Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2019-2022 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes May 1. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Bureau of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-2252.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Office of Public Affairs, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

Government, Kansas

Creative Art Industries Webinar April 18

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Webinar Highlights KCAIC Events and Grant Opportunities

 

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) will conduct a webinar hosted by the Kansas PRIDE program on April 18 from 12 – 1 p.m. Peter Jasso will give an overview of current grant categories, partnership programs, and upcoming events as well as answer questions from participants.

The webinar will also be recorded for those who cannot attend at the initial time.

 

To join the Zoom Meeting

https://ksu.zoom.us/j/803629794

 

Dial by your location

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 803 629 794

 

 

About Kansas PRIDE program 

The Kansas PRIDE program is a volunteer, grassroots effort to improve the quality of life in local communities. Each Kansas community is unique and shares a common bond: a rich heritage based on self-reliance and community pride. Since 1970, the Kansas PRIDE program has assisted and encouraged communities to prepare for the future by building on their past and forming a vision of the future. The goal of PRIDE is to help maximize community and economic development efforts by encouraging all groups to coordinate and work collaboratively for community betterment.

For more info: https://kansasprideprogram.k-state.edu/

Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Hiring A Limo or Party Bus?

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KCC offers tips on what to look for when hiring a limo or bus service

 

TOPEKA – Limousines and party buses are popular modes of transportation for proms, weddings and other special events. If your spring or summer plans call for limo or bus transportation, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) encourages you to do a little research before booking.

 

The KCC, the agency that regulates motor carriers in the state, recommends that you check to be sure the transportation company you are considering has operating authority. That means they meet the applicable federal and state requirements for safety, insurance, operations and driver training.  Services operating within the state are also required to file their current tariffs or rates with the KCC. Those can be found on the KCC’s website.

 

“Planning your next limousine, party bus or charter bus trip is an important decision. Take a moment to ensure the company you select has the appropriate State and/or Federal operating authority and a safe operating history. Looking before you book will help you have a safe and satisfying experience,” said Mike Hoeme, KCC Transportation Director.

 

There are several places to obtain more information about passenger carriers. Here are a few helpful links:

Find rates – http://kcc.ks.gov/transportation/transportation-quick-links/passenger-tariffs
Check safety record – https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/ (see company snapshot)
Verify Insurance coverage –
https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_carrquery.prc_carrlist

Passenger carrier and bus safety information –
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/passenger-safety/passenger-carrier-and-bus-safety

 

Government, Kansas

Unclaimed Property

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Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner’s Tax Day Event Returns Over $370,000

Topeka—Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner made tax day a little brighter for thousands of Kansans by helping put money back in their pockets. With the help of several broadcast media outlets, the State Treasurer’s Office held an event Monday to bring awareness to the over $350-million in unclaimed property in the State Treasury and encouraging Kansans to get online and see if any of it belongs to them. Over 27,000 people went to kansascash.com to search, and $372,146 was returned to its rightful owners.

“It’s wonderful that we were able to match up so many individuals and businesses with their unclaimed property,” said LaTurner. “This was a very successful event, but there’s still more money to give back. We hope those that found money online will spread the word to family and friends about how quick and easy it is to search for themselves as well.”

Searches for unclaimed property can be done anytime on kansascash.com. Most claims made online can be paid easily via direct deposit. In 2018 a record $26.5-million in unclaimed property was returned to Kansans, and the office is on track to break that record in 2019.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Commercial Hemp

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Governor signs bill establishing the Commercial Industrial Hemp Program
Requires a plan to monitor and regulate hemp in Kansas

 

To further support Kansas’ agricultural economy and provide farmers with an option for diversification, Governor Laura Kelly signed the Senate Substitute for House Bill 2167 today, establishing the Commercial Industrial Hemp Program.

 

“The Commercial Industrial Hemp Program represents a significant step forward for our agricultural economy. It will provide another crop option for Kansas farmers in the coming years,” Governor Kelly said. “I’m proud that Kansas is moving forward with this program and I look forward to working with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture and others to encourage growth in this new industry.”

 

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2167 requires the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), in consultation with the governor and attorney general, to submit a plan to the United States Department of Agriculture outlining how the state will monitor and regulate the commercial production of industrial hemp in Kansas, in accordance with federal law. The commercial growing program will replace the existing research program once it is finalized and approved by USDA.

 

“This is the first step toward Kansas developing a plan to allow for commercial hemp production, introducing an option for diversification for Kansas farmers,” Secretary Mike Beam said. “We support new and innovative opportunities for agriculture growth, and this legislation allows Kansas to seek approval from USDA for advancing industrial hemp in Kansas.”

This year is the first year that industrial hemp can be grown in Kansas, and at this time it is only allowed within research programs as allowed by the 2014 Farm Bill. The opportunity to expand cultivation of industrial hemp for commercial use was made possible as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. Signing the bill today allows Kansas to begin development of the regulations for commercial use of industrial hemp.

 

“In recent years, Kansas farmers have faced significant challenges – including weather and trade tensions,” Kelly said. “I’m committed to doing all I can to support them and provide opportunities for diversification. This program provides another tool in the toolbox for Kansas farmers.”

 

Additionally, the bill establishes prohibitions on the production and marketing of specific products and establishes waste disposal requirements for industrial hemp processors. This legislation will become effective upon its publication in the Kansas Register.

 

This brings the total number of bills signed in the 2019 Legislative Session to 36, with one being vetoed. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without her signature.

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Signs Bill Making Voting More Convenient in Kansas

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Applauds coalition of local officials for spearheading the legislation

 

In an effort to expand and improve voting opportunities in Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly signed House Substitute for Senate Bill 130 yesterday afternoon, amending the law concerning advance ballots, signature requirements and polling places.

 

“Over the past decade, we have seen countless efforts aimed at making voting more difficult in this state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I hope this will be the first of many laws that help ensure that every voice is heard in our democratic process and that every vote is counted.”

 

House Substitute for Senate Bill 130 will give county election officials the discretion to allow all registered voters to cast their ballot at any polling place in their county on election day. It also requires county election officers to attempt to contact each voter who submitted an advance voting ballot without a signature or with a signature that does not match the signature on file. The voter will be allowed to correct their signature before the commencement of the final tallying of votes in that county.

 

“This law is about local control and protecting every vote,” Kelly said. “I applaud all of the local and state officials who worked together to make this law a reality, especially those in Sedgwick County who were the driving force behind it.”

 

This brings the total number of bills signed in the 2019 Legislative Session to 37, with one being vetoed. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without her signature.

 

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

April 12, 2019

The legislature is on break.  However, as a legislator I am continuing to work throughout the district and on unresolved issues.  I have had the opportunity to visit businesses, schools, and with others.  It helps me represent you in Topeka.

Education Funding – How much is Enough?  It is a question that is impacting every Kansan, whether you’re an employee of a school, a taxpayer, a parent, a student, or a future student.  Money being an indicator of priority, then Kansas has made education the number one priority for many years.  According to Division of Budget Comparison Report in 2001, over 50% of State General Fund (SGF) went to education.  In the 2019 Report, over 50% of the SGF goes for education.

The 2019 SGF budget for departments and agencies is $7.1 billion, over $3.5 billion of that money will be spent on K-12.  That is only state aid.  It does not include local and federal money spent on 286 school districts in Kansas.  Total K-12 spending, state, federal, and local money is over $6 billion.

There have been attempts to require more of the K-12 funding to go to the classroom and teachers.  However, there is never a majority of legislators who support this effort.

The Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) website has reports available to give you more of an indication how the money is being spent and other topics are included.  Interestingly, one of the reports shows the pupil-teacher ratio as 15.4 for the 2017-2018 school year.  The calculation used for ratio was the total enrollment divided by total PK-12 teachers.  PK-12 teachers includes practical arts/vocational teachers, kindergarten teachers, pre-kindergarten teachers, reading specialists/teachers, and all other teachers, calculated at a full-tine equivalency. https://datacentral.ksde.org/default.aspx

 

One expenditure that isn’t talked about much is what schools spend to lobby for more money.  Legislative Post Audit has a limited scope report asking, “How Much Money Do a Small Sample of Counties, Cities, and School Districts Report to Us They Spent on Lobbyist or Associations with Lobbyists in 2017?”  The three largest school districts, Wichita, Shawnee Mission, and Olathe schools reported spending around $1.4 million on lobbying in 2017.  Taxpayer money spent to get more taxpayer money.  (http://www.kslpa.org/media/files/reports/l-18-011.pdf Appendix C, page 15).

 

We can all agree that education is important.  Kansas has made education the number one priority of the State and has been putting money toward that priority for years.  What is our Return On Investment (ROI)?  It’s time for a paradigm shift because the pattern of adding more money, no matter what amount, is never enough to satisfy the lawyers and the KS Supreme Court.  Our objective should be based on student outcomes and the amount of money should be determined by the 165 legislators elected to do that job – not the Supreme Court.

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

Caryn

Business, Government, Kansas

Small Business Procurement Day

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Kansas Department of Commerce Announces 2019 Small Business Procurement Day Event

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce is excited to announce 2019 Small Business Procurement Day.

A celebratory event will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, KS. This free event will provide an opportunity for small businesses to connect with federal agency buyers and contracting officers to determine contracting and procurement opportunities. There will also be a one-on-one Agency-Vendor Engagement Session and training session to learn about resources that will be helpful to the growth and development of small businesses in the procurement market space, including Contracting 101 and FedBid/GSA Purchasing.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bartruff, Commander of the 923rd Contracting Battalion (CBN)/Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) will lead the morning welcome. Secretary of Commerce David Toland will join him in providing welcoming remarks.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of the Kansas economy,” Secretary Toland said. “The Department of Commerce is thrilled to be able to help this state’s small business community grow. Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Kansas, and we’re proud to help foster that spirit across the state.”

Organizations planning to attend the event include Ft. Riley Contracting Command, Whiteman Air Force Base 509th Contracting Squadron, Kansas Army and Air National Guard, McConnell Air Force Base, the Kansas Department of Commerce, MICC Office of Small Business Programs, City of Topeka, U.S. Department of Agriculture, GSA Department of Small Business and the Small Business Administration. Agency participation from Federal, State and local entities is currently still available.

If your organization would like to be included, please contact Kristi Dunn at [email protected] for further information.

The Lead Agency for this event has been the 923rd CBN/MICC-Fort Riley office headquartered at Fort Riley, KS.  Other partners and co-sponsors include the Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (KS PTAC), Greater Topeka Partnership, GO Topeka-Entrepreneur Minority Business Development (EMBD), the Kansas Department of Commerce, Office of Minority and Women Business Development and Wichita State University.  This is a regional event that is open to all small businesses and contracting organizations.

 

All categories of small business are invited to attend. To register for Procurement Day, visit this link.

 

 

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

Business, Government, Kansas

Small Businesses Can Connect with Federal Agencies

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Kansas Department of Commerce Announces 2019 Small Business Procurement Day Event

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce is excited to announce 2019 Small Business Procurement Day.

A celebratory event will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, KS. This free event will provide an opportunity for small businesses to connect with federal agency buyers and contracting officers to determine contracting and procurement opportunities. There will also be a one-on-one Agency-Vendor Engagement Session and training session to learn about resources that will be helpful to the growth and development of small businesses in the procurement market space, including Contracting 101 and FedBid/GSA Purchasing.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bartruff, Commander of the 923rd Contracting Battalion (CBN)/Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) will lead the morning welcome. Secretary of Commerce David Toland will join him in providing welcoming remarks.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of the Kansas economy,” Secretary Toland said. “The Department of Commerce is thrilled to be able to help this state’s small business community grow. Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Kansas, and we’re proud to help foster that spirit across the state.”

Organizations planning to attend the event include Ft. Riley Contracting Command, Whiteman Air Force Base 509th Contracting Squadron, Kansas Army and Air National Guard, McConnell Air Force Base, the Kansas Department of Commerce, MICC Office of Small Business Programs, City of Topeka, U.S. Department of Agriculture, GSA Department of Small Business and the Small Business Administration. Agency participation from Federal, State and local entities is currently still available.

If your organization would like to be included, please contact Kristi Dunn at Kristi.Dunn@TopekaPartnership for further information.

The Lead Agency for this event has been the 923rd CBN/MICC-Fort Riley office headquartered at Fort Riley, KS.  Other partners and co-sponsors include the Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (KS PTAC), Greater Topeka Partnership, GO Topeka-Entrepreneur Minority Business Development (EMBD), the Kansas Department of Commerce, Office of Minority and Women Business Development and Wichita State University.  This is a regional event that is open to all small businesses and contracting organizations.

 

All categories of small business are invited to attend. To register for Procurement Day, visit this link.

 

 

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

Close Calls in Highway Work Zones Occur Too Often

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The Kansas Department of Transportation and numerous transportation partners who work along the roadways know why work zone safety is so important.

“I yelled at the crew in the work zone and threw my flagging paddle towards the middle of the lane that I was standing in and flung myself into the ditch,” said KDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Kade Cooper, who is from Belleville. “From what I could hear, the flagging paddle made contact with the car where I would have been standing, and that is what got the driver’s attention.”

Equipment Operator Kayne Kraus from Admire has worked for the Kansas Turnpike Authority for two years. While out preparing to paint, he heard a loud boom, “and when I turned around, there was a vehicle sandwiched between the wall and the attenuator,” he said. “The driver had fallen asleep at the wheel and hit the attenuator that was a couple hundred feet behind me.”

Close calls are all too common for highway workers, law enforcement and emergency responders who are serving the public. Finding ways to improve work zone safety is imperative.

“If your job puts you along the highway, it’s important for you to not only be able to work safely but to feel safe as well,” said KDOT State Transportation Engineer Burt Morey.

Highway workers shared other stories of near misses at the statewide work zone safety event in Topeka today at the KDOT Gage office. This event is one of several activities in Kansas as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 8-12, which raises awareness of the dangers highway workers and motorists face in work zones. Last year in Kansas, there were 1,396 work zone crashes – 398 people were injured and five people were killed.

Highway workers and others are sharing work zone stories each day this week in a blog series at http://kansastransportation.blogspot.com/. Electronic message boards along the highways will also have rotating work zone safety messages.

Buildings and structures across Kansas will be lit in orange all week to highlight work zone safety. Check out the Governor’s Mansion, the Amelia Earhart Bridge in Atchison, the Visitor’s Center in the Capitol, the Eisenhower State Office Building in Topeka, the front of the Topeka City Hall, the Travel Information Center on I-70 near Goodland and KDOT offices in Topeka, Salina, Norton, Chanute, Hutchinson and Garden City.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

April 05, 2019

The 2019 regular session is over, first adjournment.  All that is left is veto session (scheduled 17 days in May this year) and sine die.  The Senate attempted to finish all of our work during session.  The House had other plans.

Tax:  I made every attempt to negotiate with the House on moving tax legislation forward before the close of session and we had agreements on a majority of items.  However, in less than two hours, the House Tax Conference Committee Chairman receded on agreements and by the next morning negotiations completely broke down.  The House Chairman decided to wait until veto session.  As a result we could lose some good policy that passed the Senate.  The policy includes allowing small businesses to expense certain purchases, freezing property taxes for low income seniors and for some disabled veterans, allowing certain counties to hold elections for a change in sales tax, providing a sales tax exemption on gold and bullion, extending the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) program for five more years, increasing the number of counties in ROZ, and other tax legislation that passed this year.  Hopefully, there is time and a desire to complete the work during veto session.  It isn’t about one person or legislator winning or losing – it’s about Kansas taxpayers.  You deserve a win!

The Governor’s veto of SB 22 was a setback for Kansas taxpayers.  SB 22 would have stopped tax increases as a result of 2017 Federal tax changes,.  It takes 2/3 majority, 27 votes in the Senate and 84 in the House, within 30 days of the veto to override a Governor’s veto.  It doesn’t appear the votes are there in either chamber.  Myself and other legislators aren’t giving up but the odds are slim.

Budget:  Negotiations between the House and Senate budget conference committee broke down Thursday evening and was postponed until veto session.  The legislature will need to pass a budget during veto session.  That is the only legislation required by law.

K-12 Funding:  Negotiations between the House and Senate were tense regarding school funding.  They did come to agreement on SB 16 Conference Committee Report (CCR).  To quote the House Majority Leader regarding SB 16 CCR, “…the never-ending cycle of school funding litigation.  The plan adds over $360 million to the K-12 budget on top of the $3.13 billion in new funding approved over the last [few] years.  It also includes an inflationary measure that will increase K-12 funding between $50 and $100 million each year…forever.  This isn’t about supporting school districts and providing a quality education to our children.  This is a state being held hostage by trial attorneys who continually sue for more.  These same trial attorneys have already come out publicly saying this increased spending is not enough and they expect the Kansas Supreme Court to strike it down and demand an even greater ransom.”  He goes on to say, “This funding plan is fiscally irresponsible… Kansans deserve better.”  The CCR passed the Senate on a vote of Yes 31 to No 8.  I voted No because Kansans and Kansas schools deserve better than a fiscal promise that Kansas taxpayers CANNOT afford.

Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Health Plans:  HB 2209 CCR allows KFB to establish health care plans available to KFB members.  It is not insurance but will provide an alternative healthcare coverage.  The vote was Yes 28 to No 11.  I voted Yes.

 

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

Caryn

Government, Kansas

Work Zone Awareness Week

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The City Hall building in Topeka was lit in orange last year as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week.

 

This “Go Orange” movement is part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, a national safety campaign KDOT and several partner organizations participate in every year. The campaign highlights the dangers faced by highway workers and motorists in work zones and promotes safer behaviors. People are encouraged to participate by wearing orange on Thursday, April 11, the official Go Orange Day! in Kansas.

Stories will be shared each day by highway workers and law enforcement about their experiences in work zones at http://kansastransportation.blogspot.com/ . Other information can be found on the KDOT website at www.ksdot.org.

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