Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Design Review Board Vacancy

Leave a comment

Please see the following Board opening:

 

This is for the City of Fort Scott Design Review Board:

 

  • One opening (City resident)

 

The function of the Design Review Board is to review requests for Certificate of Appropriateness in the historic district of our downtown.  They meet on an “as needed” basis.

 

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas  66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.  All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated.  If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected].  Please submit your letter of interest by April 15th, 2022.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Parks Board Committee Vacancy

Leave a comment

Please see the following Board opening:

 

This is for the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee:

 

  • One opening (City resident)

 

The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott.

 

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas  66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.  All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated.  If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected].  Please submit your letter of interest by April 15th, 2022.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas shifts from emergency pandemic response to new normal

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Transition to COVID-19 Endemic Response

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced their continued efforts to shift to the next chapter of the COVID-19 response, pivoting from emergency pandemic response to endemic normalcy. On April 1, KDHE will make changes to continue the transition from emergency response to our ‘new normal,’ which includes life with COVID-19—similar to how we deal with other recurring diseases like the flu. Using the lessons learned over the past two years, KDHE will continue to ensure the State is prepared for potential surges or other needs that might arise in the future.

“Kansas is continuing the transition to a new phase of understanding and living with COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We know the pandemic is not over, however we now have the tools and knowledge obtained over the past two years to prevent or reduce the spread of the virus. We are normalizing our COVID-19 response and incorporating these lessons into our larger efforts at improving health outcomes for all Kansans, which includes work on multiple diseases and an awareness of differing risk factors.”

This decision comes as current COVID-19 metrics are moving in the right direction. Over the last two years, KDHE has made significant progress in keeping Kansas communities safe with the help of partners throughout the State: over 7 million tests have been given, over 4 million vaccines have been administered, and over 78% of eligible Kansans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

“In our new normal, we will continue to ensure that Kansans have equitable access to life-saving vaccines, tests, and treatments. This shift does not mean that COVID is over, but rather we are working to manage the disease in a way that allows us to maintain a more normal life that is once again filled with friends, families and other loved ones,” said KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek.

Working with Local Health Departments (LHDs) and stakeholders, KDHE’s endemic plan addresses six key areas that are designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Kansans:

  • Intervention: KDHE will continue to provide comprehensive guidance, while continuing to offer additional assistance to underserved and/or vulnerable populations.
  • Vaccination: KDHE will focus on making sure vulnerable populations have access to the COVID-19 vaccine while existing vaccine providers, including health care providers, pharmacists, hospitals, and LHDs, will continue to serve the broader population.
  • Treatment: KDHE will continue to ensure Kansans will be able to receive COVID-19 treatment across the State, as treatment distribution shifts away from public health entities and back to local health care providers.
  • Testing: KDHE will continue to support access to free testing across the state through community testing sites, LHDs, and K-12 schools as long as federal funding is available. In addition, the federal government provides direct testing support to Federally Qualified Health Centers and pharmacies around the state. To find a free testing location near you, go to knowbeforeyougoKS.com. KDHE testing support for Long Term Care Facilities will be phased out on May 15, 2022, and testing support for employers ends on June 30, 2022.
  • Monitoring: KDHE will continue to monitor data as reported by organizations and facilities across the state to understand the status of COVID-19 and proactively identify at-risk groups. Public reporting will be reduced to once a week.
  • Communications: KDHE will continue to provide essential and accessible COVID information to keep Kansans safe and aware of any subsequent changes to COVID-19 response efforts.

Across each of the above areas, KDHE will remain prepared to ramp up capacity to quickly respond to a surge and keep Kansans safe should the need arise.

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for March15

Leave a comment

March 15, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners, Jim Harris and Lynne Oharah, and the County Clerk present.
Matt Crystal, Don Coffman, Bill Martin, Bobby Reed, Troy Arnold, Clint Walker and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes, Jim seconded, all approved.
Eric Bailey reported no permits this week. We made it through another winter storm.
We are starting today on extending the culvert at 240th & the tracks. MSHAW was here last week and some areas of concern they want us to address and they will be
back in a couple of weeks. We will report back to the commission when we get the final report. Eric requested a budget report. Eric reminded everyone of work session today at 1:00pm. Windmills update: still working on final punch list and may have
that completed this week. Lynne asked that they patch some potholes in front of the Fire Station in Devon. Lynne also reported that there is a need for gravel north of the convenience store in Uniontown. Also, a ditch on Range Rd needing cleaned out. Eric
stated they are in the process of moving equipment to Thomas quarry.
Resolution for Liquor Sales – tabled as Clerk’s office is working on it.
Bobby Reed requested a resolution to allow his office to bill at the maximum billable
amount by State. The charge is for parolees arrested in Bourbon County. Jim made a
motion to adopt resolution 09-22 to allow Corrections to bill for parolees at the
maximum billable amount by State. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks stated he wanted to have an executive session to finish up some
discussion regarding healthcare contract. He suggested waiting until Clifton Beth was
present. Justin stated that he continues to work on the tax sale.
Susan Bancroft stated that there needs to be someone appointed for the Lake
Advisory Board. Susan stated Mark McCoy stated he would be willing to serve on the
board. Jim made a motion to appoint Mark McCoy as a Bourbon County representative
to the Lake Advisory Board. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Public Comment: Clint Walker stated that Public Works is doing a good job putting in
whistles where requested.
Elected Official Comment: No Comment
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Eric to present a culvert permit for
Troy & Jennifer Arnold at 1170 250th St to add a couple of culverts and maybe an extension or two. Lynne made a motion to accept the request for culvert/extension
by Troy & Jennifer Arnold at 1170 250th St. Jim seconded. All approved.
Commission Comment: Lynne issued a reminder that the Commission meeting for
March 22, 2022 will be at 6pm at the City Hall in Uniontown. Jim reminded everyone
of the work session today at 1:00pm. Open to the public. Don Coffman asked if we
test our rock. Jim stated that each quarry has been tested. Don stated we need to
have traffic counts, etc. to prioritize the roads due to increase in price. Jim stated
that they go by traffic count and condition of the road. Jim stated the grid they use
is put out by the University of Wisconsin rated from 1 – 10. Don asked if the property
where the old landfill used to be, be put to walk-in hunting? Jim said he didn’t think
it was ever discussed. Jim stated that we do hay it. Jim stated he would look into it.
Lynne made a motion to adjourn at 9:33am. Jim seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon Cou

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Project On Hwy.69 Gets Bids Approved

Leave a comment

KDOT announces approved March bids
The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place March 16, 2022, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

 District One — Northeast

Johnson ‑ 56‑46 KA‑6246‑01 – U.S. 56, from the start of curbs in west Gardner northeast to N. Sycamore Street, milling and overlay, 0.9 mile, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $423,590.45.

Johnson ‑ 56‑46 KA‑6370‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, ramps at the U.S. 56/I‑35/ W. 175th Street interchange to include unnamed road from southbound ramps to W. 175th Street in Gardner, overlay, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,305,146.60.

Osage ‑ 68‑70 KA‑6328‑01 ‑ K‑68, from the K‑68/K‑268 junction to the Osage/Franklin county line, milling and overlay, 1.0 mile, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $380,333.91.

Shawnee ‑ 70‑89 KA‑1266‑06 ‑ I‑70 Polk/Quincy Viaduct from Topeka Boulevard to Kansas Avenue in Topeka, special, 0.3 mile, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,999,035.00.

Shawnee ‑ 4‑89 KA‑6127‑01 ‑ K‑4, bridge #231 over the Burlington, Northern and Santa Fe Railroad and the Shunganunga Creek located 0.71 mile north of the north U.S. 40/K‑4 junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $606,868.75.

Shawnee ‑ 75‑89 KA‑6128‑01 ‑ U.S. 75, bridges #206 and #207 over Topeka Boulevard (Old Highway 75) located 2.53 miles and 2.54 miles respectively, north of the Osage/Shawnee county line, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $2,549,668.42.

Shawnee ‑ 4‑89 KA‑6244‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the Wabaunsee/Shawnee county line to the K‑4/I‑70 junction, milling and overlay, 12.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,850,806.88.

Shawnee ‑ 24‑89 KA‑6393‑01 ‑ U.S. 24, from 550 feet west of N.W. Rochester Road east to 1,130 feet east of N.W. Rochester Road in Topeka, milling and overlay, 0.3 mile, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,724,304.43.

Wabaunsee ‑ 30‑99 KA‑6245‑01 ‑ K‑30, from the K‑30/I‑70 junction to the city limits of Maple Hill, milling and overlay, 2.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $489,475.17.

Wyandotte ‑ 73‑105 KA‑5498‑01 – U.S. 73, U.S. 73/K‑7 junction and Hollingsworth Road on the Wyandotte/Leavenworth county line, intersection improvement, Miles Excavating, Inc., Basehor, Kansas, $846,304.51.

Wyandotte ‑ 70‑105 KA‑6086‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #152 (over I-635 northbound) located at the I‑70/I‑635 Interchange, bridge redeck, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $6,031,010.26.

Wyandotte ‑ 70‑105 KA‑6369‑01 ‑ I‑70, from S. 78th Street east 4 miles to the west I‑70/ I‑635 interchange approach; from 0.5 mile east of the I‑70 bridge over Kaw Drive east to the west S.18th Street bridge approach; and from the I‑70/I‑670 split east to the west Lewis and Clark Viaduct bridge, milling and overlay, 6.4 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $13,161,769.50.

District Two — North Central

Dickinson ‑ 70‑21 KA‑6406‑01 ‑ I‑70, from approximately 1,843 feet east of the I‑70/K‑206 junction east to the Dickinson/Geary county line, patching and overlay, 2.9 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $1,682,930.05.

Geary – 40B3‑31 KA‑3952‑01 ‑ U.S. 40B3, bridge #035 (over the Union Pacific Railroad and Monroe Street) located approximately 1,214 feet east of U.S. 77B in Junction City, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. & Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $15,957,363.42.

Geary ‑ 70‑31 KA‑6278‑01 ‑ I‑70, from 0.64 mile east of the I‑70/K‑57 junction to the Geary/Riley county line, pavement patching, 15.5 miles, R A Knapp Construction Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, $3,264,702.50.

Saline ‑ 143‑85 KA‑3940‑01 ‑ K‑143, bridge #104 over the Saline River Drainage located 2.62 miles north of I‑70 and bridge #103 over the Saline River Drainage located at the K‑143/E. Granville Road intersection, bridge replacement, L & M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $668,194.00.

District Three — Northwest

Graham ‑ 283‑33 KA‑6418‑01 ‑ U.S. 283, from Prout Street in Hill City to the Graham/Norton county line, milling and overlay, 13.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,612,818.90.

Graham ‑ 24‑33 KA‑6419‑01 ‑ U.S. 24, from the east city limits of Hill City to the U.S. 24/K‑18 junction, milling and overlay, 8.2 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,886,455.12.

Osborne ‑ 181‑71 KA‑3938‑01 ‑ K‑181, bridge #042 over Twin Creek located 6 miles south of U.S. 24, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $1,585,322.53.

Phillips ‑ 36‑74 KA‑6002‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, at 10 locations beginning 0.57 mile east of E. 300 Road east to 0.27 mile east of E. 1000 Road, guard fence, 6.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,727,949.50.

Rooks ‑ 82 K‑1659‑07 ‑ From 1.83 miles south of the U.S. 24/ Webster State Park Road entrance north to the U.S. 24/Webster State Park Road entrance, state park road, 1.8 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $307,770.00.

Rooks ‑ 258‑82 KA‑6379‑01 ‑ K‑258, from beginning of route to end of route at the U.S. 24/K‑258 junction, milling and overlay, 3.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $801,606.50.

Russell ‑ 281‑84 KA‑2370‑03 ‑ U.S. 281, from Land Road north to the U.S. 281/K‑18 junction, grading and surfacing, 12.0 miles, Sporer Land Development Inc., Oakley, Kansas, $35,972,721.00.

District Four — Southeast

Bourbon ‑ 69‑6 KA‑5563‑01 ‑ U.S. 69 and intersection of 3rd, 6th, 12th and 25th Streets in Fort Scott, traffic signals, 2.0 miles, LaForge & Budd Construction Company Inc., Parsons, Kansas, $2,645,573.03.

Chautauqua ‑ 166B‑10 KA‑4997‑01 – U.S. 166B, bridge #009 over Deer Creek, bridge replacement, B & B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $1,173,443.79.

Cherokee ‑ 11 KA‑6371‑01 ‑ U.S. 69 (Military Avenue), from the south city limits of Baxter Springs to the north city limits of Baxter Springs and U.S. 166 (12th Street), from the west city limits of Baxter Springs east to the east city limits of Baxter Springs, milling and overlay, 4.4 miles, Blevins Asphalt Construction Company Inc., Mt. Vernon, Missouri, $1,170,571.38.

Franklin ‑ 68‑30 KA‑6329‑01 ‑ K‑68, from the Franklin/Osage county line to the west city limits of Ottawa, milling and overlay, 12.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,984,272.50.

District Five — South Central

Sedgwick ‑ 87 N‑0717‑01 ‑ Academy Avenue from S. Cathey Street to Maize Road in Maize, grading and surfacing, 0.6 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $6,681,860.00.

District Six — Southwest

Meade ‑ 54‑60 KA‑6130‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, bridges #031 and #032 over Crooked Creek located 6.1 miles and 7.7 miles respectively, northeast of the U.S. 54/ U.S. 160 junction, bridge repair, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $909,070.95.

 

The following project was approved from the Feb. 16, 2022, letting.

Riley ‑ 81 U‑2373‑01 – Marlatt and Northview Elementary Schools in Manhattan, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.3 mile, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. & Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $436,672.15.
COVID-19, Government, Health Care

COVID-19 Second Booster Available

Leave a comment

KDHE Supports FDA and CDC Recommendation for Second Dose of COVID-19 Booster for Certain Individuals

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has authorized the over 2,000 COVID-19 vaccine providers across Kansas to begin offering a second dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 50 and over and certain immunocompromised individuals following authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, CDC recommends adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

These updated recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations, including those who are over the age of 50 with multiple underlying conditions, along with the currently available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness.

The following updates were made to booster shot eligibility.

  • A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 50 years of age and older at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
  • A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 12 years of age and older with certain kinds of immunocompromise at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are people who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.
  • A second booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 4 months after the first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older with the same certain kinds of immunocompromise.

Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all people ages 12 and over. To find a vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov.

###

                              

Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Receives Waste Tire Product Grant

Leave a comment

DHE Announces Recipients of Waste Tire Product Grants
28 grants distributed to recipients across Kansas

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants. These annual waste tire grants are awarded to local municipalities and public and private schools K-12 across the state. The grants totaled $436,172.81 and were awarded to 28 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.

 

  • Cherokee County K-State Research and Extension, Cherokee County
  • City of Burden, Cowley County
  • City of Dighton, Lane County
  • City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County
  • City of Garnett, Anderson County
  • City of Geneseo, Rice County
  • City of Grenola, Elk County
  • City of Harveyville, Wabaunsee County
  • City of Herington, Dickinson County
  • City of Lebanon, Smith County
  • City of Williamsburg, Franklin County
  • Holy Trinity School, Miami County
  • Kansas State School for the Deaf, Johnson County
  • Manhattan Catholic Schools, Riley County
  • Marshall Middle School, Sedgwick County
  • Sacred Heart Elementary, Thomas County
  • Sedgwick County
  • Sedgwick County Extension Education Foundation, Inc., Sedgwick County
  • USD 257 Iola, Allen County
  • USD 274 Oakley Elementary, Logan County
  • USD 289 Wellsville, Franklin County
  • USD 308 Graber Elementary, Reno County
  • USD 311 Pretty Prairie, Reno County
  • USD 367 Sport & Fitness – Ozone, Miami County
  • USD 430 Everest Middle School, Miami County
  • USD 463 Udall Elementary, Cowley County
  • USD 493 Park Elementary, Cherokee County
  • West Elementary School, Sedgwick County

Please visit our website for information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded. https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/700/Waste-Reduction-Public-Education-Gra

Government

Weekly Newsletter of U.S. Senator Jerry Moran

Leave a comment


by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran

 

This Is the Moment for Emergency Global Hunger Programs

Currently 45 million people across 43 countries are on the brink of famine. This week, I spoke on the Senate Floor to bring greater awareness to one of the most pressing consequences coming out of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine: hunger.

Food stability is essential to political stability. Ukraine is a large grain-producing country, not just in wheat, but ranking as a top ten global exporter of corn, sunflower oil and other commodities. As Russia’s tyranny continues, countries around the globe will teeter over the edge, falling further into widespread hunger. As we have seen in the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Afghanistan and the developing crisis caused by this invasion of Ukraine, it is critical to utilize every tool at our disposal to combat this worsening hunger crisis.

As the co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and as a member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Program, the United States should work quickly to provide the necessary commodities through sale or donation to meet countries’ unsatisfied food and commodity needs. This includes releasing the resources within the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust – an emergency international food assistance program to combat global hunger in instances of “exceptional need” – in instances as this one requires. Watch my remarks here or below.

 

Image

 

Read my op-ed discussing food security in The Hill by clicking here.

 

We Must Provide Ukraine with More Timely Security Aid

Human spirit defies all expectations, and the Ukrainian people are a testament to that resilience. Failure in our obligations as a country to assist Ukraine would be immoral, deadly and not in our national interest.

Promised aid means nothing. We must provide Ukraine the resources to not just survive, but to win. Watch my remarks on the U.S. Senate Floor here or below.

 

Image

 

Celebrating National Ag Week & Welcoming Ag Leaders to Washington

Crops don’t grow unless they are sown. To the farmers, ranchers, agriculture workers and all who steward our land and waters, thank you.

Recognizing all you do to feed, fuel and foster the United States and the world this past National Agriculture week.

 

Image

 

4-H Students

Members of 4-H are invested in their communities and represent the future of Kansas. Thanks to Annika of Wamego, Corey of Girard, Sukesh of Kingman, Katrina of Wichita and Jaden of Sylvan Grove for representing our great state and for speaking with me in the Capitol this Ag Week.

 

Image

 

 

Hilmar Cheese
I also met with Hilmar Cheese CEO David Ahlem this week to continue discussions about the company’s plan to build a new cheese facility in Dodge City. Once completed, the new facility is expected to create 750 new jobs in the region and attract five new dairies to supply the plant. To facilitate the new plant, I am working with Dodge City officials to help see this opportunity realized. Mr. Ahlem, who is also president of the International Dairy Foods Association, also discussed issues facing the dairy foods industry, including the Food and Drug Administration Standards of Identity, supply chain disruptions and concerns regarding the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed climate rules. I appreciate Hilmar’s investment in Kansas and look forward to working with the company in the future.

 

Image

 

 

Speaking with Educators and Students

Kansas Delegates for the U.S. Senate Youth Program
On Tuesday, I spoke with Will Rues of La Crosse and Gerrit Dangermond of Oskaloosa, this year’s U.S. Senate Youth Program Kansas delegates. I am pleased they have the opportunity to represent our state and learn more about government and the legislative process here in our nation’s capital.

 

Image

 

 

Council for Opportunity in Education Seminar
This week, I addressed the Council for Opportunity in Education’s Annual Policy Seminar, a gathering of more than 1,000 federal TRIO program educators, students, and supporters. Federal TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, college and career counseling, financial aid advising and personal mentoring that enables low-income students, students with disabilities, adult learners and veterans to achieve their goal of becoming the first in their families to earn a college degree. There are 53 TRIO projects in Kansas serving over 14,000 students. I was glad to speak to the group about how TRIO programs and services can assist individuals in unlocking opportunity through education. I thank Kurt Peterson, Director of Student Support Services at Garden City Community College, for introducing me, as well as the many Kansans in attendance.

 

Image

 

 

Kansas TRIO
I also was pleased to meet and speak personally with Kansas TRIO students and educators to hear about the positive impact federal TRIO programs have in equipping Kansans to effectively pursue higher education. Education is one of the greatest sources of opportunity in the United States, and TRIO programs assist first-generation and low-income students, as well as veterans and students with disabilities, in preparing for, and attaining, success in higher education. As a first-generation college student, I have long been a supporter of TRIO programs and work each year to see that they receive increased support through my role as an appropriator for the Department of Education. I appreciate these Kansas TRIO students and educators for taking the time to share their insight on the value TRIO programs have in providing opportunity in higher education.

 

Image

 

Jefferson West
Thanks to Jefferson West seniors Brooklyn, Kierstyn and Mellany, and to government teacher Shawn Dolezilek for showing me around your school this week. I appreciate all Kansas educators who make our state a better place for the students who show up to learn.

 

Image

 

 

Advancing Air Mobility

This week, the Senate passed my bill that would facilitate collaboration between federal agencies and civil aviation industry leaders when developing policies regarding advanced air mobility (AAM).

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Coordination and Leadership Act would instruct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a working group comprised of members from multiple government agencies to engage and work with the civil aviation industry. The working group would review policies and programs to help advance the maturation of AAM aircraft operations and create recommendations regarding safety, security and federal investments necessary for the development of AAM. American aviation is entering a new era of innovation and growth, and industry leaders should have a seat at the table as the federal government creates programs to advance the development of this technology and sets safety and operation standards. Passing this legislation in the Senate puts it one step closer to being signed into law and will help Kansas aviation leaders have a role in developing policies designed to shape this new chapter in aviation.

 

Speaking at Ceremony for the 35th Infantry Division Headquarters Building

This week, I spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the 35th Infantry Division Headquarters Readiness Center at Fort Leavenworth – the intellectual center of the Army – where training capacity will increase from 13,000 square feet to over 100,000 square feet. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I helped kick-start this initiative by securing nearly $50 million in federal funding in FY2017 and FY2018 appropriations bills for the construction of these needed facilities.

I’m pleased soldiers stationed at and visiting Fort Leavenworth will continue to receive first class combat readiness instruction through these improvements as they meet the mission objectives of the 35ID Headquarters. Thank you to Major General David Weishaar, Kansas Adjutant General, for the invitation to participate, and congratulations to the leadership of the Army and National Guard for effectively training our citizen soldiers as they prepare to protect and defend our nation.

 

Image

 

 

Improving VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

On Tuesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee conducted a hearing on improving the VA’s program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers. The VA is expected to see a significant increase of veterans with long-term care needs. To prepare for this increasing trend, the department has routinely told Congress and veterans that it is shifting the focus of long-term care from institutional care settings to home and community-based settings. Family caregivers play an integral role in making certain our veterans can remain at home and are central to the success of VA’s efforts to shift care to home and community-based settings. It is important to make certain that these frontline heroes are adequately supported in their work caring for our nation’s veterans. This week’s hearing was both timely and necessary as we work to make certain the laws we pass are implemented in ways that work as Congress intends. We have a duty to see to it that VA faithfully executes these laws and is investing resources as intended into family caregivers.

 

Evaluating the Semiconductor Industry

Semiconductors control every electronic device you own, from your stove to your car to your smartphone. There is an ongoing global semiconductor shortage that is negatively impacting many economic sectors and increasing prices on many consumer goods. Ramping up production of semiconductors to meet demand is made more difficult by the lack of U.S. semiconductor production capabilities, particularly for the newest, cutting-edge chips.

On Wednesday, I participated in a Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing about the health of the U.S. semiconductor industry. I questioned the CEOs of Intel, Micron, Lam Research and PACCAR about the importance of building a strong semiconductor ecosystem in the United States and about federal research programs that might assist the industry. As the lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds many of the federal government’s research programs, ensuring that the US is a leader in semiconductor research is a priority of mine. I am looking forward to working with the firms represented at the hearing, as well as our Kansas semiconductor companies, to ensure that our semiconductor industry is a leader not just in innovative chip research and development, but also in chip manufacturing, assembly, packaging and testing.

 

Passing of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the first woman to represent our nation in that role. She was an inspiration to all, including women around the world, and generous in her support of young people pursuing public service careers. She was a giant in her field and always gracious to me in the conversations we had. Throughout her distinguished career in public service and after she left the State Department, she worked to address global hunger, advocated for education and worked to increase our country’s security through diplomacy and tackling the root causes of conflicts abroad. I offer my condolences to her loved ones on behalf of a grateful nation.

 

Image

 

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

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401		 Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789		 Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025		 Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259		 Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building | Room 521 | Washington, D.C. 20501
Phone: (202) 224-6521 | Fax: (202) 228-6966

image

image

Government, Kansas

KS Legislative Update by Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment
Caryn Tyson

You may have heard the quote, “Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.”  Well, that is what I did the last couple of weeks in an attempt to get tax relief for Kansans.

 

Tax Relief in Senate Substitute for House Bill (Sen Sub HB) 2239: Property tax freeze via an income tax rebate for low-income seniors and disabled veterans, known as the Golden Years, passed the Senate for at least the third year in a row.  Hopefully our friends in the House will help this legislation become law.  The bill had a few other provisions: it would increase the standard income tax deduction by 10%, providing real tax relief for all Kansans who pay income tax; it would provide an option for Kansas taxpayers on State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction who are limited by the federal $10,000 cap; it would allow taxpayers who got caught in the carry back carry forward conflict between federal and state statutes from 2018 to 2021 to subtract the loses and carry forward on their state income tax; it would allow exemptions for the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Employer Retention Credit programs; it would create a tax credit program for donors to technical and community colleges, capped at $7 million a year; and it would create a museum voluntary checkoff program so that individuals may donate to museums of their choosing when they file income tax returns.  This tax bill passed 36 to 2.  I voted Yes.

 

Small Business Property Tax Relief: For some reason a bill that came out of the Judiciary Committee had property tax language making changes to property law that had passed last year.  The language would have had unintended consequences, so I worked with others to clean it up.  Tax bills should be run thru the tax committee and not thru other committees like Judiciary.  I also took the opportunity to amend the bill so that businesses that were shut down by the Governor in 2020 could apply for up to $7,500 to help pay for property taxes owed even though they could not conduct business.  It was language that had passed the Senate and had been negotiated with the House. However, politics got in the way and the language was lost on the last day of session last year.  This could be paid for with the hundreds of millions of dollars in federal SPARK money that are unspent and help businesses still feeling the pain of the 2020 Governor shutdown.  Sen Sub HB 2416 passed 26 to 11.  I voted Yes.

 

Early in session the Senate Tax Committee, that I chair, passed legislation to remove the state sales tax on food and allow local governments an option to remove local sales tax.  That bill was never debated on the Senate floor.  The House did not have one tax bill debated on the House floor this year.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the final days of session.  I will continue to work diligently for Kansas taxpayers.

 

Last week the Senate worked over 50 bills on the Senate floor in less than three days.  Senators would get a list of bills late in the evening and it would take most of the night to read them.  It was difficult to get amendments because of the number of bills and the burdensome level of work for the lawyers writing the amendments and others involved in the process.  Obviously, there were too many bills to cover in this update.  The activity can be found at www.KSLegislature.org under the Senate journals.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

The Cold Weather Rule ends March 31

Leave a comment

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends on Thursday, March 31. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills will be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements.

The Cold Weather Rule is in effect from November 1 through March 31 each year. It provides protection from disconnection to residential customers served by utilities regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission’s (KCC). When that protection ends on Thursday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.

The Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plans require an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months in addition to the regular monthly bill.

The KCC adopted the Cold Weather Rule in 1983 to protect customers during cold winter weather by providing a reasonable and organized method of paying past due and current bills. It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.

Government, Kansas

KDHE Invites Photographs for Project On Healthy Kansans

Leave a comment

KDHE Announces Photo Voice Project for Healthy Kansans 2030

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Healthy Kansans 2030 (HK2030) project team are inviting photographers to submit photos to be considered for inclusion in a State Health Assessment Report being published later this spring.

“For many people, photographs are a vital way to convey important messages,” Jade Ramsdell, MBA, LSSGB, Performance Improvement Director at KDHE, said. “We are delighted to invite amateur and professional photographers across the state to help us explore and tell the story of the health of Kansas in a different and deeper way.”

The project is seeking photos to help visualize health in Kansas. Entries should answer one or both of the following questions

  • What does healthy living look like in your Kansas community?
  • What makes it easy or hard to stay healthy in your everyday environment?

Entries can be submitted until April 15. Winners will receive print credit in the report and will be notified of their selection by April 29. A panel of KDHE staff and the HK2030 project team will review and judge each entry.

Complete photo entry details, FAQs and supporting documents are available on the Healthy Kansans 2030 webpage, kdhe.ks.gov/201/. Questions about the project should be directed to [email protected].