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Category Archives: Kansas
Grant Applications Open to Help Expand Apprenticeship Programs in Kansas
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $550,000 in grant funding is available to support the expansion of registered apprenticeship programs across Kansas.
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship grant will be divided into two distinct opportunities aimed at attracting and retaining more skilled employees. The first is a continuation of the established registered apprenticeship sponsor funding, available to state educational institutions, joint-labor organizations, businesses, nonprofits and workforce boards to support projects that expand their reach. The second is a new opportunity for small businesses to help them adopt registered apprenticeship programs.
“We have been intentional with our approaches to increase the reach and impact of registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas for one simple reason – they work,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “In the last three years, we’ve made extraordinary progress — with employer participation increasing from 280 companies to more than 1,000. These grants will help ensure even more employers can take advantage of the power of apprenticeships, and their ability to attract and retain talent.”
The existing program offers grant awards up to $150,000 which can be used to support technical instruction, outreach, staffing, partnerships and administrative costs. In addition, small business grants of $7,000 also will be available to companies with fewer than 10 employees that register at least one apprentice by the end of the grant period. Both applications must be completed by September 20, 2026.
“This grant opportunity has played a key role in expanding high-wage and high-demand registered apprenticeship programs across Kansas,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “We’ve been extremely successful in expanding not only union-based apprenticeships but adding new industries such as agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing. We want to ensure businesses of all sizes get access to these opportunities.”
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship grant program is one of many tools offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce to support workforce development for high-wage, high-demand occupations statewide. To apply or learn more about the office, the program and other resources offered, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The Office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.
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KDOL Launches Kansas Amusement Management System
Kansas Department of Labor Launches New Kansas Amusement Management Permitting System
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) is proud to announce the launch of the Kansas Amusement Management Permitting System (KAMPS), an innovative online portal designed to make amusement ride registration and permitting faster, easier and more secure for operators across the state.
Through KAMPS, operators can conveniently register their rides, manage permits and upload all required documents in one centralized, user-friendly location. This modernized system streamlines compliance, reduces paperwork and supports safer operations for amusement ride patrons throughout Kansas.
“The safety of Kansas residents and visitors is a top priority,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “By introducing the KAMPS portal, we’re giving amusement ride operators the tools they need to meet safety requirements quickly and efficiently, while ensuring our agency can provide the best oversight possible.”
The portal is available now at dol.ks.gov/amusement-rides. KDOL staff is ready to assist operators with any questions about registering rides, managing permits or uploading documents.
For assistance, please contact KDOL’s Amusement Ride team at 785-296-4386 or email [email protected].
Today From The Kansas Supreme Court
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8 Tips to Protect Your Family, Community and Wallet
Kansas Gas Service is encouraging safe digging on 811 Day
Ahead of 811 Day, recognized on Aug. 11, Kansas Gas Service encourages everyone planning any outdoor projects to consider how to dig safely before they begin.
Kansas law requires residents to call 811 or submit a request online at Kansas811.com before starting any digging project to help protect themselves, their property and their community. Kansas Gas Service highlights 8 safe digging tips, 1 important reminder and 1 essential number to call—not just on Aug. 11, but all year long.
8 Safe Digging Tips and Reasons to Call 811
- Plan ahead. Gather all the details of your property and project and call 811 or submit a request online at least two business days ahead of when you plan to start digging.
- Safety first. You may not think you need to contact 811 – but you probably do. For digging projects big or small, from installing a mailbox to building a deck or planting a tree, contact 811 to be safe.
- Be a good neighbor. No one wants to lose service – especially in the August heat. Hitting a buried line in your yard could wipe out service for your entire neighborhood. Contact 811 and be patient until the utilities crews arrive to mark your project area with colored flags or paint.
- Keep pets inside. They may want to say hello to utility crews marking lines outside, but it’s safest for everyone if they stay secure indoors.
- Color match. Understand what the different colors of flags or paint in your yard mean. For example, natural gas lines are marked with yellow flags. Learn more here.
- Leave flags alone. It’s best to leave the flags in place throughout your digging project to be sure you don’t accidentally hit any lines.
- Dig carefully. Make sure to dig at least 24 inches away from the flags in order to avoid inadvertently hitting a line. This is called the “tolerance zone.”
- Start with peace of mind. By contacting 811 and knowing where the lines are buried in your yard, you can rest assured that you’ve done what’s necessary to start your project on the right foot and keep everyone safe.
One Takeaway, One Number to Call
Safety is always the top priority. No matter the size of your project, failing to contact 811 can lead to serious injury if you hit a buried line, service disruptions and legal consequences for breaking the law. It can also cause delays or require repairs to your home project—unexpected costs that can add up quickly. Using the free 811 service helps keep you safe, your project on track and your wallet protected.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 648,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.
KS Tax Collections Up in July
July Total Tax Collections at $670.2M;
3.3% Above Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends July 2025 with total tax collections at $670.2 million. That is $21.2 million, or 3.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.5% from July 2024.
“While this month’s tax collections highlight the strength of Kansas’ workforce and economy in the short-term, I remain concerned about the long-term fiscal health of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must stay vigilant and recommit to fiscally responsible budgeting in order to stay out of the red in the coming years.”
Individual income tax collections were $347.5 million. That is $32.5 million, or 10.3% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 12.7% from July 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $18.5 million. That is $16.5 million, or 47.1% below the estimate, and down 46.0% from July 2024.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $291.8 million, which is $2.2 million, or 0.8% below the estimate, and down 4.4% from July 2024.
Click here to view the July 2025 revenue numbers.
Become a Voice for Regional Water Issues
Kansas Water Authority Seeks Regional Advisory Committee Members
The Kansas Water Authority is currently accepting applications for all 14 Regional Advisory Committees. Committee members serve as a voice for water issues in their community. Applications can be found at kwo.ks.gov.
Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are composed of local stakeholders and water professionals from diverse backgrounds – including agriculture, industry, public water supply, conservation and more.
Each RAC meets to discuss local water issues and to advise the Kansas Water Authority and Kansas Water Office on the issues in their region. RAC members serve as local connections with the public and help to shape statewide water planning by identifying regional priorities and actions.
“Water issues and community needs vary from region to region in our state,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “RAC members serve as boots-on-the-ground perspective and provide crucial, local input for statewide water planning.”
To apply, visit www.kwo.ks.gov/about-us/regional-advisory-committees. Applications are due September 30.
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As the state’s water office, Kansas Water Office conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.
The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation.
KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair Fuels a New Economic Era for Kansas
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 13.
“Kansas businesses are expanding and we’re landing more private sector investment from outside the state than ever before — retaining and creating an unprecedented number of jobs and growing our workforce in the process,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether you’re an employer seeking to fill essential roles or a jobseeker looking to take on a new adventure — our job fairs offer the connections, opportunities and resources to grow your future in Kansas.”
The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event. Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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KS Gov. Sues Federal Agencies For Illegal Attempts To Stop Funding to States
Governor Kelly Joins Multistate Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration’s
Illegal Attempts to Terminate
Critical Federal Funding to States
~~Kansas Joins Coalition in Suing Federal Agencies Over Illegal Use of
a Single Clause in Federal Regulations to Terminate Billions of Dollars
in Federal Funding~~
TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and governors for the commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Kentucky in suing the Trump Administration over its unprecedented and unlawful attempts to invoke a single provision buried in the federal regulations to strip away billions of dollars in critical federal funding for states and other grantees. The lawsuit seeks to limit the Trump Administration’s use of this regulation to indiscriminately and illegally terminate critical funding for combating violent crime, educating our students, protecting clean drinking water, conducting lifesaving medical and scientific research, safeguarding public health, addressing food insecurity, and much more.
“It makes no sense to claim that protecting Kansans from natural disasters or supporting Kansas farm products no longer supports the priorities of FEMA or the USDA,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I joined this lawsuit on behalf of Kansas to ensure funds going towards critical programs our state depends on are not ripped away by the Trump Administration—or any presidential administration—on a whim.”
Since January 20, at the direction of President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), federal agencies have stripped away thousands of grants they had previously awarded to states and grantees. The Trump Administration has slashed this critical federal funding by invoking a single clause in the federal regulations of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which provides that agencies may terminate an award of federal funding if it “no longer effectuates … agency priorities.” Those five words have formed the basis for much of the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate campaign to unlawfully terminate critical funding expressly authorized by Congress and awarded to states.
In Kansas, since January 20, the Trump Administration has terminated millions of dollars of federal funding for a wide variety of critical programs.
Among other things, the Trump Administration has invoked the five words in this regulation to terminate millions of dollars used to purchase goods from Kansas farmers, to mitigate natural disasters, and to enhance childhood education.
It has cut $2 million to a Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) program that strengthened our food supply chain by purchasing local Kansas grown food and goods for distribution across the state. It has cut Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) programs in Southeast Kansas that enhanced K-12 science education and access to healthy food.
As this lawsuit explains, the Trump Administration’s decision to invoke this regulation as its basis for slashing billions of dollars of critical funding to states is a dramatic departure from past practice. Before the Trump Administration, federal agencies had not terminated grants merely because the agency’s priorities shifted midway during the use of the grant without any advance notice. That was not how they applied the regulation, either.
However, since President Trump took office, federal agencies have shifted course and claimed unfettered authority to terminate grants on a whim and with no advance notice. In February, President Trump issued an executive order formally directing agencies—and the DOGE employees assigned to these agencies—to terminate grants en masse. And federal agencies have carried out that directive by invoking the regulation as grounds for terminating entire programs based on a purported shift in agency priorities, without any notice to the states and in conflict with the federal statutes appropriating funding for these programs.
The lawsuit argues that the Trump Administration’s decision to invoke the regulation to terminate grants based on their changed agency priorities is unlawful. The lawsuit explains that the regulation does not authorize federal agencies to terminate grants based on changes in agency preferences that occur after a grant is awarded. The lawsuit also notes the importance of obtaining clarity regarding the scope of this regulation, as states collectively accept hundreds of billions of dollars a year that are at risk of termination pursuant to this regulation.
The coalition’s lawsuit is against OMB and a number of federal agencies that have unlawfully relied on this regulation to collectively slash billions of dollars in federal funding to states: the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, Interior, Justice, Labor, and State, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Endowment for the Humanities, and National Science Foundation.
The coalition filed suit in the District of Massachusetts and seeks a declaratory judgment that the OMB regulation and Defendants’ regulations do not independently authorize the Trump Administration to terminate funding based on agency priorities that were identified after the grant was awarded. In the alternative, the coalition seeks to vacate the Trump Administration’s decision—reflected in its uniform practice across all of the Defendant agencies—to invoke the regulation as grounds for terminating billions of dollars of federal funding based on purported changes in agency priorities.
Joining the amended filing alongside Governor Kelly is Governor Andy Beshear for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Others participating in the suit include: the Attorneys General of New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Governor Josh Shapiro for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A copy of the filing is available here.
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Breastfeeding Importance For Health and Well-Being
Governor Kelly Proclaims August “Kansas Breastfeeding Month”
In support of World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month
TOPEKA –
Governor Laura Kelly recently signed a proclamation recognizing August as “Kansas Breastfeeding Month.” This proclamation recognizes the importance of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of Kansans.
“We are extremely pleased with Governor Kelly’s proclamation, which highlights the importance of breastfeeding support for families in Kansas. This proclamation supports their decision and provides a foundation to build a landscape of breastfeeding support in our state,” Brenda Bandy, IBCLC, Executive Director of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC), said.
“Breastfeeding is a public health priority in Kansas,” Dereck Totten, MD, KDHE Chief Medical Officer, said. “Improving breastfeeding rates reflects the strength of our statewide partnerships and community collaboration. Breastfeeding is a vital step in safeguarding the health of both parents and infants that we remain committed to promoting and supporting.”
Nearly 90 percent of families in Kansas choose to breastfeed. Kansas is ranked fourth in the nation for exclusively breastfeeding at three months, and fifth in the nation at six months. However, only around one in three Kansas infants are exclusively breastfed through the critical first six months of life. Lack of support and barriers in the workplace can often be obstacles for parents who choose to breastfeed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidance on breastfeeding which calls for policy changes to address obstacles for parents who choose to breastfeed, including universal paid maternity leave and insurance coverage for lactation support. Establishing better breastfeeding support will improve both baby and mother’s future health and reduce reliance on infant formula.
Today’s proclamation stresses the role of every Kansan to make breastfeeding easier in our state. The KBC State of Breastfeeding in Kansas 2024 report has action items and resources for individuals, employers, child care providers, healthcare professionals, and others to support breastfeeding.
KS DCF Denies USDA Data Request
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KS Modernizes Child Welfare System
DCF Announces Contracts Awarded to Modernize State’s Child Welfare System
New System Will Help Agency Work More Efficiently, Effectively
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced on July 22, 2025, three contracts have been awarded for the department’s new Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS). The CCWIS project will modernize DCF’s child welfare information systems and develop interfaces between the various agencies serving DCF’s Prevention and Protection Services (PPS) and Adult Protective Services (APS) programs.
Many states are pursuing CCWIS projects. Kansas’ CCWIS project will consolidate the functions of the agency’s multiple legacy information systems – most of which are based on 20th century technology – into a single, integrated solution that is flexible and collaborative, streamlining work processes and services for employees, partnering agencies, and clients.
The three new contracts joining the DCF project team include: Design, development, and implementation (DDI); independent verification and validation (IV&V); and quality assurance (QA). The three selected vendors will work with the DCF CCWIS project team to develop and implement the new system.
Design, Development, and Implementation Contract
The DDI contract is the largest contract for the project. This contractor will work alongside DCF staff to develop and roll out the new system. Eleven bids were received for the DDI RFP. RedMane Technology LLC, a Chicago-based software solutions and systems integration company, was selected during the competitive bid process and has been awarded a $44 million contract to design, develop, and implement the department’s CCWIS.
Since 2000, RedMane has created software solutions to help health and human services organizations implement, modernize, and optimize systems for child welfare, child support, and critical case management.
Independent Verification and Validation Contract
Maximus US Services, Inc. has been selected as the IV&V vendor. Maximus brings 23 years of experience, providing IV&V and real-time objective assessment services to the CCWIS project as well as independent oversight of the DDI contractor’s project performance and adherence to schedules and scope of work. The contract award amount is $2,192,200.
Quality Assurance Contract
CSG Government Solutions, headquartered in Chicago, has been selected as the Quality Assurance (QA) vendor for DCF’s CCWIS project. The CSG team offers 25 years of experience delivering quality assurance services for complex health and human services agencies across the country, including multiple active CCWIS projects.
Under the awarded contract valued at $4,745,760, CSG will provide quality analysis of the project’s output, validate system functionality, and ensure Kansas receives the system as contracted.
“A modern and adaptable information technology infrastructure system will help our employees and partners seamlessly work together to better serve Kansans,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “We’re happy to be working with RedMane, Maximus, and CSG to bring the information technology side of Kansas’ child welfare system into the 21st century.”
Benefits of a CCWIS
The new CCWIS will replace multiple older systems, eliminating redundancy and standardizing practice and service delivery statewide. The CCWIS solution will better support key child welfare functions such as management of client files, intake functions, ongoing case management, visitation report entries, court record production, comprehensive reporting, and decision support processing.
Other key benefits may include:
- Improved interfaces with Title IV-A (TANF), Title IV-D (Child Support Enforcement), Title XIX (Medicaid), and the State’s financial and administrative systems;
- Better data sharing with key community partners, including courts, schools, law enforcement, and other state agencies;
- Data accuracy and timeliness.
Once implemented, the CCWIS solution will be fully compliant with the CCWIS Final Rule and subsequent communications by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
“This project aligns with our mission to protect children and promote healthy families by transforming our dated child welfare information technology systems into a modern, adaptable ecosystem that will provide the right services and supports needed to help support the well-being of Kansas children and families,” Howard said.
Process and Funding
DCF has spent the past few years planning for the new CCWIS. The project is expected to cost a total of $100 million over the estimated four-year development period. Approximately 50% of the total cost will come from the State General Fund and 50% from Federal IV-E funds.
During the 2024 Legislative session, Governor Laura Kelly requested, and the Kansas Legislature approved, an enhancement request for an additional $17 million per year for four years starting in FY2025. This $68 million of additional funding, along with $32 million from the base budget, will provide $100 million over the next four years to finish the development. The total cost includes contracts for DDI, QA, and IV&V vendors as well as costs for internal salaries, staffing contractors, travel, training, and other required contracts.
Timeline
Project initiation is anticipated to begin immediately now that all contracted partners have been approved by ACF and the State of Kansas. The DDI contract, the centerpiece of the project, is for four base years and includes three optional 36-month renewals.
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