Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Providers Apply for COVID-19 Telehealth Funding
TOPEKA – Governor Kelly today encouraged Kansas medical and behavioral health providers to apply for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Qualifying providers have the opportunity to apply for federal funding between April 29 at 11 AM CT and May 6 at 11 AM CT.
“Since the pandemic began, my administration has sought innovative ways to bolster telehealth services, which improve access to quality, affordable health care for Kansans across the state while allowing them to stay safe at home,” Governor Kelly said. “I appreciate the FCC for its partnership, and I strongly encourage all eligible providers to apply for this program.”
The FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program is designed to help providers cover costs associated with delivering connected care services to patients. The goal of the program is to aid health care providers to provide connected care services to patients at their homes or mobile locations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program fully funds providers’ telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to provide critical connected care services. Providers can learn more and check if they are eligible here.
Through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, the FCC was allocated an additional $250 million in funding to re-open the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Kansas providers received awards in the first iteration of the program, receiving over $100,000 in medical technology to provide telehealth throughout the state.
“Federal programs can help support behavioral health providers during the public health emergency,” Commissioner Andy Brown, of the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), said. “It will increase the access Kansans have to substance use and mental health services through telehealth.”
“Telehealth is a powerful tool in chronic disease prevention and management,” Ryan Lester, of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), said. “Telehealth interventions can improve clinical health outcomes by increasing medication adherence, set dietary goals, provide a more complete data picture for clinicians, and reduce access to care barriers for patients, especially in a rural setting. Increasing access to telehealth is a real win-win scenario for Kansas residents and physicians.”
The Governor’s Office of Recovery, in conjunction with KDHE and KDADS, held an informational webinar for Kansas medical providers on March 24 to help increase awareness and readiness to apply. You can watch the webinar and review materials here.
Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Kansas Small Businesses to Apply for Paycheck Protection Program
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today encouraged Kansas small businesses to continue to apply for the 2021 Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ahead of the program’s extended deadline of May 31st. Kansans can continue to submit applications for forgivable loans for pandemic-battered small businesses.
“Kansas small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” Governor Kelly said. “Additional PPP funding will help fuel our continued economic recovery, and I encourage all eligible small businesses to apply for PPP funds before the May 31st deadline. I will continue to push for additional stimulus funding to support our small businesses as we get our state back to normal.”
Led by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department, the PPP is a federally administered program providing loans to small businesses to cover payroll expenses. The SBA began accepting applications through Community Financial Institutions on January 11 and through all other financial institutions on January 19. The deadline to apply has been extended to May 31, 2021.
During the 2020 distribution of PPP money, 54,000 small businesses in Kansas received $5 billion in funding.
“PPP has impacted our business in the most positive way possible,” said Andrew Gough, owner of Reverie Coffee Roasters in Wichita. “Quite frankly stated, without the support of the program, we could not have continued to be in business today. Balancing the safety needs of our staff and community with bottom line business survival required support from another source. We now have real hope of surviving this terrible pandemic, both as individuals and as a business.”
The 2021 PPP aims to make the program more attractive for small businesses and target the worst impacted industries through the following changes:
Forgiveness has been simplified for borrowers of $150 thousand or less, with self-certification option to attest funds are spent appropriately;
Hospitality businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are eligible for an increased loan total (3.5x monthly payroll);
Eligible expenses paid for with forgiven PPP loans may now be deducted on taxes for 2020 and 2021 & employers are now eligible for the Employee Retention Tax Credit even after taking PPP funds (reverses earlier guidance from IRS);
Employers no longer must deduct Economic Injury Disaster Loans from their PPP loan total (EIDL program was refunded with an additional $40B also);
Additional categories are now eligible as non-payroll expenses (up to 40% of total loan amount), with operational expenses (including software, cloud services, accounting services, etc.), supplier costs, damage from social unrest, and worker protection expenses;
Additional groups are eligible for loans, including 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, and direct marketing organizations.
Under the newly extended program, $234 billion are available with $12 billion earmarked for businesses in low-income & minority communities, as well as $15 billion in grants dedicated to live entertainment venues. Through Community Financial Institutions, the SBA hopes to encourage greater access to PPP funds. Businesses that have not received PPP funds previously are eligible for loans up to $10 million if they have 500 or fewer employees. Businesses that received PPP funds during the first round are eligible for up to $2 million in funding if they have 300 or fewer employees.
Information on where and how to apply can be found here.
Additional Resources:
Information on Community Financial Institutions can be found here.
Further general information on loans can be found here.
Further questions can be directed to the Kansas Department of Commerce here.
There is one opening for the Fort Scott Library Board. This person must be a city resident.
The function of the Fort Scott Library Board is to review requests in reference to the library. This Board meets monthly at 5:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.
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. She will then submit your letter of interest 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 May 10th, 2021.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Rural Kansans Eligible for Share of $42 Million in Federal Grants to Improve Connectivity
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that eligible Kansans can now apply for the for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Distance Learning and Telehealth (DLT) grants program.
The USDA has allocated $42.4 million in funding for 2021 DLT grants nationwide. The program aims to help rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.
“Ensuring all Kansans have access to quality, affordable broadband has always been one of my top priorities – but broadband access is just the first step to connectivity,” Governor Kelly said. “This grant is an incredible opportunity for rural Kansans to get funding for the telecommunications equipment and resources needed for telehealth services, virtual school, digital business activity, and more. I appreciate the USDA’s efforts to improve connectivity throughout the country.”
The program supports eligible rural communities with the costs associated with capital assets, instructional programming, and technical assistance. Program funds can be used on:
Broadband facilities
Audio, video and interactive video equipment
Terminal and data terminal equipment
Computer hardware, network components and software
Inside wiring and similar infrastructure that further DLT services
Instructional programming that is a capital asset
Technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment
DLT Grants are available to rural areas with population of 20,000 or less. Eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications, including most state and local governmental entities, federally recognized tribes, non-profits, for-profit businesses, and consortia of eligible entitles. Potential applicants can learn more, check if they are eligible, and apply here.
“Lack of connectivity has been a huge challenge in education and healthcare for rural communities, and this grant program has the potential to make a real impact,” Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said. “We appreciate this partnership with USDA as we work to strengthen and improve the quality of life in rural Kansas.”
The Office of Recovery co-hosted a webinar on the USDA DLT program with the Office of Broadband Development, Office of Rural Prosperity, and Department of Agriculture. You can watch a recording of the webinar and learn more here.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Executive Order Allowing for Return of License Renewal Deadlines, Return to Normal
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed an executive order that gives licensing agencies flexibility to start reimposing license renewal deadlines and fees, marking another step in Kansas’ continued return to normal life following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When the pandemic began, my administration took steps right away to keep Kansans healthy and mitigate the spread of the virus by limiting the need for in-person contact to complete routine responsibilities like license renewal,” Governor Kelly said. “Through quick and efficient vaccine distribution, COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Kansas – and some of these measures are no longer needed. This executive order allowing for the reimposition of license renewal deadlines is another step in our return to normal.”
Executive Order #21-22 is effective immediately and remains in force until rescinded, or until May 28, 2021, whichever is earlier.
The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet discuss the demolition bid of 10 N. National.
The Governor vetoed a number of bills. Several of these were good bills that needed to pass into law. There will be an attempt to override the vetoes during Veto-Session, which starts May 3. A list of vetoed bills should be posted at
The Governor vetoed SB 55 that would have limited competition in women’s sports to biological females. The Governor’s veto entitles transgender athletes at the expense of biological female athletes. How can a talented high school woman athlete get a college scholarship competing against biological males? The Governor said this bill, “would harm our ability to attract and retain businesses.” Let’s be clear, she is talking about out-of-state multi-national corporations trying to force state policy that goes against Kansas values. The Governor is cowering to them. The legislature will try to override this veto but the votes will be close.
Protecting Elections
The Governor vetoed two election bills (HB 2183 and HB2332) that would strengthen the integrity of Kansas elections. One of her excuses was, “hundreds of major companies across the nation have made it abundantly clear that this kind of legislation is wrong.” Who does she represent? Definitely not Kansans when she is more worried about national corporations instead of the accuracy of Kansas elections. Our Governor is talking the national Democrat propaganda, instead representing Kansas. We will have the votes for a veto override on both of the bills if no legislator changes their vote.
2nd Amendment
The Governor vetoed two 2nd Amendment bills. HB 2089 would allow local school boards options to offer gun safety education. HB 2058 would lower the minimum age to conceal carry in Kansas from 21 to 18 years old. It also establishes reciprocity for persons 18 to 20 years of age that hold a concealed carry permit from another state. Can you believe the veto override will be more difficult on the firearm education bill, HB 2089? The Senate and House should have the votes on HB 2058. The House needs 5 Representatives to change their vote on HB 2089 to override the Governor’s veto.
Basic Civics and Finance Education
The Governor vetoed HB 2039, requiring students pass an exam with 60 questions from the naturalization tests administered by the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services. It would enlighten our students on American civics. It would also require students in grades 10, 11, or 12 to pass a personal financial literacy course in order to graduate. The bar for a veto override will be higher on this bill – the bill passed with 25 yes and 13 no votes in the Senate and 72 to 51 in the House. The Senate needs 27 votes and the House 84 votes for a veto override. Hopefully, legislators who voted No will realize how important it is that students have basic civics and financial knowledge.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
To find further resources on how to protect you and your family, visit coronavirus.gov or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website here.
Vaccines in Kansas
Visit kansasvaccine.gov for information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations in Kansas, including availability and FAQs.
To find providers offering COVID-19 vaccinations, use KDHE’s Find My Vaccine map tool. Enter your zip code or address to find the providers nearest you.
Assistance
If you are a Kansas resident and you or your family needs assistance with matters related to COVID-19, please click here.
If your employment situation has been impacted by COVID-19, including reduced work hours, please refer to these resources from the Kansas Department of Labor:
Please visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment here.
U.S. Small Business Administration Resources
For information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including second draw loans, please visit the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website by clicking here.
For information regarding Economic Injury Disaster loans, please click here.
Veteran Resources
For information on veteran and VA related topics, resources and contact information, please click here.
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Phone Calls to Kansans
Rich & Marty Kramer of Lawrence
Aaron Otto, Johnson County Airport Commission, New Century
Bill Colligan, Selex ES, Inc., Overland Park
Mark Demetree, US Salt, Overland Park
David Zeil, Urban Outfitters, Kansas City
Gordon Ramsey, Chief of Police, Wichita
Calvin Hayden, Johnson County Sheriff, Olathe
Dr. Bill Clifford, Fry Eye Associates, Garden City
Mike Warner, Attorney, Lawrence
Dr. Bryce Heitman, Newman Family Medicine, Emporia
Thomas Allen, KM Pathogen Defense, Downs
Pat Contreras, McCowan Gordon, Kansas City
Drew Hertel of Hays
Jill & Jeff Deeds, Jade Farms, Goodland
Mark Baker, Mars Candy, Topeka
Joann Knight, Dodge City & Ford County Development Corporation, Dodge City
Nick Hernandez, City Administrator, Dodge City
Carol Dengel of Overland Park
Bill Ring, Fishing Guide Service, Hays
Laura McNichol, Watco Companies, Pittsburg
Hon. Clarke Sanders, Kansas House of Representatives, Salina
Chad Austin, Kansas Hospital Association, Topeka
Doug Wareham, Kansas Bankers Association, Topeka
Scott Ring, University of Kansas, Lawrence
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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.
Packing the Court is a Dangerous Ploy for Power
On Wednesday evening, I spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to Senate Democrats’ legislation that would immediately expand the U.S. Supreme Court to 13 justices.
This is a transparent and dangerous ploy for power that would undermine trust in the fair application of the law and delegitimize the highest court in the land. Rather than working across the aisle, Senate Democrats are more interested in eliminating the filibuster to pass their agenda and stacking the court to prevent their agenda from being struck down as unconstitutional.
The checks and balances of our Constitution work. I implore Senate Democrats to have the same faith in these constitutional guardrails as I do; to have the same faith in the independence and fairness of the Supreme Court that the majority of Americans have; and to believe that we can work together on behalf of the Americans we serve without resorting to acts that will damage us all. Click here or below to watch my full remarks.
Remembering WWII Hero, Six-Triple-Eight Member Deloris Ruddock
This week, I was honored to speak at the memorial service of an American hero, Deloris Ruddock. Deloris served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the Six Triple Eight – during World War II. I first met Deloris three years ago at the Six Triple Eight Monument dedication at Fort Leavenworth, which honors the women of her unit. She was humble, yet confident, and I feel lucky to have known her as one of the precious few remaining trailblazing women that served in the Six Triple Eight.
Deloris did not think about the fact that she was making history when she enlisted. She said she liked to live in the present and enjoy the blessings that life gave her. But she did make history; her decision to enlist and to go overseas was a groundbreaking decision in many ways that took tremendous courage. The work she did was essential to our nation’s success in the war. The Six Triple Eight sorted two years of backlogged mail in both England and France to make certain our troops on the front lines could correspond with their loved ones. I like to think that their work gave our troops the extra ounce of encouragement that was needed to win the war.
The Six Triple Eight holds a special place in my heart. I introduced the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act to make certain these trailblazing women are recognized for their contributions to our nation. This bill should be passing the Senate any day now, and when it does, I will work with my colleagues in the House to send this bill to the President.
75 years after Deloris’ return home, she was one of the precious few who remained as a symbol of that history. We were lucky to have known her. To learn more about the Deloris’ service and the Six Triple Eight, click here.
~HB 2007 includes significant funding to support vulnerable Kansans ~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed House Bill 2007, the state budget for FY 2021 and FY 2022, which passed with bipartisan support. However, she line-item vetoed certain provisos resolved in existing legislation or that would be better addressed not in this budget but through better collaboration between agencies and stakeholders.
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her signing of HB 2007, and her line-item vetoes:
“I want to thank the legislature for working together thoughtfully and expeditiously to pass this budget, which includes many enhancements to the work we began before the pandemic to restore funding through fiscally responsible tax and budget policy. There is still more work to be done, however, this budget includes significant funding to support some of the most vulnerable Kansans, including those in long-term care and those with intellectual disabilities. It also increases access to newborn screening, preventive mental health, and crisis services.
“While I support the majority of the provisions in this budget, there are items that have either been resolved in existing legislation or that would be better addressed not in this budget but through better collaboration between agencies and stakeholders. Other provisions tie funding mandates or prohibitions to blanket policies that should either be more narrowly tailored or independently vetted on their own merits through the regular legislative process.
“I look forward to working with the legislature to address the critical funding measures that must be passed during Omnibus. These include our constitutional obligation to adequately and equitably fund our K-12 public schools, salary increases for state employees, and restored funding for state agencies whose budgets were reduced as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(b) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby return House Bill 2007 with my signature approving the bill, except for the items enumerated below.”
State Bank Commissioner—Per Diem Increase for Kansas Banking Board Members
Section 4(b) has been line-item vetoed in its entirety.
This section would increase the per diem for members of the state banking board from $35 to $100 for the 2021 fiscal year, which ends in less than 70 days. The legislature should study this issue over the interim and make recommendations applicable to all boards and commissions. These recommendations should consider the fiscal impact of potential increases.
Legislative Coordinating Council—Room 221-E
Sections 29(d) and 31(a) have been line-item vetoed in their entirety. Additionally, the following portion of section 30(a) has also been vetoed:
Provided further, That notwithstanding the provisions of K.S.A. 75-3765a, and amendments thereto, or any other statute, expenditures shall be made by the above agency from the legislative coordinating council – operations account of the state general fund for fiscal year 2022 for the designation and identification of room 221-E of the state capitol building as a meditation room.
These sections would designate Room 221-E as the meditation room in the Statehouse. I support legislative efforts to provide a meditation space in one of the many rooms in the Capitol that remain unused for much of the year and are more convenient, more accessible, and closer to the public entrance.
Room 221-E, which is adjacent to the rest of the Governor’s Office and has been designated as part of the Governor’s Office space in the Statehouse, is currently being used by our constituent services team to provide critical assistance to Kansans on unemployment issues, proclamations, questions regarding legislative matters, and other inquiries.
There may be a majority of City Commissioners present at the Fort Scott Forward on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at 7:45 a.m. at the River Room Event Center. No City business will be conducted.
The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the LaRoche Stadium operations. This meeting is open to the public, but no action will be taken.
The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
