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Executive Order #21-22 is effective immediately and remains in force until rescinded, or until May 28, 2021, whichever is earlier.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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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.
For more information:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706 AgMedia@ks.gov
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2021 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds for the program are awarded to the agency by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
The funds are in turn granted to projects and organizations to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops; expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and addressing local, regional and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.”
Applications will be evaluated by a team of external reviewers. The team will rate proposals on their ability to successfully promote specialty crops in Kansas and make a positive impact on the Kansas economy. Those recommendations will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final awards. In 2021, Kansas has been allocated more than $338,000 for this program.
Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. CDT on May 21, 2021. For more information, including the Request for Application form and additional guidance about the grant program and the grant application process, go to the KDA website at: agriculture.ks.gov/specialtycrop.
The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.
Governor Laura Kelly Vetoes Divisive Voter Suppression Bills, Keeps Kansas Welcoming and Open for Business
~Governor Kelly also vetoes bills that would endanger children and deter families and businesses from moving to Kansas~
TOPEKA – Demonstrating her commitment to ensure that our state is welcoming to every Kansan and open for business, Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed the following:
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her vetoes of House Bill 2183 and House Bill 2332:
“Although Kansans have cast millions of ballots over the last decade, there remains no evidence of significant voter fraud in Kansas. This bill is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. It is designed to disenfranchise Kansans, making it difficult for them to participate in the democratic process, not to stop voter fraud.
“We also know what happens when states enact restrictive voting legislation. Hundreds of major companies across the nation have made it abundantly clear that this kind of legislation is wrong. Antagonizing the very businesses Kansas is trying to recruit is not how we continue to grow our economy.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Substitute for House Bill 2183.”
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2058:
“Throughout my time in public office, I have been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and of Kansans’ right to own firearms.
“But we can respect and defend the rights of Kansas gun owners while also taking effective steps to keep our children and families safe. Legislation that allows more guns on campus is neither safe nor effective, and it will drive prospective students away from our schools.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2058.”
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2166:
“As long as I’m governor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Kansas remains welcoming and inclusive. The Gadsden flag has become, over time, a symbol of racism and divisiveness. By inserting the Gadsden provision into an otherwise positive piece of legislation, the Legislature ensured a veto.
“The Legislature can easily pass and send me the original bill. If they do, I will sign it.
“Under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2166.”
Lynne Oharah – Gilmore & Bell, Notifying State Treasurer about Refinancing 2021a & 2021b bonds
Lynne Oharah – Mask Mandate
Elected Officials Comment
County Counselor Comment
Susan Bancroft, Finance Director – Gilmore & Bell Continuing Disclosure
Susan Bancroft, Finance Director – RFQ for Broker vs Consultant for bids on Property and Casualty, WC and Benefits
Public Comment
Anne Dare – Biden’s 30 x 30 Plan
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.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Providing Low-Cost Loans to Families, Businesses Experiencing High Utility Bills
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Senate Bill 86, establishing the Kansas Extraordinary Utility Costs Loan Deposit Program to provide low-cost loans to Kansans experiencing increased utility bills due to the extreme cold temperatures in February 2021.
“Since extremely cold temperatures hit our state in February, my administration has worked with local and national partners to find solutions to provide relief to Kansas families and businesses experiencing surging utility costs,” Governor Kelly said. “This legislation is a critical step in our continued response – and I thank the Legislature and State Treasurer Lynn Rogers for their collaborative effort to get this bill to my desk.”
The loan program will be administered by the Kansas State Treasurer.
“I want to thank Governor Kelly for signing this bipartisan legislation into law today. This is critical and necessary for Kansas communities and businesses to fully recover from the extraordinary weather event in February as well as the pandemic we continue to endure,” State Treasurer Lynn Rogers said. “My staff and I are ready to move forward with rolling out the low-cost loan programs the first week of May.”
House Bill 2208 enacts the Rural Emergency Hospital Act (Act) and creates a category of licensure to enable certain Kansas hospitals to receive federal health care reimbursement as rural emergency hospitals; establishes certification for certified community behavioral health clinics; authorizes licensed out-of-state physicians with telemedicine waivers to practice telemedicine in Kansas; and modifies licensure, temporary permit, and regulatory requirements on the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and its licensees.
House Bill 2401 authorizes the Secretary of Corrections (Secretary) to enter into agreements for public-private partnerships for projects for new or renovated buildings at correctional institutions.
