Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Governor Signs Kansas Budget Bill

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Governor Kelly Signs Balanced Budget Strengthening Workforce and Economic Development Opportunities;
Addressing Water Issues

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed the state’s budget, Senate Bill 28, which allocates funding for Fiscal Years 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028. The budget makes expenditures to continue the Kelly administration’s progress to make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

“Thanks to the work we have done to get our state’s economy where it is, we can use our record surplus to make a positive impact on communities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The investments we make now in our infrastructure, our workforce, and our economic development put Kansas on a path of continued growth.”

The budget:

  • Makes critical investments in water projects and programs: The budget continues the state’s historic $35 million yearly investment in water infrastructure, conservation, and quality programs across Kansas. It also pledges an additional $10 million specifically for drinking and wastewater infrastructure projects in communities of less than 1,000. This funding will be essential to ensuring our small, rural communities have access to a clean and reliable water supply for years to come.
  • Strengthening economic development opportunities: The budget includes economic development projects that invest in communities in every region of the state. It also makes investment in industrial park projects, the infrastructure that is needed to get product to market, and moderate-income housing. These are key to attracting the jobs and workforce needed for communities looking to grow.
  • Ensures Kansas has a robust workforce and increases funding for post-secondary education: Provides historic funding to workforce training programs and post-secondary education to prepare students to enter the workforce for good-paying, in-demand jobs. When looking to put down roots or expand operations, businesses are looking for states that have a high-skilled, well-prepared workforce.
  • Invests in state employees: Provides pay raises to state employees to make state employment wages more competitive to the equivalent private sector work. Competitive wages are a step toward shrinking the number of unfilled state jobs and retaining employees.

Governor Kelly also line-item vetoed aspects of the budget. Find more information and her veto messages here.

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Government, Kansas

Veteran grant manager to lead Kansas Infrastructure Hub

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TOPEKA – Matt Volz has joined the Kansas Infrastructure Hub (Hub) as Executive Director. His experience includes over 30 years in the transportation infrastructure industry in Kansas, nationally and internationally. An experienced grant application manager, Volz has developed and advanced over $300 million in successful federal grant applications for local and state agencies.

Formed in 2022, the Hub connects multiple state agencies to serve as a resource center for Kansas communities. The Hub offers free technical assistance to entities applying for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) grants.

Volz began his career with the Kansas Department of Transportation in 1991 as a roadway designer, and in 1997, became the first state Intelligent Transportation Systems engineer in Kansas. In consulting for the past 20 years, he has worked extensively in the Midwest and nationally on transportation technology projects, as well as internationally, having lived and worked in the United Arab Emirates.

“I am very excited to take on this role for the State of Kansas,” Volz said. “Helping our communities pursue federal funding to assist with infrastructure projects is critical to our state’s economic growth.”

Volz received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Dakote State University, his – master’s degree in civil engineering from Kansas State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kansas.

The Kansas Infrastructure Hub was established to maximize BIL opportunities for Kansas. The Hub does so by providing no-cost technical assistance and promoting infrastructure projects related to water, transportation, energy, broadband, cybersecurity and emergency management across Kansas. In addition, the Hub administers the Build Kansas Fund, which can support communities with match dollars for grant programs funded through BIL.  For more information or to find out how to apply to the Build Kansas Fund, visit www.kshub.org.

On April 24, the Kansas Infrastructure Hub will host an Infrastructure Summit in Salina. Cities, counties, tribal governments, regional planning organizations and the private sector are encouraged to attend. Topics include BIL funding opportunities, grant funding resources and project alignment. Summit agenda and registration are at www.kshub.org.

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– Matt Volz, submitted photo.

Volz
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

April 19, 2024

 

Regular Session Ends with many pieces of legislation being sent to the Governor’s desk – too many to cover in this update.  All legislation can be found at www.kslegislature.org.  Here are some highlights of changes in law that have passed both chambers and signed by the Governor:

  • SB 336 removes the requirement that underground storage tank operating permits are renewed annually.  It passed the Senate unanimously.
  • SB 399 changes the deadline for vehicle sales reports from the 20th to the 25th of each month for vehicle dealers and for salvage dealers.  It passed the Senate unanimously.
  • SB 424 establishes the Kansas Plan Coordinate System by adopting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Geodetic Survey.  It passed unanimously.
  • SB 430 substantially increases workers compensation and provides coverage for members of the Kansas National Guard.  It passed unanimously.
  • HB 2453 puts Kansas in an interstate Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact so they could practice in other states that are in the program.  It is our state allowing another group to decide the parameters for Kansas.  I do not support these efforts, as Kansas is a sovereign state and we should govern as such.  The bill passed the Senate 38 to 2.
  • HB 2536 establishes SOUL as a permanency legal option for children who are 16 or older.  It passed the Senate unanimously.
  • HB 2604 increases the Small Claims court maximum from $4,000 to $10,000.  It hadn’t been changed since 2004.  It passed unanimously in the Senate.
  • HB 2783 prohibits any state agency, city, or county from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on the energy source of the vehicle.  It passed the Senate 25 to 15.  I voted Yes.

Veto Session begins with 12 bills vetoed.  That number could increase as the Governor hasn’t responded to the mega tax relief bill or other legislation.  The legislature could start voting on veto overrides April 26th.  You would think it would be fairly easy to override the vetoes, but there are 165 legislators, and some are not always able to make it to the Capitol.  In my years of service, I have not missed a day of session.  It is not always easy because life happens, but I am committed to representing you.  Thank you for your support and the opportunity to serve.

 

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

Caryn

Government, Kansas

KDOT videos series brings voice to work zone awareness

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TOPEKA – April 15 through April 19 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. But for Kansas Department of Transportation crews and contract workers, their lives depend on work zone awareness every week of the year.

In highway construction zones across the state, workers are especially vulnerable. Many times they work just inches from passing traffic. Flaggers stand before oncoming traffic with only a sign to get motorists to slow down or stop.

“I’ve had more close calls than I can count,” said a veteran KDOT construction zone worker. “I’ve had people come up and actually hit the flagging sign I was holding before they put on the brakes.”

You can hear about similar close calls – in the workers’ own words – in a National Work Zone Awareness Week video series produced by KDOT. The four-part series begins today and will continue throughout this week. Click on the link for each day’s video – http://kansastransportation.blogspot.com/search/label/NWZAW%202024.

One video features members of KDOT workers’ families, who implore motorists to slow down and be alert in work zones.

“I worry every day,” said the spouse of a highway worker. “I always get up in the morning and say a prayer he comes home, that everyone stays safe.”

It’s not only the workers’ lives at stake. Most people injured in work zone crashes are motorists. In 2023, nine people died in Kansas work zone crashes and 498 suffered injuries, KDOT data shows.

The top contributing circumstance of Kansas work zone crashes is inattention. Nationwide over the past several years, speed was a contributing factor in about one-third of fatal work zone crashes, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. About one-fifth of all deadly work zone crashes involve rear-end collisions.

Highway work zones span the entire length of the construction area. The work zone begins with a Road Work Ahead sign and ends with an End Roadwork sign. Work zones are marked with additional signs, including a reduced speed limit.

By heeding those signs, motorists can help protect a whole community of people.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

April 12, 2024

 

Property Tax Relief was passed by the Senate in Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2096, but hit a brick wall in the House.  The provisions include:

  • Expand the property tax freeze for seniors and disabled veterans so more people qualify
  • Eliminate personal property taxes on items not used for business purposes, such as off-road ATVs, 15,000 lbs. trailers, motorized wheelchairs, bicycles, scooters, watercraft, and golfcarts
  • Veterans’ Valor property tax relief program providing for totally disabled and unemployable
  • Provide the current year and a four-year lookback on property valuation notices
  • Allow payment under protest and appealing valuation in the same year if new evidence is provided
  • Establish government competition property tax exemption
  • Clarify 1031 exchange, build-to-suit, or sale/leaseback are not used establishing fair-market value

Property tax provisions in CCR 2096 will help many, especially seniors in need and disabled veterans.  However, the House believed inaccurate information that there are two provisions for the rich and big businesses.  The government competition piece is to stop governments from running a business that directly competes with businesses.  It is a problem and this legislation is a shot across the bow to try to stop this practice.  It is narrowly crafted for day-cares, health clubs, and restaurants within a city or 5 mile radius, but will most likely be expanded to include hotels/motels at some point.  Topeka City Council bought and is running a hotel.  Taxpayer funded lobbyist, such as the Kansas County Commissioners and the League of Municipalities opposed the legislation, but they offer no solution.  The business has to be in existence before the government started a competing business.  The State Constitution exempts government from property taxes, so it makes sense to provide directly competing businesses the same benefit, until the government stops running or sells the business.  The other provision taxpayer lobbyists are against is  making it clear that the value of property should be considered, not the rent or income the property generates.  Would you want your income to be considered in the value of your home?  All of the provisions in the bill deal with property tax.  The House voted to send CCR 2096 back to conference committee.

Leadership may or may not allow the conference committee to meet again and if not, the CCR will be lost this year unless the House does a motion to reconsider the first day we return for veto session.  The House could pass the CCR and send it to the Governor, since it has passed the Senate 23 to 14.  I voted Yes.

I agree that each bill should pass on its own, but all of this legislation did not pass both chambers, so the only chance for it to pass this year is in a CCR.  The conference committee put legislation together in CCRs by topics – property tax, sales tax, administrative, pro-life, and such.  The only tax committee CCR that did not pass both chambers was CCR 2096.

I have worked diligently on provisions in this CCR, property tax relief for seniors, disabled veterans, and the personal property tax exemptions for all.  Let’s hope we don’t lose the CCR and that the House or the Governor doesn’t throw the “baby out with the bathwater”, and focus on all the good in this CCR.

Governor’s Veto Pen could break last year’s record number of 17.  There was also a record number of veto overrides last year.  Because the last day of session was early, there wasn’t a chance to override all of the vetoed legislation and that could happen this year, including CCR 2096 if the House were to pass it.  There was an attempt to override 14 of the 17 last year.  Eight of the overrides were successful.  There have been 6 vetoes this year: 2436, making it unlawful to force an abortion; 2446, making it unlawful to ban plastic bags; 2749, requiring reporting of each abortion; 2648, requiring impact statements of rules and regulations that have the force of law; 233, prohibiting sex changes of minors; and 434, exempting sugaring hair removal from cosmetology requirements.  It takes 2/3 majority in each chamber to override a veto.

 

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

Caryn

Kansas, Youth

Boys State of Kansas Offering College Credit, Scholarships for Attendees

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April 15, 2024 — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas has announced a partnership with Kansas State University to offer attendees of the leadership program three hours of college credit at a significant discount. This year’s ALBSK will be held Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, on KSU’s campus in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU and 86th overall.

Kansas State is offering two sections of Introduction to Political Science (POLSC 110) specifically for Kansas Boys State attendees. Attending KBS will fulfill a portion of the course requirements with additional course work assigned by the instructor, Nate Birkhead, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. KBS attendees wishing to take advantage of this course will be enrolled as a KSU student, but they do not have to attend K-State as the credit hours will be transferable. The tuition for the course will be $366 (payable to K-State), a nearly 70 percent savings over the regular three-hour online tuition rate of $1,181.25. KBS attendees should contact their school guidance counselor to enroll in the course.

In addition, Kansas Boys State attendees also have the opportunity to earn two scholarships — the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, worth up to $10,000, and the Boys State of Kansas Director’s Scholarship, worth up to $1,500. For more information on the Samsung Scholarship, visit legion.org/scholarships/samsung; for more information on the KBS Director’s Scholarship, e-mail [email protected] or call (785) 550-6492.

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The ALBSK program is for individuals who will complete their junior or sophomore year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. The cost to attend Kansas Boys State is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or the family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2024 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2024 program is Tuesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492.

For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

 

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott, Government, K-State Extension, Kansas

Kelly Perry: Kansas State Food Fellow Offers Free Workshop For Local Food Sellers

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Kelly Perry. Sumbitted photo.

Kelly Perry answered a job ad from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team posting in October, 2023 for a local food fellow position.

“I was so excited and quickly applied and in January was interviewed by Amanda Lindahl, Local Food System Program Coordinator with Kansas State, and Rachel Carpenter with HBCAT,” she said. ” I love food, small business, and local so this was right up my alley.  The duties were pretty vast for an 18-week program that is brand new across the state…and I landed this awesome opportunity!”
“As part of my job duties, I am required to hold an educational workshop,” she said. “I wanted to focus on food labeling at the farmers market. I know our local Fort Scott Farmers Market is growing like crazy, pun intended. I figured it would be a great topic for people to learn what the state requires at pop-up shops, festivals, bake sales, and farmers’ markets. I also wanted to cover the proper food licenses required by the state.”
“The main reason for this is that I receive about three calls, texts, or messages a week asking food-related questions from everyday people who own, run, or are thinking of starting a business full-time, part-time, or occasionally,” she said.
Kelly and her husband Thadeus Perry own Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store in Bronson.

“People know me and know I’m willing to help if I can,” she said. “Sometimes people get intimidated or scared of the inspectors or do not know who to contact to ask the questions so that leads them to me. I, for one, have had to attend countless seminars, online Zoom meetings, and hours of reading to learn about my family’s business Perry’s Pork Rinds, and our food laws and regulations.”

“I remember having the state Inspector show up at our front door needing to look over our home-based business back in 2018,” Perry said. “I remember the federal meat inspector showing up as well, due to the product we make being a meat product. I cried each time someone would flash their badge at the front door and I’d panic. After years of visits, and our yearly renewal inspections I came to realize food inspection, safety, and visits were not intimidating or anything to be scared of.”
“They had a job to do and if we were doing something wrong they would answer questions and tell us what to do to fix it and be in compliance,” she said. ” It’s in the state’s best interest to HAVE business in operation and to generate revenue. They want the businesses but they also have standards and regulations to help keep us all safe, both the consumer as well as the producer.”
“I figured a food license discussion would help so many who were just unsure, curious or didn’t know where to start,” she said.
The workshop is FREE to anyone from any part of the state, from 6-8 p.m. at the HBCAT offices, 104 N. National Avenue on Monday, April 15.
“We ask that you register so we can make sure to have enough handouts and packets created,” she said.
“We are so fortunate to have From the Land of Kansas’s very own Robyn Dolby attend and present a slide show and answer questions,” Perry said. “We will also have the K-State Local Food System Program Coordinator Amanda Lindahl coming to discuss the Local Food Fellow Program as well.”
Robin Dolby, From the Land of Kansas Marketing Coordinator, Kansas Dept. of Agriculture. Submitted photo.
Amanda Lindahl from her LinkedIn page.
“My goal with this Local Food Fellow position and HBCAT goal is to provide knowledge, access to resources, and networking,” she said. “We can then grow as producers, growers, suppliers, and a community! HBCAT always has the saying  Stronger Together and it is just that simple.”
 A description for the position she accepted is
– Update the Bourbon County Wholesale Food Directory
– Create a storytelling campaign on food-related business.
– Organize an Educational Workshop in Bourbon County.
– Complete the final report to be submitted to the K-State Research and Extension Local Food Systems Program Coordinator
Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Bills, Allows One to Become Law Without Signature

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TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed Substitute Bill for Senate Bill 233, House Bill 2749, Substitute Bill for House Bill 2436, Senate Bill 434, House Bill 2446, and House Bill 2648. Governor Kelly also allowed Senate Bill 394 to become law without her signature.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Substitute Bill for Senate Bill 233:

“This divisive legislation targets a small group of Kansans by placing government mandates on them and dictating to parents how to best raise and care for their children. I do not believe that is a conservative value, and it’s certainly not a Kansas value.

“To be clear, this legislation tramples parental rights.

“The last place that I would want to be as a politician is between a parent and a child who needed medical care of any kind. And, yet, that is exactly what this legislation does.

“If the legislature paid this much attention to the other 99.8% of students, we’d have the best schools on earth.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Substitute Bill for Senate Bill 233.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2749:

“Kansans spoke loud and clear in August 2022. Voters do not want politicians getting between doctors and their patient by interfering in private medical decisions.

“House Bill 2749 is invasive and unnecessary. There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest prior to obtaining an abortion. There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the legislature why she is seeking an abortion.

“I refuse to sign legislation that goes against the will of the majority of Kansans who spoke loudly on August 2, 2022: Kansans don’t want politicians involved in their private medical decisions.

“There are some in the legislature who have forgotten that. I have not. Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2749.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Substitute Bill for House Bill 2436:

“While I agree that no one should be coerced into undergoing a medical procedure against their will, it is already a crime to threaten violence against another individual.

“Additionally, I am concerned with the vague language in this bill and its potential to intrude upon private, often difficult, conversations between a person and their family, friends, and health care providers. This overly broad language risks criminalizing Kansans who are being confided in by their loved ones or simply sharing their expertise as a health care provider.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Substitute Bill for House Bill 2436.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 434:

“I have serious concerns that deregulating sugaring — a hair removal technique that may be performed on minors — could lead to safety and sanitation problems. We have a responsibility to protect Kansans – and this deregulation would threaten the health and safety of Kansans – particularly our children.

“Under the purview of the Kansas Board of Cosmetology, sugaring practitioners are required to adhere to the same health and safety standards as other cosmetologists and estheticians. They are subject to criminal background checks and training prior to the successful completion of exams to earn state licensure. Deregulating sugaring risks contamination, improper infection control, and potential safety issues involving minors. I am not willing to undermine the Kansas Board of Cosmetology’s expertise or threaten the long-term health and safety of Kansans who receive sugaring services.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 434.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2446:

“I believe in local control and that local officials should be held accountable by their constituents, stakeholders, and businesses. This bill lacks sufficient protection to ensure local units of government are able to play a meaningful role in decision making on issues impacting their communities.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2446.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2648:

“House Bill 2648 would insert bureaucratic red tape intended to legislatively interfere with the timely implementation of necessary and important rules and regulations. Many of these regulations are for the protection and safety of Kansans.

“Kansans voted no to giving the legislature veto power over rules and regulations in the November 2022 election. This is yet again another attempt by the legislature to undermine the will of the voters.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2648.”

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing Senate Bill 394 to become law without her signature:

“While well-meaning in its efforts to protect children from content the legislature considers ‘harmful to minors,’ this bill is vague in its application and may end up infringing on constitutional rights, which is an issue being litigated in other jurisdictions over similar bills. For that reason, I will allow this bill to become law without my signature.”

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Entertainment, Kansas

AMERICAN PICKERS to Film in Kansas

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The American Pickers are excited to return to Kansas! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in June 2024.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.

Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.

The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen
before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public.

If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to:
[email protected] or call (646) 493-2184
facebook: @GotAPick

Government, Kansas

Dept. for Aging and Disability: New Community Support Waiver

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KDADS Partners with Public Consulting Group to Transform Services for Individuals with Disabilities
~ Focus on the Development of a New Community Support Waiver ~

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard today announced a partnership with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to assist in the state’s plan to modernize the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver by addressing waitlist and workforce challenges, and supporting the state in the development of a new Community Support Waiver (CSW).

“My administration is focused on enhancing services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By developing a new Community Support Waiver and restructuring support systems through this partnership, we are taking a significant step toward better serving these Kansans.”

The CSW for individuals with IDD is designed to provide a limited set of supports for those who have a place to live in the community, allowing them to continue to live independently and promoting community living and integration.

In 2022, the Kansas State Legislature assembled the Special Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disability Waiver Modernization to review and recommend options for waiver alternatives and modernization based on input from officials from other states, researchers, advocacy groups, parents, and individuals with disabilities.

“Thanks to the work and recommendations of the Modernization Committee and our community partners, and now onboarding PCG with their proven track record in HCBS waiver development and compliance assistance, we believe we are on the right path to addressing the needs of people on the state’s IDD waiting list more effectively and efficiently,” KDAD Secretary Laura Howard said. “Kansas is committed to ensuring individuals have the opportunity to live independently with supports in their communities.”

The development of the CSW is at the heart of the initiative. Designed with input from a diverse group of stakeholders, including state agencies, Community Development Disability Organizations (CDDOs), families, and current participants, the CSW aims to address current service barriers and enhance service delivery. The primary goal is to reduce waiting lists and ensure services are accessible to those in need. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to building a support system that reflects the community’s needs.

The PCG partnership includes strategic grant funding to support the transformation and improvement of services. Funding initiatives will focus on specific service areas like aiding sheltered workshop providers with compliance with new regulations, restructuring CDDOs to eliminate conflicts of interest, and ensuring the impartiality of case management.

“Through these efforts, Kansas and PCG are working together to ensure services are delivered fairly, efficiently, and with the best interests of individuals with disabilities in mind,” KDADS Long Term Services and Supports Commissioner Michele Heydon said. “This collaboration is a testament to the state’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through innovative solutions and community-focused initiatives.”

In February this year, Governor Laura Kelly announced an FY 2025 budget proposal to invest more than $23 million for the IDD and Physical Disability (PD) waivers, creating 250 new enrollment slots for each.

About HCBS

The HCBS program allows states to use Medicaid funds to offer critical nonmedical services not otherwise covered by Medicaid. The provided services can include personal attendants and other in-home supports, supported employment, and in-home specialized medical care.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas First Internet Connectivity Plan Approved

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Governor Kelly Announces More than $8M to be Invested in Digital Opportunities

~~ Kansas’ First Broadband Digital Equity Plan Approved ~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that Kansas is receiving $8.2 million to begin implementing the Kansas Digital Equity (DE) Plan, which recently received federal approval. This announcement solidifies the state’s commitment to transform the landscape of high-speed internet connectivity and digital opportunity across Kansas.

“Providing Kansans with the digital resources they need will strengthen our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The approval of the Kansas Digital Equity Plan marks a significant milestone in our commitment to closing technology gaps and knocking down barriers to affordable, accessible high-speed internet in every corner of the state.”

Initially introduced last October, the DE Plan received public comment and underwent thorough reviews with federal funding partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) office. With this approval and funding from the NTIA’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) will begin implementing strategies outlined in the plan to enhance digital opportunity statewide.

The DE Plan reflects a comprehensive strategy that includes digital skills training, affordable service plans, and access to broadband-ready devices. It also highlights the impact of technology in critical areas such as health care, education, and civic engagement.

“By expanding access to devices and digital skills training, we will open new economic opportunities for people and businesses across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our state is ready to unlock the potential of every Kansan and each community so they can prosper in the digital economy.”

The data used to determine each state’s funding allocations included the total population, the number of individuals in covered populations, and measures relating to the comparative lack of availability and adoption of broadband.

“We know that many Kansans experience barriers to full participation in the digital economy,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “The approval of this plan confirms our commitment to providing equal opportunities to residents by addressing factors that might be limiting broadband access and adoption.”

The DE Plan’s approval is a significant step toward achieving universal access to online education, employment, health care and telemedicine, and social services. It aligns with the broader vision outlined in the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan.

“Today, Kansas is taking a major step toward closing the digital divide,” Angela Thi Bennett, Director of Digital Equity at NTIA, said. “The state’s digital equity plan will make certain everyone in Kansas possesses the digital skills, tools, and capacity to thrive.”

To access the Kansas Digital Equity Plan, click here.

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Government, Kansas

Communities can learn to create walk-, bike-friendly towns during April 24 webinar

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Communities in the beginning stages of creating more walk- and bike-friendly towns can greatly benefit from attending the Walk Bike Roll online webinar on April 24.

Titled “Tell Your Story! How to Leverage Storytelling to Build Project Support and Momentum,” the webinar is hosted by the Kansas Department of Transportation. Participants can learn to celebrate and share accomplishments to inspire decision makers, the public and other communities.

To attend the one-hour webinar, which starts at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, register at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/6s4wnfd.

“Kansas communities have done a great job prioritizing and constructing new pedestrian and bicycle facilities,” said Jenny Kramer, Active Transportation Manager at KDOT. “However, when it comes time to brag about our accomplishments, we don’t do as well.”

Learning about other successful alternate transportation projects helps build support and can:

  • Build enthusiasm for new projects locally and across the state.
  • Discover champions and opportunities to raise project funds.
  • Invite equity to be a focus.
  • Create a culture that values walking, biking and rolling across Kansas.

Catherine Girves of Toole Design will share storytelling tips based on years of experience working with elected officials and citizens to build project support. She will cover important steps in the process such as how to identify an audience, discover available local and state funds, determine what the story is expected to accomplish and more.

The KDOT Active Transportation Program launched the Walk Bike Roll Kansas webinar series at an in-person Summit in September 2023. It is part of the Kansas Active Transportation Plan, which was published in February 2023. Webinars will continue throughout 2024.

To view the plan, toolkits, watch previously recorded webinars and more, go to: https://www.ksdot.gov/KansasATP.asp.