Governor Laura Kelly Announces KDADS Awarded $4 Million Grant to Strengthen Outpatient Treatment Services for Kansans with Serious Mental Illness

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced today the agency has received a federal commitment of $4 million in grant funding to develop Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) services that will enhance outpatient treatment services for people with serious mental illness (SMI) in Kansas. The grant will make $1 million available annually for four years. The funds will support five AOT pilot sites to reduce the incarceration and/or hospitalization of people with SMI in their communities through court ordered outpatient treatment.

“Since day one, my administration has focused on improving services for Kansans who would be better served by treatment than incarceration,” Governor Kelly said. “Using what we learn from these pilot sites, we’re ready to work with state and local partners to develop guidelines to protect Kansans statewide and reduce the number of individuals with mental illness in jails or in hospitals.”

“This grant enhances partnerships with law enforcement, mental health services, courts, hospitals and other community services within the pilot site communities to get Kansans with SMI the help they need in their own communities,” KDADS Secretary Howard said. “The results of the project will inform recommendation to the Kansas Legislature on ways to improve Assisted Outpatient Treatment in Kansas.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation, awarded the grant to fund Kansas’ AOT pilot project in five regions and key communities across the state.

“KDADS is excited to be able to implement this grant in Kansas and expand opportunities for Kansans to receive community treatment instead of being admitted to state hospitals for institutional treatment,” KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andy Brown said. “Our goals to work with local courts and CMHCs to reduce both incarcerations and involuntary hospitalizations for people with serious mental illness will be advanced with this funding from SAMHSA.”

This four-year SAMHSA program is intended to implement and evaluate new AOT programs and identify evidence-based practices in order to reduce the incidence and duration of psychiatric hospitalization, homelessness, incarcerations, and interactions with the criminal justice system while improving the health and social outcomes of individuals with an SMI. This program is designed to work with courts to allow these individuals to obtain treatment while continuing to live in the community and their homes.

The intent of the Kansas AOT Project is to create five pilot sites in Kansas to establish process and procedure in support of modification of involuntary commitment laws and transition to the AOT model. The pilot sites include the Kansas counties of Cowley, Douglas, Ellis, Ford and Riley. In a recent report card from the Treatment Advocacy Center, several gaps were identified in Kansas’s current laws – no explicit criteria for psychiatric deterioration, the treatment plan is not shared with the court, duration of initial order is not long enough, duration of continued order is not long enough, and there is no court monitoring of voluntary settlement agreements. These gaps will be addressed during the project through the pilot sites. The result of the pilot project will be recommendations to the Kansas Legislature to amend statutes to support a permanent AOT program in Kansas.

Continue reading Mental Illness Outpatient Treatment Being Developed →

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Relaunch of Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Program

~RESEA program will assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and provide career counseling~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program has relaunched to assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and career counseling.

“By connecting unemployed Kansans with the resources needed to secure a high-quality job, the RESEA program will improve our economy, communities, and the livelihoods of Kansans statewide,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “It’s not good enough to return to the days before the pandemic; instead, we must rebuild a healthier, stronger, more resilient workforce and economy.”

RESEA is a collaboration between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Labor to provide early-intervention job search assistance and career counseling to unemployment claimants deemed likely to exhaust their benefits. In order to continue receiving benefits, individuals who are selected are required to participate.

“We’re here to help the people of Kansas find meaningful, in-demand jobs in our state, and the RESEA program is a key resource to make that happen quickly,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “RESEA helps Kansans get jobs, and get them as soon as possible. We’ve experienced an unprecedented employment crisis, and we’re here to provide every resource possible to make sure affected Kansans can provide for themselves and their families.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments will be entirely virtual. If internet access is an issue, case managers will work with participants to find an alternative appointment method.

This program is being reinstated with the following objectives in mind:

• Quickly assist unemployed Kansans in finding new, meaningful work in our state;
• Strengthen the integrity of Kansas’ unemployment program;
• Promote alignment with the vision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA);
• Establish RESEA as an entry point to other workforce system partners.

Kansans receiving unemployment who are selected to participate in the RESEA program will receive a letter soon with more information. They will also be assigned a Case Manager who will provide necessary documentation.

Appointment dates for RESEA program participants will begin on March 29.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Biden Administration Oversteps

Thank you Mr. Attorney General for taking action against the federal administration for attempting to stop state tax cuts.  The administration is trying to block any tax relief even though it was started before federal COVID-19 funds were made available.  Myself and other Kansas legislators will continue to work on tax relief.

Emergency Powers

The House and Senate conference committee met to work out agreements on Senate Bill (SB) 40, the emergency powers bill – turning over legislative authority to the Governor and others during the declaration of an emergency.  I voted for the Senate version of the bill.  It wasn’t perfect but it made some good changes with legislative oversight during an emergency.  However, the final version, gave up too many of those checks and balances.  That is why I did not support the final version of SB 40.  Disappointingly, a majority of Senators voted to support SB 40.  It passed 28 to 8.

Fairness in Women’s Sports

The Senate debated SB 208, restricting biological males from playing women’s sports.  The bill passed 24 to 10.  I voted Yes.  Who would have ever dreamed 10 years ago we would be debating such topics in the Kansas legislature?

Help for Military Members and Spouses

House Bill (HB) 2066 would help military members or their spouse by allowing their out-of-state licenses (teachers, realtors, nurse, to name a few) be recognized in Kansas.  We passed legislation a few years ago on the same topic.  This bill will expand the statute and encourage these individuals to make Kansas their home.

Budget

SB 267, as with any budget, had many reasons to vote no.  However, there were some key items that we have never seen in a budget bill before that I wanted to support.  Three amendments I offered passed on the senate floor.  The first would require department and agencies to submit a performance based budget so the legislature can find duplicate programs and inefficiencies.  It was a law passed in 2016 that has not been followed.  The amendment would cut the departments budget by 2% next year if they do not submit a performance based budget.  The second was to require the Governor to lift the Osawatomie State Hospital (OSH) moratorium.  The moratorium was put on a few years ago restricting the number of beds available for mental health patients.  Law enforcement and others know how important it is to increase the number of beds.  The third amendment, was to reimburse scrap metal dealers who paid a $1,000 and were fingerprinted for a program that didn’t exist.  If the House doesn’t take out the language, these business owners will be reimbursed as they should be.  Another amendment, offered by a member of the ranking party, would require any state employee or contractor to be verified as a U.S. citizen.  The citizenship amendment passed.  I voted Yes for it and the budget.  The budget passed 24 to 13.

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

Caryn

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KCC warns consumers to beware of utility assistance scam

TOPEKA — The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has received reports that an individual, claiming to work for the KCC, is calling Kansans asking if they need assistance paying their natural gas bills. Not much information is currently available about these calls. However, the KCC wants to alert the public that any unsolicited call from a person claiming to be a KCC employee offering utility payment assistance is not legitimate. If you receive a call like this, please do not share any personal or financial information.

The KCC has a Consumer Protection Division that ratepayers can contact when they need assistance. The staff is available between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday by calling 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140 or sending an email to [email protected]. There is also a link to utility assistance programs on the KCC’s website at https://kcc.ks.gov/public-affairs-and-consumer-protection/utility-weatherization-related-assistance-programs.

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Advantage Kansas Executive Order to Improve Kansas’s Workforce

~Executive order establishes a coordinating council to establish cooperation and coordination between education and business communities~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 21-08 to establish the Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council (AKCC) to improve Kansas’s workforce. Comprised of education and business leaders across the state, the AKCC will align education with state agencies and business needs to develop, retain, and attract talented Kansans into the workforce.

“As we recover from the pandemic, we must rebuild a stronger, healthier workforce that can meet the demands of our growing economy,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “The Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council will empower education and industry leaders to collaborate on long-term solutions, develop the most skilled workforce in the Midwestern region, and recruit new businesses to our state.”

“A well-trained workforce that meets the current and future needs of the state’s many industries is one of the top challenges the Kansas business community faces,” Alan Cobb, President and CEO of the Kansas Chamber said. “Creating “Advantage Kansas” is a significant step forward to addressing these hiring needs, but perhaps more importantly, this effort will provide more economic and professional opportunities for Kansas students graduating from Kansas high-schools, community colleges, technical colleges, four-year institutions or anyone attaining professional certifications. This public-private partnership will be key in ensuring our state’s education system is in sync with the future growth of our state’s economy, the workforce needs of employers, and our collective desire to keep Kansas students in Kansas.”

As outlined in E.O. #21.08, the AKCC will consist of members from the Governor’s office, State Board of Education, Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Chamber, and others to create synergy between education, economic systems, and the Framework for Growth.

“This collaboration is strategically aimed at ensuring our state is future-focused, and future-ready,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Through efforts to align our workforce development efforts more closely with industry demand—and also our ability to support entrepreneurs and build a strong ecosystem for innovative companies to succeed in our state—we can make sure the future is built right here in Kansas.”

Goals outlined for the AKCC include:

• Preparing workers for high-wage, high-demand, high skilled, critical need occupations;
• Expanding public-private partnerships and strategies focused on access and equity to dual and concurrent enrollment;
• Expanding industry driven youth and registered apprenticeship opportunities;
• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of, and recommend targeted improvements in, the use of state and federal resources tied to workforce development, education, and training.

To read E.O. #21.08, click here.

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Extensions for Certain 2020 Kansas Tax Filings

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas 2020 individual income tax, fiduciary income tax, and Homestead or Property tax relief refund claim filings are extended to May 17, 2021, bringing our state in line with the Internal Revenue Service tax-filing and payment deadline extension.

If a balance due is paid on or before May 17, 2021, penalty and fees will not be imposed. These extensions are outlined and executed through Kansas Department of Revenue Notice 21-01.

“Though COVID-19 cases continue to decline, signaling our return to normalcy, Kansas families are still assessing the full scope of the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic,” Governor Kelly said. “Extending the deadline gives needed relief for Kansans to fully account for the pandemic’s impact and complete their state returns accurately.”

No additional forms are required to benefit from the extension. The due dates for Kansas individual estimated tax payments has not changed.

For specific questions about a state tax filing, taxpayers can contact the Kansas Taxpayer Assistance Center at 785-368-8222, Monday through Friday, 8 am-4:45 pm, or by email at [email protected].

See Notice 21-01 here.