Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

Burton Harding: New FS City Attorney

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Burton Harding in a 2013 photo from Linn County News.
 Burton Harding, 37, is the new attorney for the City of Fort Scott.
His duties are providing legal assistance to the Fort Scott City Commissioners.
Harding was educated at the University of Kansas Law School
 and has practiced law for 10 years.
He and his wife have two children.
Burton’s date of hire for the City of Fort Scott was May 1, 2019.
Harding’s familiarity with Fort Scott helped with procuring the job.
“Of the applicants that applied for this position, we felt Burton was the one who had the most familiarity with Fort Scott and would be committed to represent the City’s legal interests and provide legal counsel to the commission and staff,” Deb Needleman, Fort Scott Human Resources Director said.
His office is located in Mound City.
“Just as our previous city attorney worked out of his own office within his legal firm, so does Burton,” Needleman said.  “Burton’s office is in Mound City but he is in Fort Scott several days a week and meets with staff as needed….just as the previous city attorney did.”

Contact information:

Harding Law Firm, L.L.C.
223 Main St.
P.O. Box 216
Mound City, KS 66056
Ph: 913-795-2285
Business, Government, Kansas

KCC Denies Westar Request

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KCC denies request that would have cost Westar customers approximately $93 million

Topeka – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission denied Westar Energy’s request for ratepayers to bear the cost of its seven-month lease and subsequent purchase in August 2019 of an 8% interest in Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC). Had it been approved, the cost to ratepayers would have amounted to approximately $93 million in increased rates over the next 15 years.

 

In rejecting the request, the Commission order states Westar failed to meet its burden of showing that its new lease and purchase agreement was a prudent decision for its retail customers and that Westar entered into the agreement knowing it did not need the 8% portion of JEC to satisfy its capacity requirements and the settlement agreement would increase customers’ rates.

 

Prior to the August purchase, Westar and Kansas City Power & Light owned 92% of the Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC). Midwest Power Company owned the remaining 8% and leased it to Westar. The power generated was sold to Mid-Kansas Electric Company through a Power Purchase Agreement. The lease and purchase agreements both expired on January 3, 2019. Westar then opted for a new lease and subsequent purchase of the 8% and asked the Commission to approve the recovery of costs through its Retail Energy Cost Adjustment (RECA) which is included in customer rates.

 

Today’s order does allow Westar to operate the 8% portion of JEC for wholesale sales and retain revenues resulting from that portion of the plant for their shareholders.

The Commission’s regulatory oversight requires balancing the interests of the public and the utility while ensuring reliable and cost efficient service.

Today’s Commission order can be viewed at: http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=a3473a11-528a-46eb-9195-7b5425701361

 

Government, Kansas

Child Car Seat Safety

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Free Resources Help Parents Ensure Children’s Safety
State Partners Highlight Car Seat Safety During Child Passenger Safety Week

 

TOPEKA – Every day in America, millions of parents and caregivers take to the road with children in their vehicles. While many children are buckled up in the right car seat for their ages and sizes – nearly half (46 percent) are not, and some aren’t buckled up at all. Child Passenger Safety Week is September 15-21, 2019, and Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Highway Patrol want to ensure children ride as safely as possible—every trip, every time.

 

“Every 32 seconds in 2017, a child under 13 was involved in a motor vehicle crash,” said Colonel Herman T. Jones, Kansas Highway Patrol. “Using a car seat that fits your child and your vehicle is the best way to keep your children safe.” According to NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are a leading killer of children. While fatalities and injuries declined from 2016 to 2017, there is still work to be done to completely eliminate these preventable tragedies. Car seats, booster seats, and seat belts can make all the difference. “In 2017, there were 312 children under the age of 5 saved because they were using restraints,” said Col. Jones. “Car seats matter.”

 

Too often, parents move their children to the front seat before they should, which increases the risk of injury and death, even if they are buckled up. The safest place for all kids under 13 is in the back seat.

 

“As parents and caregivers, we have a long list of things we do for our children to show our love. One of the simplest and most important things on the list should be to make sure they are in the right car seat for their age and size,” said Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas. “Get your car seats checked. Make certain they’re installed correctly, and that your kids are in the right seats and are buckled in correctly. Even if you think your child’s car seat is installed correctly, get it checked with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, so you can be sure that your child is the safest he or she can be while traveling.” To find a car seat inspection station near you, visit www.kansascarseatcheck.org.

 

According to a 2018-19 observational survey, if the driver is belted, about 97% of the observed children are belted too. If the driver is not belted, about 30% of the observed children are belted.

 

“Drivers play an important role in not only getting to a destination safely, but ensuring all passengers are buckled up,” said Julie Lorenz, Kansas Secretary of Transportation. “Seat belts are for everyone because your life and your passenger’s lives depend on it.”

 

For optimal safety, it is recommended to keep children rear-facing as long as possible, up to the top height or weight allowed by their particular seats. Once a child outgrows the rear-facing-only “infant” car seat, he/she should travel in a rear-facing “convertible,” or all-in-one car seat. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing size limits, the child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness (always use the tether). After outgrowing the forward-facing car seat with harness, children should be placed in booster seats until they’re the right size to use seat belts safely. And if children are under 13 years old, they should always sit in the back seat.

 

Remember to register your car seat or booster seat with the seat manufacturer so you can be notified in the event of a recall. Parents and caregivers can find more information on how to choose and use car seats safely at www.ultimatecarseatguide.org.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes August 27

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August 27, 2019                                              Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Nancy Van Etten were also present.

Jeremiah Hill met with Jim Harris, Jerad Heckman and the Commissioners; he said the motor grader had cut a diagonal ditch across the road on Poplar between 205-215th; Jerad said he felt the water was coming from the driveways cutting the ditch in the road. Jeremiah said when a ditch gets cleaned the dirt is getting pushed into the fence; Jim said they have been instructed not to do this if there is a fence there. Jeremiah discussed an area where this was done, Jim said they have to clean up the shoulders to build the road that he has requested, Jim said when it is dry enough they will go back and smooth out the area; Jeremiah said when this is done, it changes the flow of water. Jeremiah discussed the drive entrances now being higher than the road. Jeremiah discussed the roads and the intersections getting narrower. Jeremiah presented pictures of piles of dirt and debris that the graders are leaving on the roads.

Jeff discussed KDOT’s grant for bridges, he said there is $5 million available; Jeff said he felt they needed to prioritize the bridges and apply for some of the grant money.

Jim said they are out of chips and are planning to start making chips today; Jim said they will probably have to buy ice control this year.

Lynne discussed the revenue from the Road & Bridge Sales tax; he said it was down $6,500 for August and $10,000 for July. Jim suggested that the revenue from Road & Bridge Sales tax be monitored weekly.

Jim said the older New Holland tractor has a cracked block.

Jeff discussed the road north of Redbud Nursery; he said a few years ago the County reclaimed the road and said the root of the problem there was that a contractor had filled in a ditch forcing the drainage under the road. Jeff said he has witnessed the same issue around the County in other areas.

Lynne discussed gravel in the ditch at Range and 105th; Lynne said the gravel was washed off of the road due to concrete placed in front of a culvert in the area.

Jeff said he received a report from Jim’s neighbor about the ditch north of his property; Jim said they are building a ditch in the area.

Cheryl & Frank Adamson met with the Commissioners regarding a hearing that was held between the City of Fort Scott Commissioners and Kevin “Skitch” Allen. Kevin won a place on the General ballot for a Fort Scott City Commissioner. The City Commissioners claimed that Kevin was not a city resident; after the hearing and based on the information that the City presented at the hearing, it was determined that Kevin met the criteria to be a resident. Cheryl questioned the ordinance that stated the candidates needed to be residents; Kendell said it is a City of Fort Scott ordinance.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jody Hoener, Kendell Mason and Richard Goldstein). No action was taken.

Bill Martin, Bobby Reed, Ben Cole and Alvin Metcalf met with the Commissioners to discuss the 2020 budget. Also present for this meeting were Frank and Cheryl Adamson, Nancy Van Etten, Rachel Pruitt, Dave martin, Robert Uhler and Tracy Reed. Bill Martin said he was reviewing the 2020 budget and asked for an explanation of the proposed budget. He said he noticed a $39,674 increase in the Sheriff departments wage budget, he questioned if this was to cover the wages of the Sheriff Deputy that has been being paid by a grant, Lynne said no this wasn’t the reason for the increase. Bill said the position is still there, but isn’t being paid for by the grant any longer; Bill said he will be over in wages in 2020. Bill said he noticed that each one of the elected officials was getting a pay raise in the budget; Bill said he only requested a 3% increase for his wages, Bill said he wanted no more than a 3% increase. Bill discussed two of his exempt employees that there was not a raise budgeted for (Bill said the two employees hadn’t received a raise since 2012 or 2013), but other exempt employees getting a raise. Bill said when the hourly employees received raises last year, his exempt employees did not receive a raise; Bill suggested finding money to get them a pay raise as well, he said they are good employees that do above what is expected. Bill said he wasn’t attacking a person, but questioned the budget for Economic Development; he said in 2019 $60,000 was budgeted, but in 2020 $100,000 has been proposed for the Economic Development budget. Lynne said Economic Development is the only way to turn the ship around by addressing what is causing the population decline. Jeff Fischer told Bill he admired how Bill had tried to address wages and retention; Jeff said they had previously adjusted his deputies’ wages to help address retention and said at that time they had planned to address salaried individuals in the future. Jeff previously compared the wages of Bourbon County to other like counties and said they realized there was a gap in some areas. Jeff said other like counties pay their Sheriff $67,000, Bourbon County pays $45,900. Bill said every year he presents a budget with raises, but said this lacked action. Lynne discussed the Sheriff budgeting $4.00/gallon for fuel, he said they have offered the Sheriff a fuel tank to save money on the fuel, but Bill did not accept the tank. Bobby Reed said they have been kicked to the curb for 7 years; Lynne said each Commissioner was ok with the way the budget was done. Lynne said they were told that the new jail wasn’t going to cost anymore, Bobby said he didn’t say that, Lynne said when the new jail was presented it was promised it could operate on the same amount of money; Bobby asked who said this, Lynne said he (Bobby) did, Nick said this was always told to taxpayers that it wasn’t going to cost anymore; Bill said it was presented that there wouldn’t be any more cost for the employees to run the building. Bill said the operation of the jail is covered by the sales tax; he said the ballot stated that the sales tax could be used to refurbish the old jail, pay the bond for the jail and the operations. Lynne said the County is getting less revenue from sales tax and that we have to be able to make the payments. Bill said he did not want a raise. The Commissioners said they would like to address the exempt employees next year; Bobby said it could be addressed if they are still here. There was a brief discussion over Allen County receiving reimbursement from inmates for medical care while in jail, Jeff said he hasn’t seen any reimbursements for Bourbon County inmates; Bobby said this is submitted to the County Attorney and it is then up to the court to collect the money. Alvin Metcalf said when he goes to work every day, his family doesn’t know if he is coming home or not. He said other people don’t have the same worry. Alvin said when they come to the Commissioners nothing gets accomplished. Lynne said other departments budgets have been reduced significantly. The Commissioners said it is budgeted in 2020 and planned to give a longevity bonus based on years of service. Jeff said in January of 2020 they will assign a value to each position. There was a discussion over the declining population and the healthcare costs that the County has incurred. Bill said he didn’t feel comfortable taking a raise with the unknown. Bill said he didn’t do his job for the pay, but was doing it for the civic duty. Jeff said a large portion of the previous raises given were given to his department. Lynne said they realize that in a few years they will have to address wages for the hourly employees. Jeff said that previously the Sheriff’s department was losing employees to the City of Fort Scott and the County Commissioners addressed their wages then, he said they are making progress and it is getting better. Jeff said they need to be working together to move the community forward.

City of Fort Scott representatives Rachel Pruitt, Cheryl Adamson, Randy Nichols and Dave Martin, as well as Jim Fewins, Jody Hoener and Barbara Ritter met with the Commissioners. Rachel Pruitt presented a draft document of a Property Tax Relief for the City of Fort Scott. This program is to help local businesses prosper and grow. This is a program they are trying to create to help move current businesses from building lease to business building owners. Rachel discussed property taxes being a barrier to owning property for the businesses. If the program is created there will be different qualifications. If approved, the program will offer the approved applicant different percentages of the taxes that they have to pay over a ten year period. Barbara Ritter said the tax burden keeps them from purchasing, so they continue to lease. Rachel said this program would be to help with business retention and is an expansion tool to keep current businesses. Jeff questioned the impact for the other counties that are doing this.

Lynne said Joe Bisone presented him with a picture of a development they are working on; they hope to build 107 units near Hammond on Condensory Road made out of Hempcrete. The plan for the first phase will consist of 7 units.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 3 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 12:02, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Nick seconded and all approved.

Emergency Manger Will Wallis met with the Commissioners, Jeff made a motion that Lynne sign the EMPG Funds document, Nick seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the document. Will discussed disaster KDEM #4449; 70 Kansas counties (including Bourbon County) are a part of this disaster and there are nearly 500 applicants in the program. Will said he would question if there was a 6 month debris removal deadline.

Deb McCoy presented a letter to Jeff and Kendell; the letter from Deb thanked Kendell for the work she does.

Economic Development Director Jody Hoener met with the Commissioners; they discussed the strategic plan and the vision for Bourbon County.

Nancy Van Etten met with the Commissioners regarding research she had done; previously Fort Scott Lake property owners met with the Commissioners regarding a possible building of condos on a lake lot. In September 2004, Mel Cummins petitioned Bourbon County to subdivide a lake lot for multiple single dwellings. At that time, the Cummings property was outside the 3 mile zone, so the County had jurisdiction over the Cummins property. The County Commissioners held a hearing in October 2004 and the Commissioners denied the petition to subdivide the property.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 3:56, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

Approved Date 09/03/2019

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Commerce Dept. Is Restructuring

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Secretary David Toland Announces Agency Restructuring, Open New Positions

 

Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland has announced agency-wide restructuring as part ongoing rebuilding efforts. These actions include the rebuilding of both the Business Development and International Trade Divisions.

“Much of the structure that exists today at the Department of Commerce came in response to hasty budget cuts and ideologically-driven decisions that simply do not reflect best practices in economic development,” Secretary Toland said. “When you’re in the business of selling the state as a great place to do business, it makes no sense to eliminate much of your sales force, as happened under the previous administration. Governor Kelly and I are determined to do the difficult restructuring work at Commerce that will yield strong economic growth in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state.”

Two new positions will be created to align with the new structure:

  • Business Development Division Director – The director will develop and administer programs designed to recruit and retain businesses within the state. They will lead a team of local and regional economic development professionals to grow and diversify the economy, while promoting the state as a desirable location to do business.
  • International Trade Division Director – The director will design and lead the international investment and trade development strategy for the state, including opening new export markets for Kansas businesses and recruiting businesses seeking U.S. locations to the state.

Current Director of Business Development Susan NeuPoth Cadoret has announced that she will retire in December 2020. She is transitioning into a new role as special advisor to the Secretary, supporting Secretary Toland’s re-engineering of the Department.

“Susan is a committed and forceful advocate for Kansas communities and businesses, and she stepped up to the plate to hold our Business and Community Development functions together during incredibly difficult times in the agency,” Toland said. “I’m grateful to Susan for 20 years of service at Commerce and for her willingness to work closely with me in this new role as we return this agency to a national leader in economic development.”

Alicia Janesko Hutchings, who was appointed by Secretary Toland in June to lead the Business Recruitment team, will remain in that capacity.

 

 

Ryan Brinker

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

 

Kansas Department of Commerce

Office of the Secretary

1000 SW Jackson St. Ste. 100

Topeka, KS 66612-1354

Phone: (785) 296-4931

Cell: (785) 276-9723

 

Government, Health Care

One Kansan Dead in Vaping Outbreak

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Health Officials Report Death in Vaping Related Lung Disease

 

Kansas health officials have confirmed the first death in the state associated with an outbreak of serious lung disease related to vaping or using e-cigarettes.

The recent death was a Kansas resident over the age of 50. According to Kansas State Epidemiologist Dr. Farah Ahmed, the patient had a history of underlying health issues and was hospitalized with symptoms that progressed rapidly.

The national investigation has not identified any specific vaping or e-cigarette products linked to all cases. Many patients report using vaping or e-cigarette products with liquids that contain cannabinoid products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol.

Kansas does not have detailed information on what types of products were used by the deceased.

“Our sympathies go out to the family of the person who died,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Health officials are working hard to determine a cause and share information to prevent additional injuries. As that work continues, I urge Kansans to be careful. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way, and please follow the recommendations of public health officials.”

Kansas State Health Officer and Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Dr. Lee Norman said health officials nationwide continue to work aggressively to gather information and determine what has caused these lung injuries.

“It is time to stop vaping.” Secretary Norman said. “If you or a loved one is vaping, please stop. The recent deaths across our country, combined with hundreds of reported lung injury cases continue to intensify. I’m extremely alarmed for the health and safety of Kansans who are using vaping products and urge them to stop until we can determine the cause of vaping related lung injuries and death.”

To date, Kansas has six reports associated with the outbreak. Three patients have been classified as confirmed or probable cases and three cases are still under investigation. State investigators determine if cases are confirmed or probable after examining the medical records of suspected cases and consulting with the clinical care team to exclude other possible cases.

To protect patient confidentiality, no further information will be provided regarding each of these cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the addition of the Kansas report, is reporting 6 deaths and more than 450 possible cases of severe lung injury in 33 states and one jurisdiction.

While investigations into these cases continue, CDC is recommending people avoid vaping or using e-cigarettes.

Also, people with a history of vaping who are experiencing lung injury symptoms should seek medical care.

Nationally, symptoms among cases included shortness of breath, fever, cough, and vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms reported by some patients included headache, dizziness and chest pain.

For individuals wanting more information on how to quit tobacco products, please call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Click below for more information:

http://www.kdheks.gov/vaping/index.htm.

 

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Government

Federal Reserve Needs Distribution Partners

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The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is looking for partners to help to distribute the National Small Business
Credit Survey
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is looking for small business and economic development organizations that will partner with us to help distribute the National Small Business Credit Survey. This survey is an important survey that assesses the credit and financing needs of the small businesses in the seven states we serve.
Organizations like yours have used this survey to determine the needs of the small businesses that they serve as well as an information resource for fundraising and grant writing.
The time commitment is minimal, requiring only your distribution of a survey link, specific to your organization, to small businesses in your network. All survey responses are anonymous.
Each organization that receives fifty responses from business owners will receive a specialized report exclusive to their organization.
The survey’s official launch date is September 10 and it will be open for responses through December 2.
The Federal Reserve System has recently moved to a centralized partner system to streamline the process.
If you are interested in partnering, please click here to fill out a response form.
If you are interested in learning more about small business research and analysis by the 12 Reserve Banks of the Federal Reserve System,
click hereto visit our
Federal Reserve System page
that houses all the past reports, data, and other information on the survey.
Thank you in advance for your partnership on this important survey.
Dell Gines
Senior Community Development Advisor
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Omaha Branch
Government, Health Care, Kansas

Kansas Youth Suicide Prevention

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State Agencies Join Together to Create Youth Suicide Prevention Resource

 

TOPEKA – In support of September as Suicide Prevention Month and National Suicide Prevention Week September 8-14, state agencies, along with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, are releasing a unified resource that outlines actions that all Kansans can take to protect and empower youth.

 

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Kansans age 15 to 24 and it is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 5 to 14 – this is unacceptable,” said Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). “Every one of us has a role to play, whether you’re a friend, parent, community member or school employee. We need to come together to help our youth.”

The resources, which can be found online, identify actions that everyone can take. The agencies involved in its creation include: KDHE, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with the Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

“As we mark National Suicide Prevention Week, I want to commend the work of all the agencies involved in creating the tip sheets as resources for Kansans and look forward to working closely together as we lead a collaborative effort to strengthen the overall Kansas response to youth suicide,” said Gina Meier-Hummel, Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

###

Resource Link: http://kdheks.gov/media/download/Suicide_Prevention_Tip_Sheet_2.0.pdf

 

Elections, Government, Kansas

Mann Runs For Congress

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Former Lt. Governor Tracey Mann Announces Candidacy for Congress
Mann announces his campaign to bring conservative values
and a voice for Kansas agriculture to Washington 

(SALINA, KS) – Former Lt. Governor and fifth generation Kansan, Tracey Mann, today announced his candidacy for Kansas’ First Congressional District.

“America faces urgent threats to our freedom. While President Trump is doing his best to right the ship, too many Washington politicians want to redefine our founding values and ideals. Socialism is on the rise. Efforts to impose government-run health care, increase taxes, restrict religious freedom and erode the Second Amendment are part of the same agenda. America needs leaders who will stand up to meet this challenge and fight to protect our founding beliefs,” Mann said.

“I was raised by wonderful parents on our family farm where I learned the values of hard work, perseverance and service. I recognize that to whom much is given much is required. When I served as Jerry Moran’s first intern I never imagined I would be the 50th Lt. Governor of Kansas. I believe that every generation of Americans has a responsibility to leave our country better off and stronger than how we found it. This is our moment to step up and serve,” Mann said.

Tracey Mann plans to run on a platform of bringing Kansas values and a voice for Kansas agriculture to Washington. The father of four beautiful children, Tracey is strongly pro-life and pro-Second Amendment. Raised on a family farm in Quinter, Kansas, Tracey learned first-hand the value of hard work and how important it is that Washington stays out of the way of Kansas producers. Tracey supports President Trump’s efforts to build the wall and curb illegal immigration.

“I will fight to restore fiscal discipline in Congress and will support sound agricultural policy. My experience in agriculture and business has taught me that politicians don’t create jobs; risk-takers and entrepreneurs create jobs. In Congress, I will do everything in my power to help job creators succeed. But above all, I will put Kansans and our Kansas values first.”

Tracey Mann served as the 50th Lt. Governor of the great state of Kansas. A fifth generation Kansan, he was born and raised on his family farm just south of Quinter.

He attended Kansas State University where he studied Agricultural Economics and was elected Student Body President. After college, Tracey started a career in commercial real estate.

Tracey has served on the Board of Directors of many Kansas organizations including: Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL), Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and The City Teen Center in Salina.

Tracey and his wife Audrey live in Salina with their 4 children (Quincy, Austin, Whitney and Elise).

Government, Kansas

Tax Reform Executive Order

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Governor Kelly issues Executive Order launching Governor’s Council on Tax Reform

 

 

Governor Laura Kelly today signaled the start of a comprehensive overview of state and local taxes by issuing Executive Order 19-11, which outlines her vision for establishment of a fiscally responsible, fair and sustainable tax structure.

 

The Governor’s Council on Tax Reform will conduct an 18-month, in-depth study, and make specific statutory recommendations to state lawmakers.

 

The first meeting of the full Council is set for Sept. 24-25 at the Statehouse.

 

“While Kansas continues to recover from the tax experiment of the prior administration, there’s a need for tax reform designed with adequacy, equity and stability in mind,” Governor Kelly said. “I expect the bipartisan Council to deliver sound strategies and reforms that reflect my desire to keep the state tax burden as low as possible, benefiting all Kansans.”

 

The governor recommends a return to the “three-legged stool” approach that relies on a sensible balance of income, sales and property tax revenue.

 

The Council will review aspects of state and local finances discussed in the 2019 legislative session as they relate to issues such as: how best to respond to federal tax law changes; the taxation of groceries as part of sales tax revenue; and how to best provide targeted property tax relief. The Council also is charged with determining how much room will be available in future budget projections for tax relief.

 

The governor selected a pair of former legislators she served with in the Kansas Senate to be co-chairs for her bipartisan Council on Tax Reform; Steve Morris, Republican from Hugoton, and Janis Lee, Democrat from Kensington. Morris served 20 years in the Senate, including eight as Senate president. Lee logged 22 years in the Senate, served as ranking Democrat on the Senate’s tax committee and later was a hearing officer for the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals.

 

“Steve and Janis understand how important it is to ensure that our tax code supports public investment in areas such as education, public safety and infrastructure needed to help Kansas prosper,” Kelly said.

 

Other members of the Council appointed by the governor include representatives of the business community, agriculture, economic development and governmental entities.

 

Also invited to participate were the following legislative leaders: Republicans Susan Wagle, Senate president, and Ron Ryckman, House speaker; and Democrats Anthony Hensley, Senate minority leader, and Tom Sawyer, House minority leader.

 

Following the first meeting of the Council Sept. 24-25, subsequent meetings in 2019 are set for Oct. 15-16, Nov. 14 and Dec. 3-4.

 

An interim report by the Council is planned for December 2019, in advance of the 2020 legislative session. A final report is due in December 2020, in advance of the 2021 legislative session.

 

COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

 

Kansas County Treasurers Association: Joe Grisolano, Pittsburg; Crawford County treasurer, former county appraiser and school board member.

 

Kansas Association of School Boards: Shannon Kimball, Lawrence; school board member and president of the Kansas Association of School Boards.

 

Kansas Association of Counties: Anthony Swartzendruber, Hesston, Harvey County administrator

 

Kansas League of Municipalities: Susan Sherman, Olathe, assistant city manager of Olathe.

 

Business, Economic Development or Agricultural Communities (4):

  • Dennis Hays, Kansas City, Kan., former county administrator for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCK, currently principal at Hays and Associates, LLC.
  • Larry Weians, Lenexa, vice president of finance for Sprint
  • Lon Frahm, Colby, CEO of Frahm Farmland, Inc.
  • Carl Brewer, Wichita, retired operations manager at Spirit AeroSystems, former mayor of Wichita

 

Additional members:

  • Duane Goossen, Topeka, former state budget director, secretary of administration, member of the Kansas House
  • Audrey Langworthy, Prairie Village, former state senator who served as chair of the Senate Tax Committee.
  • John Wilson, Lawrence, Kansas Action for Children vice president of advocacy and former Kansas House of Representatives member

 

Agencies (all ex-officio members):

  • Mark Burghart or designee — Secretary of Revenue
  • David Toland or designee — Secretary of Commerce
  • Larry Campbell or designee — state budget director
  • Julie Lorenz or designee — Secretary of Transportation

 

Legislative leaders (invited):

  • Susan Wagle, Wichita, Senate president
  • Ron Ryckman, Olathe, House speaker
  • Anthony Hensley, Topeka, Senate minority leader
  • Tom Sawyer, Wichita, House minority leader

 

Government

National Lifeline Awareness Week September 9-13

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Topeka – Access to emergency services and community resources is vital to all Kansans. The Lifeline program offers discounts to help eligible low-income families and individuals connect to voice and broadband networks to call for help in an emergency, access health care, find jobs, take classes and connect with family.

As part of National Lifeline Awareness Week, September 9-13, the Kansas Corporation Commission wants to make residents aware of the assistance the program can offer. Under the federal Lifeline Program, low-income consumers can receive up to $9.25 per month off their monthly bill for phone (residential or wireless), broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service.  Some may also be eligible for the state Lifeline program that provides an additional $7.77 monthly discount.

Lifeline serves more than 10 million Americans, nearly 41 thousand in Kansas. Forty-nine companies currently offer Lifeline services in the state. The program has provided discounted phone service for qualifying consumers since 1985. In 2016, the program was expanded to include broadband.

Residents enrolled in any of the following assistance programs are eligible for the Lifeline program: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA), Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Head Start Tribal Programs (only those meeting its income qualifying standard), and the Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.  Those at 135% of the federal poverty level also qualify. Participants must provide three consecutive months of statements as documentation of income, or provide a copy of their tax return for the previous year. Recertification is required each year.

A Lifeline Awareness Week information sheet is attached. More information on program eligibility, enrollment, and annual recertification is available on the KCC’s website: http://kcc.ks.gov/telecommunications/lifeline. For a list of Kansas providers, go to https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/State/StateOption/KS.