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Category Archives: Government
U.S. Congressman Jerry Moran Newsletter
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U.S. Senator Roger Marshall Weekly Press Overview, May 4-8, 2026
Senator Marshall Recognizes National Mental Health Awareness Month
Junction City – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) recognized National Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to those in need of mental health care around the state. From military families who sacrifice to protect our country, to farmers who feed the nation, and everyday Kansans, mental health affects people in all walks of life.
“As a veteran and as a family member to those who have served, I have seen the toll military service can take on a family. As a fifth-generation farm kid and a rural doctor, I know farmers aren’t exempt from mental health struggles either,” said Senator Marshall. “Kansans take pride in serving others first, but sometimes care isn’t available when they finally need it for themselves. I am fighting to ensure every Kansan — from our military installations to our family farms — has access to the mental health resources they need.”
As part of his focus on mental health, Senator Marshall has also made mental health awareness and community support for farmers and ranchers a priority. Every year, more American farmers die by suicide than in farm accidents — yet stigma and lack of awareness in rural communities remain persistent barriers to care.
To support mental health for Kansans in all walks of life, he is advocating for robust funding for mental health resources in this year’s appropriations requests, including for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the 988 Crisis Lifeline, and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which serve Kansas rural communities.
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall Visits Six Counties in Southeast Kansas
Pittsburg – Last week, Senator Marshall spent the day in communities across 6 Southeast counties in Kansas meeting with manufacturers, educators, healthcare leaders, and small business owners to see firsthand how recent policy wins, from full expensing to expanded childcare tax credits, are already making a difference for Kansas workers and families.
His first stop of the day was at Fort Scott Community College to discuss the institution’s recent progress and ongoing workforce initiatives. Next, he toured the newly opened Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott, which restores full-service hospital access to the region for the first time since 2018. Senator Marshall’s office played a direct role in getting CMS certification for the hospital by engaging with CMS, KDHE, and other partners.
In Pittsburg, he delivered a Congressional Record recognizing the city’s 150th anniversary and its historic role in Kansas’ industrial development and its continued contributions to education and manufacturing. At Grow at Eden Early Learning Center in Parsons, he highlighted how the Working Families Tax Cuts increased child tax credits and allowed businesses to receive expanded credits for supporting employee childcare needs or investing in childcare facilities.
In Allen County, he toured Monarch Cement Company, one of Kansas’s longstanding manufacturing employers. At Chanute High School, he met with FFA students and instructors to learn about their hands-on agricultural education and tour their new Animal Science Learning Center. His last stop was in Neodesha for a tour of Cobalt Boats and a discussion on pro-manufacturing legislation in the works, including permanent 199A small business deductions, full expensing for capital investments, and restored R&D expensing.
U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter May 8
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USD235 Board of Education Meets May 11
Uniontown City Council Agenda for May 12 and Minutes From Prior Meeting
Uniontown Regular City Council Meeting – Tuesday May 12 at 7 at Uniontown City Hall.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL: ___ Kyle Knight ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett
___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of April 14, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
303 Washington
101 Washington
202 4th St.
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Haley Arnold
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Knight –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
FEMA Flooding–
NEW BUSINESS
To view the minutes of the last Uniontown City Council Meeting:
The financial report for May’s meeting:
Sunflower Summer Returns with Free Admission for Kansas
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Kansas Common Sense – May 4, 2026
Hello,
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
In This Issue:
- Honoring Fallen Kansas Police Officers
- New Milestone for Wichita: Opening the Bell Textron Assembly Center
- Reviewing the President’s FY27 Budget Request for NASA
- Leading Hearing to Review Pending Veterans Legislation with VA & VSOs
- Confirmed: ATF Director Robert Cekada
- Discussing Academic Research with the KU Chancellor & University Presidents
- Meeting with Oceanographer Dr. Bob Ballard
- Meeting with Knowmadics CEO Paul Maguire
- Meeting with Kansans
- Visiting Frankfort High School
- Celebrating Former Kansas Senator Pat Roberts’ 90th Birthday
- Celebrating National Space Day
- Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
- Honored to Serve You in Washington
Honoring Fallen Kansas Police Officers
On Friday, I spoke at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony to pay tribute to four Kansas law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty last year.
Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann, Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Elijah Ming, and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Brandon Gaede were heroes who defended their communities and Kansans. As the words on the National Law Enforcement Memorial say, “it is not how these officers died that makes them heroes, it is how they lived.” These men left behind a legacy of kindness, integrity and commitment to service, and their loss is a heartbreaking tragedy for all Kansans. While we can never repay their sacrifices, we have a duty to honor their lives and make certain their legacies are remembered.
You can read more about the ceremony from KAKE here.

Prior to the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony, I met with the families of Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann and Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic. Last year, I introduced Senate resolutions with Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to honor the service and sacrifice these men made, and I appreciated the opportunity to speak with their families in person.
Sen. Marshall and I also introduced Senate resolutions to honor the memory and sacrifices of Undersheriff Brandon Gaede and Deputy Sheriff Elijah Ming. I am continuing to pray for the Heimann, Simoncic, Ming and Gaede families, and the entire Kansas law enforcement community during this difficult time.
New Milestone for Wichita: Opening the Bell Textron Assembly Center
It was great to be in the Air Capital of the World on Monday to participate in the opening of Bell Textron’s Wichita Assembly Center for the MV-75 Cheyenne fuselage. This investment marks a significant milestone for Wichita and underscores the critical role Kansans play in supporting our national security. Wichita has deep roots in aviation and defense, and Bell Textron’s presence in the community further solidifies that legacy as dedicated Kansas workers help produce the next generation of military aircraft.
As the U.S. Army seeks to replace the aging Black Hawk helicopter, the MV-75 Cheyenne aircraft will provide revolutionary capability as it can fly twice as far and twice as fast as the current fleet. Bell began manufacturing operations at the facility in October 2025 with the first of six test fuselages expected to be delivered to the Army this summer. As a senior defense appropriator, I have long supported this critical program and the Army’s efforts to accelerate its production. I am pleased that Bell Textron has chosen Kansas for this investment, a decision that will strengthen our national security while expanding opportunities for Wichita’s highly skilled workforce.
Special thanks to U.S. Army Under Secretary Mike Obadal for participating in Monday’s celebration and thank you to Bell CEO Danny Maldonado and Senior Vice President and MV-75 program director Ryan Ehinger for their leadership. Thank you also to Governor Laura Kelly, Sen. Roger Marshall, U.S. Rep. Ron Estes and Wichita Mayor Lily Wu for joining me at the event.

Reviewing the President’s FY27 Budget Request for NASA
On Tuesday, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I led a hearing to review the President’s FY27 budget request for NASA with testimony from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. During the hearing, I congratulated Administrator Isaacman on the successful Artemis II mission and thanked him for recently visiting Kansas to tour local aerospace manufacturers and the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. I also questioned him on America’s efforts to beat China back to the Moon and emphasized the importance of NASA’s Landsat program in providing critical data to support Kansas and American agriculture. Finally, I asked Administrator Isaacman about NASA’s efforts to reclassify Pluto as a planet and restore credit for its discovery to Kansan Clyde Tombaugh from Burdett. I appreciate Administrator Isaacman appearing before the committee, and I look forward to working with him and NASA throughout the appropriations process to make certain America remains the global leader in aerospace and science, research and technology.
You can watch my opening statement here, and my questioning of Administrator Isaacman here, here and here. You can read more about efforts to reclassify Pluto as a planet from USA Today here.

Leading Hearing to Review Pending Veterans Legislation with VA & VSOs
This week, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to discuss 25 pieces of legislation with witnesses from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Wounded Warrior Project, American Veterans and Military Officers Association of America. I introduced four of these bills: the Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act, the Disabled Veterans Dignity Act, the National Veterans Strategy Act and the Veterans STAND Act.
During the hearing, I questioned VA representatives about the closure of half of the intensive care unit and surgical beds at the Leavenworth VA Medical Center and VA’s plans to rectify this situation. I emphasized the importance of VA promptly notifying Congress about staffing and workforce issues. This issue directly ties into my legislation, the Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act, which would require VA to develop, maintain and provide Congress with a strategic human capital plan that aligns staffing levels with current and future projected demand for VA services and increase transparency with Congress in advance of significant staffing changes or a reduction in force.
I am grateful to all of our witnesses who came to testify on this important legislation that would improve VA services for veterans and their families.
Watch my opening statement here and my questioning of VA here.

Confirmed: ATF Director Robert Cekada
I spoke on the Senate floor this week in support of Robert Cekada’s nomination to serve as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Through my role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I have worked closely with him in his role as Deputy Director of the ATF and had the opportunity to get to know Rob and his commitment to ATF’s mission.
Last year, I welcomed him to Kansas to highlight the relocation of ATF’s Wichita Field Office to Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus, where a new Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory will soon open. This investment will bolster ATF’s ability to support state and local law enforcement, including here in Kansas. ATF plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and I look forward to continuing to work with Director Cekada to make certain the agency has the tools and resources it needs to carry out its mission.
You can watch my full remarks on the Senate floor here.

Discussing Academic Research with the KU Chancellor & University Presidents
On Tuesday, I participated in a fireside chat with University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod at the American Association of Universities (AAU), alongside presidents and chancellors from leading research universities across the country. During our discussion, we spoke about the importance of sustained federal investment in research, and the role universities play in advancing discoveries that matter to the American people, including cancer research, space exploration and strengthening civil discourse. We also discussed the importance of supporting students and expanding opportunities through higher education.
I appreciate Chancellor Girod and the AAU leadership for the conversation and for their continued commitment to advancing research and opportunities for students in Kansas and across the country.

Meeting with Oceanographer Dr. Bob Ballard
On Wednesday, I met with my friend and Wichita native, Dr. Bob Ballard. Dr. Ballard is an oceanographer who worked with the Office of Naval Intelligence during the Cold War. He is most renowned for his work in discovering the wrecks of the Titanic, the Bismark and the USS Yorktown, as well as his work in mapping the Black Sea and founding the Center for Ocean Exploration and Archaeological Oceanography. We spoke on the importance of ocean exploration research for items like rare earth minerals. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I oversee funding of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Education program to enable ocean exploration. We also discussed his upcoming visit to Wichita later this month to tour and lecture at the Exploration Place’s “Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission” special exhibit. Thank you to Dr. Ballard taking the time to meet with me.
Meeting with Knowmadics CEO Paul Maguire
This week, I met with Paul Maguire, CEO of Knowmadics, a technology company specializing in cybersecurity for government organizations and businesses. Last summer, Knowmadics announced the move of its headquarters to Wichita, a remarkable investment and testament to what our dedicated workforce has to offer. We discussed issues facing the tech and cybersecurity industry, and how Knowmadics is working to bolster U.S. national cybersecurity. Special thanks to CEO Paul Maguire and Caroline Canfield for meeting with me, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and industry partners to make certain Kansas is continuously highlighted in these operations.
Meeting with Kansans
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
This week, I met with members of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to discuss priorities for the Lawrence community, including the future of Haskell Indian Nations University. Haskell plays a unique and important role in Kansas and across Indian Country, and I remain committed to making certain the university has the leadership, resources and stability it needs to serve its students. During our conversation, I provided an update on my recent meeting with U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum, where I raised ongoing concerns about delays in appointing permanent leadership at Haskell and emphasized the need for stronger support from the Department of the Interior. I also reiterated the importance of long-term governance reforms, including my legislative efforts to transition Haskell’s governance over from the Bureau of Indian Education to a tribally-appointed Board of Regents. I will continue working with the Lawrence community, Haskell leadership and DOI to advocate for solutions that support the long-term success of Haskell.
Thank you to Shannon Reid, Gene Dorsey, Sarah Plinsky, Brad Finkeldie, Susie Carson, Adam Courtney, Paul Davis, Bonnie Lowe, Evie Lazzarino, Sunee Mickle, Kristine Polian and Amber Sellers for meeting with me and their continued advocacy on behalf of Haskell and the city of Lawrence.
Kansas Electric Cooperative
On Tuesday, I met with members of the Kansas Electric Cooperatives (KEC) to discuss the importance of maintaining a reliable and affordable energy supply for Kansas communities. We covered key issues facing electric cooperatives and their customers, including the need to modernize infrastructure permitting and streamline disaster recovery efforts. We also discussed the importance of dependable mail service and ways to support economic growth in local communities. A secure, affordable electrical grid is essential for Kansas families, businesses and infrastructure, and I appreciate KEC’s continued partnership and advocacy.
Thank you to KEC Manager of Administrative Services Carol Dorr, James Brungard of Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Pat Morse and Megan Evans of Victory Electric Cooperative, Nolan Numrich of Western Cooperative Electric, Michael Rogers and Kirk Girard of Prairie Land Electric Cooperative and David Light and Mike Brewer of Pioneer Electric Coop for meeting with me.
The Rural Broadband Association
It was great to meet with Kansas rural broadband providers from The Rural Broadband Association to speak about their efforts to connect Kansans. We discussed my questioning of U.S Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the Broadband Equity Access and Development (BEAD) Program during a recent hearing I led as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. We also spoke about our ongoing shared efforts to support rural broadband through the Federal Communication Commission’s Universal Service Fund (USF), as well as my work as a member of the bipartisan USF Working Group to strengthen and improve USF and make certain it is financially viable into the future.
Thank you to Candace Wright of Home; Troy Dierking of Caldwell; Jill Kuehny of Caldwell; Rob McDonald of Madison; Catherine Moyer of Ulysses; Jason Smith of Everest; Benjamin Foster of Miltonvale; Todd Houseman of Dodge City; Cade Dewitt of Madison; Brent Garvie of Medicine Lodge; Ty Sorenson of Lenexa; Samuel Morris of Lenexa; Kim Humphrey of Caldwell; David Nance of Caldwell; Jimmy Todd of Lenora; Rhonda Goddard of Lenora; Chris McMullen of Everest; Shelly Hansel of Wichita; Mike VanCampen of Medicine Lodge; Jason Pettit of Council Grove; Eric Tabor of Miltonvale; and Luke Bunker of Dodge City for meeting with me.
Kansas Association of School Boards
This week, I met with members of the Kansas Association of School Boards to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing schools across our state. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of supporting students through programs like special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We also spoke about ongoing efforts to strengthen workforce development and expand access to quality STEM education, particularly in rural communities. I highlighted my support for initiatives like the CAPS Rural Educator Professional Learning Fund, which helps equip educators with the tools they need to prepare students for future careers.
Kansas schools have a critical role in preparing the next generation. Thank you to Shannon Kimball, Jodie Dietz, Emily Riner, Lillian Lingenfelter, Jamie Borgman, Curt Herman, Rod Stewart and Brian Jordan for their work to provide students across our state with quality education.
Meadowlark Hills
On Thursday, I met with Parkinson’s Disease advocates from Meadowlark Hills retirement community in my Manhattan office building as a part of their “Pig Out for Parkinson’s” campaign to support Parkinson’s awareness in the Flint Hills region. As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Parkinson’s Disease and senior member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I have long advocated for the need to advance medical research on life-altering diseases such as Parkinson’s to improve diagnosis and treatment as we strive for a cure. I supported passage of The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, which was signed into law in July 2024. This federal initiative aims to improve early diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cures for Parkinson’s over 10 years. Additionally, the FY26 appropriations bills included $5 million for implementation of The National Plan to End Parkinson’s. Thank you to Michelle Haub, Gail Johannes and David Gadwood for their time and conversation.

Capitol Tour Groups
It’s always great to meet Kansans visiting our nation’s capital! I enjoyed speaking with several Kansans before their Capitol tours this week and hearing about their trips to Washington, D.C.
Thank you to Mike and Connie VanCampen of Turon; Mike and Carolyn Kleiber of Hillsboro; Alan and Susan Boeh of Troy; and Michael and Sarah O’Keefe of Lenexa. A special thank you to Dr. Robert Ballard of Wichita for visiting with us and sharing about his work as a Navy officer and underwater archeologist.
Thank you also to Larry and Becky Jones of Garden City and their grandchildren Sam and William for taking the time to visit with me.

Visiting Frankfort High School
I enjoyed touring Frankfort High School this week and meeting with students, faculty and staff as their school year comes to a close. I appreciated learning about the programs Frankfort High School provides to prepare students for their future. Thank you to Principal Dean Dalinghaus and students Johanna Studer, Ashlyn Dalinghaus, Wes Anderson and Jennifer Schneider for hosting me and for a great tour.
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Celebrating Former Kansas Senator Pat Roberts’ 90th Birthday
On Monday, I joined many of my colleagues in celebrating the 90th birthday of former Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts. During his time in the Senate, Sen. Roberts served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for six years, overseeing the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and numerous other agricultural priorities. At the event, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) honored Sen. Roberts with an official portrait that will be hung in the Senate Agriculture Committee room. Thank you to Sen. Roberts for his dedicated service to Kansans, and I wish him all the best as he celebrates this remarkable milestone.

Celebrating National Space Day
On Friday, our nation celebrated National Space Day, a time to recognize the astronauts, scientists and innovators who have contributed to America’s pioneering spirit in space. From the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, which inspires and educates the next generation of space explorers, to the contributions of NASA astronaut Nick Hague from Hoxie and astronomer Clyde Tombaugh from Burdett who discovered Pluto – the road to space has been paved by Kansans.

Photo: Sen. Moran with Kansan NASA Astronaut Nick Hague in 2020.
Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 18, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
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
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall Weekly Press Overview, April 27-May 1, 2026
Senator Marshall Drops Bill to Cut Fertilizer Costs for American Farmers
Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), introduced the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act, legislation to lower the cost of fertilizer for American farmers. The bill would eliminate tariffs and countervailing duties (CVDs) on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco, delivering direct relief to American farmers crushed by rising input costs.
“Kansas farmers are getting hit by a fertilizer market that’s working against them,” said Senator Marshall. “Phosphate is a critical nutrient for crop production, and right now farmers are paying prices that threaten their bottom line. This bill removes duties that are driving up costs for farmers, and puts money back in the hands of the people feeding this country.”
This legislation is part of Senator Marshall’s wider effort to cut the cost of production for Kansas farmers. It builds on last month’s Homegrown Fertilizer Act — which expands American production and storage — and follows up years of efforts in the Senate to designate phosphate and potash as critical minerals.
Click here to learn more.
Senators Marshall & Whitehouse Introduce Bill to Fix Medicare Advantage for Seniors
Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) introduced the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation designed to reform Medicare Advantage and ensure Kansas seniors receive the reliable, patient-centered care the program promises. Medicare Advantage now serves more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries—and that number is growing. But as enrollment has surged, so have reports of delayed approval, surprise denials, confusing appeals processes, and disruptions to care that seniors depend on.
This bill requires standard prior authorization approvals in 72 hours, expedited decisions in 24 hours, and even real-time approvals in some cases. Once care is approved, plans cannot require new authorizations mid-treatment or retroactively deny coverage (except for fraud or error). It also requires public reporting of prior authorization standards to increase accountability, while no longer allowing stricter medical necessity standards than those of original Medicare.
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Free Small Businesses from Intrusive Reporting
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) in introducing a bill to reform the Corporate Transparency Act by narrowing its scope to foreign businesses, preventing the Treasury Department from collecting U.S. small business owners’ personal information, and saving small businesses billions of dollars.
Specifically, the legislation will narrow enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act to foreign companies, stop the collection of Americans’ data, and require the government to delete any personal data it has already collected from Americans. As a result, the legislation will save taxpayers an average of $9 billion per year and U.S. small businesses $6.7 billion over 10 years.
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall Praises DHA Decision to Maintain Services at Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital
Throughout 2025 and into 2026, Senator Marshall engaged directly through letters and meetings with the Department of War, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, DHA leadership, and Fort Riley officials through to ensure Kansas voices were heard on this topic and secure an on-site DHA assessment as well as advancing provisions in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act to strengthen coordination between the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve access for veterans to be seen at Military Treatment Facilities.
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Expand Assisted Living Under Medicaid
Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced legislation to make assisted living a covered Medicaid benefit for seniors who meet nursing facility level-of-care criteria—aiming to lower federal Medicaid costs while expanding access to community-based care.
Medicaid currently requires coverage for nursing facility care but not assisted living, often leading to higher spending on more intensive care settings. Not only is this unsustainable, but this policy often pushes seniors into higher-cost care they don’t actually need. Many Kansas seniors would prefer assisted living over a nursing facility if given the choice.
Medicaid is projected to grow 63% over the next decade, intensifying pressure on federal and state budgets. This legislation would realign incentives by allowing states to better match patient needs and give choices back to seniors without increasing overall program costs.
Click here to learn more.
Senators Marshall & Hickenlooper Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Workforce Training Programs
Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and John Hickenlooper reintroduced the bipartisan Workforce Data Enhancement Act to improve how we track workforce data across states. Specifically, it would make Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI) grant funding permanent to ensure State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) and other providers of workforce training have the tools they need to measure and evaluate their workforce programs.
“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” said Senator Marshall. “The Workforce Data Enhancement Act will help states like Kansas and Colorado improve their workforce development programs and connect more Americans to good-paying jobs. I’m glad to partner with Senator Hickenlooper on this effort.”
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Ban Child Sex-Change Procedures with $100K Penalties
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), introduced the Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors (STOP) Act, landmark federal legislation that bans gender transition procedures performed on minors, imposes strict civil penalties on perpetrators, and for the first time creates a federal compensation fund dedicated to helping victims detransition.
“As an OB-GYN with over two decades of clinical experience, I know firsthand what these irreversible procedures do to children,” said Senator Marshall. “These are not medical treatments — they are child abuse. The STOP Act sends a clear message: if you harm a child by performing these procedures, there will be serious consequences. Our children deserve nothing less.”
Click here to learn more.
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Governor Kelly Announces Pardon
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she granted a pardon for Chung Pham. The decision to grant the pardon was made following independent reviews by the Prisoner Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.
“The decision to grant a pardon is a serious one,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A thorough vetting and review process determines individuals considered for pardons have indeed made amends for their actions and have been consistent in positively contributing to society and to their community. Individuals who have long maintained their law-abiding behavior and positive community impact, have earned the second chance a pardon can provide.”
Governor Kelly takes into consideration numerous factors to determine if a pardon is warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, length of time since the offense, impact of the crime on any victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, and contributions to society post-release.
Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency.
Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website: https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb.
The Governor’s Office encourages victims and survivors to reach out to the Office of Victim Services, which provides confidential support and information to victims, survivors, or witnesses of a crime. Information can be found here or by phone at 866-404-6732.
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April Total Tax Collections at $1.4 Billion; 2.3% Above Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends April 2026 with total tax collections at $1.4 billion. That is $31.6 million, or 2.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 4.0% from April 2025.
Individual income tax collections were $803.5 million. That is $31.7 million, or 4.1% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 17.3% from April 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $237.4 million. That is $3.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate, and down 25.0% from April 2025.
“Total April tax collections returned as projected, though this month’s report indicates the continued softening of corporate income tax collections, significantly missing the mark,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must remain vigilant and continue to keep an eye on this to ensure Kansas has a solid fiscal foundation in the years ahead.”
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $302.9 million, which is $2.0 million or 0.7% above the estimate, and up 2.2% from April 2025.
Click here to view the April 2026 revenue numbers.
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U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter
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