Governor Colyer signs Bill Cutting Taxes on New Vehicle Purchases

Governor Colyer today signed HB 2111, also known as the Motor Vehicle Rebate Sales Tax Exclusion, which creates a sales tax exemption for cars purchased using manufacturer rebates. Under the previous law, the value of rebates was included in the calculation of the sales tax liability on the purchase of new cars.

The state previously passed a similar exemption in 2006, but allowed the exemption to sunset in 2009, as a result of the economic downturn. Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska currently have a similar exemption. HB 2111 is aimed at keeping Kansas consumers from crossing state lines to purchase a motor vehicle that is not subject to this tax.

“I am pleased to sign this bill to cut taxes on the purchase of rebate discounted vehicles in Kansas,” said Governor Colyer, “This will level the playing field between Kansas’ auto retailers and those in surrounding states who have already made this change. More importantly, this bill will lessen the tax burden to make purchasing a new vehicle more affordable.

“As governor, I will continue to support policies that reduce the tax burden, put more money in the pockets of hard-working Kansans and help our businesses compete.”

Don McNeely, President of the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association, praised the bill saying, “The Kansas Automobile Dealers Association are appreciative of the Kansas Legislature and Governor Colyer for supporting legislation to bring tax relief to the consumer when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle with a rebate.”

HB 2111 will go into effect on July 1, 2018.

Governor Jeff Colyer Signs Adoption Protection Act, SB 284, into Law

Valley Center- Governor Jeff Colyer today signed SB 284, the Adoption Protection Act into law at a ceremony held at Youth Horizons Kinloch Price Boys Ranch in Valley Center, KS.

The new law protects child placement agencies by stating that no child placement agency shall be required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or otherwise participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement of such child violates such CPA’s sincerely held religious beliefs. As has been done in other states, this law allows faith-based adoption agencies to continue working in Kansas without the threat of being shut down for adhering to their religious convictions.

“By keeping faith-based adoption agencies in our state, we give more children the opportunity to be adopted,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “We are grateful for the work done by these and other placement agencies who are working hard to bring families together.”

Representative Susan Humphries of the 99^th District said, “Faith-filled Kansans have a long history of leadership and service in caring for the most vulnerable among us. This bill simply protects their place at the table while leaving many options open for the diverse population in Kansas. All Kansans will find a child placing agency suited to their needs.”

“The adoption option in a crisis pregnancy is a pro-Life, Kansas value. The Adoption Protection Act guarantees faith-based agencies the ability to serve their clients without the looming threat of litigation or closure. The most important beneficiaries of this new state law are pregnant mothers seeking help and the children they courageously bring into the world,” said Representative Chuck Weber of the 85^th District, “My sincere thanks to all involved—including members of the Kansas Truth Caucus–who helped support this important legislation.”

Eric Teetsel, President of the Family Policy Alliance, showed appreciation for support of this bill becoming law, “The provisions of the Adoption Protection Act signed into law today provide critical protections for faith-based adoption and foster care service providers in Kansas. Thank you, Governor Colyer, for securing the ability of these agencies to partner with the state to help kids in need find their forever family.”

Michael Schuttloffel, Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, had this to say about the new law, “On behalf of the Kansas Catholic Conference I would like to thank the governor for signing this important legislation and for his administration’s great support throughout the process.  The Adoption Protection Act ensures that faith-based adoption providers will be able to continue serving children, birthmothers, and adoptive parents as they have for so long.”

Additional changes were also made to the existing law to update the language regarding adoption so that it more closely mirrors current federal law.

Kansas Department of Commerce announces leadership changes

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce announces Wade Wiebe has been appointed as the agency’s Director of Workforce Innovation. The agency also announces the appointments of Susan NeuPoth Cadoret as Director of Business and Community Development, Kevin Doel as Director of Marketing and Communications, and Sherry Rentfro as Chief Fiscal Officer.

As Director of Workforce Innovation, Mr. Wiebe will oversee strategic direction and implementation of workforce development solutions such as the agency’s Workforce Aligned with Industry Demand (AID) program, an employer-driven training system that matches the skills needed for a company’s workforce with education providers who deliver the training. He previously served with the Department of Commerce as Manager of the Innovation Growth Program before joining the Kansas Department of Transportation as its Director of Administration. He served in that role for the past six years. He earned a B.S. degree in Business from The University of Kansas.

Ms. NeuPoth Cadoret has been serving as Acting Director of the Business & Community Development Division for over a year before being appointed as the permanent Director. She has served with the Department of Commerce for 19 years, including over six years as the Assistance Manager for the Business and Community Development Division. Prior to working for Commerce, NeuPoth Cadoret worked 15 years in economic development at the local level. She earned a B.A. degree in Communications from Fort Hays State University.

Mr. Doel joined the Department of Commerce in 2017 as Director of Communications and has also served as Interim Director of Marketing since January 2018. Before joining Kansas Commerce, he served as Communications Manager for the State Fire Marshal. Previously, he served as Director of Marketing for Brewster Place, Topeka’s largest non-profit senior health and living organization, and owned and operated Talon360, a publicity firm for mobile technology companies, for 15 years. He earned his B.S. degree in Management and Ethics from Dallas Christian College.

Ms. Rentfro joined Commerce in June of 2014 as Fiscal Analyst and has been serving as the Acting Chief Fiscal Officer since February 2018. Prior to Commerce, she worked for over 10 years managing the accounting and finances of a non-profit association that serves the telecommunications industry in Kansas. She earned a BBA in Finance from Washburn University and MBA from Baker University.

About 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. Under the leadership of Interim Secretary of Commerce Robert North, the department comprises a variety of programs and services that create jobs, attract new investment, provide workforce training, encourage community development and promote the state as a wonderful place to live, work and play. For more information on the Kansas Department of Commerce, visit www.KansasCommerce.gov.

Governor Colyer Signs ABLE Act Enhancement into Law

MISSION – Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today signed House Bill No. 2067 at the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City in Mission. The Bill was designed to enhance the Achieving a Better Life Experience (“ABLE”) program created by the legislature in 2015.

This bill allows individuals with ABLE accounts to receive a Kansas income tax deduction for their contribution in line with the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and reduces the circumstances under which the state Medicaid clawback provision would apply to the accounts.

“ABLE has been a very good program for people with disabilities in Kansas and around the country,” said the Governor. “I’m glad that the legislature followed the Federal Government’s lead in strengthening this great program that helps Kansans with disabilities flourish.”

Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner, who is responsible for administering the ABLE program, said the following: “I’ve always been proud to administer the ABLE Savings Program, and I thank the Governor and Legislature for the positive impact improving ABLE will have on those living with a disability.”

The ABLE act had the initial purpose of allowing citizens with disabilities to create savings accounts to be used for disability-related expenses without endangering their federal disability benefits.

HB 2067 also brings Kansas in line with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by expanding the allowable uses of 529 education savings plans to include K-12 education.

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12 and today’s proclamation signed by President Donald J. Trump, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from until sun-down on May 22, 2018, to honor the memory of those lost in the horrific shooting that took place in Santa Fe, TX.

“Our hearts are with the people of Texas today,” said Governor Colyer. “We pray for the families of the victims and keep them in our thoughts.”

To subscribe to receive email alerts when the Governor orders flags to half-staff, please visithttp://governor.ks.gov/subscribe-to-flag-honors.

Expands KDADS’ authority to conduct fingerprint-based background checks

TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D., signed into law Thursday a bill authorizing the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services’ (KDADS) Health Occupations Credentialing program to conduct national fingerprint-based background checks on individuals seeking to work in adult care homes or home health agencies or to provide services through one of the state’s seven home- and community-based services Medicaid waivers.

“This bill is a common-sense measure that will help to protect vulnerable Kansans. I was pleased to sign this important legislation because it closes a loophole that could allow caretakers to victimize disabled or elderly Kansans. Expanding our fingerprint-based background checks makes all of those receiving care safer,” Governor Colyer said.

“This will allow us to carry out a more thorough check of individuals who work caring for the vulnerable in our state,” KDADS Secretary Tim Keck said. “Currently, there are approximately 8,000 individuals working in Kansas adult care homes who reside in a state that borders Kansas. The national background fingerprint check will ensure that records of crimes committed in other states are available for review before individuals can be hired, regardless of their state of residence.”

The bill signed by Governor Colyer amends three existing criminal record-check statutes to align all the offenses and timeframes that disqualify or prohibit an individual from working in any of those health care settings and sets a length of time after conviction of a disqualifying crime must pass before the individual is eligible to be employed in those settings. Alignment of the prohibited offenses and timeframes creates parity for all potential workers because all are held to the same standards.

KDADS’ background check portal, KanCheck, has been developed and built through a grant from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at no cost to the State of Kansas. The system was designed to be utilized by multiple agencies and programs. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will be utilizing the KanCheck system to complete their criminal record checks for childcare providers.

In 2017, KDADS completed a total of 63,514 criminal record background checks and issued a total of 976 employment prohibitions, 147 for adult care home/home health agency applicants and 829 for home- and community-based services job applicants.

Governor Colyer Signs SB 281 Adding a Protection Against Human Trafficking to Kansas Law

Governor Jeff Colyer today signed SB 281 which amends the Protection from Stalking or Sexual Assault Act to include victims of human trafficking. The Act will now be called the Protection from Stalking, Sexual Assault, or Human Trafficking Act.

When a minor child is alleged to be a human trafficking victim, the bill allows the following individuals to seek relief on the minor’s behalf: a parent of the minor child, an adult residing with the minor child, the child’s court-appointed legal custodian or court-appointed legal guardian, a county or district attorney, or the Attorney General. Additionally, the bill allows the child’s court-appointed legal custodian or court-appointed legal guardian to seek relief on behalf of a minor child under the Protection from Abuse Act and the Protection from Stalking, Sexual Assault, or Human Trafficking Act.

“For some, life as a victim of human trafficking is a daily reality,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “We have an obligation to the victims of this terrible evil to strengthen laws aimed at preventing trafficking and take meaningful steps to end this horrible practice once and for all. I applaud the legislature’s work on this bill, and hope it will be just one piece of a larger effort to help eliminate trafficking in the state of Kansas.”

Barry Feaker, Executive Director of Freedom Now USA said, “Laws that continue to strengthen our ability to protect victims of human trafficking are a win for all Kansas citizens. Freedom Now USA thanks  our legislators for their historical decision to be the first state in the nation to declare war on human trafficking, which is modern-day slavery. Continuing to prioritize the fight against human trafficking will significantly contribute to the eventual eradication of slavery from our state.”

The bill also allows a court to enter an order restraining the defendant from following, harassing, telephoning, contacting, recruiting, harboring, transporting, or committing or attempting to commit human trafficking upon the human trafficking victim or otherwise communicating with the human trafficking victim.

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Governor Colyer Signs State Budget for FY 2018 and 2019

Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today signed the state budget for the 2019 Fiscal year at a ceremony at Pittsburg State University.

In his remarks, Colyer said, “I am pleased to be able to sign a budget that strikes the balance between fiscal responsibility and making the necessary investments in our schools, our workforce, and our communities. It has been exciting to see the progress our state has made over the past few months, and I look forward to seeing the incredible impact these investments will have on our state.”

The State Budget for FY 2018-2019:

Makes a Historic Investment in Education:

The 2018-2019 budget increases our investment in K-12 education by more than half a billion dollars. This $525 million investment will be stair-stepped over five years so that it will not result in a tax increase on hardworking Kansans.

The increased investment in education prioritizes outcomes for our students, increases funds available for special education programs and will result in higher pay for Kansas teachers.

Our state’s colleges and universities are ranked in the top 15 nationally.* The 2018-2019 budget makes important investments to ensure that we remain a national leader in higher education by increasing funding by $18 million to our state’s higher education institutions. Increased investment will help keep tuition from rising at historical rates.

The FY 2018-2019 budget invests an additional $9.6 million to fund early childhood development programs including the Pre-K pilot, Parents-as-Teachers, and Children Initiatives Fund programs.

We are also giving back to those who serve our country in the Kansas National Guard by funding up to 15 credit hours per semester at a state institution at little to no cost to the student.

Prioritizes Workforce development:

A skilled workforce is absolutely critical to the long-term growth of Kansas. That’s why this budget fully funds SB 155, which provides free tuition to high school students who are enrolled in technical education courses. As the home of the Air Capital of the World, aviation is one of the strongest sectors of our economy. This budget helps us build upon those strengths by investing $5 million in the National Institute for Aviation Research and another $1.7 million in the National Center for Aviation Training, both of which will allow us to bolster our workforce training efforts and help us ensure our aerospace manufacturers have the talent they need to continue to thrive in Kansas.

This budget also funds an expansion of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program (JAG), which partners with at-risk students to prepare them for college and help them successfully enter the workforce.

Invests in State Employees:

For state government to be successful, it is crucial that we have the ability to secure the best talent available. Our state agencies need quality employees to be able to carry out their missions effectively. That’s why this budget includes additional funds to help bring our state employees compensation closer to the market rate. We also included much-needed pay increases for our state correctional officers.

For more than 20 years, our KPERS system has been underfunded. The 2018-2019 budget begins to address that issue with an $82-million investment into the KPERS system. Our state employees are some of our most valuable assets. They work hard and ensure that state government works for Kansans, and they deserve to know that the retirement they have worked for will be there for them when they are ready to retire.

Funds Critical Needs at DCF:

The 2018-2019 budget also takes aim at critical needs at the Department for Children and Families, providing funds for the agency to hire an additional 20 full-time child welfare caseworkers to their field staff and adding $2 million dollars to our family preservation programs, so that we can keep more families together.

We have also allocated funds to secure emergency crisis beds to end the practice of foster children sleeping in agency offices. This bill will also allow DCF to hire a full-time protective investigator to assist the agency in locating missing children.

Makes Investments in Infrastructure:

As an important logistical hub in the Midwest, a great highway system is important to the economic health of the state. The 2018-2019 budget reduces transfers from the State Highway Fund by $59.6 million and leaves a higher balance in the highway fund to address delayed T-WORKS projects.

Strengthens our Hospitals and Nursing Homes:

The 2018-2019 budget includes $22.1 million to provide a 4% increase in reimbursement rates for hospitals, in addition to $17.7 million to increase reimbursement rates for nursing homes. It is critically important to keep our health care facilities viable so they can continue providing quality care to Kansans. We have also included funding for pay increases to our nursing home surveyors to help us better recruit and retain staff to ensure that our regulatory oversight of nursing homes is timely and appropriate.

This budget also increases Medicaid reimbursement rates by $556,000 for emergency medical services providers.

Innovates in Agriculture:

The FY 2019 budget invests $250,000 in a Cattle Traceability Pilot Program in the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA). The United States Department of Agriculture intends to tighten existing rules on its Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program. This program increases our ability to trace animals back from slaughter and forward from premises where they are identified, as well as trace animals’ interstate movements to identify, prevent and control the disease.

Gov. Colyer concluded his remarks with optimism about the direction of the state, saying, “It is clear that Kansas is getting back on the right track. I am honored to serve as the governor of this great state, and I pledge to continue to fight to ensure we succeed in offering the best service possible to the people of Kansas.”

To read the FY 2019 Budget, Click HERE. For a list of the budget items vetoed by Gov. Colyer, click HERE.

*https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas

Governor Colyer Signs Eleven Bills into Law

Topeka – Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. has signed the following bills into law:

On Friday, May 11:

• Senate Bill No. 56: Creates the Kansas Cybersecurity Act.

On Saturday, May 12:

• Senate Sub for House Bill No. 2028: Establishes the Kansas Telemedicine Act.

On Monday, May 14:

• House Bill No. 2470: Permits the sale of beer in sealable and refillable containers as well as the operation of self-serve automated taps; modernizes additional alcohol regulations.
• House Sub for Senate Bill No. 179: Creates juvenile crisis intervention centers; amends Kansas code for care of children and newborn infant protection act; amends powers and duties of the DCF Secretary.
• Senate Bill No. 199: Amends bond requirements for civil court appeals.
• Senate Bill No. 282: Updates substance classification in the uniform controlled substances act.
• Senate Bill No. 288: Repeals prohibition on Saturday process service.
• House Sub for Senate Bill No. 374: Changes administrative procedures and regulations relating to driving under the influence.
• Senate Bill No. 461: Reconciles amendments to statutes.
• House Bill No. 2479: Amends criminal procedure.
• House Bill No. 2488: Prohibits the use of automated sales suppression devices.

The Governor has now signed 107 bills into law this session. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without his signature.

Governor Jeff Colyer Issues Statement Regarding First 100 Days in Office

“When I became Governor 100 days ago I laid out some very clear goals centered around reform, jobs, and education. I knew that there would be challenges along the way, but the importance of the task and the benefit that could be provided to Kansans made overcoming those challenges worth the effort. In my first 100 days I have assembled a team that is dedicated to making our state government more transparent and efficient, and making Kansas a place that our children see their future. We come into work every day focused on moving Kansas forward, and like I promised in my inaugural address we are keeping surgeons hours working tirelessly for the people. We have seen the creation of new jobs and an influx of new investments by businesses across our state. We have put out the message that Kansas is open for business and companies have listened. We have kept our schools open and for the first time ever we are asking to see measurable results attached to our investment. And we have done all of this while still keeping the promise to not raise taxes. However, the work is not finished yet. We cannot settle and we cannot go backwards. We are going to keep up the momentum of these first 100 days as we continue to grow our state for the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support both now and as we move forward, and I would like to highlight just a few of the things we have been working on to create a brighter future here in Kansas.”

1. Called for Pro-life constitutional amendment if Kansas Supreme Court overrules abortion laws
2. Took Kansas case preventing taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood to the US Supreme Court
3. Signed legislation to increase K-12 education investment by $535 million over next five years without requiring a tax increase
4. Confirmed new Secretary of DCF
5. Initiated top-to-bottom review of DCF
6. Replaced leadership team and made other necessary staff changes at DCF
7. Secured additional funding to locate missing foster kids
8. Secured additional funding for emergency crisis beds which will help with the problem of foster kids sleeping in offices
9. Launched Child Support Evaders website, which has already had success
10. When drafting error existed in school funding bill, signed new bipartisan bill to fix it without controversy
11. Required outcomes and accountability for schools
12. Met with education leaders from all over state and conducted multiple tours of KS schools to speak with educators
13. Encouraged schools to transform themselves with the Kansans Can model
14. Kansas will provide free ACT tests for every Kansas student
15. Signed legislation to increase mental health funding for schools
16. Increased funding for students with disabilities
17. Called for higher pay for Kansas teachers
18. Created Governors Education Council
19. Appointed Diane DeBacker as Director of Business and Education Innovation to sharpen our relationship between workforce development and education
20. Signed new task force to help school-children with dyslexia
21. Encouraged more transparency by allowing Kansans to make free KORA requests
22. Signed transparency EO requiring Cabinet agencies to develop and publish outcomes
23. Signed transparency bill requiring DCF to report certain info after child deaths
24. Signed transparency bill regarding police body cam videos
25. Directed state agencies to be as transparent as possible
26. Required mandatory annual sexual harassment prevention training for state employees
27. Successfully advocated for electric utilities to return millions to consumers
28. Successfully advocated for natural gas utilities to return millions to consumers
29. Issued executive order to Ban the Box, giving ex-offenders a chance to become productive members of society
30. Signed bill into law increasing penalties for repeat DUI offenders.
31. Signed bill allowing for the growing of industrial hemp (with no THC) as new crop
32. Fought to keep sorghum markets open in China
33. After years of declines, on May 4 Standard and Poor’s upgraded the credit outlook for Kansas
34. Appointed Tracey Mann as 50^thLt. Governor.
35. Created a Chief Operating Officer to drive efficiency
36. Named a new Budget/Chief Financial Officer
37. Governor and Lt. Governor have visited dozens of Kansas communities in every corner of the state
38. Confirmed new Secretary of KDHE
39. Overhauled Governor’s office with new policy and communications teams
40. Met with President Trump and Vice President Pence in Washington
41. Secured Kansas’ selection as site for UAV Pilot program
42. Asked Attorney General to join Texas litigation on DACA
43. Began process of Re-procurement for Kancare contracts
44. Requested CMS to approve work requirements for healthy adults on Medicaid
45. Signed bill to provide full tuition for Kansas National Guardsmen
46. Deployed 800 Kansas Army Guard to the Middle East. Had opportunity to shake every soldier’s hand before they departed.
47. Issued disaster declarations on multiple occasions and deployed Blackhawk teams to successfully combat more than 200 wildfires across Kansas.
48. Refreshed state agencies with many new executives and senior level management
49. Secured additional money for road construction
50. Created new Task Force to recommend new road programs
51. Appointed new Commissioner to KCC
52. Appointed new judge for Pittsburg, Kansas
53. Appointed new judge for Topeka, Kansas
54. Successfully advocated for T-Mobile to agree to keep former Sprint HQ here in Kansas
55. Launched My Re-employment program
56. Launched Substance Use Disorder Task Force focusing on opioids and meth
57. Appointed new Chief Medical Officer with specialty in substance abuse
58. Sought waiver to increase the number of substance abuse beds in KS
59. Successfully responded to measles outbreak
60. Advocated for Kansas’ interests in NAFTA renegotiations with Canadian Ambassador
61. Launched new statewide broadband initiative
62. Worked with Attorney General Schmidt on combatting human trafficking
63. Attended the installation of new KU Chancellor
64. Signed Nurse Licensure Compact bill
65. Designated 74 areas across Kansas as Opportunity Zones to encourage development in low-income communities
66. Broke ground on new Lansing Correctional Facility
67. Signed new organ transplant bill
68. Signed bill to encourage Poultry producer investments
69. Launched website to post notice of all open state-government meetings
70. Launched iKan app to allow Kansans to renew tags on cell phone
71. Increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural hospitals
72. Increased reimbursement rates for nursing homes
73. Increased funding for Meals on Wheels program
74. New program for beef traceability
75. Supported programs for water conservation especially Ogallala aquifer
76. Represented Kansas at the viewing of the late Billy Graham in the capitol rotunda in Washington.
77. Signed Anti-swatting Bill into law
78. Signed bill to help domestic violence victims maintain cell service
79. Signed legislation providing civil immunity to citizens who damage property while saving pets and children locked in a hot vehicle.
80. Hosted dinner at Cedar Crest to meet foster kids and families and hear their concerns
81. Established the Governor’s Community Service Award with Kansas Volunteer Commission to honor service-minded HS students
82. Honored Governor’s Scholars who graduated in the top 1% of their class
83. Held a high-tech job fair for those who lost employment due to layoffs
84. Signed legislation authorizing new Eisenhower statue on capitol grounds
85. Worked with Trump Administration advocating for Kansas interest in NAFTA renegotiations
86. Spoke before informal hearing in Washington on the humanitarian crisis in Syria
87. Signed legislation banning the possession of firearms by people convicted of domestic abuse.
88. Testified before an informal committee in Washington on the opioid crisis
89. Spoke at the Invest in America Summit on ways the U.S. can secure foreign investment.
90. Met with Deputy U.S Transportation Secretary Rosen to discuss President Donald J. Trump’s $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan
91. Met with Secretary Alexander Acosta to discuss how we can improve and innovate in our workforce development efforts in Kansas.
92. Met with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke about water issues that are crucial to Kansas, especially our Ogallala aquifer.
93. Met with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and discussed how the agency can be a collaborative partner with Kansas agriculture, energy, and business.
94. Met with Secretary Alex Azar and Administrator Verma to discuss pertinent healthcare issues in Kansas.
95. Met with Secretary Carson to discuss affordable housing issues in Kansas
96. Took a “Get to Know Your Governor Tour” across Kansas
97. Addressed Kansas Right to Life at Pro-life Banquet
98. Met with both Republican and Democratic leadership on first full day as governor,
99. Met with Israeli Minister of Agriculture to discuss water conservation.
100. Spoke with consul generals of China, Mexico, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to strengthen trade ties with Kansas.

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Kansas Aims to Save Lives with “Click it. Or ticket.” Enforcement

State, local police target unbuckled travelers

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas ranks towards the bottom one-third in seat belt usage among all 50 states. State and local law enforcement are working to improve this ranking by stepping up enforcement to crack down on motorists who aren’t wearing their seat belts as part of the Click it. Or ticket. seat belt enforcement campaign.

More than 150 law enforcement agencies across Kansas will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt enforcement as part of the national campaign that runs from May 21 through June 3, concurrent with one of the busiest travel and holiday weekends of the year.

“The Click it. Or ticket. campaign is about saving lives. We would be grateful if every occupant we observed was wearing their seat belt” said Ben Gardner, Kansas Highway Patrol Technical Trooper. “Our increased enforcement around Memorial Day serves as a reminder that wearing a seat belt is the easiest thing you can do to save your life.”

In 2017, nearly half of the 359 deaths from crashes in Kansas were not buckled. Young adults are dying at disproportionate rates because they are not wearing their seatbelts in Kansas. In Kansas, 56 percent of 18-to-34-year old occupants killed in crashes were not wearing their seat belts in 2017. Male pick-up truck drivers between the ages of 21-34 and drivers in rural areas are among the top unrestrained fatalities.

“Seat belts save lives every day. But they only save lives when they are used and there are still many people in Kansas who don’t buckle up,” said Chris Bortz, KDOT Traffic Safety Program Manager. “Our goal is 100 percent compliance. It doesn’t matter where you go, drivers need to buckle up for every ride, every time because a deadly crash can happen to anyone.”

In 2017, Kansas seat belt usage was 82 percent, below the national average of 90.1 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. From 2014 to 2016, seat belts saved nearly 41,500 lives across the country.