Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award Nominations Open

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award.

The Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is a prestigious honor given by the Governor to best-in-class Kansas companies involved in international trade. These businesses are honored as examples of Kansas’ excellence in exporting to countries worldwide.

“Kansas businesses create outstanding products sought around the globe, and we’re proud to share those creations with people worldwide,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is given to companies that demonstrate unique creativity, innovation and success in this critical sector of the state economy.”

To nominate a business, including your own, click here.

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Division and the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council coordinate the selection process.

“The strength of our exporters is helping fuel the current significant increase in our state’s gross domestic product (GDP),” Commerce International Director Laura Lombard said. “This is the highest award our state offers to exporters. If you know one of these superior businesses, please nominate them.”

To be eligible, companies must be in good standing with the state and currently operating in and exporting from Kansas. Nominations must be received by April 1, 2024.

There are no restrictions on who may nominate a company for the award, and self-nominating is acceptable.  For more information on the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, including past winners and notable anniversaries, click here.

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. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

Statewide Virtual Job Fair is Feb. 21

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Commerce Encourages Jobseekers to Attend Year’s First Statewide Virtual Job Fair

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for talent to take part in the first Virtual Statewide Job Fair of the year. Hosted by KANSASWORKS, the job fair will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 21.

“Our state continues to see a surge in job growth as companies look to expand in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “There are jobs available for everyone that is looking, and our KANSASWORKS team is here to assist all Kansans find employment opportunities at every skill level.”

The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

About KANSASWORKS:  

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

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. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

February 9, 2024

 

The Budget starts with the Governor proposing spending for departments and agencies.  The legislature then has hearings and considers the requests with minimal information.  Some states like Ohio, will work on budgets for months without working on any other legislation.  That does not happen in Kansas.  While working on all other topics of bills, legislators also work on the budget.  The Governor’s proposed budget is presented the day after the State of the State speech, which is usually the second or third week of session.  This process needs to be changed so that legislators have more information and more time to research and consider the spending.

 

The Senate has the standing committees look at the corresponding departments budget.  When working on the Department of Commerce budget, a motion was made to give $28 million of Kansas taxpayer money for the World Cup Soccer Tournament coming to Chiefs stadium.  The money will go to a non-profit with no guard-rails on how the money will be spent.  The World Cup will have teams practicing in Kansas, some could be as far away as Manhattan.  A few of us did not support this spending but it passed out of committee.  I did make a successful motion to cut Public Broadcast System (PBS) funding by 10% because the taxpayer funded station pushes their political agenda using tax dollars.  PBS has some good programs on cooking, sewing, travel, history, and many other topics.  However, a couple of the PBS stations in Kansas choose to push a political agenda without showing both sides of an issue.  If they choose to do so tax dollars should not be funding it.

 

Proposed Pay Increases for the legislature has made national news.  It’s a massive increase that myself and others are trying to block.  A commission was formed and proposed the increase.  I understand there needs to be some increase so that we get legislators from different walks of life who can serve.  But the commission’s proposal is over a 90% increase in one year.  If the legislature doesn’t take action, the increase goes into effect next year.  There was an attempt to go around leadership by pulling the resolution to block the increase out of committee and force a debate on the Senate floor.  It needed 24 votes but only received 21.

 

Tax Cuts were vetoed by the Governor because she refused to sign into law tax policy in CCR 2284 that she calls a “reckless flat tax experiment, taking us back to Brownback years”.  How can this be true when several states have this policy, including Colorado, Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, Utah, and others?  “North Dakota looks to follow lead of Idaho, Georgia, Arizona, and Mississippi, becoming [the] nation’s 24th flat tax state,” according to a 9/2/22 Forbes article, “More States To Join The Flat Tax Club.”  Let’s be clear, a flat tax is what people are calling a single rate and that is what is being proposed in Kansas. More accurately, Kansas could be considered a dual rate proposal because low income amounts will not be taxed at all.  The Governor is wrong that CCR 2284 would be a “failed experiment”.  There are red and blue states that have adopted a single rate income tax.  Kansas would tax Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at 5.25 after subtracting $12,300 ($6150 for individual).  This subtraction makes it a tax cut for all.  It is proven policy, not reckless, not an experiment, and would not break the state – there is over $3 billion in the state coffers.

 

Remember, over 341,000 low income filers would pay $0 state income tax, Social Security would be exempt from state income tax, there are inflation busters on income taxes and homeowners’ property taxes.  Hopefully legislators from all parties will vote for the veto override and put the people of Kansas above politics.

 

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

Caryn

 

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Government, Kansas

KidWind Challenge kicks off this week with record number of teams

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TOPEKA – The 2024 Kansas KidWind Challenge kicks off this week with more teams expected to participate than ever before. The annual event has grown from one regional challenge with 14 teams in 2016 to six regional events with an anticipated total of 95 teams from 48 schools competing this year.

The first regional challenge will be held in Hutchinson on Tuesday, February 13 with 11 schools participating. Five more regional events will be held in Manhattan, Burlington, Dodge City, Colby and Overland Park. All events are open to the public. Times and locations are available here.

Student teams work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice. We’ve seen turbine blades made with everything from soda cans to vinyl records – no two look alike. Each team’s turbine will be put to the test in a 48″ × 48″ wind tunnel at a wind speed of approximately 3.0 meters/second (6.7 miles/hour).

Students compete by age categories: 4th – 8th grade or 9th – 12th grade. Scoring is based on turbine performance, a knowledge quiz, a presentation to judges where the team explains its design process, and an instant challenge. The winning teams at regional events advance to the state finals on April 13 in Salina. State winners are invited to the national competition in Minneapolis, MN.  Last year two Kansas teams earned national titles.

“KidWind is a fantastic hands-on opportunity that allows students to tinker and experiment with wind turbine designs. They experience the thrill of scientific discovery as their designs are validated through performance testing, and they hone their public-speaking skills as they present their turbine design to a panel of judges,” explained David Carter, Director of the Kansas Energy Program at K-State Engineering Extension.

Kansas KidWind is an energy-related STEM education event from the Kansas Corporation Commission and K-State Engineering Extension made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

More information about KidWind is available at https://www.kcc.ks.gov/energy-education/kidwind

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Government, Kansas

KDHE Announces Expansion of Newborn Screening Program

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New screen for X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) added.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Kansas Newborn Screening Program (KS-NBS) began screening for X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) at the start of the month. The move aligns with the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, which is the national guideline for newborn screening.

“We are very excited to be able to add testing for X-ALD to our screening process,” Janet Stanek, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will have a direct and positive impact on the health and future of our youngest Kansans.”

Nearly 35,000 Kansas babies receive the newborn screening shortly after birth each year. With one small blood sample, 33 metabolic and genetic conditions can be detected. Early diagnosis and entry into treatment has demonstrated evidence of better health outcomes for children. Many of the conditions on the screening panel are not detectable at birth or during routine follow-up visits.

According to multiple sources, it is estimated that one out of every 15,000 newborns is diagnosed with X-ALD. X-ALD is a disease that affects the nervous system and the adrenal cortex. If untreated, X-ALD can impact learning and behavior in boys, with onset typically occurring between the ages of 4 and 10.

The KS-NBS strives to protect and improve the health of all newborns in Kansas. Visit kdhe.ks.gov/NewbornScreening to learn more about the program. More information on tests included in newborn screenings can be found at Babys First Test. For specific information on X-ALD, visit  ALD Parents Guide.

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Government, Kansas

KDOT’s Cost Share Program: Financial Assistance To Local Entities For Improving Transportation Systems

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KDOT’s Cost Share Program applications being accepted
The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the spring 2024 round of the agency’s Cost Share Program. Nearly $140 million has been given to Kansas communities since the Cost Share Program began in 2019.

The Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to local entities for construction projects that improve safety, leverage state funds to increase total transportation investment and help both rural and urban areas of the state improve the transportation system. This is the 10th round of projects to receive funding.

“Cost Share funding benefits communities of all sizes by helping needed transportation projects become reality,” said Michelle Needham, KDOT Economic Development Programs Manager. “This program provides urban and rural areas with numerous ways to improve transportation, generate economic growth and create job opportunities.”

An informational webinar on the program will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. The application process will be discussed, and attendees can ask questions. To register for the webinar, go to: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wrPjPSOcQzSMRF4cRYXtvw.

All transportation projects are eligible, including roadway (on and off the state system), rail, airport, bicycle/pedestrian and public transit. Candidate projects should include investments that provide transportation benefits and are not eligible for other KDOT programs. This round of grant funding has an overall budget of $9 million, with a maximum awarded amount of $1 million per project.

The deadline for applications is March 21. Information and the application link are on KDOT’s website – http://www.ksdot.org/CostShare/CostShareProgram.asp. Applications must be completed online, and a sample PDF application will be available for preview.

Please contact Needham, [email protected], with any questions.
Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Attraction Development Grants Spring Applications Open

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Kansas Tourism Announces Attraction Development Grants Spring Applications Open

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism has announced the spring round of applications are open for the Tourism Attraction Development Grant Program. Attraction Development Grants are designed to assist in the development of sustainable travel experiences by developing new tourism attractions or enhancing existing attractions that will spur new visitation and increase visitor spending. A total of $500,000 will be granted during this round. Applications are due by April 1, 2024.

“Tourism is a key element to invigorating local economies,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through strategic investments in developing new tourism opportunities, we create jobs and increase a community’s appeal as a place to live and do business.”

The goals of the Attraction Development Grants are to spur economic growth, increase visitation to the state, enhance the visitor experience and improve quality of life.

“The development of new attractions offers fresh avenues for exploration and discovery,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This is one way we can encourage visitors to come back over and over to continually uncover more about Kansas each time they visit.”

For more information about the Attraction Development Grants, click here, or contact Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud here.

For a full list of grants offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, click here.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.

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. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Business, Health Care, Kansas

Behavioral Health In-Patient and Out-Patient Service Will Open This Spring In Fort Scott

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401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
The new,  upcoming venture at 401 Woodland Hills in Fort Scott,  will be known as the Kansas Renewal Institute.
“Our mission is to provide comprehensive Behavioral Health Services for both adults and adolescents,” said T. J. Denning, the chief operating officer of Kansas Renewal Institute. ” We are completing the state licensure process and anticipate offering a detailed list of services to the community shortly.”
What is behavioral health?
“Behavioral health generally refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms. Behavioral health care refers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of those conditions.,” according to the American Medical Association website https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-behavioral-health
Matthew Wells, Fort Scott Commissioner, said the business will benefit the community with new jobs.
” As we progress from our initial opening to full operational capacity, the Kansas Renewal Institute will employ a diverse team of 20 to 100 professionals.,” Denning said. “This team will expand in response to the needs of our patient population and will include a wide range of positions from senior leadership and administrative staff to medical personnel and direct care staff across various levels of pay and licensure.”
“The website will be updated shortly with job listings,” Denning said.
“We are pursuing licensure to operate 68 beds, and an outpatient (service), which will occupy three full wings of the facility, including the restaurant and areas designated for support staff,” he said.
“All of the old patient care areas, OB, ICU, and Medsurge as well as the old admin offices (will be used),” according to Fort Scott Commissioner Wells.
“The ownership and leadership of J.G. Healthcare, the entity behind the Kansas Renewal Institute, comprise a seasoned group of behavioral healthcare professionals with over 70 years of combined experience,” Denning said. “This collective expertise is focused on implementing best practices in behavioral health to address the increasing needs of Americans.”
There are private investors with a history in large growth companies who are investing in this operation, Denning said.
Administration
The top administrator at the Fort Scott site will be Joe Tinervin and plans are to start operations by late March or early April at the site, according to Denning.
Joe Tinervin, from his LinkedIn site.
According to Tnervin’s LinkedIn site here is his experience and education:

  • Discovery Behavioral Health logo

Education

Timothy Denning, from his LinkedIn site.

Denning said he has ties to this area because he was born and raised in Nevada, Missouri.

From Denning’s LinkedIn site here is his experience:

  • JGHealthcare Solutions logo

      • Organizational Development, Business Analysis and +2 skills
  • Discovery Behavioral Health logo

  • Acadia Healthcare logo

     

    Jonathan Gross, from his LinkedIn site.

    The following is Gross’s experience and education taken from his LinkedIn site.

    Experience:

    • JGHealthcare Solutions logo

      .

    • Revelare Recovery logo

    • Discovery Behavioral Health logo

    • Recovery Ways logo

    • Acadia Healthcare logo

      Education:

      • Georgia State University logo

T. J. Denning is the Chief Operating Officer, Joe Tinervin is the Chief Executive Officer and Jonathan Gross is the owner of the parent company JG Healthcare Solutions, according to Denning.

Contact T.J. Denning at 417-392-7307.
Two addresses for contact

KRI, 4601 E. Douglas Suite 150, Wichita, KS 67218

JG Healthcare Solutions, 619 Garden Street, Golden CO 80403

Strategies Will Be In Place For Patient Discharge
“Addressing community concerns regarding patient discharge, especially for those without local family support, we emphasize a holistic continuum of care,” Denning said. “This includes pre- and post-care strategies encompassing transportation to and from our institute, reinforcing our commitment to the successful reintegration of our patients into the community. Our dedicated team of discharge planners, alumni support staff, and community liaisons will ensure every patient receives a tailored integration plan, providing the necessary support to apply the skills learned during their stay at our institute effectively.”
Government, Kansas

USDA Issues Payments of Disaster Relief to Crop Producers

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USDA to Issue $306 Million in Final Payments to Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 – The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing final Emergency Relief Program (ERP) payments totaling approximately $306 million to eligible commodity and specialty crop producers who incurred losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin issuing these additional payments to eligible producers this week.

“In the natural disaster recovery process, every little bit of available assistance helps offset the financial toll that these catastrophic events have taken on agricultural producers, their families, and their operations,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “With remaining funds after initial factoring, USDA was able to put additional money back in the hands of the producers as we strive for the most fair and equitable distribution of available funds to as many producers as possible.”

Recipients of the additional payment are limited to those producers who received ERP Phase One payments from FSA that were calculated based on crop insurance indemnities. Initially, ERP Phase One payments to producers who were indemnified through Federal crop insurance, were subject to a 75% payment factor. FSA has since determined that adequate funding exists to provide an additional 3.5% ERP Phase One payment to producers who had crop insurance increasing the overall payment factor to 78.5%. These additional ERP Phase One payments are subject to FSA payment limitation provisions as outlined in the ERP Phase One fact sheet. 

Because ERP Phase One payments to producers of noninsured crops covered by FSA NAP policies were originally paid at 100%, there will be no additional payments issued to these producers for 2020 and 2021 losses. 

The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, 2021 (P.L. 117-43) provided $10 billion in assistance to agricultural producers impacted by wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, winter storms and other eligible disasters experienced during calendar years 2020 and 2021. In 2022, FSA implemented ERP Phase One, which delivered $7.5 billion in payments to commodity and specialty crop producers. For Phase One, ERP used a streamlined process with pre-filled application forms, leveraging crop insurance indemnities or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) payments on file with USDA.   

Separately, through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) Congress allocated approximately $3.2 billion in funding to cover necessary expenses related to losses of revenue, quality or production losses of crops. Enrollment is ongoing for ERP 2022, which covers losses to crops, trees, bushes and vines due to qualifying, calendar year 2022 natural disaster events including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought and related conditions. 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.  

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 2015

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 2015

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that for the first time since 2015, Kansas saw less than 400 traffic fatalities last year. Preliminary data for 2023 indicates 388 people died in traffic crashes in Kansas, compared to 410 fatalities in 2022. The number of fatalities has been trending down for three consecutive years.

Roadway safety has improved, in part, thanks to the Kelly administration’s 10-year, $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program and efforts to close the ‘Bank of KDOT.’

“Safe roads save lives, which is why I have been relentless about repairing our infrastructure across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’ll work with the legislature to continue to make those necessary investments, and in the meantime, we must all do our part to reduce traffic fatalities. I encourage all Kansans to buckle up, follow posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and drive sober.”

The simple act of buckling up increases crash survivability by over 45%, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. The Drive To Zero Coalition credits initiatives included in the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan to helping lower fatalities and serious injuries.

“The state’s Safety Plan has resulted in increased behavioral safety messaging and low-cost engineering improvements, such as the designation of four Safety Corridors, communities building safety coalitions, and law enforcement increasing engagement with the public,” said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.

Click here to learn more about these safety initiatives.

The Kansas Drive To Zero Dashboard can be found here.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

February 2, 2024

 

The Disability Employee Act tax credit program expired last year.  We tried to continue the program, but the Governor vetoed the extension language in CCR 8.  This year the legislature passed CCR 15 to reinstate the program.  The legislation passed the Senate unanimously and has been sent to the Governor.

 

Committee work is still the main focus of session.  All bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org. There are several bills that have passed out of committees.  It appears leadership is not going to move on any bills until there is a vote to override the Governor’s veto of the tax bill CCR 2284, or it could just be a coincidence that no bills have been brought “above the line”.  Above the line is a term used for bills that passed out of committee and are scheduled for debate on the chamber floor with the committee of the whole.  The committee of the whole is all of the members of that chamber.

 

Tax Relief is a major debate in Topeka.  There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so how are we going to cut taxes?  The legislature passed sustainable tax relief in CCR 2284 that helps fight inflation with a bipartisan vote, but the Governor vetoed it.  There will be an attempt to override the veto.

 

CCR 2284 would provide tax relief for all Kansans.  Some people are misrepresenting the fact that it would help over 341,000 low income taxpayers.  They would pay $0 in state income tax.  For example, a family of four making $29,000 with the legislators’ plan, CCR 2284, would have $0 taxes owed, a relief of $372 from existing law, and a relief of $310 over the Governor’s plan.  In current law the family has a $12,000 taxable income after the standard deduction and personal exemptions are subtracted, taxed at 3.1% or $372 taxes owed. The Governor’s plan (SB 377) the same family would have $10,000 taxable income, because SB 377 increases the standard deduction to $10,000 marred filing jointly, but leaves the personal exemption the same; resulting in a tax obligation of $310, a $62 savings from current law.  CCR 2284 would have $0 taxable income because there is an additional subtraction of $12,300 for joint filers ($6150 for individual filers) besides the standard deduction and personal exemption subtractions (which is increased in CCR 2284) – a much better deal than current law or the Governor’s plan.

 

One of the most important features in CCR 2284 is that it continues to increase the standard deduction and personal exemptions to fight inflation, along with a property tax inflation fighter.  CCR 2284 and the Governor’s plans decrease property taxes by exemption $100,000 from the K-12 20 mill, but the legislature’s plan continues to increase this value to fight inflation plan.  Both plans accelerate the elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and exempt Social Security from income tax.  Taxpayers deserve the best possible tax relief and policy that helps fight inflation.

 

Foreign Adversaries, such as China, must be stopped from owning property in Kansas.  I requested legislation to address this and stopping taxpayer money like Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) from being invested in foreign countries that are adversaries of the United States.  The foreign investment language passed the Senate, but a few House members blocked it in conference committee last year.

 

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

Caryn

 

Government, Kansas

Budget Amendment Proposed by Gov. Kelly

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Governor Kelly Announces Budget Amendment to Increase Funding for Intellectual/Developmental Disability and Physical Disability Waivers

~~$23M Investment Will Ensure 500 More Kansans Receive Critical Services~~ 

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly today announced a Governor’s Budget Amendment to her Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal to invest over $23 million for the Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) and Physical Disability (PD) waivers, creating 250 new slots for each.

With this investment, 500 more Kansans with disabilities will receive critical services such as in-home care, reducing the waitlist for services. Meanwhile, Governor Kelly continues to push for long-term solutions that expand the capacity of disability service providers, such as Medicaid expansion and the Community Supports Waiver. An estimated 15,000 Kansans with disabilities would be eligible for health insurance coverage if Kansas were to expand Medicaid.

“As we’ve heard from disability advocates and families, Kansans with disabilities need the essential services and care provided by these waivers to live comfortably. While we work to build a more comprehensive network of disability services providers, I am committed to reducing the wait times for waiver services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In addition to this investment, I will continue to urge the legislature to expand Medicaid to better recruit and retain the workforce needed for more Kansans with disabilities to access quality resources and services.”

Governor Kelly has previously invested a historic $90 million to enhance services for the I/DD waiver throughout her time in office following underfunding from the previous administration.

Governor Kelly has also allocated a $8.6 million enhancement in her Fiscal Year 2025 budget to increase Supported Employment rates for the I/DD waiver community. This funding will allow individuals on the I/DD waiver to pursue their employment goals and play an important role in addressing workforce gaps in Kansas. Governor Kelly’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget also included $7.4 million for I/DD Targeted Case Management and $2 million for I/DD Mobile Crisis Services.

In addition to addressing the I/DD and Physical Disability Waivers, the Governor’s Budget Amendment also includes funding for a new information system at the Department for Children and Families to help the agency identify kin and relative placements for foster youth. It would pay off more than $47 million in bonds for the Curtis and Myriad Buildings, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and Statehouse renovations projects, and previous capital improvement projects. The Governor’s Budget Amendment would also retire $450 million in KPERS debt.

The Governor’s Budget Amendment can be found here.