Governor Laura Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Rep. John Dingell

In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and following the proclamation of President Donald J. Trump, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on February 9, 2019, in honor of former Rep. John David Dingell Jr, the longest-serving Member of Congress in American history.

“Representative Dingell had a remarkable career – one dedicated to public service and improving the lives of the people of Michigan and our country,” said Kelly. “My deepest condolences are with his family, friends and loved ones. May we honor his legacy of service by finding ways to give back in our own communities.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

Governor Laura Kelly prioritizes revitalization of early childhood education efforts in Kansas

Governor appoints new Executive Director, Chair of Kansas Children’s Cabinet

Governor Laura Kelly today once again highlighted her commitment to expanding early childhood programing in Kansas and reinvigorating the efforts of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. Kelly appointed former Rep. Melissa Rooker as the new executive director and Kim Moore as new chair of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.

“I worked closely with Rep. Rooker for many years and know her to be a steadfast advocate for Kansas children and families with a depth of knowledge on the issues impacting our children,” said Kelly. “She shares my commitment to expanding and improving early childhood opportunities across the state. I look forward to her leadership as we stimulate innovation and partnership surrounding early childhood programs.”

Rooker served in the Kansas House of Representatives for six years where she took a leadership role in education and early childhood issues. She was heavily involved in restoring critical funding for K-12 public schools. Rooker also fought for increased funding for early childhood education after years of neglect to Kansas’ prized early childhood programs.

“I’m honored to lead this work and help implement the governor’s vision for improving the health and well-being of our children and families,” said Rooker. “Early childhood programs are critical to the development and success of Kansas children. I’m eager to build on our progress by bringing new ideas and energy to the discussion.”

Kim Moore served as the president of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund in Hutchinson for over thirty years. In that role, Moore developed multiple-year grant making initiatives in diverse health fields including adverse childhood experiences, children’s emotional and social health, oral health, and child care generally. His efforts leveraged both public and private funds to enhance programs directed towards the health of young children and their families.

“I’m pleased to have Kim Moore engaged as chair of the Children’s Cabinet,” said Kelly. “He has broad experience in the area of advocacy and philanthropy to benefit the communities of Kansas. His commitment to improving the lives of our youngest Kansans and his partnership with other philanthropies make him the right choice to chair the Kansas Children’s Cabinet.”

“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that high quality early intervention and support can have on children and families across the state of Kansas,” said Moore. “I look forward to working with the governor, Rep. Rooker, and the other members of the Children’s Cabinet to make sure all children in Kansas are safe, healthy and have the opportunity to succeed.”

The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund is directed by state statute to fund and evaluate key children’s programs across the state. For more information, visit kschildrenscabinet.org.

Governor calls on legislature to exercise fiscal restraint, focus on ending school finance litigation

On a day when the Kansas Senate is debating a tax cut bill reminiscent of the Brownback tax experiment, Governor Laura Kelly encouraged the legislature to remember the priorities of working families and focus on funding education and ending the school finance litigation once and for all. 

“I was elected to rebuild this state, and I take that responsibility very seriously,” said Kelly. “It is time to put the priorities of Kansas families first and fund our schools. With a Supreme Court deadline fast approaching, the legislature should be focusing on education, not another irresponsible tax plan.” 

Since the session began, the governor has introduced a bill to address the Kansas Supreme Court ruling and fix inflation in the school funding formula. Kelly also proposed a structurally balanced budget that begins to repair the mismanagement of state agencies and the severe damage done to the state’s finances by the failed tax experiment. 

“In the last month, my administration has offered clear direction and priorities for the future of Kansas,” said Kelly. “We are listening to the people of Kansas and focusing on the priorities critical to improving the lives of Kansas families and children. I encourage the legislature to do the same.” 

State Treasurer Jake LaTurner Continues Fight in Washington, D.C. to Recover United States Savings Bonds

Washington, D.C. — Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner and attorneys representing his office will appear before the U.S. Court of Federal Appeals located at 717 Madison Place NW in Washington, D.C. at 10:00 a.m. (EST) Thursday, February 7th to continue his fight to recover the proceeds of lost, abandoned, unclaimed, and/or stolen United States Savings Bonds for Kansas citizens.

“The men and women of the Greatest Generation purchased these bonds during a time when people put trust in their government’s pursuit of the greater good. Their sacrifices helped finance the war against Hitler, build the interstate highway system, and put a man on the moon,” said LaTurner. “Now it is time for that same government to honor its commitments and repay its debt to those who built it.”

The Court of Federal Claims, in a strongly worded opinion, ruled on August 8, 2017 that Kansas was entitled to the information from the United States Treasury on the bonds sold in Kansas. This information would give the State Treasurer’s Office the tools they need for researching the rightful owners of these bonds and connecting them with their unclaimed money. The United States Treasury has appealed that ruling. The ruling was a first of its kind with respect to U.S. savings bonds and a positive first step in the fight to return the bonds proceeds to Kansas and other states as well.

It is estimated that there are $26-billion in matured but unclaimed bonds nation-wide with more than $200-million belonging to Kansans. In many cases, bonds remain unclaimed because the rightful owners or heirs are unaware they exist. J. Brett Milbourn, lead attorney on the Kansas State Treasurer’s appeal of this case believes the best vehicle for returning this money exists at the state, rather than the federal level.

“State Treasurers around the country already have a number of resources at their disposal to reunite citizens with their missing or unclaimed property,” said Milbourn. “Although the U.S. Department of the Treasury has a responsibility to notify and pay these mature bonds, the government has no plan – nor any real incentive — for keeping the promises it made when these patriots loaned it the money.”

In addition to Kansas, South Dakota, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana, Arkansas and Florida have cases pending in the Court of Federal Claims seeking the same relief. A total of 20 states have followed Kansas’ lead and passed laws to allow the Unclaimed Property Administrator of the state to seek recovery of lost, stolen, or abandoned bonds.

On September 7, 2018, 20 senators, including Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary Steven Mnuchin urging him to work with Kansas and other states to resolve their claims and help the states reunite original bond owners with their proceeds of unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds.

From Senator Richard Hilderbrand’s weekly newsletter, here is what is happening in the Kansas Legislature:

Monday –

• Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment: Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – [Senate Education Committee; February 4 at 1:30 pm]

Tuesday –

• Hearing on: SB 27, removing a restriction, for purposes of employment security law, on leasing of certain employees by client lessees of lessor employing units – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
• Hearing on SB 40, removing expired warning provision for approach of an emergency vehicle traffic violation – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
• Hearing on SB 41, clarifying that a violation of the statute requiring seat belt use is a traffic infraction – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
• Presentation by: Roger Werholtz, Kansas Department of Corrections – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 5 at 10:30 am]

Wednesday –

• Hearing on: SB 15, amending the definition of “service-connected” in the Kansas police and firemen’s retirement system – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; February 6 at 9:30 am]
• Hearing on: SB 45, enhancing penalties for offenses causing death or serious bodily injury to public sector employees – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 6 at 10:30 am]
• Hearing on: SB 44, appropriations for the department of education for FY 2019, 2020, and 2021; increasing BASE aid for certain school years; continuing 20 mill statewide levy for schools and exempting certain portion of property used for residential purposes from such levy – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance; February 6 at 1:30 pm]

Thursday –

• Briefing on: Property taxes by the Kansas Department of Revenue – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; February 7 at 9:30 am]
• Hearing on: SB 16, authorizing school districts to expand at-risk education funds on evidence-based learning programs – [Senate Education Committee; February 7 at 1:30 pm]

State senator Richard Hilderbrand 13^th district

communications from the state capitol

February 1, 2019∙ Week One

HARD FACTS:

• Senate Bill 9 would credit $115 million to the public school unit within KPERS, which has an unfunded liability of more than $6 billion and retains the system’s lowest actuarial funded ratio at 61.6% (Topeka Capital-Journal).
• Kansas Sales Tax 8^th Highest in Nation. Kansas has the eighth highest state and local average sales tax rate, per a new study from the Tax Foundation. It revealed that Kansans pay an average of 8.67 percent in sales taxes on retail purchases within the state.
• The 1859 Kansas Constitution Makes No Mention of Abortion. A case currently before the Kansas Supreme Court is worrying many pro-life Kansans, because a lower court ruled that there is an independent right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution, which was crafted in 1859. In examining the historic document, we can find no mention of that right. In fact, Article 1 of the Kansas Bill of Rights says, “1. Equal rights. All men are possessed of equal an inalienable natural rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Early Learning Resources from the State Library

BookFlix is an online resource from the State Library of Kansas for children in grades PreK-3 that pairs video storybooks with related nonfiction e-books. Imagine Curious George paired with a nonfiction book about monkeys. The read-along storybook highlights each word as it is read. This option can be turned off. Related games reinforce early learning reading skills. BookFlix requires Flash.

Britannica E-Stax (PreK-6) features nonfiction books that can be read online or downloaded to any Internet enabled device.

Both are available at no charge through the State Library’s web site http://kslib.info/storytime . If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas.  Most people will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step. Adobe Flash is needed to view the animation and hear the narration.  Questions: kslc@library.ks.gov or 785-296-3296. 

STOP THE TAX INCREASE BILL

The Senate Select Committee on Federal Tax Code Implementation approved Senate Bill 22 on Thursday with a party-line vote of 7-2. The bill which would allow Kansans to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses, was created in response to President Trump’s historical tax cuts of 2017.

The bill is expected to deliver millions from the unexpected tax windfall back to individuals and businesses in Kansas. Numerous proponents of the legislation stressed the point that inaction or failure to pass the bill, would result in a tax increase for Kansans with the possibility of Kansas-based companies leaving the state to find more affordable options. The windfall directly linked to the Trump tax cuts belongs to Kansas taxpayers, not government and Senate Bill 22 would allow Kansans to fully benefit from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

The Kansas Senate is expected to debate SB 22 next week.

KANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

This week, the Senate recognized the 2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Whitney Morgan of Wyandotte High School. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is nominated to represent Kansas in the National Teacher of the Year program.

Whitney was joined by seven other teachers who were winners of the regional competition administered by the Kansas Department of Education.

Kansas Teacher of The Year:

• Whitney Morgan, Kansas City USD 500

Regional Finalists:

• Jennifer S. Brown, Geary County USD 475
• Megan Clark, De Soto USD 232
• Signe A. Cook, Great Bend USD 428
• Nicole L. Corn, Lawrence USD 497
• Lan T. Huynh, Wichita USD 259
• Sharon L. Kuchinski, Leavenworth USD 453
• Tim “T.J.” Warsnak, Halstead-Bentley USD 440

NEXT WEEK

Monday –

• Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment: Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – [Senate Education Committee; February 4 at 1:30 pm]

Tuesday –

• Hearing on: SB 27, removing a restriction, for purposes of employment security law, on leasing of certain employees by client lessees of lessor employing units – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
• Hearing on SB 40, removing expired warning provision for approach of an emergency vehicle traffic violation – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
• Hearing on SB 41, clarifying that a violation of the statute requiring seat belt use is a traffic infraction – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
• Presentation by: Roger Werholtz, Kansas Department of Corrections – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 5 at 10:30 am]

Wednesday –

• Hearing on: SB 15, amending the definition of “service-connected” in the Kansas police and firemen’s retirement system – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; February 6 at 9:30 am]
• Hearing on: SB 45, enhancing penalties for offenses causing death or serious bodily injury to public sector employees – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 6 at 10:30 am]
• Hearing on: SB 44, appropriations for the department of education for FY 2019, 2020, and 2021; increasing BASE aid for certain school years; continuing 20 mill statewide levy for schools and exempting certain portion of property used for residential purposes from such levy – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance; February 6 at 1:30 pm]

Thursday –

• Briefing on: Property taxes by the Kansas Department of Revenue – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; February 7 at 9:30 am]
• Hearing on: SB 16, authorizing school districts to expand at-risk education funds on evidence-based learning programs – [Senate Education Committee; February 7 at 1:30 pm]

Thank You for Engaging

Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.

Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.