TOPEKA — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of two new Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) grant programs, Arts Everywhere Grants and General Operating Support Grants, ushering in a new era of support for the arts in Kansas.

The enhanced grant programs reflect Commerce’s dedication to expanding funding opportunities for a more diverse range of organizations and projects throughout the state, all with the goal of leveraging the arts to grow the Kansas economy.

“The Kelly Administration is committed to fostering a dynamic cultural landscape in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These initiatives signify a strategic evolution, expanding funding opportunities and ensuring the arts reach every corner of our state. By supporting diverse projects and nurturing the ongoing operations of cultural organizations, we aim to enrich the lives of Kansans and strengthen the state’s economy.”

Building on the success of the prior Arts Integration and Strategic Investment Programs, Arts Everywhere Grants will open up funding opportunities to a broader range of projects and organizations. This program will support projects that bring the arts directly to communities, ensuring cultural enrichment is accessible statewide. Arts Everywhere Grants are intended to fund individual arts- and culture-based projects.

Non-profit organizations and community groups are encouraged to apply for Arts Everywhere Grants and transform their unique creative visions into impactful experiences for Kansans.

The General Operating Support Grants program will provide financial assistance to Kansas public and private non-profit arts and cultural organizations. This initiative recognizes the vital role these organizations play in fostering creativity, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing the economy and quality of life in our state.

Organizations with a demonstrated commitment to arts and culture are invited to apply for General Operating Support Grants to support ongoing operations and initiatives.

“We’re excited to expand arts funding opportunities to even more types of projects and organizations,” KCAIC Director Curtis Young said. “Our new programs maintain eligibility for projects covered under the previous programs, supporting the vibrant Kansas arts community and contributing to the economic vitality of our state.”

While the introduction of these two grants marks a new chapter, KCAIC reaffirms its continued support for the popular Public Art & Murals program and the Visiting Artists program. These programs remain largely unchanged, continuing to bring vibrant public art and enriching artistic experiences to communities statewide.

Detailed guidelines and application instructions for the Arts Everywhere Program can be found here; for General Operating Support, click here. Applications for all programs will be accepted through February 23.

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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TOPEKA – Jobseekers are encouraged to take part in the first State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair of 2024, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 24. The virtual fair will highlight a host of employment opportunities across the state’s 98 government agencies, with more than 700 positions available.

“Working in the public sector is truly a selfless act. Day in, day out, the core of our work in government is to support Kansas and Kansans,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Sunflower State is on a dominant trajectory of growth, and our agencies are looking for the right talent to continue this momentum. If you’re interested in joining a winning team, there is no better time than the present.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features 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 might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fair. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

To register for the January 24 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, 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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Supplemental P-EBT auto-issuance begins next week

TOPEKA – Kansas families with school-aged children will receive a one-time benefit of $120 per child as part of the Supplemental Pandemic Electronic Benefit (P-EBT) program. A total of $13.6 million will be distributed to approximately 114,000 school-aged children in January.

“The Supplemental P-EBT program helps parents and care providers access nutritious food for their families,” said Laura Howard, Secretary Kansas Department for Children and Families. “I am pleased that we are able to provide this benefit to Kansas children to reduce food insecurity for our youngest citizens.”

Supplemental P-EBT, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the American Rescue Plan Act, is designed to benefit school-aged children who received free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program during the 2022-23 school year. Due to the complexity of gathering the data, the benefit is for the summer months of June, July, and August of 2023.

The benefit distribution will be auto-issued through a direct certification process Jan. 17-26. Parents and guardians who believe their children are eligible, but do not receive a benefit in January may request the Supplemental benefit using the DCF Self-Service Portal Feb. 1-29, 2024.

Recipients may use their P-EBT funds to purchase eligible foods from approved retailers that accept Food Assistance benefits like grocery stores and online at Aldi, Amazon, or Walmart. For additional information visit www.dcf.ks.gov, Food Assistance.

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The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) mission to protect children, strengthen families and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offers a wide range of support services including food, utility, and child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF works in partnership with organizations, communities and other agencies to support families, children and vulnerable adults connecting them with resources, supports and networks in their home communities.

~~Balanced Budget Cuts Taxes, Fully Funds Schools, Makes Historic Investments in Child Care and Higher Education~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her annual budget, which is balanced and continues to fully fund Kansas’ K-12 public schools, cuts taxes, and makes historic investments in child care and higher education.

“I’m a fiscal conservative, which is why, once again, I’m proposing a budget that’s balanced, pays off debt, and includes tax cuts for working families and retirees,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This budget also delivers on my commitment to continue fully funding schools, investing in our workforce and child care system, and giving law enforcement the resources they need to keep Kansans safe.”

The budget:

Cuts property, retirement, and sales taxes for Kansans: Governor Kelly’s bipartisan tax plan announced earlier this week will save Kansans more than $1 billion over the next three years. The plan eliminates the state tax on Social Security; exempts the first $100,000 in state property taxes for all homeowners; increases the standard deduction for personal income taxes; immediately axes the state sales tax on food, diapers, and feminine hygiene products; doubles the tax credit that parents can claim to help pay for child care; and includes a back-to-school state sales tax holiday.

Expands Medicaid to 150,000 Kansans: Governor Kelly’s budget brings more than $1 billion in taxpayer dollars back to Kansas that is currently sent to other states. Medicaid expansion will provide access to affordable healthcare for 150,000 more Kansans and cut healthcare costs for everyone else. Through one-time federal funds and a delayed hospital surcharge, Medicaid expansion is revenue neutral – meaning it comes at no additional cost to Kansas taxpayers.

Makes the largest single-year investment in early childhood care and education: The budget provides more than $56 million to expand child care slots and support the child care workforce. That includes nearly $30 million to construct new child care facilities and $5 million for a pilot program in Northwest Kansas that will provide a model for how public-private partnerships can improve child care in rural Kansas.

Fully funds Kansas’ public K-12 schools for the sixth year in a row: Governor Kelly’s budget fully funds K-12 public schools for the sixth consecutive year and puts Kansas on track to fully fund special education within five years so that every district has the statutorily required resources to educate all students.

Makes an historic investment in higher education: Marking a new high since Governor Kelly took office, her budget invests over $230 million to support postsecondary institutions’ efforts to drive workforce development and lower costs for Kansas students. $14 million for need-based aid is added so more low-income students can access higher education. Institutions throughout the state will receive one-time funding to enhance their core programs, including $75 million for the construction of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, $25 million for the K-State University Ag Innovation Initiative, and $15 million for nursing education at Fort Hays State University.

Continues to repair Kansas’ foster care system: This budget invests over $10 million in families and adoption services, including through continued efforts to build a Comprehensive Child Welfare Information Service that provides reliable and timely data to improve services for Kansas children.

Uses one-time revenues to pay off debt and finish long overdue projects: Continuing the administration’s efforts to safeguard and enhance the state’s financial position well into the future, this budget uses one-time resources to invest close to $1.3 billion in one-time expenses, including $500 million to retire debt and save Kansans millions of dollars in future interest payments.

It also puts more than $500 million toward long-overdue projects like KHP Training Academy upgrades and a new Hutchinson Correctional Facility to replace the facility built in 1912.

Safeguards our water: Governor Kelly’s budget appropriates $53 million for water infrastructure and other projects, including the new funding level of $43 million now required by bipartisan House Bill 2302. The budget includes an additional $10 million for grants to rural communities in desperate need of improving local infrastructure in order to preserve local access to clean water. Altogether, this year’s budget will bring the three-year investment in water in Kansas to over $250 million.

Expands affordable and moderate-income housing: The governor’s budget invests more than $50 million in expanding affordable and middle-income housing. That includes one-time matching grants to local communities to address housing insecurity and to help Kansans find permanent housing, continued investment in moderate-income housing, and funding to expand the workforce needed to build housing throughout the state.

Improves public safety: The governor’s budget includes critical investments in the Kansas Highway Patrol, including improvements to its training academy, the construction of a new communications center, and funding for equipment and differential pay.

One-time funding for the Department of Corrections includes funding for a behavioral health center at the Topeka Correctional Facility and public matching funds for the Lansing Career Campus to help individuals achieve employment upon reentry and avoid reoffending.

There are also additional investments being made into the Kansas Bureau of Investigations to supplement the agency’s fight against the fentanyl crisis and expand its Child Protection Initiative.

Improves mental and behavioral health: In addition to Medicaid Expansion, which would increase access to mental health services, this budget puts $1.5 million towards Family Treatment Court to provide support for Kansas youth or parents with substance use or co-occurring mental or behavioral health issues. The budget also continues Governor Kelly’s efforts to expand access to mental health in schools by adding an additional $3 million for the Mental Health Intervention Pilot Program. This will bring the total funding to the program up to just more than $17 million, potentially expanding the program to over 100 school districts.

Makes investments to attract and retain state employees: To ensure the State of Kansas has the workforce necessary to deliver services effectively and efficiently, Governor Kelly’s budget implements a 5% pay raise and increases the minimum wage to $15 per hour for state workers to adjust for the job market and be competitive with private-sector employers.

Fiscal Year 2025 runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

Governor Kelly’s full budget proposal can be found here.

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~~Group of Conservative Lawmakers Join Governor Kelly to
Save Kansans $1B Over Three Years~~ 

TOPEKA – Today, on the first day of the 2024 legislative session, Governor Laura Kelly joined Republican State Senator John Doll and Rob Olson, Independent State Senator Dennis Pyle, and Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes to unveil a comprehensive tax cut proposal that would save Kansans more than $1 billion over three years. Unlike the other tax plan being proposed this session, a single tax rate for all taxpayers, this bipartisan plan would cut taxes for every Kansan while maintaining the state’s strong fiscal standing.

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Fitch Ratings Releases First Kansas
Credit Rating at AA, Citing Fiscal Responsibility Championed by Governor Kelly

December Total Tax Collections at $1.043B;

3.4% Below Estimate

TOPEKA –The State of Kansas ends December 2023 with total tax collections at $1.043 billion. That is $36.9 million, or 3.4%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 3.8% from December 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $397.1 million. That is $17.1 million, or 4.5%, above the estimate, and up 5.9% from December 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $235.7 million. That is $39.3 million, or 14.3%, below the estimate and down 16.1% from December 2022.

“Withholding tax, the largest component of the individual income tax receipts, was 9.2% greater than December 2022”, said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “This comes as no real surprise as the growth is entirely consistent with recent findings of the Bureau of Economic Analysis, which showed that personal income and earnings in Kansas grew during the second and third quarters of 2023 at some of the highest rates in the country.”

Secretary Burghart further observed that the corporate income tax receipts were lower than expected because there was one less deposit day this December compared to December 2022. Nearly $34.4 million was deposited on that additional day in December 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $302.4 million, which is $5.6 million, or 1.8%, below the estimate and down $4.9 million, or 1.6%, from December 2022.

Click to here view the December 2023 revenue numbers.

Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2023 for Kansas

TOPEKA – As 2023 comes to an end, Governor Laura Kelly today highlighted some of the key successes from the first year of her second term.

“This year, I worked with the Legislature, members of my administration, and Kansans from across the state to continue building on the successes of our first term,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Heading into 2024, there is more work to be done to ensure Kansas remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Bipartisanship: In 2023, Governor Kelly signed 89 bipartisan bills into law, including significant legislation that:

• Fully funded K-12 education for the fifth year in a row;
• Fully funded the State Water Plan Fund and added significant new funding to secure water resources and improve water quality;
• Decriminalized the use of fentanyl test strips;
• Outlined the rights of foster youth, foster parents, and family caregivers named in honor of the late Representative Gail Finney; and
• Removed the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of child sex crimes.

Expanding Affordable Child Care:  The first executive order of Governor Kelly’s second term established the Early Childhood Transition Task Force. The task force was charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood programs and developing a roadmap to create a cabinet-level agency solely focused on supporting our youngest Kansans. Earlier this month, the task force presented Governor Kelly with its final report.

Throughout 2023, the Kelly administration has allocated more than $65 million to create nearly 6,000 new child care slots.

Economy and Workforce: In 2023 alone, the Kelly administration closed 256 economic development projects, totaling more than $3 billion in new business dollars invested into the state and creating or retaining more than 12,000 jobs.

In September, Governor Kelly celebrated the anniversary of establishing the Office of Registered Apprenticeship. Now, over 4,500 Kansans are active in a registered apprenticeship program, showing a nearly 55% increase in new registered apprentices and 18 new programs established in 2023.

Infrastructure: In 2023, Governor Kelly announced the final phase of the last two projects remaining from the T-WORKS program. These projects were only able to move forward through the Governor’s and Legislature’s bipartisan work to close the “Bank of KDOT” by the end of her first term.

High-Speed Internet: The collaboration of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Research and Education Network, and private providers brought $43 million in federal funding to strengthen the state’s high-speed internet infrastructure. Nearly 9,000 homes and businesses have been connected to high-speed internet in 2023.

Water: In partnership with the Legislature, Governor Kelly invested a record $35 million to protect vital water resources and fund projects to address high-priority dams and small-town water infrastructure through the passage of HB 2302. As she proposed in her budget, funding has also been dedicated to pay off debt for the Milford and Perry Reservoirs, saving Kansas taxpayers money in long-term interest payments.

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Governor Kelly Announces Grocery Shoppers Can Expect an Additional $150M in Tax Relief in 2024

~~Kansans to See State Sales Tax Go Down on Food for Second Straight Year~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that in 2024, consumers in the Sunflower State are projected to see an additional $150 million in savings because of the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022. According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, the reduction of the state sales tax on groceries from 4% to 2% will save shoppers $12.5 million per month in 2024.

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Kansans encouraged to call, chat, or email the State Library’s Legislative Hotline

TOPEKA –As the beginning of the 2024 legislative draws near, the State Library of Kansas reminds Kansans of the dedicated Legislative Hotline, an ongoing resource for residents seeking information about state legislation or legislative matters. Staffed by experienced librarians, this hotline serves as a trustworthy point of contact.

Residents can inquire about various topics, such as:

• Identifying their legislators
• Accessing legislator contact information
• Checking the status of specific bills
• Understanding the legislative process
• Locating historical information
• Other inquiries related to Kansas government

“Finding timely and accurate information about state government can be challenging, yet is critical to ensuring that Kansans can engage with their elected officials on the issues that matter the most to them,” said State Librarian Ray Walling. “By reaching out to the legislative hotline, Kansans can get the information they need from trusted librarians.”

Kansans can connect with the Legislative Hotline by phone, chat or email:

• Hotline: 1-800-432-3924 (toll-free)
• Online Chat: kslib.info/ask
• Email: [email protected]

Live assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Outside of these hours, messages left via voicemail or email are promptly returned on the next business day. Additionally, Kansans can engage in real-time conversations with librarians through the Ask a Librarian service at kslib.info/ask. TTY users can dial 711 for assistance.

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