Long Weekend Attracts Families to Kansas Waterways

KDHE encourages lake enthusiasts to keep an eye out for algal blooms

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is advising residents that while enjoying Kansas lakes and ponds this summer, they should be watchful for blue-green algae, also known as harmful algal blooms, when swimming and boating.

“There are no current blue-green algae warnings on any Kansas lakes or ponds for this Memorial Day weekend,” said Tom Stiles of KDHE’s Bureau of Water. “However, people enjoying these recreational areas should always follow information on any signs, be watchful for blue-green algae, and alert appropriate personnel if they observe any of the tell-tale signs of harmful algal blooms.”

Before visiting a lake or pond, you can check the KDHE website at http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm for the latest information.

Kansans should be aware that harmful algal blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Keep pets and livestock out of lake water.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
• Fish may be eaten as long as they are rinsed with clean water, and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially-harmful conditions.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm. To report a potential algal bloom, you can also call the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 785-296-1664.

Governor Jeff Colyer Signs Regulatory Reform Bill into Law

TOPEKA- Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. announced today the signing of House Bill No. 2280 at a ceremony in Shawnee County. The bill is designed to cut down on bureaucratic red tape by reforming the regulatory process in Kansas.

“Currently we have a system that puts the burden on those being impacted by any changes to the rules. That simply isn’t right,” said the Governor. “The burden should be on the government to prove why new rules and regulations are necessary. We want to make it perfectly clear that Kansas is open for business.”

Governor Colyer was joined at the ceremony by Ron Seeber, President, and CEO of Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, and Renew Kansas, who remarked that “State and federal regulations carry the full force and effect of law. This bill will help to ensure a more open and accurate process in agency rule-making in our state. This is good policy for Kansas Agribusiness and our state as a whole.”

“Soybean farmers operate in heavily-regulated industries and while we agree that regulations may serve a sound purpose, the cost to comply can be high,” said Kansas Soybean Association President Lucan Heinen, “The KSA feels that HB 2280 could reduce the cost of doing business which should translate into higher prices for grain or lower prices for inputs for farmers.”

Also praising the bill was Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb saying “It is important for Kansas to have a sound regulatory environment, but excessive state agency overreach can cripple a business’ ability to grow and our state’s economy to thrive. By requiring a thorough economic impact analysis and strengthening legislative oversight of the process, this new law provides a common-sense balance of ensuring Kansans are safe and protecting Kansas businesses against burdensome rules and regulations.”

This marks the final bill presented to Governor Colyer in the 2018 legislative session. The Governor signed 118 bills into law this session including 1 with line-item vetoes.

DCF Launches Online Dashboard to Increase Transparency

Dashboard displays reforms, initiatives and agency-wide goals

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce the rollout of an online, interactive dashboard. The DCF Reforms and Initiatives Dashboard demonstrates reforms and initiatives for each program area and region, as well as agency-wide goals. Additionally, the webpage illustrates progress, allowing the public to track DCF efforts online.

“Our agency exists to serve Kansans, and we want to clearly demonstrate to the public the work being done,” said Secretary Meier-Hummel. “This is just another step we are taking to be more transparent and accountable to the public.”

For the past six months, Secretary Meier-Hummel has been working diligently with each program and DCF Regions to identify the current projects, as well as goals and initiatives to be implemented on the dashboard.

“I am thrilled that Secretary Meier-Hummel has implemented this dashboard. We want to be the most open administration in the history of Kansas,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “This dashboard increases transparency by creating a one-stop-shop for Kansans to see the work being done by the agency.”

The progress of each initiative will be measured by the length of the project, compared to the action steps that have already taken place to complete the project. Some of the identified initiatives will be ongoing projects and will be noted as such. The dashboard will be updated the last Friday of every month. Once a project has been completed, new goals or reforms will be identified.

“We have to continuously be looking forward and tracking our progress. This will allow us to continue to make significant movements, and will ultimately improve the way we serve the children and families of Kansas,” said Secretary Meier-Hummel. “I hope that the public will utilize this dashboard to keep us accountable, and stay up-to-date on what is happening at our agency.”

The DCF Reforms and Initiatives Dashboard can be found online here. You can also find it at www.dcf.ks.gov, on the right-hand side, in the Quick Links section as Agency Dashboard.

Governor Colyer signs Bill Cutting Taxes on New Vehicle Purchases

Governor Colyer today signed HB 2111, also known as the Motor Vehicle Rebate Sales Tax Exclusion, which creates a sales tax exemption for cars purchased using manufacturer rebates. Under the previous law, the value of rebates was included in the calculation of the sales tax liability on the purchase of new cars.

The state previously passed a similar exemption in 2006, but allowed the exemption to sunset in 2009, as a result of the economic downturn. Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska currently have a similar exemption. HB 2111 is aimed at keeping Kansas consumers from crossing state lines to purchase a motor vehicle that is not subject to this tax.

“I am pleased to sign this bill to cut taxes on the purchase of rebate discounted vehicles in Kansas,” said Governor Colyer, “This will level the playing field between Kansas’ auto retailers and those in surrounding states who have already made this change. More importantly, this bill will lessen the tax burden to make purchasing a new vehicle more affordable.

“As governor, I will continue to support policies that reduce the tax burden, put more money in the pockets of hard-working Kansans and help our businesses compete.”

Don McNeely, President of the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association, praised the bill saying, “The Kansas Automobile Dealers Association are appreciative of the Kansas Legislature and Governor Colyer for supporting legislation to bring tax relief to the consumer when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle with a rebate.”

HB 2111 will go into effect on July 1, 2018.

Governor Jeff Colyer Signs Adoption Protection Act, SB 284, into Law

Valley Center- Governor Jeff Colyer today signed SB 284, the Adoption Protection Act into law at a ceremony held at Youth Horizons Kinloch Price Boys Ranch in Valley Center, KS.

The new law protects child placement agencies by stating that no child placement agency shall be required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or otherwise participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement of such child violates such CPA’s sincerely held religious beliefs. As has been done in other states, this law allows faith-based adoption agencies to continue working in Kansas without the threat of being shut down for adhering to their religious convictions.

“By keeping faith-based adoption agencies in our state, we give more children the opportunity to be adopted,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “We are grateful for the work done by these and other placement agencies who are working hard to bring families together.”

Representative Susan Humphries of the 99^th District said, “Faith-filled Kansans have a long history of leadership and service in caring for the most vulnerable among us. This bill simply protects their place at the table while leaving many options open for the diverse population in Kansas. All Kansans will find a child placing agency suited to their needs.”

“The adoption option in a crisis pregnancy is a pro-Life, Kansas value. The Adoption Protection Act guarantees faith-based agencies the ability to serve their clients without the looming threat of litigation or closure. The most important beneficiaries of this new state law are pregnant mothers seeking help and the children they courageously bring into the world,” said Representative Chuck Weber of the 85^th District, “My sincere thanks to all involved—including members of the Kansas Truth Caucus–who helped support this important legislation.”

Eric Teetsel, President of the Family Policy Alliance, showed appreciation for support of this bill becoming law, “The provisions of the Adoption Protection Act signed into law today provide critical protections for faith-based adoption and foster care service providers in Kansas. Thank you, Governor Colyer, for securing the ability of these agencies to partner with the state to help kids in need find their forever family.”

Michael Schuttloffel, Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, had this to say about the new law, “On behalf of the Kansas Catholic Conference I would like to thank the governor for signing this important legislation and for his administration’s great support throughout the process.  The Adoption Protection Act ensures that faith-based adoption providers will be able to continue serving children, birthmothers, and adoptive parents as they have for so long.”

Additional changes were also made to the existing law to update the language regarding adoption so that it more closely mirrors current federal law.

Kansas Department of Commerce announces leadership changes

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce announces Wade Wiebe has been appointed as the agency’s Director of Workforce Innovation. The agency also announces the appointments of Susan NeuPoth Cadoret as Director of Business and Community Development, Kevin Doel as Director of Marketing and Communications, and Sherry Rentfro as Chief Fiscal Officer.

As Director of Workforce Innovation, Mr. Wiebe will oversee strategic direction and implementation of workforce development solutions such as the agency’s Workforce Aligned with Industry Demand (AID) program, an employer-driven training system that matches the skills needed for a company’s workforce with education providers who deliver the training. He previously served with the Department of Commerce as Manager of the Innovation Growth Program before joining the Kansas Department of Transportation as its Director of Administration. He served in that role for the past six years. He earned a B.S. degree in Business from The University of Kansas.

Ms. NeuPoth Cadoret has been serving as Acting Director of the Business & Community Development Division for over a year before being appointed as the permanent Director. She has served with the Department of Commerce for 19 years, including over six years as the Assistance Manager for the Business and Community Development Division. Prior to working for Commerce, NeuPoth Cadoret worked 15 years in economic development at the local level. She earned a B.A. degree in Communications from Fort Hays State University.

Mr. Doel joined the Department of Commerce in 2017 as Director of Communications and has also served as Interim Director of Marketing since January 2018. Before joining Kansas Commerce, he served as Communications Manager for the State Fire Marshal. Previously, he served as Director of Marketing for Brewster Place, Topeka’s largest non-profit senior health and living organization, and owned and operated Talon360, a publicity firm for mobile technology companies, for 15 years. He earned his B.S. degree in Management and Ethics from Dallas Christian College.

Ms. Rentfro joined Commerce in June of 2014 as Fiscal Analyst and has been serving as the Acting Chief Fiscal Officer since February 2018. Prior to Commerce, she worked for over 10 years managing the accounting and finances of a non-profit association that serves the telecommunications industry in Kansas. She earned a BBA in Finance from Washburn University and MBA from Baker University.

About 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. Under the leadership of Interim Secretary of Commerce Robert North, the department comprises a variety of programs and services that create jobs, attract new investment, provide workforce training, encourage community development and promote the state as a wonderful place to live, work and play. For more information on the Kansas Department of Commerce, visit www.KansasCommerce.gov.

Governor Colyer Signs ABLE Act Enhancement into Law

MISSION – Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today signed House Bill No. 2067 at the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City in Mission. The Bill was designed to enhance the Achieving a Better Life Experience (“ABLE”) program created by the legislature in 2015.

This bill allows individuals with ABLE accounts to receive a Kansas income tax deduction for their contribution in line with the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and reduces the circumstances under which the state Medicaid clawback provision would apply to the accounts.

“ABLE has been a very good program for people with disabilities in Kansas and around the country,” said the Governor. “I’m glad that the legislature followed the Federal Government’s lead in strengthening this great program that helps Kansans with disabilities flourish.”

Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner, who is responsible for administering the ABLE program, said the following: “I’ve always been proud to administer the ABLE Savings Program, and I thank the Governor and Legislature for the positive impact improving ABLE will have on those living with a disability.”

The ABLE act had the initial purpose of allowing citizens with disabilities to create savings accounts to be used for disability-related expenses without endangering their federal disability benefits.

HB 2067 also brings Kansas in line with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by expanding the allowable uses of 529 education savings plans to include K-12 education.