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Category Archives: Kansas
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 15, 2019
It may appear to be a slow week in the legislature: However, as you know, things aren’t always what they appear. The Senate and the House are doing a majority of the work in committees. It is an important part of the process. Committees study legislation. Conferees testify in person or send written testimony on bills being considered. The input can be critical because a committee will make a recommendation on a bill, often based on testimony. The committee may take no action on the bill, or to vote a bill out of committee favorably or unfavorably. After a bill passes out of committee, the majority leader decides if and when to bring a bill before the committee of the whole, all senators or all representatives of the respective chamber. There are other paths a bill could take in the legislature but this is the most common.
KPERS: This week the House passed a bill out of committee unfavorably. The bill would allow the Governor to re-amortization KPERS. The House Majority Leader brought the bill to the committee of the whole, it was debated and failed the next day on final action 36 Yes and 87 No. This action sent a clear message to the Governor, the House does not want to go into more debt for KPERS. The week before the Senate passed a bill requiring the KPERS payment be made without delay. Both chambers have sent strong messages. Hopefully, each chamber will support the others actions so that Kansas will not take on more debt and will not delay the KPERS payment.
Hearing on Property Tax Relief: The Senate Tax Committee heard from several conferees regarding property tax or a homestead freeze, SB 91. The bill would provide property tax relief for homeowners who are 65 years of age or older and do not have a mortgage on their home or for veterans who are at least 50% disabled. The value of the property must be less than $350,000 and a combined household income less than $50,000 per year. The bill would also allow renters to qualify for a homestead exemption. It is an attempt at addressing property tax increases for some of our most vulnerable. However, it does nothing to address seniors who are still paying on a mortgage or to address the high property tax increases the rest of Kansans are facing. There will be other ideas to regarding property tax as there are many legislators with a desire to address the issue.
Kansas Senate denounces New York’s Reproductive Health Act: Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1606 sends a clear message to New York State that Kansas denounces the recent legislation passed and celebrated by some of its legislators. New York allows third-trimester abortions, removes an abortion penal code, and allows non-physicians to commit abortion. The SCR passed the Senate on a vote of 27 to 13. I voted Yes. The SCR will now go to the House for debate, since it is a joint resolution. If it passes the House, copies will be sent to the Governor of New York and each member of the New York State Senate and State Assembly. Normally, it is not our concern how another state conducts business. However, this is a matter of life and death. Our founding fathers wrote of our natural rights including life and liberty. It is the duty of government to protect the natural rights of people.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Caryn Tyson
Kansas Senate, District 12
785.296.6838
Acting Secretary Norman Testifies at KanCare Oversight Hearing
Describes the system as sound but needing updates
TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Acting Secretary Lee A. Norman, M.D. testified during Friday’s Bethel Oversight Committee hearing on Kansas’s Medicaid program, Kancare. He stated that while the program should continue with improvements in several areas, the program itself is on the right track and valuable for Kansans.
“I liken the base of KanCare to the chassis of an automobile,” said Acting Secretary Norman. “If the car does not have a strong, well-built chassis, then it doesn’t matter how great the tires are that you put on it. The solid chassis for KanCare involves an updated IT system as well as the personnel to handle the amount of cases that come in, among other things,” said Norman.
“During my tenure as chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System I had great deal of experience working on KanCare issues. I saw firsthand that it is a system that is beneficial to Kansans. Like any large endeavor it has had its growing pains, but we have seen great improvements and we will continue to hone those areas to make sure it is effective for all KanCare members.”
Areas discussed by Dr. Norman and KDHE staff at the hearing included the transition to a new managed care organization (MCO), Aetna, improvements to the eligibility system and financial updates for the program.
KDHE, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and the three MCOs for KanCare all provided testimony to the Bethel oversight committee which meets quarterly.
Governor Comments on Oswego Hospital Closing
Governor Kelly’s statement on the Oswego Community Hospital closure
The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the closure of Oswego Community Hospital:
“Once again, we see the consequences of failing to expand Medicaid. Another Kansas hospital, this time in Oswego, has closed its doors. Studies show about 30% of our state’s hospitals are considered financially vulnerable. In small communities across our state – these facilities are at serious risk of closure.
“Just by expanding KanCare – the state’s Medicaid program – we can help keep these important facilities open and provide affordable health care to 150,000 more Kansans – no matter where they live. It is time to put politics aside and do what is best for the families and communities of Kansas.
“I look forward to legislators following through on their pledge to move our agenda through the committee process and allow for a full floor debate on our Medicaid expansion proposal.”
Rebid Family Preservation Grants; Reopen Negotiations on Foster Care Grants
Kansas Department for Children and Families to Rebid Family Preservation Grants; Reopen Negotiations on Foster Care Grants
Current contracts to be extended
Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Department for Children and Families (DCF) will rebid the state’s family preservation grants and revise the grants awarded to foster care contractors during the previous administration.
“After careful review, it is clear there are flaws in both the family preservation and foster care grants awarded by the previous administration,” said Kelly. “Under the direction of Secretary Laura Howard, and in partnership with the Department of Administration, we will work to resolve the inconsistencies and shed more light on the process.”
Thursday morning, DCF sent letters to Eckerd Connects and Cornerstones of Care terminating the previously negotiated grants for family preservation services in Kansas. These contracts will be rebid. In addition, Saint Francis Ministries, KVC Kansas, TFI and Cornerstones of Care were notified of the state’s intent to reopen negotiations on the foster care grants announced in November.
“It is not our intent to completely restart the process on the foster care grants,” said Howard. “We want to continue to work with our valued partners to ensure the grants are structured in a way that provides more stability during the grant transition and additional clarity in the roles of both the grantees and DCF. To be clear, we look forward to working with our current contractors to solve these issues and believe that adding new partners will bring long-term stability and years of experience into the child welfare system in Kansas.”
To ensure a transparent process moving forward, DCF will issue a new request for proposal (RFP) for family preservation services through the Department of Administration. In addition, representatives from the Department of Administration will join DCF staff to assist in the foster care grant negotiations. This will ensure proper procedures are followed.
“As a senator, I served on the Child Welfare Task Force and I voiced my concerns regularly about the lack of transparency in the Department for Children and Families,” said Kelly. “Rest assured, fixing the problems in this agency, working with advocates and being open about the process is of critical importance to my administration.”
To allow time to complete the RFP process and additional negotiations, DCF is extending the current family preservation contracts by six months and foster care contracts by three months.
KDOT Plans in FY2020
During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz to announce the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) plans to invest $160 million in revenue that is included in the Governor’s FY 2020 budget for transportation.
With the $160 million in FY 2020, KDOT will:
- Increase the highway preservation investment from $350 – $400 million
- Move forward with four delayed T-WORKS projects (including the U.S. 169 modernization project in Anderson County; for details click the link below)
- Reinstate the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program
- Implement a new cost-share program for state/local partnerships
- Enhance its safety program • Increase City Connecting Link maintenance payments
- Increase funding for modal programs (e.g., transit, aviation, rail and bike/pedestrian)
For further information please go to this link:
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 8, 2019
Effort to Stop Growing Government: As a result of 2017 the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many states, including Kansas, will have to change their tax laws in order to avoid a state tax increase. The Senate passed legislation last year dealing with the issue but it failed in the House. This year the Senate has again picked up the banner in an attempt to pass legislation as quickly as possible so that some taxpayers will not have to file amended returns and to keep the money where it was intended – with the taxpayer. Currently, individual taxpayers cannot itemize on their Kansas tax return unless they itemize on their Federal tax return. Senate Bill (SB) 22 will allow individual taxpayers an option to itemize, which could impact your 2018 taxes since the bill is retro-active. Unfortunately, the bill only allows 50% of medical and mortgage deductions for tax-year 2018. It increases to 75% in tax-year 2019 and to 100% in tax-year 2020. SB 22 also addresses corporate money that has been earned offshore, allowing the money to come to Kansas with no Kansas income tax owed. Most corporations are tax savvy and if Kansas does nothing the money will most likely go elsewhere. The Senate passed SB 22 on a vote of 26 to 14. I voted Yes. The bill must pass the House and not be vetoed by the Governor to become law.
Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS): Senate Bill (SB) 9 will require Kansas to pay the KPERS fund on-time, which will save the State money. It passed the Senate unanimously. Hopefully, the House and the Governor will act quickly so that SB 9 becomes law.
Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Recognized in the Senate and House for serving Kansans for 100 years. KFB is a grassroots organization that promotes agriculture, education, community, and rural life. It was a pleasure to have KFB President Felts and many others in the Capitol to celebrate.
Hunting and Fishing Fees: Last week I mentioned SB 50, a bill Wildlife and Parks requested to increase almost all hunting and fishing fees by 50% and some 100%. It was announced the bill will not get out of committee. It would be nice to say the issue is dead but that just isn’t the case. However, it does appear it will not get traction this year.
Debt: School bonding debt for new buildings and maintenance of buildings has increased from $5.7 billion to $6.4 in less than three years. From 2008 to 2018 it has increased over $2.6 billion. There has been an attempt to address the continued increase in bonding debt to no avail.
| As of June 30, | Statewide School District Indebtedness | Annual Change | |
| 2008 | 3,777,562,130 | ||
| 2009 | 4,459,650,707 | 682,088,577 | |
| 2010 | 4,602,634,429 | 142,983,722 | |
| 2011 | 4,483,953,136 | -118,681,293 | |
| 2012 | 4,476,413,399 | -7,539,737 | |
| 2013 | 4,659,624,797 | 183,211,398 | |
| 2014 | 5,281,919,283 | 622,294,486 | |
| 2015 | 5,623,047,441 | 341,128,158 | |
| 2016 | 5,790,934,088 | 167,886,647 | |
| 2017 | 6,089,382,797 | 298,448,709 | |
| 2018 | 6,416,193,352 | 326,810,555 | |
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Emergency Staffing Needed At El Dorado Correctional Facility
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.
Senator Hilderband’s Weekly Newsletter Feb. 8
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.
Flags Half-Staff In Honor of John Dingell
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.
Governor Makes Early Childhood Education A Priority
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.
Governor Kelly: Focus on Ending Finance Litigation
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.”