Category Archives: Kansas

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas receives additional PPE supplies, expands COVID-19 testing in Kansas

Leave a comment

 

 

Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas has received additional supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to expand COVID-19 testing in Finney, Ford, Lyon and Seward counties.

 

“I want to thank our federal partners for their ongoing efforts to help our state response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelly said. “I particularly appreciate the assistance from Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Jerry Moran.”

 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to test and contain recent clusters of positive coronavirus cases in Kansas counties centered around food and meat processing plants.

 

“In order to fight this pandemic, collaboration at the state, local and federal level is paramount,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Expanded testing and additional supplies from the federal level will equip and inform our state and local health officials as they work to protect the health of Kansans.”

 

The plants in southwest Kansas account for 25 to 30% of the country’s beef processing. “Agriculture is a facet of our state’s most critical infrastructure – Kansas doesn’t just feed the state, we feed the world,” Kelly said. “This is particularly true of our frontline workers in meatpacking plants across the state who process a significant portion of the nation’s supply.”

 

Since the start of this crisis, the Governor and members of her administration have been in communication with those plants and representatives of their employees.

 

The facilities have modified several production and shipping systems and have taken proactive measures including temperature and health screenings, enhanced sanitation and social distancing.

 

In recent weeks, Kansas has struggled to obtain the necessary supplies needed to test and treat coronavirus patients. The State received their allocation of the Strategic National Stockpile in late March. PPE received from the SNS was quickly distributed to counties throughout the state based on population.

 

Kansas is pleased to be able to deploy this collaborative effort between local, state and federal partners to proactively address these clusters in a strategic response to protect the nation’s food supply and the health of our essential food workers.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Child Care Subsidies: Health Care, First Responders, Essential Workers

Leave a comment

Department for Children and Families Announces Hero Relief Program

The program provides child care subsidies to eligible health care workers, first responders and other essential workers

 

Governor Laura Kelly and DCF Secretary Laura Howard today announced efforts to support parents and childcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Hero Relief Program” expands DCF’s child care assistance subsidies for families and provides financial support directly to child care providers. The new program specifically targets health care workers, first responders and other essential workers.

 

“We know these essential workers are risking their health every day to protect others,” Kelly said. “The Hero Relief Program is our way of saying ‘we’ve got your back’ by making sure families have access to quality affordable child care.”

 

Beginning Monday, April 20, child care subsidies will be available to essential workers who financially qualify. The list includes:

  • Health care workers (including RNs, other medical professionals and health care support workers, hospital and laboratory staff)
  • First responders (including law enforcement, fire and rescue, and other public safety workers)
  • Food and agriculture workers
  • Judicial branch (essential services)
  • National Guard
  • Child and adult protective service specialists
  • Child care providers caring for children of eligible workers listed above

 

In order to qualify, families must have countable gross income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. For an average family of four that equals a monthly income of $5,458. Families will receive the full DCF subsidy amount based on their family size, with no family-share deduction.

 

“During a time when these everyday heroes are working long hours, we hope this program helps relieve some of the financial burden they’re experiencing,” Howard said. “It’s our duty to support families during this uncertain time so we encourage families to apply.”

 

The Hero Relief Program also supports child care providers by providing a menu of stipends and grants to assist during the pandemic.

 

 

Grants may include:

  • Sustainability stipends for all KDHE-Licensed child care and relative providers to help pay for ongoing expenses like food, supplies, labor and rent/mortgage.
  • Revenue replacement subsidies for DCF enrolled child care providers
  • Supply grants to assist with pandemic related expenses like gloves, disinfectants, soap and other necessary items.
  • Emergency worker support bonuses – a one-time bonus to providers who care for children of health care workers and first responders.

 

For more information and for instructions on how to apply, visit KSHeroRelief.com.

 

For more information on COVID-19 visit: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

Business, Kansas

Kansas Largest Source of Power: Wind Energy

Leave a comment

New Report Reveals Wind Energy is Now the Largest Source of Power in Kansas and Driving Critical Economic Growth

The country’s top choice for new power continues to be a key driver of economic growth in Kansas in 2019, powering nearly two million homes as the largest source of electricity, serving as an extra source of income for farmers, and generating millions for rural communities

 

Kansas City, KS – Wind power in Kansas leaped ahead in 2019 as growing demand drove critical economic growth and solidified wind’s role as a reliable and competitive energy source. A new U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) shows how Kansas businesses, consumers, farmers, and local communities are benefiting from advancements in wind. Across the country, wind is creating jobs as the top choice for new power and Kansas is a national leader, with wind now servings as the largest source of electricity generation in the state.

AWEA’s report reveals that wind in Kansas now accounts for 41 percent of the state’s electricity, enough energy to power nearly two million homes. Over the past five years, Kansas had the largest increase in wind energy generation than any other state. Wind power is becoming the cheapest and fastest growing source of new electrical generation in many states around the country, and the local economy is responding. Powering Kansas, a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting policies that expand wind energy investment in the state, reacted to the report by citing the economic benefits felt at the local level that are critical in today’s environment.

“Kansas has created a leading model for integrating wind power and harnessing the energy source to not just power our homes and businesses, but also our economy at large,” said State Representative Don Hineman. “Wind is now the leading source of electricity generation in our state, and the report’s findings further underscore how critical it is that our state remain at the forefront of wind power investment.”

 

Wind is not just powering Kansas’ homes and businesses. The emergence of wind power has created a ripple effect that is powering Kansas’ economy at record levels. Wind projects have amounted to $11.4 billion of private investment, $29 million in annual tax revenue, and $36 million in annual land lease payments across the state.

 

“Kansas is proving that we can build a modern economy around wind power right here in the heartland, and utilize the energy source to attract new business, build new revenue streams, and create an economic climate for success that produces results,” said State Representative Tom Cox. “We’re proud to be a leading state for the top source of renewable energy, and we’re committed to supporting wind through long-term, sustainable investments that will keep our economy supported for decades to come.”

 

Across the country, expanded innovation and development meant wind reached new heights in 2019 as America’s top choice for new power after building 9.1 gigawatts (GW), representing 39 percent of new utility-scale power additions. With these additions, operating wind power capacity in the U.S. now stands at over 105 GW, enough to power 32 million American homes.

 

To view the full report, please contact Jesse Dougherty at [email protected]. A press kit, including free-use images and b-roll of wind farms, community stories, infographics, and more is available.

 

###

 

About Powering Kansas


Powering Kansas, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development.

 

About the American Wind Energy Association

 

AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states, AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. Visit AWEA’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Laura Kelly extends Stay-At-Home order

Leave a comment

 

 

As part of her administration’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order #20-24, which extends the duration of the state’s Stay-At-Home order established in E.O. #20-16 to expire on midnight May 3.

 

“Cases of COVID-19 continue to increase and have spread to additional counties in Kansas. Extending the stay-home order will keep Kansans safe as we work to fight this pandemic,” the Governor said. “While we won’t be able to lift all restrictions on mass gatherings overnight, we will continue to develop mitigation efforts so Kansans, their families and businesses can plan for the future.”

 

The action was taken in collaboration with Governor Mike Parson of Missouri, as well as Kansas City metro leaders. The governor believes a regional approach will reduce confusion and help keep communities safe on both sides of the state line.

 

Governor Kelly also has been involved in discussion with Colorado Governor Jared Polis as a way to coordinate a plan for Western Kansas.

 

Between now and May 3, Governor Kelly also will consult with business leaders, health experts, economists and other industry and community leaders to determine the best path forward beyond that point, and re-open the Kansas economy safely and effectively.

 

The Kelly administration also will be highly focused on expanding testing capacity over the next two weeks so that rapid testing, contact tracing and isolation efforts can be used to prevent community spread and avoid overwhelming local healthcare providers.

 

Executive Order #20-24 can be found here.

Business, Government, Kansas

Commercial Hemp Program Plan

Leave a comment

With USDA Approval, Kansas Moves One Step Closer

to Commercial Hemp Program

 

MANHATTAN, Kan. —   The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that it has approved the plan submitted in January by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to regulate a Commercial Industrial Hemp Program in Kansas. This approval is a critical formal step in the process to establishing the new commercial hemp program; however, the program will not be active in Kansas until completion of the process for adoption of rules and regulations.

 

“This is great news for Kansas, as it moves us one step closer to establishing a commercial program for industrial hemp,” said Jeff Ochampaugh, who serves as chair of the Industrial Hemp Advisory Board. “It’s important for Kansans to understand, though, that our program won’t be active until the regulations are adopted.”

 

The formal adoption process for the Commercial Industrial Hemp Program regulations is underway, as they are being reviewed by several state entities including the Division of Budget, the Department of Administration, the Attorney General, and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations. Once the regulations have been reviewed by those bodies, they will be subject to a public hearing which must be announced in the Kansas Register 60 days prior to the hearing.

 

Given the timeline of the formal adoption process, it is anticipated the Commercial Industrial Hemp Program will be finalized no earlier than early fall 2020. At this time, the industrial hemp industry in Kansas continues to function under the Industrial Hemp Research Program regulations.

 

For more information about the industrial hemp program in Kansas, go to agriculture.ks.gov/industrialhemp.

 
Government, Kansas

Search For Unclaimed Property

Leave a comment

While Kansans are Staying Home, State Treasurer Jake LaTurner Encourages them to Claim their Cash

Topeka— Across the state Kansas are staying home to help slow the spread of the COVID-19.  Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner is reminding Kansans that it is a perfect time to find out if any of the over $350-million in the State Treasury’s “Lost and found” belongs to them.

“If you have never taken the opportunity to search for unclaimed property for yourself or a family member, there is no better time than now. We would really love the chance to return the millions in unclaimed cash that does not belong to the state and put it back into the hands of Kansans where it can do the most good. Kansans need this money more than ever,” said Treasurer LaTurner.

The Kansas State Treasurer’s Office is open for business, with employees working securely from home processing claims. Most claims can be processed quickly and easily online and paid via direct deposit.

Online searches are always free and can be done at kansascash.ks.gov. As a reminder, anyone asking you to pay to search for your unclaimed property is not associated in any way with the State Treasurer’s office.

Government, Kansas

Governor Extends Renewal Deadlines For Adult Care Homes and Suspends Non-Essential Fire Inspections

Leave a comment

Today Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-23 as part of her administration’s ongoing, comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The order brings Kansas adult-care homes in line with other occupational licensing exemptions the Governor has issued in recent days. All state agencies working or collaborating with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services shall extend renewal deadlines for any occupational or professional license, certificate or registrations as needed.

 

“This order is critical to ensure adult care-home workers can continue to do their jobs during this pandemic,” Kelly said.

 

Additionally, the order temporarily suspends non-essential fire inspections for new or renewal of KDADS-licensed facilities during the State of Disaster Emergency. The suspension will remain valid until 90 days after the State of Disaster Emergency is terminated, and all fees are suspended until that time.

 

KDADS Secretary Laura Howard thanked the Governor for signing the order.

 

“This order will give nursing facilities the latitude to create alternate care sites or designated units to ensure safe care for all residents and support adherence to infection control measures,” Howard said. “Our agency is committed to continuing our work with community partners and local health officials to stem the tide of this pandemic in the state’s nursing facilities.”

 

Executive Order #20-23 can be found here.

Government, Kansas

DCF to Distribute Emergency Food Assistance Benefit

Leave a comment

 

Kansans to receive maximum benefit

 

Governor Laura Kelly and Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard today announced the agency will begin issuing an emergency food assistance benefit to current program households. The emergency allotment increases a household’s monthly benefit to the maximum allowed for the size of the family. The maximum monthly benefit for a family of four is $646.

 

“The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act allows states to provide this emergency assistance,” Howard said. “We know these additional funds will allow families to purchase more essential groceries for their family while also reducing their visits to grocery stores during this time of social distancing.”

 

“At a time when we are seeing long lines at food distribution sites these additional funds are necessary to keep Kansans fed,” Kelly said. “I also want to thank all of the eligibility workers who are making sure this money gets to families quickly.”

 

No application is necessary to receive the emergency funds. Families should start to see their March emergency benefit on their EBT card beginning April 15. The distribution will follow the standard alphabetical schedule. DCF will distribute April emergency benefits in mid to late May.

 

Households that already receive the maximum monthly allotment are not eligible for emergency assistance. The allotment is for March and April only.

 

Those interested in applying for food assistance can visit the DCF website at www.dcf.ks.gov.

For more information on COVID-19 visit: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

VA: Temporary Job Opportunities

Leave a comment

VA Collaborates with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on

Temporary Job Opportunities to Fight COVID-19

 

 

The Trump Administration has called for a whole-of-government approach toward fighting the Coronavirus.  For the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this means an extensive outreach and social media campaign to Federal retirees with a deep sense of public service duty to return to Government and join the fight.  The whole-of-government approach also includes partnership with OPM.  OPM is helping VA communicate temporary COVID-19 job opportunities to the public on USAJobs at:  https://www.usajobs.gov/.  OPM has also established a portal in response to COVID-19 where VA can post reimbursable and non-reimbursable details and temporary opportunities to the Federal workforce.

 

The COVID-19 Surge Response Program is designed for Federal employees to have an opportunity to support the overall response to COVID-19.  The COVID-19 Surge Response Program uses Open Opportunities as a central location for Federal agencies to post details and/or temporary assignments.  VA is especially looking for nurses and other health care providers, including physicians, pharmacists, social workers, technicians, housekeeping aides, and food service workers.

 

VA needs current Federal employees with applicable skills to join us in the national effort to combat COVID-19.  To apply, Federal employees must have supervisory approval, in writing, and need not be in a similar or related position to qualify for the detail and/or temporary rotational assignment.  The supervisory approval may be in the form of an email message from the supervisor.

 

Employees may follow these steps to learn more about the program and how to apply:

 

1.      Visit the COVID-19 Surge Response Program on Open Opportunities.

 

2.    Read about the details and/or temporary assignments.

 

3.    Apply to a detail and/or temporary assignment:

 

    1. You will need to create a user profile account on OpenOpportunities.gov in order to apply to a detail and/or temporary assignment.

 

·         To apply, Federal employees must have supervisor approval in writing to include email.

 

4.    Federal Agencies review applications and select individual(s) for the detail and/or temporary rotational assignment.

 

5.    Prior to starting the detail and/or temporary rotational assignment, a Memorandum of Understanding will be completed between the host agency and the home agency (or component, where individual rotates within their home agency).

 

Thank you for supporting the Federal response to COVID-19.

 

by

Veteran Administration Secretary  Robert L. Wilkie