Governor Laura Kelly Urges Federal Investigation to Protect Kansans from Future Weather Emergencies and Price Surges
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take all necessary and possible steps to investigate the causes of the system failures during the recent extreme-weather event in Kansas and protect Kansans from natural gas and electricity price surges resulting from increased demand.
Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) Chair Andrew French, Commissioner Dwight D. Keen, and Commissioner Susan K. Duffy also signed onto the letter urging a federal investigation.
“I have directed my administration to use every tool at our disposal to ensure Kansans are protected from price surges, and that our system is better prepared to handle problems created by circumstances like extreme cold weather,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We will remain in communication with the Biden Administration to secure aid, and continue to encourage Congress to pass a stimulus package with state and local funding to provide relief to Kansas communities.”
“The recent energy pricing and supply emergency will have serious financial implications for all Kansans and the KCC will take every action within our authority to ease that burden,” Chairman French said. “However, our jurisdictional reach is limited. We need swift and decisive leadership at the federal level, as well.”
Specifically, Governor Kelly and the Kansas Corporation Commission called for the FERC to:
Examine the circumstances that reduced the supply of natural gas and compromised pressures on interstate pipelines;
Exercise its authority under Sections 4A and 23 of the Natural Gas Act and take all actions within its power to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of natural gas price indices;
Work with NERC to investigate whether additional reliability mechanisms are needed to respond to similar events like this in the future.
The Kelly Administration and the KCC look forward to working with the FERC in any way they can to ensure similar adverse public health and economic impacts never occur again because of extreme weather conditions.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Executive Order to Aid COVID-19 Response
~~Provides temporary relief from certain tuberculin testing requirements during state of emergency~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she signed Executive Order #21-04, temporarily suspending certain regulations regarding tuberculosis testing. COVID-19 vaccines may interfere with the accuracy of tuberculosis testing. As many residents in child care and long-term care facilities are being vaccinated, it’s critical to the state’s response that certain tuberculosis testing is deferred to encourage those staff and residents to get the vaccine.
“COVID-19 has impacted many Kansans – especially those working and residing in congregate facilities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We know vaccines are one of the strongest tools at our disposal to defeat this virus. This order will allow the state to get more vaccines in Kansans’ arms – quickly and safely.”
On November 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued interim clinical guidelines for mRNA vaccines (the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines). The CDC mRNA Immunization Guidelines recommend modifying the timing of blood draws or skin tests when the COVID-19 vaccine has been or will be administered.
Several Kansas regulations require tuberculin testing within a specific time frame when a new resident or staff person begins residing or working in certain facilities. This executive order suspends those regulations and implements the CDC’s guidance.
Executive Order #21-04 will be reviewed at State Finance Council on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, and will be effective immediately.
MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING @ 1427 215TH ST. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING BEGINNING AT 9AM
Joy Miller, RD, LD Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Adult Development and Aging Family Resource Management K-State Research and Extension Southwind Extension District 210 S. National Fort Scott, KS 66701 Office: 620-223-3720 Fax: 620-223-0332 [email protected]
People have a new chance to enroll in 2021 coverage on HealthCare.gov between February 15- May 15.
On January 28, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the government agency that runs HealthCare.gov, determined that the COVID-19 emergency presents exceptional circumstances for people trying to access health insurance. The CMS opened a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for people to enroll in the coverage they need. Here are a few quick tips and facts about this opportunity.
Who can enroll during the new COVID SEP? Any marketplace-eligible person can enroll during this SEP. This includes people who are uninsured, current marketplace enrollees who would like to change plans, and people who are currently enrolled in COBRA and would like to switch to marketplace coverage.
When will coverage start? A person has 30 days to select a plan after they submit their application. Coverage begins on the first day of the month after plan selection. For example, a person who selects a plan on February 28 will have coverage effective on March 1.
How long does someone have to enroll? The SEP lasts from February 15 to May 15, but regular SEPs will still be available after that. People can enroll in Medicaid or CHIP at any time.
What if a person is eligible for COBRA? A person may be eligible for a premium tax credit even if they are eligible for COBRA, but they can’t take both. If a person elected COBRA but changes their mind within the SEP window, they can enroll in marketplace coverage with a premium tax credit and disenroll from COBRA.
Financial subsidies such as ‘premium tax credit’ are available for households with income(s) between 100%-400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline and enrolled in a Marketplace plan. Understanding what counts as income is important for accuracy.
Do stimulus payments count as income? No. These payments do not count as income for Medicaid or premium tax credit eligibility.
Do unemployment benefits count as income? For premium tax credit eligibility, all unemployment benefits (both the state and supplemental federal benefits) count as income. However, for Medicaid and CHIP eligibility, the current $300 per week federal pandemic unemployment compensation is excluded from income, while other unemployment benefits do count.
Other types of income among people who have lost a job include withdrawing money from a retirement plan or IRA and social security benefits.
To learn more about Marketplace health insurance plans, eligibility, how to apply, and who can assist you, register for the Marketplace Health Insurance Webinar presented by me, Joy Miller, a certified Assister with the Marketplace. The Webinar will be offered at 12:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. March 3, April 7, and May 5. Register for free at www.bit.ly/SouthwindMarketplace. For more information, call 620-223-3720 or e-mail [email protected].
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM AT CITY HALL @ 9AM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
PLEASE NOTE THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT CITY HALL
Call to Order
Flag Salute
Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
Lynne Oharah – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
Jody Hoener – Client List for Collections-Omni
Jesse Walker – Road Closing Notifications
Hubert Thomas – Roads
County Counselor Comment
Public Comment
Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
February 22, 2021
Board of Trustees, Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on
Monday, February 22, 2021. The meeting will be held via Zoom from Fort Scott Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom link
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 25, 2021, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Approval of 2021-22 Academic Calendar
B. Discussion of FSCC Facility Usage by Outside Groups
C. Consideration of Honorary Associate Degree Recipient
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 45
A. Correspondence for Review, 46
REPORTS, 47
A. Administrative Updates, 48
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 62
ADJOURNMENT, 63
1
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• February 15, 2021: Board Meeting
• March 22, 2021: Board Meeting
• March 26, 2021: Aggie Day
• April 1 – 2, 2021: Good Friday – Campus Closed
• April 19, 2021: Board Meeting
• May 1, 2021: Graduation
• May 17, 2021: Board Meeting
• June 21, 2021: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 25, 2021.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Roger Copland, Assistant Football Coach, effective January 25, 2021
b) JoDee Smith, TRIO Database Manager, effective February 1, 2021
c) Bethanne Elliott, Admissions Representative, effective February 15, 2021
d) Tyler Nelson, Assistant Football Coach, effective February 22, 2021
e) Joel Leiva, MEP Service Advocate and Recruiter, effective March 1, 2021
2) Separations
a) Cody Crim, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective 1/26/2021
b) Kim Coates, Construction Trades Instructor, effective 2/15/2021
c) Elizabeth Cazares, MEP Advocate, effective February 15, 2021
Fort Scott Police Officer Brian Thurston. Submitted photo.
A Fort Scott Police Department case that began last summer at a local gas station is ongoing.
At the Pete’s Convenience Store on East Wall in August 2020, staff noticed that a lock on the pump door had been tampered with.
The store’s maintenance employee called the FSPD immediately.
An investigation was started by retrieving the skimmer and calling other local and nearby towns to tell them of the illegal activity at the gas pump.
Skimmers are illegal card readers attached to payment terminals. These card readers grab data off a credit or debit card’s magnetic stripe without your knowledge, according to https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/watch-out-card-skimming-gas-pump Criminals sell the stolen data or use it to buy things online.
FSPD Detective Sargeant Brian Thurston mailed the skimmer to the U.S. Secret Service.
“They have the technology to get information off of the device to try to identify the perpetrator,” he said.
“The device is Blue Tooth,” he said. “The bad guy can come back and get info off of it.”
The FSPD received information back from the Secret Service on Feb. 16, 2021.
Forty-five people had their information on the skimmer, Thurston said. He has made contact with them.
“We don’t believe any info was retrieved by the suspect,” he said.
His next step is to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and get assistance “to identify the device, then attach someone to that device, to identify a suspect,” he said.
Back in August, the FSPD called local gas stations and also area ones, to tell them of the skimmer.
“In Louisburg a skimmer was at an ATM inside of a store,” Thurston said.
Pete’s Convenience Store has since replaced all the locks on the gas pumps.
The 45 people who were listed on the skimmer are being notified to change their credit card, as a safety precaution, he said.
The Secret Service has sent Thurston information on the device that was connected to that skimmer.
The investigation is ongoing, he said.
How to protect oneself from skimming.
“There is a security seal on the door of the gas pump,” Thurston said. “They are different colors, that I’ve seen, green, yellow, red, blue. If that seal is broken or torn, notify the gas station attendant.”
Make sure the gas pump panel is closed and doesn’t show signs of tampering. Many stations now put security seals over the cabinet panel. If the pump panel is opened, the label will read “void.”
Photo credit: National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and Conexxus
Look at the card reader itself. Does it look different than other readers at the station? For example, the card reader on the left has a skimmer attached; the reader on the right doesn’t.
Photo credit: Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Kamloops, Canada
Try to wiggle the card reader before you put in your card. If it moves, report it to the attendant. Then use a different pump.
If you use a debit card at the pump, run it as a credit card instead of entering a PIN. That way, the PIN is safe and the money isn’t deducted immediately from your account.
If you’re really concerned about skimmers, pay inside rather than at the pump.
Monitor your credit card and bank accounts regularly to spot unauthorized charges.
If your credit card has been compromised, report it to your bank or card issuer. Federal law limits your liability if your credit, ATM, or debit card is lost or stolen, but your liability may depend on how quickly you report the loss or theft. For more information, read Lost or Stolen Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards.
Kansas Department of Revenue Opens Online Scheduling for In-person Taxpayer Assistance Center Visits
TOPEKA – With the 2021 income tax filing season underway, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Assistance Center now provides an online scheduling option for in-person appointments. This past November KDOR announced that all in-person appointments to its Taxpayer Assistance Centers require an appointment.
Kansas Taxpayer Assistance Centers aid taxpayers with personal and business tax questions regarding their specific Kansas tax accounts or general tax questions. TAC locations are closed on state holidays.
All appointments are required to be made a minimum of 24-hours ahead of a scheduled visit.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Remote Learning Grant Program Extended through Spring
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that programs that received funding for remote learning are eligible to apply for extensions to support the continuation of online education through Spring 2021. The Remote Learning Grant program will continue to help address learning and supervision needs of school-age children who are not able to attend in-person school due to the pandemic.
“Our top priority is working to safely return our kids and teachers back to in-person learning,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “But until then, these Remote Learning Grants have made and will continue to make a huge difference for families juggling work and virtual school by supporting programs and facilities that provide safe, secure settings for remote learners. I am pleased they will continue into the spring, and I encourage all programs and facilities that qualify to apply.”
During the Fall 2020 school term, 77 organizations across Kansas supported the remote learning needs of school-age children, funded with more than $8,493,000 from the Remote Learning Grants program. In-home child care providers, day care programs, child and youth serving organizations, and even community attractions such as a museum and a zoo, came forward to help.
“The positive impact of families and communities has also been substantial,” said Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. “Remote Learning Grants have focused on support for low-income families and those where one or both parents are first responders, such as nurses, EMTs, police officers, and staff for essential services such as grocery workers. We are pleased to provide to help provide safe, supervised learning environments for our Kansas students.”
“The Remote Learning Grant has enabled Boys & Girls Clubs to close the digital divide and support families in need,” said Romero Brown, the State Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Children and teens now have the opportunity to learn virtually, cultivate critical social skills and receive guidance from caring adult leaders in a positive, safe environment.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs is just one of many recipients of the Remote Learning Grant program.
“The extension of the Remote Learning Grant program will help the Y support more than 1,400 kids from more than seven school districts in the Kansas City area this spring, plus many other kids in Wichita, southwest and central Kansas,” saidJohn Mikos, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “Thanks to the grant, the Y can offer programs to working families and ensure that the cost isn’t a barrier to them, so parents can go to work relieved their children have the learning support they need in a safe space with caring adults.”
New applications for funding are also available to:
All KDHE-licensed early care and youth programs/facilities serving school-aged children
Local programs with demonstrated experience and success developing and delivering quality, safe, out-of-home care and education services/programs for school-age children, such as schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, Parks and Recreation, 21st CCLCs, and faith-based organizations
Other community programs that demonstrate the capacity and ability to establish or expand programs for school-age children
The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund will continue to be responsible for administering the funds, and applications will be evaluated on a weekly basis. All funding must be awarded, and spent by grantees, by May 28, 2021.
The Airport Advisory Board that was scheduled for Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at the City Commission meeting room at City Hall has been canceled due to inclement weather. It will be rescheduled at a later date.
The violence at the United States Capitol on January 6 was an attempt to subvert democracy, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Rioters and extremists sought to prevent Members of Congress and Vice President Pence from performing their constitutional obligation to affirm the results of an election, and President Trump was wrong to continue to spread allegations of widespread fraud and not immediately discourage the reprehensible and unpatriotic behavior.
The Constitution does not clearly state whether a former president can be tried for impeachment by the Senate, but I believe the impeachment process is intended to be used for considering whether or not “The President” should be removed from office. Because former President Trump is no longer in office, I voted to acquit. Establishing the precedent that the Senate has jurisdiction to convict a former president would cause extreme damage to our country and the future of the presidency.
Celebrating Black History
February is a month to reflect on Black history, to both understand its struggle throughout American history and celebrate the lives and contributions of Black Americans. This past week, I’ve introduced two pieces of legislation that aim to highlight, uplift and preserve our collective knowledge of Black history.
Expanding the Brown v. Board of Education Sites
This week, I joined my Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to honor and commemorate the historic sites that contributed to the 1954 landmark Supreme Court decision, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.
As one of the cornerstones of the civil rights movement, Kansan Linda Brown and her parents took their case all the way to the Supreme Court, leading to the unanimous overturning of the “separate but equal” doctrine which was established in 1896’s Plessy v. Ferguson that discriminated against school children because of their skin color. This legislation will expand and preserve the historic sites in Kansas and around the country connected to this case. Kansas has played a key role in the civil rights movement, and we must seek to preserve this legacy that calls on all Americans to uphold the self-evident truth that all men and women are created equal.
Honoring the Women of the “Six-Triple-Eight”
Additionally, I introduced legislation to honor the brave women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Seventy-six years ago, the women of “Six-Triple-Eight,” the only all-female, all-black battalion to serve overseas during World War II, arrived in the European Theater of Operations on February 12th, 1945. Upon arrival, they were faced with warehouses full of millions of pieces of backlogged mail. This unit did the essential work of sorting and directing mail for the 7 million Americans that worked or served in Europe during the war. They cleared that backlog in just three months, making certain that troop morale remained high at a pivotal point in the war, so that troops on the front lines were able to receive mail from home, strengthening their resolve to remain in the fight.
I have had the opportunity to recognize the brave service and sacrifice of these women on multiple occasions in the past, and it is my honor to advocate for this final award. In 2018, I helped lead the effort to place a monument commemorating the women of the Six-Triple-Eight in Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park at Fort Leavenworth (pictured below). I then championed an effort to award the unit the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation: this was the first unit award the 6888 ever received and was well overdue.
Their contributions to the war effort cannot be overstated and my “Six-Triple-Eight” Congressional Gold Medal Act further recognizes their tremendous service and sacrifice.
Remembering Ike this President’s Day
On President’s Day, we recognize the contributions our American presidents have made to our freedom and to the greatness of our nation. Yesterday, I was thinking of Abilene native, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Ike, a five-star general in the United States Army and the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe, represents the best of our country. His name, adorned on schools, memorials and hospitals across our nation and abroad, lives in our memory, and we are inspired by his selfless service and sacrifice to our nation.
I encourage all Kansans to visit Abilene’s Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum (pictured below) to learn more about the incredible life and legacy of Kansas’ favorite son.
Combatting Global Hunger
Joining CARE’s U.S. Leadership Forum
This week, I joined CARE’s Global Hunger and U.S. Leadership Forum to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on global food systems. This forum highlighted opportunities where Americans can work to meet the challenge of ending global hunger. I believe that fighting hunger is not only the morally right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do.
International food aid programs provide a valuable market for Kansas agricultural producers, as well as strengthen America’s national security by promoting greater stability in the world. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I work to prioritize funding for our international food aid programs, including Food for Peace and Dole-McGovern Food for Education. The Food for Peace law was signed into law by President Eisenhower and Dole-McGovern was established by Senator Dole, and I am proud to carry on the strong Kansas tradition of fighting against global hunger.
Urging Replenishment of the International Fund for Agricultural Development
As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I led a group of senators this week in urging Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to pledge support from the United States for the 12th replenishment of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to help reduce global hunger. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated global food insecurity and poverty, which had been made worse in recent years due to widespread incidences of conflict and economic disruption. In order for the United States to continue to demonstrate strong leadership, I urged Secretary Yellen to make a robust pledge to IFAD at the pledging conference on February 16, 2021. Taking such action will benefit and enable the world’s most vulnerable populations to generate more income and improve nutrition and food security.
Billions of Dollars in COVID-19 Relief Still Left to be Spent
Last year, Congress spent $4 trillion on bipartisan COVID-19 relief packages to support Americans as our country faced the challenges of this pandemic. The latest COVID-19 relief package provided $900 billion in additional resources and was signed into law on December 27, 2020. Much of that assistance is only now being disbursed.
Federal funds that remain unspent as of late January include $14 billion for COVID-19 testing, $11 billion for the Department of Veteran Affairs, $64 billion for K-12 schools and over $200 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Before authorizing additional funding, Congress must make certain these existing resources are being used efficiently to combat the ongoing effects of this pandemic.
Discussing Rural Health Care with Kansas Medical Students
This week, I met virtually with a group of Kansas medical students who want to serve rural communities after completing their doctorate degrees.
During our meeting, we discussed COVID-19 relief for hospitals through the Provider Relief Fund and allocating 20% for rural hospitals; ensuring pharmaceutical manufacturers do not undermine the role of contract pharmacies in the 340B Drug Pricing Program; and the staffing recruitment difficulties rural hospitals continue to face, especially throughout the pandemic. Ensuring rural communities have access to quality medical care has never been more important, and I thank these students for their commitment to providing medical care in hard-to-reach places. I was pleased to see these students promise they will come back to serve Kansas communities following graduation.
Thank you to Landon Fulmer for organizing this meeting.
Ensuring Veterans Have Access to COVID-19 Vaccines
As the top Republican on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress and in the administration to make certain that veterans in Kansas have access to the best COVID-19 care possible. This included providing PPE and ventilators to health care workers and hospitals during the onset of the pandemic and has now transitioned to efficiently administering vaccines across our state. I was with the leadership of the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita when they received their first shipment of vaccines in December, and I am encouraged that we are able to vaccinate vulnerable veterans. More than 23,000 veterans have been vaccinated between the Kansas City, Topeka, Leavenworth and Wichita VA Medical Centers and their associated Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.
Currently, veterans who have existing health risks or are over 75 years of age are eligible to receive the vaccine. The VA is reaching out to those individuals personally to notify them of their eligibility and coordinate their vaccines. If you are a veteran, you can click here for more information about the VA’s COVID-19 testing and treatment resources. You can also sign up for updates about vaccine availability here.
As ranking member of the Senate VA Committee, there is no group of individuals whom I hold in higher regard than those who served in uniform. My work in Congress will continue to ensure that veterans are able to access these vaccines.
Meeting with National Sorghum Producers
I met virtually with members of National Sorghum Producers this week to discuss a number of issues facing farmers. We discussed the negative impact the Biden administration’s proposed changes to step up basis rules and capital gains tax rates would have on family farms; the role sorghum and agriculture will play in carbon sequestration in the future; resource conservation and sustainability; and the importance of trade for the success of Kansas farms. Kansas leads the nation in sorghum production, and exporting the crops we grow to consumers around the world is vital for the success of our farmers. It was great to hear from sorghum producers both in Kansas and throughout the nation as I work to advocate on behalf of farmers and ranchers.
Hearing from Kansas Independent College Leaders
This week, I was grateful for the opportunity to hear from several of our Kansas independent college presidents, including Sterling College, Tabor College, University of St. Mary, Central Christian College and Friends University. The funding provided by the CARES Act and other coronavirus relief measures passed by Congress has allowed Kansas higher education institutions to safely reopen for in-person learning.
In addition to providing a strong college experience in the midst of a pandemic, these institutions and their students are helping retain a low unemployment rate in their institutions’ towns. The educators at Kansas’ independent colleges, like the rest of our state, will benefit from an accelerated vaccine distribution process, and I remain committed to securing the necessary funding and resources to get more shots in more arms. Thank you to these leaders for your dedication to Kansas students despite the many challenges you are currently facing.
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
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Governor Kelly Announces $200 Million In Statewide Rental Assistance
~ Funding provides housing support to prevent evictions and homelessness ~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Kelly and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation announced $200 million in statewide rental assistance. The initiative, funded through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, provides the state of Kansas with $200 million to support housing stability and prevent evictions and homelessness.
“COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for Kansans, and it is more important than ever to keep our families safe in their homes,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “The $200 million funding for rental assistance will go a long way to prevent evictions and homelessness, and ensure Kansans can stay sheltered and secure while we continue to fight this virus.”
Kansans struggling to cover rent and utility payments due to COVID may qualify for up to 12 months of emergency assistance thanks to new federal relief. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) and the City of Wichita will administer the funds.
“Home has never been more important,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC Executive Director. “Home has always been a place of shelter, but in the midst of the pandemic it’s also become our virtual workplace, classroom, and gathering space. Rental assistance protects Kansans’ access to home when they need it most.”
Tenants may qualify for assistance if they earn no more than 80 percent of their area’s median income, are experiencing documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic and may be at risk of housing instability or homelessness without assistance.
“In unprecedented times of hardship, it’s imperative that we step up to provide security to those in need,” said Sally Stang, Director of Housing and Community Services for the City of Wichita. “Everyone needs a little help now and then, and we want to ensure that families and individuals who need help to stay in their homes receive it.”
Wichita residents may apply through the Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERAP) administered by the city’s Housing and Community Services division. The city’s online application will open on Monday, February 22, 2021.
Kansans living outside the Wichita city limits may apply through the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program administered by KHRC. The online KERA application will open on Monday, March 15, 2021.
The KERA and WERAP programs follow the 2020 Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP), a $20 million assistance initiative administered by KHRC with federal CARES Act funding. In the roughly 60 days that the program was in statewide operation, KHRC received 10,138 applications for more than $25 million requested in assistance, representing 27,200 Kansans financially impacted by COVID.
About the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)
The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering housing and community programs to serve Kansans. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ERA0032 awarded to Kansas Housing Resources Corporation by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
