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Category Archives: Government
U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt Weekly Newsletter
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Friends,
After a busy first half of the legislative year, Congress recently began our annual extended district work period. It has been a productive few months. While we certainly have much more work to do, I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish to date. We’ve had a great first quarter of the 119th Congress, and we’re just getting started. |
Lowering Drug Prices |
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An overwhelming majority of Kansans agree drug prices are too high. For years, foreign countries have benefitted from American ingenuity, capitalizing on our domestic innovation without paying the cost of research & development (R&D). The statistics are staggering: though American patients account for less than 5% of the global population, we fund nearly 75% of global pharmaceutical profits around the world. In 2023 alone, manufacturers invested over $96 billion in R&D, with more than $71 billion coming from the United States.
Encouraging continued pharmaceutical R&D investment is critical to achieving medical breakthroughs; however, Kansans shouldn’t have to bear an unfair share of the cost. That why I recently joined my colleagues to encourage United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to take further action to address foreign policies that force the American health care system to subsidize an unfair share of pharmaceutical R&D. We wrote the letter following the establishment of USTR’s commonsense Request for Comments Regarding Foreign Nations Freeloading on American-Financed Innovation initiative, which aims to end years-long practices by foreign nations who benefit from American ingenuity without paying their fair share.
President Trump and Ambassador Greer have done an excellent job securing trade deals that protect our domestic industries from foreign competitors while leveling the playing field for American producers and manufacturers in global markets. Foreign countries’ price controls have negatively affected American patients for far too long; I’m optimistic we can finally address this glaring problem and lower prices for patients in Kansas and across the country. |
Assisting Kansas Veterans |
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Last week, President Trump signed the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law. I proudly supported this legislation in the House. |
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Originally introduced by my colleague Rep. Derrick Van Orden from Wisconsin, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act will provide a critical lifeline to help many veterans facing financial difficulties avoid losing their homes.
Kansas is home to nearly 150,000 of our nation’s heroes. Many veterans carry visible and invisible wounds with them for their entire lives, which can make stable employment and income difficult to maintain. This lack of stability unfortunately often leads to a host of problems, including bankruptcy and loss of housing. In fact, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 40,056 veterans are homeless on any given night. That number represents 13% of our country’s adult homeless population.
This legislation provides a safety net to our veterans by creating a partial claim program that is in-line with current Federal Housing Administration loan relief programs, with the goal of assisting veterans in avoiding foreclosure on their homes. 3.7 million veterans currently using the VA Home Loan program could benefit from having the safety net created by this bill, should they need it.
This legislation is an important step toward achieving President Trump’s goal of ending veteran homelessness. In June, the House took another step toward achieving this goal when we advanced the annual appropriations bill that provides funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction projects. Our legislation makes historic investments in veterans’ care by increasing funding levels from fiscal year 2025, ensuring those who have served have access to the full scope of benefits they’ve earned.
Providing adequate benefits for current and former servicemembers in Kansas and across the country will always be one of my top priorities in Congress. I’m proud my colleagues and I were able to pass this legislation, and I look forward to supporting similar legislation in the future. |
A Kansas Visitor and Another Telephone Town Hall |
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Thank you to State Senator Rick and Pennie Kloos for visiting me in Washington recently! Staying connected with our local and state officials is critical to ensuring the federal government remains a good partner to Kansas. |
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Thank you also to all the Kansans who joined our recent telephone town hall! Speaking directly with Second District residents is critical to ensuring I’m representing you to the best of my ability. If you weren’t able to join us, be sure to keep an eye out for our next one. |
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Though Congress won’t be in session in August, I’ll still be working every day for the people of our Second District. I look forward to being back home with the people I’m blessed to represent! |
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As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.
It’s an incredible honor to represent our Second Congressional District in Congress! |
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Sincerely, |
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Washington D.C. Office House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 |
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Topeka Office 3550 SW 5th St. Suite B Topeka, KS 66606 |
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Pittsburg Office 402 North Broadway St. Suite B Pittsburg, KS 66762 |
KS Tax Collections Up in July
July Total Tax Collections at $670.2M;
3.3% Above Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends July 2025 with total tax collections at $670.2 million. That is $21.2 million, or 3.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.5% from July 2024.
“While this month’s tax collections highlight the strength of Kansas’ workforce and economy in the short-term, I remain concerned about the long-term fiscal health of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must stay vigilant and recommit to fiscally responsible budgeting in order to stay out of the red in the coming years.”
Individual income tax collections were $347.5 million. That is $32.5 million, or 10.3% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 12.7% from July 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $18.5 million. That is $16.5 million, or 47.1% below the estimate, and down 46.0% from July 2024.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $291.8 million, which is $2.2 million, or 0.8% below the estimate, and down 4.4% from July 2024.
Click here to view the July 2025 revenue numbers.
FS Design Review Advisory Board Meeting
When: Thursday August 7, 2025.
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: City Hall
Topic for discussion:
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Gordan Parks Mural at Wall and Main St/ North side of the Sunshine Boutique building.
The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available to watch on YouTube after the meeting is held.
Submitted by
Lisa Dillon
AD: City of Uniontown Is Looking For a City Clerk
Would you like to make an impact in your community while broadening your skill set, connecting with people, working close to home, and receiving good pay & great benefits?
As Uniontown City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk you can do all this and more! This is a 40 hours per week position with above average wage and benefits, including:
- Paid Time Off: 10 Holidays, PTO, & More
- Retirement Plan: participate in KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System)
- Health & Life Insurance available
- Wage Scale: $18.00/hour or negotiable depending upon experience
Personal Requirements:
- You must be a Motivated, Self-Starter
- High Attention to Detail
- Basic Computer, Accounting, and Secretarial Skills
- Ability to Maintain Professionalism, Confidentiality, and Discretion
- Live Within 10 Miles of Uniontown
- Valid Driver’s License & Pass Pre-Employment Drug Screen
The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances: receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; maintain city website; other duties as required (a more detailed job description and list of duties available upon application).
Apply in person at Uniontown City Hall, call 620-756-4742, or submit your resume via email to [email protected] . Applications accepted until Noon, August 7, 2025.
Become a Voice for Regional Water Issues
Kansas Water Authority Seeks Regional Advisory Committee Members
The Kansas Water Authority is currently accepting applications for all 14 Regional Advisory Committees. Committee members serve as a voice for water issues in their community. Applications can be found at kwo.ks.gov.
Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are composed of local stakeholders and water professionals from diverse backgrounds – including agriculture, industry, public water supply, conservation and more.
Each RAC meets to discuss local water issues and to advise the Kansas Water Authority and Kansas Water Office on the issues in their region. RAC members serve as local connections with the public and help to shape statewide water planning by identifying regional priorities and actions.
“Water issues and community needs vary from region to region in our state,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “RAC members serve as boots-on-the-ground perspective and provide crucial, local input for statewide water planning.”
To apply, visit www.kwo.ks.gov/about-us/regional-advisory-committees. Applications are due September 30.
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As the state’s water office, Kansas Water Office conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.
The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation.
KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair Fuels a New Economic Era for Kansas
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 13.
“Kansas businesses are expanding and we’re landing more private sector investment from outside the state than ever before — retaining and creating an unprecedented number of jobs and growing our workforce in the process,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether you’re an employer seeking to fill essential roles or a jobseeker looking to take on a new adventure — our job fairs offer the connections, opportunities and resources to grow your future in Kansas.”
The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event. Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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FS City Commission Agenda for August 5
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
August 5, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1389-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of July 9, 2025 – July 22, 2025 – $914,570.97
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of July 15, 2025, and Special Meeting of July 30, 2025
- Public Comment
VII. Appearances
VIII. Unfinished Business
- Cape Seal Payment
- Consideration of Bids for Davis Lift Station Pump #2 – Tabled from 7/15/2025
- New Business
Public Hearing:
- Case No. 1052 – Conditional Use Permit – 2400 S. Main – Amazon Storage Unit – Recommended by Planning Commission on July 9, 2025
Action Items:
- Consideration of Interlocal Agreement and $40,000.00 Match Funds – BNSF Railroad Planning Grant – M. Wyatt
- Consideration of members for Fort Scott Historic Preservation & Resource Commission (FSHPRC) – Applicants: Kristina Ellerbe, Peggy Cummings, Rachel French, Martha Jane Gentry, Rhonda Hassig, Arnold Schofield, Jerry Witt and Kathy Dancer – L. Dillon
- Consideration of New Policy for RHID Applications – L. Dillon
- Consideration of FRAME Grant Donation – L. Dillon
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
Agenda for FS City Commission Special Meeting on August 4
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
August 4, 2025 – 5:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. New Business
Action Items:
- Consideration of MOU – IT Services – USD 234 and City of Fort Scott – B. Matkin
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3784 – Citizens’ IT Advisory Board – T. Dancer
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3785 – Contract Advisory Board – T. Dancer
- Adjourn
KS Gov. Sues Federal Agencies For Illegal Attempts To Stop Funding to States
Governor Kelly Joins Multistate Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration’s
Illegal Attempts to Terminate
Critical Federal Funding to States
~~Kansas Joins Coalition in Suing Federal Agencies Over Illegal Use of
a Single Clause in Federal Regulations to Terminate Billions of Dollars
in Federal Funding~~
TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and governors for the commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Kentucky in suing the Trump Administration over its unprecedented and unlawful attempts to invoke a single provision buried in the federal regulations to strip away billions of dollars in critical federal funding for states and other grantees. The lawsuit seeks to limit the Trump Administration’s use of this regulation to indiscriminately and illegally terminate critical funding for combating violent crime, educating our students, protecting clean drinking water, conducting lifesaving medical and scientific research, safeguarding public health, addressing food insecurity, and much more.
“It makes no sense to claim that protecting Kansans from natural disasters or supporting Kansas farm products no longer supports the priorities of FEMA or the USDA,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I joined this lawsuit on behalf of Kansas to ensure funds going towards critical programs our state depends on are not ripped away by the Trump Administration—or any presidential administration—on a whim.”
Since January 20, at the direction of President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), federal agencies have stripped away thousands of grants they had previously awarded to states and grantees. The Trump Administration has slashed this critical federal funding by invoking a single clause in the federal regulations of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which provides that agencies may terminate an award of federal funding if it “no longer effectuates … agency priorities.” Those five words have formed the basis for much of the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate campaign to unlawfully terminate critical funding expressly authorized by Congress and awarded to states.
In Kansas, since January 20, the Trump Administration has terminated millions of dollars of federal funding for a wide variety of critical programs.
Among other things, the Trump Administration has invoked the five words in this regulation to terminate millions of dollars used to purchase goods from Kansas farmers, to mitigate natural disasters, and to enhance childhood education.
It has cut $2 million to a Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) program that strengthened our food supply chain by purchasing local Kansas grown food and goods for distribution across the state. It has cut Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) programs in Southeast Kansas that enhanced K-12 science education and access to healthy food.
As this lawsuit explains, the Trump Administration’s decision to invoke this regulation as its basis for slashing billions of dollars of critical funding to states is a dramatic departure from past practice. Before the Trump Administration, federal agencies had not terminated grants merely because the agency’s priorities shifted midway during the use of the grant without any advance notice. That was not how they applied the regulation, either.
However, since President Trump took office, federal agencies have shifted course and claimed unfettered authority to terminate grants on a whim and with no advance notice. In February, President Trump issued an executive order formally directing agencies—and the DOGE employees assigned to these agencies—to terminate grants en masse. And federal agencies have carried out that directive by invoking the regulation as grounds for terminating entire programs based on a purported shift in agency priorities, without any notice to the states and in conflict with the federal statutes appropriating funding for these programs.
The lawsuit argues that the Trump Administration’s decision to invoke the regulation to terminate grants based on their changed agency priorities is unlawful. The lawsuit explains that the regulation does not authorize federal agencies to terminate grants based on changes in agency preferences that occur after a grant is awarded. The lawsuit also notes the importance of obtaining clarity regarding the scope of this regulation, as states collectively accept hundreds of billions of dollars a year that are at risk of termination pursuant to this regulation.
The coalition’s lawsuit is against OMB and a number of federal agencies that have unlawfully relied on this regulation to collectively slash billions of dollars in federal funding to states: the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, Interior, Justice, Labor, and State, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Endowment for the Humanities, and National Science Foundation.
The coalition filed suit in the District of Massachusetts and seeks a declaratory judgment that the OMB regulation and Defendants’ regulations do not independently authorize the Trump Administration to terminate funding based on agency priorities that were identified after the grant was awarded. In the alternative, the coalition seeks to vacate the Trump Administration’s decision—reflected in its uniform practice across all of the Defendant agencies—to invoke the regulation as grounds for terminating billions of dollars of federal funding based on purported changes in agency priorities.
Joining the amended filing alongside Governor Kelly is Governor Andy Beshear for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Others participating in the suit include: the Attorneys General of New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Governor Josh Shapiro for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A copy of the filing is available here.
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Hwy. K-7 Will Close From U.S. Hwy. 69 to K-39 Junction on August 4
Beginning Monday, August 4, 2025, the K-7 highway will be closed from US-69 to the K-39 Jct.
Sideroads will remain open at this time. Barricades will be set on K-7 at each sideroad.
Accommodation will be made for residents and landowners to have access to their properties via access from the nearest sideroad.
K-7 from the K-39 Jct South to Girard will remain open to local traffic only, according to the Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch Post on Facebook.
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Is Affecting Eastern KS Air Quality
KDHE Issues Air Quality Health Advisory due to Smoke
TOPEKA – Light northeast to east winds is bringing Canadian wildfire smoke into the state, particularly central and eastern Kansas. These conditions are likely to persist today and tomorrow. The Air Quality Index (AQI) will likely range from Moderate to Unhealthy at times. You can view the current air quality, AQI and fire activity for your area on https://fire.airnow.gov.
Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:
- Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
- More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
- Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.
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