Category Archives: Kansas

Business, Government, Kansas

Kansas Consumers’ Shopping Survey

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Survey to Evaluate Kansas Consumers’ Shopping Practices
and Awareness of From the Land of Kansas Program

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s state trademark program From the Land of Kansas has released a public survey asking consumers about their shopping practices and preferences. Recent events have reminded all of us about the importance of local foods. This survey is seeking feedback from Kansas consumers on what they are looking for and how we can help them find local foods. The survey, which takes less than five minutes to complete, will inform the program’s efforts to better promote and celebrate agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in the state of Kansas.

 

Participants who complete the survey will be entered in a gift basket drawing. The gift baskets contain a variety of Kansas grown or made products, valuing over $100. Three winners will be selected and notified in early June via the contact information they provide at the end of the survey.

 

Any Kansas resident is eligible and encouraged to take the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/KS-consumers.

 

From the Land of Kansas is designed to promote and celebrate agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. The program offers an array of incentives to Kansas companies — big and small — who grow, raise or produce products in the state. For questions about the survey, please contact Janelle Dobbins, marketing manager of the From the Land of Kansas program, at 785-564-6759 or [email protected].

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

DCF Service Centers Remain Closed to Public

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Agency opens new channels for customer communication

 

Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard announced today that DCF service centers will remain closed to the public until further notice. The offices have been closed since March 23.

 

“My first priority is the health and safety of both our clients and employees,” Howard said. “I am committed to implementing a reopening plan that ensures social distancing and other safety requirements set forward by Governor Kelly. We’ll reopen when we can ensure these requirements can be met.”

 

To help ensure clients have access to services, the agency has implemented a series of new public facing communication channels.

 

On April 29, the agency opened a virtual call center to answer client questions about agency assistance programs including cash, food and child care assistance. Kansans can call 1-888-369-4777 from anywhere in the state to speak with a DCF representative or connect with their local service center.

 

DCF also added a chat function to its public website. Visitors can use the chat to get basic information about programs and application processes. DCF encourages Kansans to visit www.dcf.ks.gov for information about programs and to apply for services. Paper applications also are available outside each DCF service center across the state. Completed applications can be left in drop boxes outside each service center.

 

Additionally, visitors to the DCF website can review guidance from the agency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit http://www.dcf.ks.gov/COVID19/Pages/default.aspx for all DCF program information.

 

If someone suspects abuse or neglect, they should call the KPRC at 1-800-922-5330. They also can report allegations online at http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/KIPS/KIPSWebIntake.aspx.

 

DCF encourages Kansans to monitor the agency’s Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest information about office access and services.

 

For more information on COVID-19 visit: www.covid.ks.gov.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Grants For Kansas Arts Organizations

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Department of Commerce introduces new grant program for
Kansas arts organizations affected by COVID-19

Topeka, Kan. – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced today that nearly $500,000 in grant funding is being made available to provide operational support to Kansas arts organizations experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19.

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Creative Industries Arts Commission will distribute CARES Act arts funding through the Short-Term Operational Support (SOS) Program, a grant program developed to assist with immediate financial needs resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, May 4, through May 15, 2020.

“COVID-19 has placed unexpected strain on all facets of our economy, including the arts,” Kelly said. “Together, we will ensure no organization is left behind in this emergency.”

Kansas-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations whose primary purpose is to produce, present, promote or serve the arts are eligible to apply for SOS grant funding. SOS grants can be used by organizations to cover payroll, fees for contract personnel and facility costs such as rent and utilities.

“The arts account for thousands of Kansas jobs and play a critical role in creating a high quality of life in Kansas,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Ensuring this sector isn’t overlooked during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important step as we rebuild the Kansas economy.”

For more information on the Short-Term Operational Support Program and to apply online, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/ArtsSOS.

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas go to covid.ks.gov.

Government, Kansas

Tyson Files For Re-Election

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Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson for Kansas Senate

 

(PARKER, KS) – Caryn Tyson, Kansas Senator, has filed for re-election and released the following statement:

 

“I am greatly encouraged by the very positive response I have received encouraging me to run for re-election.   With increasing threats of massive tax increases and threats on our personal freedoms, my experience and problem solving skills in technology, business, agriculture, and in the legislature is needed in Topeka now more than ever.”

 

Caryn is a senator of the people – someone who will truly listen, someone who represents their values and someone who has the real-world experience necessary to get the job done.

 

Tyson said, “I am not a career politician. They’re the problem. Politicians pretend to be something they’re not.  Leaders have a record that demonstrates who they are. I am a leader with proven results who shares your Kansas values.”

 

Caryn Tyson has math and computer science degrees from Kansas State and an engineering management degree from KU. After graduating K-State she began working in the Information Technology industry and continued working in this field for more than 25 years. Caryn’s work included space shuttle support for NASA where she received awards for achievement and teamwork.

 

Caryn is serving her second term in the Kansas Senate.  She served one term in the Kansas House and is presently the Chair of the Tax Committee, one of most important committees in the Kansas Senate. As one of the leading freedom fighters in the Senate, Tyson, works diligently for smaller, smarter government.

Caryn and her husband, Tim – both fifth generation Kansans – own and operate Tyson Ranch in Linn County, established in 1871 by Tim’s great-great grandfather.

Government, Kansas

Kansas: Tax Revised Estimates Down 51.4% compared to last April

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Kansas is on target with revised estimates; down 51.4% compared to last April

 

TOPEKA – As predicted, the State of Kansas saw a decrease in total tax collections when compared to April of Fiscal Year 2019. These reductions are largely due to announced tax date extensions, which gave relief to Kansans while moving collections into the Fiscal Year 2021.

 

On April 20, the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Kansas Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, met to review the fall estimates and make revisions. These revisions take into consideration the changes in tax deadlines, consumer purchasing behaviors, and employer withholdings.

 

The state’s total tax collections for April were $578.1 million. Compared to April last fiscal year that is down $610.7 million or 51.4%. However, the state is in line with the revised estimates as those collections are 0.10% or $360,655 more than the estimate.

 

Individual income tax collections were $282.5 million; $1.2 million or 0.4% more than the new estimate. Corporate income tax collections were $37.8 million; 2.3% or $888,372 below the estimate.

 

Retail sales tax collections were $184.1 million; $2.3 million or 1.2% below the estimate. Compensating use tax collections were 2.4% higher than estimated with $41.5 million collected.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor’s Phase Out To Reopen Kansas

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AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020 PHASE OUT

TRAVEL
Unrestricted.

GATHERINGS
Maintain social distance where applicable.

INDIVIDUALS
Adhere to personal hygiene guidelines.
Remain home if you feel sick.

EMPLOYERS
Follow any additional guidance for businesses and employees that is
released.

BEGINS NO EARLIER THAN JUNE 15, 2020
At a date determined by the Governor based on the overall progress of the State on outlined health metrics.
The Governor will issue an Executive Order to move the State into this phase.

AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020 PHASE OUT

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor’s Phase 3 To Reopen Kansas

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AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020 PHASE THREE

BUSINESS AND ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS
All education, activities, venues and establishments
may operate pursuant to mass gathering guidelines.

PHASE THREE

TRAVEL
Nonessential travel may resume.

GATHERINGS
Mass gatherings of no more than 90 individuals allowed.

EMPLOYERS
On-site staffing is unrestricted.

INDIVIDUALS
Adhere to personal hygiene guidelines.
Remain home if you feel sick.

BEGINS NO EARLIER THAN JUNE 1, 2020

At a date determined by the Governor based on the overall progress of the State on outlined health metrics.
The Governor will issue an Executive Order to move the State into this phase.
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020 PHASE THREE

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor’s Phase Two to Reopen Kansas

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PHASE TWO ✓
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020

ACTIVITIES
NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
Large entertainment venues
with capacity of 2,000+
Fairs, festivals, parades, and graduations
Summer camps

ESTABLISHMENTS
ALLOWED TO OPEN
Bars and nightclubs
at 50% total occupancy
Casinos (non-tribal) if compliant with guidelines approved by the KDHE.

EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES, & VENUES
ALLOWED TO OPERATE
Childcare facilities
Libraries
Swimming pools
Community centers
Organized sports facilities and tournaments
with some exceptions
✓
+
PHASE TWO
BEGINS NO EARLIER THAN MAY 18, 2020
At a date determined by the Governor based on the overall progress of the State on outlined health metrics.
The Governor will issue an Executive Order to move the State into this phase.

TRAVEL
Minimize or avoid nonessential travel.
Follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk
areas.

GATHERINGS
Mass gatherings of
no more than 30
individuals allowed.

INDIVIDUALS
Masks are strongly encouraged in public settings.
Maintain 6 foot social distance.

EMPLOYERS
Telework is strongly encouraged when possible.
Any employee exhibiting symptoms  should be required to
stay home.

PHASE TWO ✓
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor’s Phase One To Reopen Kansas April 30

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PHASE ONE ✓
+
+
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020
BEGINS MAY 4, 2020 AS DIRECTED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-29
TRAVEL

Minimize or avoid nonessential travel.
Follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas.

GATHERINGS
Mass gatherings of no more than 10 individuals allowed.

ACTIVITIES
NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
Community centers
Large entertainment venues
with capacity of 2,000 +
Fairs, festivals, parades, & graduations
Public swimming pools
Organized sports facilities
Summer camps

ESTABLISHMENTS
NOT ALLOWED TO OPEN
Bars and nightclubs excluding already operating curbside and carryout services
Casinos (non-tribal)
Indoor leisure spaces
Fitness centers and gyms
Personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided

EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES, & VENUES
ALLOWED TO OPERATE
Childcare facilities
Libraries

INDIVIDUALS
Masks are strongly encouraged in public settings.
Maintain 6 foot social distance.

EMPLOYERS
Telework is strongly encouraged when possible.
Any employee exhibiting symptom should be required to stay home.

PHASE ONE ✓
+
+
AD ASTRA: A PLAN TO REOPEN KANSAS | APRIL 30, 2020