Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Emergency Staffing Needed At El Dorado Correctional Facility

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KDOC enacts measures to alleviate staffing shortages at El Dorado Correctional Facility

 

An emergency staffing situation at the El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) has prompted the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) to offer additional pay to hire temporary staff to provide relief.

 

“This morning I declared an emergency for the El Dorado Correctional Facility due to severe and prolonged staff shortages in the uniformed ranks. Gov. Kelly convened a meeting of legislative leadership this morning in order to brief them on the situation,” said Secretary of Corrections Roger Werholtz. “I am encouraged by the concern expressed by everyone for our employees and the desire to work together to find solutions to this crisis.”

 

The declaration allows the department flexibility in rostering and hiring staff. The usual staff of 316 full-time equivalents has been depleted and is down by 86 full-time equivalent people, which is forcing them to consistently work excessive amounts of overtime to cover vacant shifts.

 

“This is a very short-term solution to an immediate problem,” Werholtz said.

Government, Kansas

Senator Hilderband’s Weekly Newsletter Feb. 8

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State senatorRichard Hilderbrand13th district
communications from the state capitol
February 8, 2019∙ Week Four
HARD FACTS:
·      U.S. employers added 304,000 jobs in January, soaring past Wall Street’s expectations for an increase of 165,000 jobs (Fox Business).
·      University of Kansas officials say crime reported on the Lawrence campus in 2018 dropped to the lowest level in 10 years (AP News).
Getting ready to apply for college? Improving your test scores just got easier with LearningExpress Library, available from the State Library of Kansas. LearningExpress Library is an easy to use online resource that includes practice tests and tutorials for PSAT, ACT and SAT as well as AP. There is no charge to use LearningExpress and no limit to the number of times you can take the practice tests. Becoming familiar with and comfortable with the testing format and the types of questions helps to improve test scores. Go to https://kslib.info/LearningExpress click on College Preparation Center.
Easy registration and self-supplied password is necessary and helps you save your practice tests and tutorials. If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas. Most people will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step.  Questions: [email protected] or 785-296-3296.
FLOOR ACTION
KPERS $115 MILLION TRANSFER(SB 9): Senate Bill 9, transfers $115.0 million from the State General Fund to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement Fund. The payment in its’ entirety will be paid to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)-School group. This bill passed the Senate 40-0. I voted in favor of this bill
Stopping the tax increase (SB 22): Senate Bill 22, was introduced in response to the federal windfall Kansas is expected to receive as a result of Congress passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. Senate Bill 22 addresses both individual and corporate income taxes by decoupling from certain federal tax provisions. This will allow individuals the ability to itemize when using the federal standard deduction on their tax return.
Senate Bill 22 will provide Kansans the right to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses. The legislation also provides incentives for businesses to invest and create jobs in Kansas by protecting Kansas companies from an unintended tax increase. This bill passed the Senate 26-14. I voted in favor of this bill
GOVERNOR KELLY’S EDUCATION FUNDING PLAN
The Senate Select Committee on Education Finance began hearings for Senate Bill 44, Governor Laura Kelly’s education plan. The bill would add $92 million per year to the $949.4 million the Legislature has already promised K-12 through the year 2023. The $92 million is an inflation figure, which is factored at a flat rate. The Senate Education Committee will continue hearings for Senate Bill 44 on Tuesday, February 12th at 1:30 pm.
KANSAS FARM BUREAU 100TH ANNIVERSARY
On Thursday, members of the Kansas Farm Bureau gathered at the statehouse to celebrate the bureau’s 100th anniversary.In 1919, the Kansas Farm Bureau was established as a grassroots organization to strengthen and correlate the work of county Farm Bureaus to promote the development of the most profitable and permanent system of agriculture; the most wholesome and satisfactory living conditions; the highest ideals in home and community life, and a general interest in the farm business and rural life. The Kansas Farm Bureau has advocated and served Kansas farmers and ranchers through a wide range of programs, including agriculture education, leadership development, legal defense, rural development, and international trade. Through its work, the Bureau has played a critical role as the Voice of Agriculture in Kansas.
JAG-K DAY AT THE STATEHOUSE
Thursday, February 7th, was JAG-K advocacy day at the Kansas Statehouse. Jobs for America’s Graduates, Kansas is a non-profit organization that partners with students facing multiple barriers to success. The curriculum emphasizes graduating from high school and preparing students for post-secondary education or entering the workforce directly. The JAG-K program had a 97% graduation rate in school year 2016-2017.
Students, educators, and program directors presented an overview of the program in front of the Senate Education Committee on Thursday before being recognized on the Senate floor during session.
The above chart shows data from the 2017-2018 school year.
NEXT WEEK
Monday –
·      Informational hearing on Medicaid: Amerigroup, Frank Clepper – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee; February 11 at 9:30 am]
·      Discussion on: School Safety Drills by Office of the State Fire Marshal, Doug Jorgensen and Kansas State Department of Education, Dale Dennis – [Senate Education Committee; February 11 at 1:30 pm]
Tuesday –
·      Hearing on: Senate Bill 42, amending the meaning of the terms “rebate” and “interest” as used in the real estate brokers’ and salespersons’ license act – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 12 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: Senate Bill 82, updating the state banking code – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; February 12 at 9:30 am]
·      Informational briefing on Vaping/E-Cigarettes, Dodi Wellshear, KS Academy of Family Physicians – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee; February 12 at 9:30 am]
·      Hearing on Senate Bill 77, requiring the department for children and families to offer services to children with problem sexual behavior and to such child’s family – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 12 at 10:30 am]
·      Hearing continuation on: Senate Bill 44, appropriations for the department of education for FY 2019, 2020, and 2021; increasing BASE aid for certain portion of property used for residential purposes from such levy – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance; February 12 at 1:30 pm]
Wednesday –
·      Hearing on: Senate Bill 90, extending the tax credit under the center for entrepreneurship act to financial institutions and increasing the annual tax credit limit for all contributors – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 13 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: Senate Bill 67, establishing the unclaimed life insurance benefits act – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; February 13 at 9:30 am]
·      Hearing on: Senate Bill 70, allowing for temporary permits for the selling and serving of alcoholic liquor – [Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee; February 13 at 10:30 am]
Thursday –
·      Hearing on: Senate Bill 60, amending Kansas real estate commission licensing provisions for brokers and sales persons – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 14 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: Senate Bill 91, establishing the golden years homestead property tax freeze act providing refund for certain increases in residential property taxes and allowing homestead property tax refund for renters – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; February 14 at 9:30 am]
·      Informational briefing on Foster Care: Interim Secretary Laura Howard – Department for Children and Families, Rachel Marsh – St. Francis Community Services – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee; February 14 at 9:30 am]
·      Presentation and Update on: Southwest Power Pool; Mike Ross, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Relations – [Senate Utilities Committee; February 14 at 1:30 pm]
Thank You for Engaging
Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.
Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.
Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff In Honor of John Dingell

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Governor Laura Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Rep. John Dingell

In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and following the proclamation of President Donald J. Trump, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on February 9, 2019, in honor of former Rep. John David Dingell Jr, the longest-serving Member of Congress in American history.

“Representative Dingell had a remarkable career – one dedicated to public service and improving the lives of the people of Michigan and our country,” said Kelly. “My deepest condolences are with his family, friends and loved ones. May we honor his legacy of service by finding ways to give back in our own communities.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

Government, Kansas

Governor Makes Early Childhood Education A Priority

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Governor Laura Kelly prioritizes revitalization of early childhood education efforts in Kansas

Governor appoints new Executive Director, Chair of Kansas Children’s Cabinet

Governor Laura Kelly today once again highlighted her commitment to expanding early childhood programing in Kansas and reinvigorating the efforts of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. Kelly appointed former Rep. Melissa Rooker as the new executive director and Kim Moore as new chair of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.

“I worked closely with Rep. Rooker for many years and know her to be a steadfast advocate for Kansas children and families with a depth of knowledge on the issues impacting our children,” said Kelly. “She shares my commitment to expanding and improving early childhood opportunities across the state. I look forward to her leadership as we stimulate innovation and partnership surrounding early childhood programs.”

Rooker served in the Kansas House of Representatives for six years where she took a leadership role in education and early childhood issues. She was heavily involved in restoring critical funding for K-12 public schools. Rooker also fought for increased funding for early childhood education after years of neglect to Kansas’ prized early childhood programs.

“I’m honored to lead this work and help implement the governor’s vision for improving the health and well-being of our children and families,” said Rooker. “Early childhood programs are critical to the development and success of Kansas children. I’m eager to build on our progress by bringing new ideas and energy to the discussion.”

Kim Moore served as the president of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund in Hutchinson for over thirty years. In that role, Moore developed multiple-year grant making initiatives in diverse health fields including adverse childhood experiences, children’s emotional and social health, oral health, and child care generally. His efforts leveraged both public and private funds to enhance programs directed towards the health of young children and their families.

“I’m pleased to have Kim Moore engaged as chair of the Children’s Cabinet,” said Kelly. “He has broad experience in the area of advocacy and philanthropy to benefit the communities of Kansas. His commitment to improving the lives of our youngest Kansans and his partnership with other philanthropies make him the right choice to chair the Kansas Children’s Cabinet.”

“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that high quality early intervention and support can have on children and families across the state of Kansas,” said Moore. “I look forward to working with the governor, Rep. Rooker, and the other members of the Children’s Cabinet to make sure all children in Kansas are safe, healthy and have the opportunity to succeed.”

The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund is directed by state statute to fund and evaluate key children’s programs across the state. For more information, visit kschildrenscabinet.org.

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly: Focus on Ending Finance Litigation

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Governor calls on legislature to exercise fiscal restraint, focus on ending school finance litigation

  

On a day when the Kansas Senate is debating a tax cut bill reminiscent of the Brownback tax experiment, Governor Laura Kelly encouraged the legislature to remember the priorities of working families and focus on funding education and ending the school finance litigation once and for all. 

  

“I was elected to rebuild this state, and I take that responsibility very seriously,” said Kelly. “It is time to put the priorities of Kansas families first and fund our schools. With a Supreme Court deadline fast approaching, the legislature should be focusing on education, not another irresponsible tax plan.” 

  

Since the session began, the governor has introduced a bill to address the Kansas Supreme Court ruling and fix inflation in the school funding formula. Kelly also proposed a structurally balanced budget that begins to repair the mismanagement of state agencies and the severe damage done to the state’s finances by the failed tax experiment. 

  

“In the last month, my administration has offered clear direction and priorities for the future of Kansas,” said Kelly. “We are listening to the people of Kansas and focusing on the priorities critical to improving the lives of Kansas families and children. I encourage the legislature to do the same.” 

  

Government, Kansas

LaTurner Seeks to Recover U.S. Savings Bonds

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State Treasurer Jake LaTurner Continues Fight in Washington, D.C. to Recover United States Savings Bonds

Washington, D.C. — Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner and attorneys representing his office will appear before the U.S. Court of Federal Appeals located at 717 Madison Place NW in Washington, D.C. at 10:00 a.m. (EST) Thursday, February 7th to continue his fight to recover the proceeds of lost, abandoned, unclaimed, and/or stolen United States Savings Bonds for Kansas citizens.

“The men and women of the Greatest Generation purchased these bonds during a time when people put trust in their government’s pursuit of the greater good. Their sacrifices helped finance the war against Hitler, build the interstate highway system, and put a man on the moon,” said LaTurner. “Now it is time for that same government to honor its commitments and repay its debt to those who built it.”

The Court of Federal Claims, in a strongly worded opinion, ruled on August 8, 2017 that Kansas was entitled to the information from the United States Treasury on the bonds sold in Kansas. This information would give the State Treasurer’s Office the tools they need for researching the rightful owners of these bonds and connecting them with their unclaimed money. The United States Treasury has appealed that ruling. The ruling was a first of its kind with respect to U.S. savings bonds and a positive first step in the fight to return the bonds proceeds to Kansas and other states as well.

It is estimated that there are $26-billion in matured but unclaimed bonds nation-wide with more than $200-million belonging to Kansans. In many cases, bonds remain unclaimed because the rightful owners or heirs are unaware they exist. J. Brett Milbourn, lead attorney on the Kansas State Treasurer’s appeal of this case believes the best vehicle for returning this money exists at the state, rather than the federal level.

“State Treasurers around the country already have a number of resources at their disposal to reunite citizens with their missing or unclaimed property,” said Milbourn. “Although the U.S. Department of the Treasury has a responsibility to notify and pay these mature bonds, the government has no plan – nor any real incentive — for keeping the promises it made when these patriots loaned it the money.”

In addition to Kansas, South Dakota, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana, Arkansas and Florida have cases pending in the Court of Federal Claims seeking the same relief. A total of 20 states have followed Kansas’ lead and passed laws to allow the Unclaimed Property Administrator of the state to seek recovery of lost, stolen, or abandoned bonds.

On September 7, 2018, 20 senators, including Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary Steven Mnuchin urging him to work with Kansas and other states to resolve their claims and help the states reunite original bond owners with their proceeds of unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds.

Government, Kansas

This Week In the Kansas Legislature

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From Senator Richard Hilderbrand’s weekly newsletter, here is what is happening in the Kansas Legislature:

Monday –

  • Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment: Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – [Senate Education Committee; February 4 at 1:30 pm]

Tuesday –

  • Hearing on: SB 27, removing a restriction, for purposes of employment security law, on leasing of certain employees by client lessees of lessor employing units – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on SB 40, removing expired warning provision for approach of an emergency vehicle traffic violation – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on SB 41, clarifying that a violation of the statute requiring seat belt use is a traffic infraction – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
  • Presentation by: Roger Werholtz, Kansas Department of Corrections – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 5 at 10:30 am]

Wednesday –

  • Hearing on: SB 15, amending the definition of “service-connected” in the Kansas police and firemen’s retirement system – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; February 6 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 45, enhancing penalties for offenses causing death or serious bodily injury to public sector employees – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 6 at 10:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 44, appropriations for the department of education for FY 2019, 2020, and 2021; increasing BASE aid for certain school years; continuing 20 mill statewide levy for schools and exempting certain portion of property used for residential purposes from such levy – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance; February 6 at 1:30 pm]

Thursday –

  • Briefing on: Property taxes by the Kansas Department of Revenue – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; February 7 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 16, authorizing school districts to expand at-risk education funds on evidence-based learning programs – [Senate Education Committee; February 7 at 1:30 pm]
Government, Kansas

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter

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State senator Richard Hilderbrand 13th district

communications from the state capitol

February 1, 2019∙ Week One

HARD FACTS:

  • Senate Bill 9 would credit $115 million to the public school unit within KPERS, which has an unfunded liability of more than $6 billion and retains the system’s lowest actuarial funded ratio at 61.6% (Topeka Capital-Journal).
  • Kansas Sales Tax 8th Highest in Nation. Kansas has the eighth highest state and local average sales tax rate, per a new study from the Tax Foundation. It revealed that Kansans pay an average of 8.67 percent in sales taxes on retail purchases within the state.
  • The 1859 Kansas Constitution Makes No Mention of Abortion. A case currently before the Kansas Supreme Court is worrying many pro-life Kansans, because a lower court ruled that there is an independent right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution, which was crafted in 1859. In examining the historic document, we can find no mention of that right. In fact, Article 1 of the Kansas Bill of Rights says, “1. Equal rights. All men are possessed of equal an inalienable natural rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Early Learning Resources from the State Library

BookFlix is an online resource from the State Library of Kansas for children in grades PreK-3 that pairs video storybooks with related nonfiction e-books. Imagine Curious George paired with a nonfiction book about monkeys. The read-along storybook highlights each word as it is read. This option can be turned off. Related games reinforce early learning reading skills. BookFlix requires Flash.

Britannica E-Stax (PreK-6) features nonfiction books that can be read online or downloaded to any Internet enabled device.

Both are available at no charge through the State Library’s web site http://kslib.info/storytime . If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas.  Most people will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step. Adobe Flash is needed to view the animation and hear the narration.  Questions: [email protected] or 785-296-3296. 

STOP THE TAX INCREASE BILL

The Senate Select Committee on Federal Tax Code Implementation approved Senate Bill 22 on Thursday with a party-line vote of 7-2. The bill which would allow Kansans to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses, was created in response to President Trump’s historical tax cuts of 2017.

The bill is expected to deliver millions from the unexpected tax windfall back to individuals and businesses in Kansas. Numerous proponents of the legislation stressed the point that inaction or failure to pass the bill, would result in a tax increase for Kansans with the possibility of Kansas-based companies leaving the state to find more affordable options. The windfall directly linked to the Trump tax cuts belongs to Kansas taxpayers, not government and Senate Bill 22 would allow Kansans to fully benefit from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

The Kansas Senate is expected to debate SB 22 next week.

KANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

This week, the Senate recognized the 2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Whitney Morgan of Wyandotte High School. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is nominated to represent Kansas in the National Teacher of the Year program.

Whitney was joined by seven other teachers who were winners of the regional competition administered by the Kansas Department of Education.

Kansas Teacher of The Year:

  • Whitney Morgan, Kansas City USD 500

Regional Finalists:

  • Jennifer S. Brown, Geary County USD 475
  • Megan Clark, De Soto USD 232
  • Signe A. Cook, Great Bend USD 428
  • Nicole L. Corn, Lawrence USD 497
  • Lan T. Huynh, Wichita USD 259
  • Sharon L. Kuchinski, Leavenworth USD 453
  • Tim “T.J.” Warsnak, Halstead-Bentley USD 440

NEXT WEEK

Monday –

  • Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment: Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – [Senate Education Committee; February 4 at 1:30 pm]

Tuesday –

  • Hearing on: SB 27, removing a restriction, for purposes of employment security law, on leasing of certain employees by client lessees of lessor employing units – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on SB 40, removing expired warning provision for approach of an emergency vehicle traffic violation – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on SB 41, clarifying that a violation of the statute requiring seat belt use is a traffic infraction – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
  • Presentation by: Roger Werholtz, Kansas Department of Corrections – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 5 at 10:30 am]

Wednesday –

  • Hearing on: SB 15, amending the definition of “service-connected” in the Kansas police and firemen’s retirement system – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; February 6 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 45, enhancing penalties for offenses causing death or serious bodily injury to public sector employees – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 6 at 10:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 44, appropriations for the department of education for FY 2019, 2020, and 2021; increasing BASE aid for certain school years; continuing 20 mill statewide levy for schools and exempting certain portion of property used for residential purposes from such levy – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance; February 6 at 1:30 pm]

Thursday –

  • Briefing on: Property taxes by the Kansas Department of Revenue – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; February 7 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 16, authorizing school districts to expand at-risk education funds on evidence-based learning programs – [Senate Education Committee; February 7 at 1:30 pm]

Thank You for Engaging

Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.

Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.

Business, Government, Kansas

KCC approves settlement agreement in Kansas Gas Service rate case

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Topeka- This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a partial unanimous settlement agreement negotiated between KCC staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), Kansas Gas Service (KGS) and other intervenors pertaining to the utility’s application to increase rates.

 

Under the settlement agreement, residential customers will see an increase of $2.40 per month (4.23 percent) on average. That includes an increase in the customer charge from $16.70 to $18.70 per month. The new rates take effect February 6, 2019. The company’s original proposal called for a monthly residential increase of $5.67 or 10 percent. In its application, KGS requested to increase base rates by $45.6 million. The settlement approved today will result in an annual increase of $21.5 million.

 

One issue yet to be decided is whether KGS will be allowed to keep the tax savings it has accrued since the Federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act took effect. In December 2017, the KCC issued an order requiring investor owned utilities to accrue those savings in an interest bearing regulatory account allowing time to study the economic impacts of the new lower tax rates and where appropriate, pass cost savings on to consumers. KGS asked to retain the accrued savings of $17.9 million to offset its cost of service. Both KCC staff and CURB voiced opposition to the request at an evidentiary hearing in December. The Commission will issue a decision on the tax savings issue on or before February 25.

Today’s order can be viewed on the Commission’s website at: http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=296a4df7-658b-4d87-b9a6-fde3a18331ff

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Energy Conference Oct. 3-4

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2019 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference will Take Place this October

 

Topeka, Kan. – The 2019 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference is looking for speakers.

The conference is an annual event featuring the latest trends and developments in the renewable energy industry sector within Kansas and across the U.S. This is an opportunity for innovative speakers to educate about changing trends and new advancements in their industry. Attendees will include industry experts, wind and solar developers, manufacturers, utilities, community leaders, and related business representatives.

 

Topics of Interest:

•             Wind

•             Community/public sector initiatives

•             Solar

•             Transportation

•             Biofuels

•             Energy Storage

•             Energy Efficiency

•             Green Energy

•             Economic Impact

•             Transmission

 

The event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn, Manhattan on October 3-4.

Those wishing to be speakers must submit their topic of choice by March 1, 2019.

 

Questions should be directed to:

 

Jeanna Lee

[email protected]

Jobs, Kansas

2019 KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair March 7

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Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce, in partnership with KANSASWORKS, will host the KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair on March 7, 2019. The annual job fair will provide employers, veterans, and job seekers with the unique opportunity to connect face-to-face.

“Wherever I go in our state, I hear from businesses seeking the employees they need to grow and from workers seeking new job opportunities to help them advance their careers,” said Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce David Toland. “The Statewide Job Fair is part of the solution to these challenges, providing a great opportunity to bring together talented Kansas workers and growing Kansas companies.”

The Statewide Job Fair is also an opportunity for veterans of any status and their families to meet with a variety of employers in various industries and fields. Veterans at any stage in their career search are invited, including active duty, reservists, or National Guard.

“The Kansas workforce is made up of talented, highly-skilled individuals with a passion and drive that brings an inherent value to everything they do,” said Mike Beene, Kansas Department of Commerce Director of Employment Services. “Our workers make up the fabric of this state, holding it together through their commitments to hard work and excellence.”

The job fair will be open to all job seekers from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations across the state:

o   Colby: Colby Community College, Multi-Purpose Room, 1255 South Range

o   El Dorado: Train Depot, 430 N. Main Street

o   Kansas City: Wyandotte County Workforce Center, 626 Minnesota Avenue

o   Independence: Memorial Hall Civic Center, 410 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

o   Lawrence: Peaslee Technical Center, 2920 Haskell Avenue, #100

o   Leavenworth: Leavenworth County Workforce Center, 515 Limit Street, Suite 200

o   Manhattan: Holiday Inn Across from the Campus, 1641 Anderson Avenue

o   Overland Park: Johnson County Public Library, Central Resource Library, 9875 West 87th Street

o   Salina: The Kansas Army National Guard Training Center, Building 365, 2929 Scanlan Avenue

o   Topeka: West Ridge Mall, Lower Center Court, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road

o   Wichita: Wichita Workforce Center, 2021 North Amidon Avenue

 

Registration for the Statewide Job Fair can be done via the following links:

Colby, Independence, Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Overland Park, Salina, Topeka: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/kansasworks-18343559329

El Dorado, Manhattan, and Wichita have reached full capacity. 

For more information, job seekers and employers may visit any Workforce Center or call (877) 509-6757.

 

 

Ryan Brinker

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

 

Kansas Department of Commerce

1000 SW Jackson St. Ste. 100

Topeka, KS 66612-1354

Phone: 785-296-4931

Cell: 785-276-9723

 

Government, Kansas

2019-2020 Kansas Transportation Maps Available

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Map cover photo: Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park near Scott City.

Whether you want to find the closest airport, discover new places of interest or travel along a Scenic Byway, the new 2019-2020 Kansas Official State Transportation Map has it all.

 

The map, published by the Kansas Department of Transportation, highlights numerous tourist and scenic locations, including state parks and lakes, as well as the recreation areas across the state.

 

City/county indexes and a distance map allow motorists to pick the best route to their destination. Visitor resources, helpful phone numbers/websites and locations of museums and hospitals are also provided.

 

On the back of the map are inset maps of Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka and 13 other cities. There is also road condition information and details on how to get roadside assistance.

 

Maps will be available at various travel information centers, attractions and other locations across the state. They can also be requested on the KDOT website at http://www.ksdot.org/maps.asp.