan relief programs, with the goal of assisting veterans in avoiding foreclosure on their homes. 3.7 million veterans currently using the VA Home Loan program could benefit from having the safety net created by this bill, should they need it.

 

This legislation is an important step toward achieving President Trump’s goal of ending veteran homelessness. In June, the House took another step toward achieving this goal when we advanced the annual appropriations bill that provides funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction projects. Our legislation makes historic investments in veterans’ care by increasing funding levels from fiscal year 2025, ensuring those who have served have access to the full scope of benefits they’ve earned.

 

Providing adequate benefits for current and former servicemembers in Kansas and across the country will always be one of my top priorities in Congress. I’m proud my colleagues and I were able to pass this legislation, and I look forward to supporting similar legislation in the future.

A Kansas Visitor and Another Telephone Town Hall

Thank you to State Senator Rick and Pennie Kloos for visiting me in Washington recently! Staying connected with our local and state officials is critical to ensuring the federal government remains a good partner to Kansas.

Thank you also to all the Kansans who joined our recent telephone town hall! Speaking directly with Second District residents is critical to ensuring I’m representing you to the best of my ability. If you weren’t able to join us, be sure to keep an eye out for our next one.

Though Congress won’t be in session in August, I’ll still be working every day for the people of our Second District. I look forward to being back home with the people I’m blessed to represent!

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 an incredible 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

KS Tax Collections Up in July

Leave a comment

July Total Tax Collections at $670.2M;
3.3% Above Estimate


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends July 2025 with total tax collections at $670.2 million. That is $21.2 million, or 3.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.5% from July 2024.

“While this month’s tax collections highlight the strength of Kansas’ workforce and economy in the short-term, I remain concerned about the long-term fiscal health of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must stay vigilant and recommit to fiscally responsible budgeting in order to stay out of the red in the coming years.”

Individual income tax collections were $347.5 million. That is $32.5 million, or 10.3% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 12.7% from July 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $18.5 million. That is $16.5 million, or 47.1% below the estimate, and down 46.0% from July 2024.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $291.8 million, which is $2.2 million, or 0.8% below the estimate, and down 4.4% from July 2024.

Click here to view the July 2025 revenue numbers.