Category Archives: Government

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

Leave a comment

Announcing Committee Assignments for the 118th Congress
For the 118th Congress, I am pleased to announce that I will continue serving as the lead Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in addition to being selected to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

As the lead Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs I remain committed to making certain our veterans have the health care, resources and benefits necessary for them to achieve success after service.

I was also selected to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and will work to strengthen our national security and intelligence capabilities. Our nation’s intelligence community helps protect the U.S. from potential threats and inform elected officials on how to protect our national security. My responsibility is to make certain covert activities adhere to the law and our nation’s secrets are appropriately protected, as well as to support the patriotic men and women who serve our nation in the shadows.

I will continue to use my position on the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to serve and advocate for Kansans from all backgrounds and career fields, including our state’s farmers, small business owners, veterans, manufacturers, students and parents.

I will serve on the following committees for the 118th Congress:
• Senate Committee on Appropriations
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
• Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Ranking Member)

Image



Discussing Chinese Spy Balloon on Fox News
As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I joined Neil Cavuto on Fox News on Friday to discuss the Chinese spy balloon that was flying in U.S. airspace.

The Biden administration owes Congress and the American people an explanation for their decision to allow a Chinese spy balloon to fly across the entire country – including northeast Kansas.

We must be able to recover as much of the balloon and its cargo as possible to learn more about Chinese surveillance capabilities and what threats this balloon may have posed to Kansans and Americans. Many questions remain, and the Biden administration owes the American people answers.

You can watch my full interview on Fox News here.

Image

Celebrating Black History Month
This Black History Month, we celebrate our nation’s rich Black history and culture – especially in Kansas. From Langston Hughes and George Washington Carver, to Brown v. Board of Education and Nicodemus, Kansas has been home to many Black Americans who helped to inspire change.

Image

Introducing Legislation to Improve Care for Veterans
Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act
I joined Senators Jon Tester and Maggie Hassan – members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – in introducing the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act. This legislation would expand community-based services for aging veterans as well as improve VA support for veterans and caregivers of all ages.

Senator Elizabeth Dole represents the millions of caregivers who have worked behind the scenes to care for our nation’s veterans who are impacted by advanced age or catastrophic injuries. Caregivers help veterans maintain their independence and stay in their own homes in their own communities for as long as possible as they age. The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act expands access to home and community-based services. It is fitting we name this legislation after an honorary Kansan – Elizabeth Dole – who has worked as an advocate to honor and recognize our veterans and their caregivers.

Read more about the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act from KSN here.

RESPECT Act
I also introduced legislation this week to improve the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers by creating fair and commonsense processes for evaluating and assessing veterans who need a caregiver and providing additional support to caregivers themselves.

Our nation’s veterans, who require a caregiver because of a mental health condition or brain injury, deserve an evaluation and assessment process that works for them, and their caregivers deserve support as close to home as possible. Receiving input from a veteran’s previous health care provider and providing access to a thorough history of a veteran’s treatment will help the VA provide timely resources to veterans, and allowing caregivers to seek mental health care outside of VA will help them stay healthy, strong and able to continue supporting their veteran loved ones. The RESPECT Act was born out of conversations with Kansas veterans and caregivers, and I am glad that I could take their concerns back to the Senate and make meaningful change on their behalf.

Learn more about the RESPECT Act here.

Receiving Update From U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth
On Wednesday, I met with U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth for an update on the Army’s current and future efforts to recruit and retain talented young men and women who desire to serve their country in the military. As co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus, I look forward to hosting Secretary Wormuth in Kansas to showcase the incredible people and capabilities that make up the Army community in our state. I look forward to working with Secretary Wormuth in this role to support our military institutions and to advocate for our soldiers and their families in Kansas, the United States and across the globe.

Meeting with Ambassador of Turkey Murat Mercan
I met with Murat Mercan, Turkey’s Ambassador to the United States, to discuss issues important to our countries. During this meeting, we spoke about the potential sale of F-16s to Turkey and the expansion of NATO to include Finland and Sweden. As a NATO ally, it is important that our nations have good relations and that each country meets the expectations of the alliance. I appreciated this conversation as the Senate considers how best to strengthen security in Europe and beyond.

Image

Meeting with Kansans
Kansas County & District Attorneys Association
This week, I met with members of the Kansas County & District Attorney Association – Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, Smith County Attorney Tabitha Owen, Johnson County District Attorney Stephen Howe, Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez and Franklin County Attorney Brandon Jones. I appreciate them taking the time to meet with me and update me on what is happening in local Kansas communities across the state. During this meeting, we discussed the importance of providing support and resources to mental health systems in our local communities, no matter the size or location. I appreciate the leadership and dedication of our county and district attorneys.

Image

Wounded Veterans
I met with Aaron Isaacson of Scandia and Steve Baskis, who were wounded during their military deployments to the Middle East. They have dedicated their lives to helping wounded veterans find purpose and community through adaptive sports and recreation, mountain climbing, hiking and sailing. In addition to helping wounded veterans through sports, they are focused on advocating for access equality for injured veterans and Americans with disabilities. I look forward to working alongside our nation’s heroes, like Aaron and Steve, to make certain our veterans and others have a voice to advocate for their needs.

Image

Kansas Wheat
On Thursday, I visited with members of Kansas Wheat and received an update from them on their work to make certain our state remains a key leader in wheat production. Our wheat growers play an essential role in supporting the global food supply, and I look forward to continuing to work with Kansas Wheat to maintain a strong agriculture industry in our state. Thank you to Shayna DeGroot of Manhattan, Marsha Boswell of Westmoreland, Jay Armstrong of Muscotah, Chris Tanner of Norton, Greyson Tanner of Wichita and Brian Linin of Goodland for visiting with me.

Image

Doug Keesling
It was great to meet with Doug Keesling, owner of Keesling Farms and a member of the Kansas Wheat Commission, during his visit to my Washington, D.C. office this week. As a fifth-generation farmer from east-central Kansas, Doug is a tireless advocate for our farmers and for maintaining a strong agriculture industry in our state. I always appreciate his updates and insight and want to thank him for meeting with me.

Image

 

Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
I met with Tabor College President David Janzen, Friends University President Dr. Amy Bragg Carey and MidAmerica Nazarene University President Dr. David Spittal during their visit to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. I appreciate them taking the time to speak with me about the continued success they are seeing in their schools as they offer both academic and spiritual mentorship for their students. I want to thank these university presidents for meeting with me and for their leadership in preparing young Kansans for success.

Image

Hosting C.J. Mahoney, Former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative
This week, I enjoyed the chance to host C.J. Mahoney – former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, Russell native and one of the first interns in my U.S. House of Representatives office. C.J. visited me in my office this week and was kind enough to take a few minutes to share his insight, experiences and advice with my staff.

It was a privilege to have the opportunity to introduce C.J. to the Senate Finance Committee in 2018 when he was nominated to serve as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. Throughout the years I have known C.J., I have been consistently impressed with his intelligence and talents, as well as his dedication to Kansas and our nation. He has an impressive professional background, including serving as a clerk for the United States Supreme Court clerkship, but even more than that, C.J. has a strength in personal character that reflects well on Kansas and his hometown of Russell. I am grateful to C.J. for taking the time to share his knowledge and insight with my staff this week.

Image

Meeting with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrota
On Tuesday, I met with Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron, a leader in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and the only U.S.-based memory technology producer. Micron creates innovative data solutions that power our computers, cell phones, cars and other critical infrastructure. I recently hosted Micron in Wichita to showcase the opportunities and strong workforce Kansas has to offer. During our meeting, we discussed the importance of the CHIPS and Science Act to the economic and national security of the country. We also spoke about potential future partnerships between Micron and Wichita State University. I look forward to working with Micron to bring semiconductor supply chains back to the U.S.

Image

Building on Significant Progress in Alzheimer’s Research
This week, I joined my Senate colleagues in introducing two bills to build on the significant progress that has been made to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease. The NAPA Reauthorization Act would reauthorize NAPA through 2035 and modernize the legislation to reflect strides that have been made to understand the disease, such as including a new focus on promoting healthy aging and reducing risk factors. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act would continue through 2035 a requirement that the Director of the National Institutes of Health submit an annual budget to Congress estimating the funding necessary to fully implement NAPA’s research goals.

Our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and the development of new treatments have made significant progress since the National Alzheimer’s Project Act was first signed into law in 2011. As our senior population expands, more research and treatment will be required to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important that we continue the work of NAPA and invest in further research of this horrible disease.

Challenging the Biden Administration’s Rule on WOTUS
I joined my Senate colleagues in announcing a formal challenge to the Biden administration’s ruling on “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) through a Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval. This rule broadens the meaning of “navigable waters” to allow the federal government far more power to regulate bodies of water on private property, creating burdensome regulations for our farmers and ranchers. It is inappropriate for the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize this rule before the Supreme Court issues a decision on Sackett v. EPA, a case that will ultimately decide the definition of “navigable waters.” Kansans do not need more complicated federal rules telling ranchers and farmers how to use their land.
Now Accepting Summer 2023 Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns working year-round with my staff to serve Kansans.

Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the summer 2023 session are due Sunday, March 19. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Very truly yours,
Jerry

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401		 Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789		 Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room 521
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521
Fax: (202) 228-6966		 Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259

Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025

 Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284

image

image

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment

February 03, 2023

 

Committee Work was still the main focus during the fourth week of session.  A record number of bills, including tax bills, have been introduced this year.  There have been several hearings.  Most likely, bills will be worked in the next week or so.  “Working” a bill is lingo for debating, amending, and/or voting on a bill.  Bills, schedules, and recordings of meetings can be found at http://www.kslegislature.org.

 

Taxes Collected (often referred to as “revenue”) continues to exceed estimates.  January taxes collected exceeded estimates by over $50 million.  That puts the fiscal year collection over $700 million above estimates.  Keep in mind this is after revenue estimate adjustments and tax cuts in 2021 and 2022, including reducing the state grocery sales tax to 4.0.  In 2021, the Governor called the income tax and other tax cuts “reckless”.  The legislature overrode her veto and implemented the cuts.  It is obvious with the increased “revenue”, there could have been more tax cuts.  There appears to be agreement, so the question is, what taxes get cut and by how much?

 

Energy Policy  A constituent at a legislative coffee asked why Kansas doesn’t have an energy policy and why electricity being produced in Kansas is being sent out of state with Kansas rates continuing to climb.  Excellent questions.  There have been a few bills introduced attempting to chip away at some of these problems.  One bill would elect the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) board members, who oversee utility companies in Kansas, instead of the Governor appointing them.  Almost everyone at the coffee agreed that there needs to be a balance of our energy supply and that Kansas should reap some benefit for having the energy production in our state.

 

Privacy Free Speech and Foreign Threats News of the China spy balloon this week should be a wake-up call.  However, it is not the first wake-up call.  For years, China, Russia, some technology companies, and others have been challenging the very protections created by our Founding Fathers.  They have been spying, limiting our speech, and manipulating information.  You may not have heard that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a $1.5 million fine to GoodRx for unauthorized disclosure of its users’ medication data with third parties for advertising.  Of course GoodRx denies it and said the fine was less expensive than fighting the accusation.  The notion of privacy is being eliminated.  Technology and complacency have moved us to a surveillance state.  There are a few bills that have been introduced in the Kansas Legislature, but the real change comes down to the choices we make, like choosing browsers and software that don’t track you, and educating yourself and others on threats.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for FS City Commission on Feb. 7

Leave a comment

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING

OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET

February 7, 2023
6:00 P.M.

 

   Roll Call:

  1.       J. Jones     T. Van Hoecke    E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells
  2.      Flag Salute:
  • Invocation: Led by: M. Wells
  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 24, 2023.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1329-A totaling $927,968.03

 

  1. Request to Pay – De Lage Landen Public Finance, LLC – $17,641.00

Golf Cart Rental Fee

 

  1. L. G. Barcus and Sons, Inc. – $84,390.97 – Dam Improvements

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – $33,084.08
  2.  1/6/2023 – City Engineer Monthly Fee – $4,120.00
  3.   1/9/2023 – S. Horton and W. 6th – Preliminary 50% – $10,350.00
  4.   1/9/2023 – System Designs Addenda phase II – $7,537.50 and

Phase III – $2,040.00

  1. 1/9/2023 – 2022 Sanitary Sewer Project – Final 90% – $7,250.00

and Bidding 10% – $450.00

  1.   1/9/2023 – South Industrial Park Waterline – Final – $590.00
  2.   1/9/2023 – GO Car Wash MEP Plan Review – Jason Dickman –

$568.00

  1. 1/9/2023 – Cooper Street Inspection – Trever Stoppel – $58.50

And Cylinder Breaks – $120.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering Change Order No. 2 –

$282,383.00 – 17th & Eddy Storm Water – Remobilization fees due to substantial delays in utility relocations.

 

  1. Judy’s Fuel & Oil LLC – $26,520.69 – Unleaded Gasoline

 

  1.   Public Comment:

Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion.

 

 

 

 

 

  1.  Old Business:  

 

  1. Consideration to remove “Interim” from Interim City Manager’s title

 

  1. B. Consideration of Splash Pad location

 

 

VII.      Appearances:

 

  1. Pat Bishop – Fort Scott Land Bank Manager- Introduction and Annual Report for the Commission.

 

  1. Shane Lamb and Susan Galemore/SEKEDC

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2023                                                             A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT KANSAS HOUSING INVESTORS TAX CREDIT APPLICATION BY RURAL REDEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RENTAL HOUSING LOCATED AT 736 S. HEYLMAN, FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

  1. C. Justin Pergont regarding the Van Fossen Apartment Project

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 4-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ACCOMPANY THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION

 

  1.    Consideration of Resolution No. 5-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF A RURAL HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICT (RHID) AND AN INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND (IRB) ISSUE IN SUPPORT OF THE VAN FOSSEN APARTMENTS PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 19 S. MAIN AND 23 S. MAIN IN DOWNTOWN FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Patrick Wood

 

  1. Stacy Wood – Advisory Boards

 

 

 

 

VIII.     Public Hearing:

 

  1. Petitioner Robert Lembcke – 2010 E. 3rd Street, Fort Scott

Vacate the roadway easement on Barteau Street between 3rd and 4th Streets – Property described as: APPROXIMATELY 300’ x 60’ OF BARTEAU STREET LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1-13 BLOCK 16 AND LOTS 2-14 BLOCK 17 MCMILLAN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT KANSAS.

 

 

  1.  New Business:
  2. Consideration to publish for Request for Proposals – Ground Lease – Scott Flater
  3. Consideration to go out for bids – 2023 Mowing Season – Norm Nation
  4. Consideration to apply for Grant Project for Automatic External Defibrillator to be placed at City Hall, Buck Run, Fire Department, Airport, Golf Course, Public Works, and Memorial Hall – Dave Bruner
  5. Consideration to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to replace the Exhaust Removal Systems within truck bay areas of Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 2 – Dave Bruner
  6. Cape Seal for 2023
  7. Brick Crew Justification
  8. Reports and Comments:
  9. Interim City Manager Comments:
  10. RenoDry Report Regarding Moisture Control at Memorial Hall
  11. School Crosswalk Light on National Ave.
  12. Sidewalk and Curb Reimbursement Program
  13. Demolition Budget
  14. Audio-Visual Equipment for Commission Room

 

  1. Engineering Comments: Update included.

 

  1. Commissioners Comments:
  2. Jones –
  3. VanHoecke –
  4. Woellhof –
  5. Harrington –
  6. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

 

XII.         Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Jan. 24

Leave a comment

 

 

Minutes of January 24th, 2023                                Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 24th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells.  Commissioner K. Harrington was absent.

 

FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION:  T. VanHoecke, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin, Interim City Manager, Travis Shelton, Police Chief, Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, Jason Dickman, City Engineer, Thomas Russell, Codes Enforcement Technician, Seth Simpson, Airport Director, Doug Guns, Sports Facilities Director, Bob Farmer, City Attorney, Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, Eddie Townley, Michael Buller, Steve Anthony, Justin Pregont, and Michael Hoyt.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  M. Wells asked if anyone had additional items to add to the agenda for this meeting. L. Lewis stated that the agenda did need to be approved due to amendments made to the published agenda on January 20th, 2023.  J. Jones motioned to approve the January 24th, 2023, amended agenda.  T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE JANUARY 24, 2023, AMENDED AGENDA.

 

Continue reading Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Jan. 24 →

Government, Kansas

Preventing Fatal Crashes

Leave a comment

Every life saved is a success, but more can be done

to prevent fatality crashes
The good news – Kansas Department of Transportation preliminary crash notifications for 2022 show Kansas experienced a 3% decrease in fatalities compared to 2021. The bad news – vehicle crashes continue to be one of the state’s main causes of preventable deaths.

“We hardly can celebrate 413 lives lost in 2022 compared to a total of 424 lives in 2021, because even one death is one too many,” said Vanessa Spartan, KDOT Transportation Safety Bureau Chief. “That said, while many states in the nation are experiencing an increase in fatal crashes, Kansas experienced a decrease. Behind those numbers are the families and friends we must remember. But it is positive that 11 more families were able to continue with their daily lives and enjoy last year in comparison to 2021.”

No life lost is the goal, and 413 lives lost in vehicle crashes is 413 too many. Loss of life and serious injury not only leaves families and friends grieving emotionally, but results in economic stress for families, employers and communities.

“We are in this together,” Spartan said. “Everyone sets the tone by example by building a community intolerance toward dangerous driving behaviors that can lead to a vehicle crash. Far too often, loss of life and serious injury could be avoided by wearing a seat belt, slowing down and following traffic laws.”

The public will soon see more information about Drive to Zero Kansas, a new educational traffic safety campaign KDOT is promoting in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The goal is to reduce crashes, death and serious injury through education, enforcement, emergency response and engineering.

###

This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Government, Kansas

Initiative For Expanding Employment for People with Disabilities

Leave a comment

Kansas 1 of 10 “Core” States Selected to Participate in Initiative to Expand Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced today that Kansas is 1 of only 10 states and the District of Columbia selected by the U.S Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to participate as a “core state” for its National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network initiative (NEON).

NEON is a technical assistance initiative that advances collaboration with national provider organizations (NPOs) to develop strategic plans for increasing competitive integrated employment (CIE) opportunities for the individuals they serve, including those with significant disabilities and those who have faced barriers to employment. Until now, NEON has focused primarily on advancing CIE by offering national provider organizations technical assistance from recognized subject matter experts and support for local provider organizations. By expanding participation to core states, NEON seeks to focus on promoting positive changes in state-level policies and systems.

“KDADS is honored to be selected as a participant in this initiative designed to make employment a reality for more people with disabilities,” KDADS Secretary Howard said. “We are committed to making competitive, integrated employment a priority and implementing a strategic plan that supports effective practices and promotes healthier workplace equality.”

Competitive integrated employment (CIE) is defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:

  • Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience;
  • Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions;
  • At a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and
  • Presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.

Kansas’s participation in this initiative will help KDADS connect to consulting, capacity building support and ongoing mentoring as we seek to increase CIE for individuals with disabilities in the state.

Kansas has been designated to receive 100 hours of technical assistance from subject matter experts to be used by August 31, 2023, based on the state’s goals and needs with additional hours available as needed and approved by ODEP. This can include blending, braiding, and sequencing of funding, strategic planning, and data collection and analysis. KDADS will begin holding monthly stakeholder meetings to gather input.

Expectations for core states as set forth by NEON include a scope of work that includes the opportunity to work with a maximum of four subject matter experts (SMEs) who will provide virtual and onsite training, technical assistance and policy consulting to include:

  • One-on-One (1:1) Policy Consulting: Individualized support in accomplishing 1-3 policy-specific outcomes to assist the state in developing or implementing technical assistance objectives with the alignment of policies, practices, and funding to support the state’s initiative to enact Employment First principles, assist providers in transforming their business model, and advance NEON’s National Plan to Increase CIE.
  • Capacity Building Assistance/Training in Effective Practices: A combination of in-person and virtual capacity building assistance and training which will result in the accomplishment of 2-5 major outcomes that align with ODEP’s Criteria for Performance Excellence in Employment First State Systems Change and Provider Transformation.

In addition to the policy support described above, each NEON Core State will also have access to and be expected to engage in all ODEP’s National Employment First Community of Practice (CoP) activities, including but not limited to: monthly training webinars, a virtual policy platform, national inventory of resources to help providers achieve increased CIE, and timely updates from Federal officials on new policy developments and funding opportunities to support state NEON efforts.

###

Fort Scott, Government

FS Parks Advisory Board Has Opening For a Member

Leave a comment
Fort Scott Parks Board Committee has an opening for a member.
  • One opening for a three (3) year term.

 

The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott. All boards and commissions of Fort Scott serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated.   If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected].  The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.   Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on March 3rd, 2023.

 
Government, Kansas, Schools

Kansas Education Enrichment Program to Open for Applications February 22

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces Program to Provide $1,000 per Student to Qualifying Families to Promote Learning Recovery

 

TOPEKA – As Kansas students continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Laura Kelly announced today the creation of the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP), which will provide qualifying parents and guardians with a one-time $1,000 award per child to pay for educational goods and services such as tutoring and school supplies. KEEP will open for application on February 22. Kansas businesses that provide educational materials or services are urged to join the KEEP Marketplace.

“With KEEP, we’re enabling Kansas students to access the resources and support they need to thrive in the classroom. I look forward to families being able to access these funds soon,” said Governor Kelly. “In the meantime, I am calling on all Kansas businesses that provide education services to join the KEEP Marketplace and help our students live up to their highest potential.”

Students whose household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will be eligible for KEEP funds.

KEEP funds will be able to be used on enrichment and educational activities including:

  • ​The purchase of curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices
  • Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
  • Tutoring
  • Language classes
  • Musical instruments and lessons

The funds will not be eligible for private school tuition.

Parents and guardians may select enrichment and educational activities from approved service providers via the online KEEP Marketplace or request that a service provider be approved and added to the statewide directory.

Businesses that offer educational opportunities and services are encouraged to join the KEEP Marketplace to assist families and students. Businesses interested in becoming a provider on the KEEP Marketplace can apply to become a Qualified Education Service Provider on the program website: www.keep.ks.gov.

More information on how families can apply for, access, and use their funds is forthcoming and will be available in February when the KEEP application launches.

KEEP is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Kansas Office of Recovery, with the goal of providing educational activities and learning opportunities to students across Kansas to promote educational learning recovery in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

###

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter

Leave a comment


Happy Kansas Day!
On January 29, 1861, the great state of Kansas was founded. Each year, Kansans everywhere celebrate the history, ideals, people and natural beauty that make our state unique. Our history is marked by the events and people that have shaped us into the state we are now, and I am encouraged by the many Kansans who paved the way before us over the years. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of our state in the U.S. Senate and mindful of the many farmers, ranchers, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents and countless other unsung heroes who came before us.

Ad Astra Per Aspera. Happy birthday, Kansas!

Image

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter →

Government, Kansas

2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Results, 2023 Contest

Leave a comment

PRATT – The 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest, hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), is officially underway! Participation is simple; record the number of unique bird species you see in Kansas from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023 and submit your findings. You just might end up a 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year winner!

Participants of all skill levels are invited to compete in one of three age groups: Youth (age 17 and younger), adult (ages 18-64), or senior (age 65 and older). The winners from each category will receive prizes to be awarded in January 2024.

Participation Guidelines

  1. Participants must register online at ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Diversity/2023-Kansas-Birding-Big-Year on or before April 1 to participate in the 2023 contest.
  2. Participants must read and abide by the set of rules governing the competition. These rules are adapted from the American Birding Association Recording Rules and Interpretations and include the Code of Birding Ethics. Breaking, or disregard for, these rules will result in disqualification.
  3. Participants must log their data into the online service, eBird, available on the Cornell University website, ebird.org. Each participant must create an individual profile, sign-in and password to begin submitting sightings.
  4. Participants must submit a running total list of observed species quarterly to the program coordinator to track progress and provide quality control. The program coordinator and competition committee have final say on list totals. Quarterly submission dates for the 2023 contest are: June 30, September 30 and December 31.

Winners will be recognized, and prizes awarded, in mid-January of the following calendar year. Award categories are as follows: Youth, Adult Novice, Adult Intermediate, Adult Advanced, and Senior.

The 2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest wrapped up in December 2022, with youth participant Franklin Miller claiming the title of “Kansas’ Top Birder” after identifying 322 unique bird species in the state last year.

The top winners from 2022 in each category are listed below.

Adult, Advanced

  1. Malcolm Gold – 315*
  2. Mark Nolen – 304*
  3. Jeff Calhoun – 250*
  4. Dan Broers – 246
  5. Chad Gardner – 228

Adult, Intermediate

  1. Seth Miller – 290*
  2. Juan Avena – 275*
  3. Corey Entriken – 267*
  4. Melissa Bruce – 265*
  5. Kelli Egbert – 219

Adult, Novice

  1. Ann Tanner – 183
  2. Krystal Sarcone – 83
  3. Timothy Tarkelly – 79

Youth

  1. Franklin Miller – 322*
  2. Hezekiah Swihart – 192
  3. Michaela Gold – 166
  4. Danielle Gold – 143

Senior 

  1. Henry Armknecht – 289*
  2. Sue Newland – 270*
  3. Dan Larson – 215
  4. Marie Plinsky – 206
  5. William Simon – 140

An asterisk (*) denotes a Top 10 Overall score.

Sponsors of the 2022 Kansas Big Birding Year contest include: City of Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Acorn Naturalists, The Kansas Ornithological Society, Dr. Robert Penner, and KDWP.

For more on the Kansas Birding Big Year, visit ksoutdoors.com/services/Wildlife-Diversity/2023-Kansas-Birding-Big-Year.