Category Archives: Kansas

Business, Government, Kansas

Rural Kansas Downtown Revive and Thrive Grants Announced

Leave a comment

Commerce Launches Grant to Support Innovation, Incubator Spaces in Small Communities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the Downtown Revive & Thrive: Rehabilitation for Innovation and Incubator Spaces program. There is a total of $500,000 available in funding for Kansas communities with populations of 5,000 or less for projects that result in functional business incubator spaces or facilities designed for temporary retail or restaurant operations.

“Rural communities are hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship but often do not have enough financial resources to maximize their economic potential,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program will support the rehabilitation of spaces, especially in our state’s historic downtown buildings, for communities to activate underutilized assets and boost their local economies.”

Rural downtowns are experiencing an increase in vacant and underutilized properties, many of which are historic buildings in dire need of rehabilitation. At the same time, there is a strong demand for spaces that entrepreneurs can use to test products, develop commercial concepts and pilot new retail or restaurant ventures.

The program is designed to support projects that repurpose existing infrastructure to create spaces and provide equipment for pop-up retail and restaurants that drive economic growth and contribute vibrancy to communities.

The Revive & Thrive grant program is administered by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity at the Department of Commerce. The application window will be open until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10. Grant awards will be announced in April.

For those interested in applying for funding, a virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29. Registration is required and a Zoom link will be provided once registration is complete. To register, click here.

The Office of Rural Prosperity will host office hours from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. every Thursday, January 29 through March 5. To sign up, visit here.

For additional information about the Downtown Revive & Thrive program, 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.

##
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
Facebook  Twitter  Visit our Website  GovDelivery Signup
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment

 

Caryn Tyson

January 23, 2026

 

Property Tax Relief – The CAP Assessment Protection (CAP) Amendment (SCR 1616) has cleared the Senate Tax Committee, moving us closer to protecting Kansans from runaway property tax increases. Currently, there’s no cap on how much a property’s assessed value can rise. It has been reported in the past five years that Kansas saw a 45-52% surge in residential valuations statewide, with an average 26-32% jump in just the last three years. Linn County led the state with a 66% increase. (Thankfully the County has remained neutral since 2021, but other taxing authorities like the schools took all the increase). The CAP Amendment would limit annual assessment growth to 3% or less, using 2022 as the baseline and the limit stays in place even after a sale of the property. County appraisals remain unchanged; the taxable value becomes the lower of the unrestricted assessment or the capped value. By capping the biggest driver of your tax bill—the assessed value—the amendment shields homeowners from inflation-driven tax spikes and addresses the problem of taxes on unrealized gains. It’s a common-sense safeguard to keep Kansans in their homes.

 

Kansas City Chiefs Stadium Deal was discussed in recent House and Senate committee hearings because legislation creating a stadium authority must pass for the project to advance. Hall talk suggests over 100 lobbyists are pushing it. Committee proponents highlighted the revenue the project would generate for the state, but a Wyandotte County representative commented that similar promises for past STAR bond projects fell short. It’s a public-private partnership with approximately 60% public funding (mainly via STAR bonds – sales taxes in the affected area would be used to pay off the bonds). These deals often let private businesses tap taxpayer dollars for their projects.

 

Committee work is the focus at the beginning of any session. This is the stage where a bill, such as the CAP Amendment, undergoes its most rigorous scrutiny before ever reaching the floor of a chamber for a full vote. Committees are where legislators review language of a bill and hear testimony from conferees. During this phase a bill can be amended, refined, or even completely rewritten when the committee “works” a bill. Because committees act as gatekeepers, a bill’s passage out of a committee can be a significant milestone; it signals that the proposal has enough merit and support to be considered by the entire legislative body of the Senate or the House, whichever chamber the bill is currently located.

 

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

Caryn Tyson

Kansas Senate, District 12

Government, Kansas

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

Leave a comment
Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

Late Thursday afternoon, the House of Representatives passed the remaining annual appropriation bills – Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Transportation and Housing and Urban Development; and Homeland Security. Six of the annual bills are now signed into law and the other six have passed the House and are pending in the Senate. If the Senate is able to finish the job and pass them next week, it would mark the first time in three decades that Congress has done what it is supposed to do by passing the annual government-funding bills. I ran for Congress to help fix a system that had become badly broken, and returning to “regular order” – the process by which government funding decisions are made through annual bills written with input from the entire Congress, not just by a select few – is a big step in the right direction.

Notably, the overall effect of enacting these twelve funding bills would be to have total federal discretionary spending decline rather than increase for the first time in many years. In my view, this is another step in the right direction.

One disappointment in the appropriations work this week was not getting year-around access to E15 into the bill. I’m a strong supporter of E15 because it can bring value to Kansas farmers and much of our rural economy that are really struggling, and it could help without spending any more taxpayer money. To me, it just makes common sense to remove the government restriction on selling E15 and let consumers — not the federal government — decide whether to buy it. We have spent years working toward that goal and had hoped this would be the time it was accomplished, but late opposition kept us from finishing the job despite hours of work throughout this week. I’m still committed to fighting for year-around consumer access to E15, and we’re regrouping to carry the fight forward.

Also this week, the House considered and passed two bills that aim to support pregnant women by authorizing funds to pregnancy centers (H.R. 6945) and resources at higher education institutions to support women carrying a baby to term (H.R. 6359). I was proud to join my colleagues in passing these bills, which now will be considered by the Senate.

On Wednesday, I participated in a House Small Business Committee hearing gathering information about the boom in data center construction in our country and the opportunities and challenges it presents for rural communities. In our Second Congressional District, several communities have made data centers part of their economic development strategy, and I found the information from this hearing helpful. In my view, engaging with the community before construction decisions are made is critically important to hear concerns and address questions, and that was a perspective shared by each of the witnesses who testified.

Also this week, I participated in a House Armed Services Committee briefing on Thursday pertaining to the Defense Health Agency’s efforts to improve the military health system. It was a pleasure to discuss a new provision of law that I helped enact as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act that directs the Department of Veterans Affairs and military medical facilities to cooperate to improve access to healthcare for veterans as well as military personnel and their families. Our focus in particular is on Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley, which has the opportunity to be at the forefront of expanded partnership.

Out of the headlines this week was this good news: General Motors announced this production of the Buick Envision will from China to Kansas City, Kansas. This is another success story in the ongoing work to bring home American investment and jobs to the United States, and I’m very happy the Second Congressional District is benefiting from this move.
Constituent Services

My team stands ready to help Kansans in the Second Congressional District who are dealing with unresolved federal issues. This includes assistance with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, and other federal agencies.

 

If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency and need assistance, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website.

It’s always good to be home to meet with Kansans around our district. From last weekend to the beginning of this week, I visited Neodesha to discuss rural healthcare issues at Wilson Medical Center and the opportunities presented by the Rural Health Transformation Program we created last year that is providing an additional $222 million for Kansas rural healthcare providers this year; Fort Scott to receive an update on happenings and needs at the Fort Scott National Historic Site and to meet with the new president of Fort Scott Community College; Atchison for a legislative townhall with local residents; Pittsburg to visit the terrific new childcare facility in the community; and Kansas City to join in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you all!
 

 
Government, Kansas

Ken Collins, Kansas State Representative-Second District

Leave a comment

Thoughts From Under the Dome

 

 

Week two of the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session is now in the books and there is a great deal of talk about property tax relief right now and how it can be achieved. A majority of what a property owner pays goes to local governments and school districts so that shifts the focus on possibly limiting valuation increases and there are several proposals floating around at this point so all that I can say right now is to stay tuned.

 

House Bill 2412 also known as Benny’s Bill is my main focus this year when it comes to legislation that I am sponsoring. Benny’s Bill increases the severity levels for crimes relating to endangering a child under the age of six changing what is now a misdemeanor into a felony. The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the bill and while they haven’t voted on it yet as of my writing of this the response that I have received from committee members has been positive. I was greatly impressed by Shelby Cannon and Lisa Eastwood the mother and grandmother of Benny Cannon the child who suffers as a result of day care negligence and was the inspiration for HB 2412.  Jordan Chessher from Project Heaven in Wichita also testified. His organization advocates for stronger laws to protect abused and neglected children. His input was very helpful as well.

 

On a final note I am a cosponsor of House Bill 2473 along with Representatives Brett Fairchild, Stephanie Sawyer-Clayton and others. This bill would eliminate the parental consent exception to the legal age to marry in Kansas of 18. Times have changed and I believe that the once common practice of child marriage never turns out well in this day and age.

 

That’s it for now. I’m wishing the best for everyone and if there are any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

 

 

Government, Kansas

KS Office of Early Childhood First Report Is Submitted to Legislature

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces
Kansas Office of Early Childhood Inaugural
Annual Report Submitted to the Kansas Legislature


TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Office of Early Childhood (KOEC) today announced that the KOEC’s inaugural Annual Report has been submitted to the Kansas Legislature.

“We are making Kansas the premier state to raise a family by building a comprehensive early childhood system that is transparent, efficient, and easier for Kansas families, child care providers, and businesses to navigate,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood was a foundational first step in this process. The inaugural Annual Report outlines significant progress toward building a more robust system and provides a pathway to set the Office up for long-term success.”

Once established on July 1, 2026, KOEC will unify over 20 early childhood programs into one central office, providing parents, providers, and communities with a single point of contact for programs and services supporting Kansas children. The submission of the Annual Report to the Kansas Legislature is statutorily required, pursuant to K.S.A. 75-7702.

Nearly 180,000 children under age 5 live in Kansas, and demand for early childhood services remains high, with 67 percent of young children living in households where all available parents are in the workforce. The establishment of KOEC represents a significant step toward simplifying access to programs and services for families, reducing administrative burden for child care providers, and strengthening accountability for public investments. Governor Kelly has appointed Christi Smith to serve as the inaugural director of the office.

“This inaugural report reflects our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, and it sets clear priorities for the work ahead,” said Christi Smith, Acting Director, Kansas Office of Early Childhood. “It also establishes a precedent for ongoing data reporting on what matters most so we can strengthen services, improve outcomes for Kansas children, and better support the families and providers who care for them. We’re excited to get this important work underway.”

As required by House Bill 2045, the legislation that established KOEC, the Annual Report provides a transparent update on progress to date toward transitioning all programs to KOEC in advance of July 1, 2026, including early operational planning and first-year priorities as Kansas continues to build a more comprehensive early childhood system. The Annual Report is a crucial first step for Kansas in transforming the currently siloed components of the state’s early childhood landscape into a more efficient and effective system.

The inaugural Annual Report outlines recommendations for KOEC’s first year, system performance, and progress toward statewide early childhood goals. Recommendations for KOEC’s first year center on strategic planning to improve resource efficiency, internal organization, field-facing systems, communications, and purposeful collaboration across the early childhood ecosystem.

The inaugural Annual Report be found here.

###
Government, Kansas

KS Legislative Hotline: Information For Legislative Sessions

Leave a comment

All-Year Access to the Kansas Legislative Hotline

Powered by the State Library of Kansas

TOPEKA–Kansans are encouraged to call the Legislative Hotline, 1-800-432-3924, for information about the 2026 Kansas Legislature and legislative sessions, as well as past sessions. Kansas’ Legislative Hotline can also be accessed by emailing library@ks.gov or using the chat online, library.ks.gov/chat. The Legislative Hotline is a trustworthy resource for state residents with questions about the Kansas Legislature and is staffed by skilled librarians.

The Legislative Hotline is Kansas’ one-stop resource to learn who their legislators are, acquire up-to-date legislative contact information, check the status and history of bills, understand the legislative process, locate historical information and other inquiries related to Kansas government.

“It is essential for Kansans to have accurate and timely information about their state government and the issues they care about,” said State Librarian Ray Walling. “By using the Legislative Hotline, Kansans will access the information they need from a trusted source, trained librarians from their own State Library.”

Kansas residents can connect with the Legislative Hotline by phone, chat or email: 

Live Legislative Hotline assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Messages left via voicemail or email are promptly returned on the next business day. Additionally, Kansans can engage in real-time conversations with librarians through the Ask a Librarian service at library.ks.gov/chat, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. TTY users can dial 711 for assistance.

The State Library of Kansas supports the informational needs of government entities and the people of Kansas and serves as a repository for government publications. Through the coordination of statewide resource-sharing initiatives and grant programs, the State Library plays a crucial role in strengthening public libraries. The State Library of Kansas also oversees the Talking Books program, which provides specialized materials and support services to qualifying Kansans. Learn more at library.ks.gov.

 

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment

 

January 16, 2026

 

…and they’re off.  Well, that’s what the first week of session was like.  Committee meetings were the big focus.  The Governor’s State of the State was also the first week of session, which was unusual.  Who knows why she gave her last one early in session.  Most likely because she has heard what most legislators have heard – it is going to be a short session because a few in leadership are running for statewide office.  The Senate President has said it will not be a shortened session and that we will use the 90 days as defined in the Kansas Constitution (even numbered years can only last 90 days).  That is good because there is plenty of work.

 

Property Taxes have reached a boiling point.  The appraisal system is not always accurate, and some local government officials continue to deny that there were property tax increases – when we all know we are paying more.  The Senate Tax Committee had hearings on Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1616, Cap Assessment-value Protection (CAP) Amendment, to cap your annual assessment value increases to 3% or less with a base year of 2022, and the capped assessment value would transfer with the property when it sells.  The CAP Amendment is a constitutional amendment that would help rein in sudden property tax jumps on individual properties.

 

The Governor was silent on property taxes in her State of the State speech.  As you know, it takes a supermajority in each chamber for a constitutional amendment and then a vote of the people.  Other legislation takes a simple majority in both chambers and the Governor or a supermajority to override a Governor’s veto.  It took a few years to pass income tax cuts, including exempting Social Security from state income tax and a property tax freeze for seniors in need and disabled veterans.  I am working diligently with numerous colleagues to achieve property tax relief and to repair a broken system.

 

Redistricting it appears there are not enough legislators who want to tackle redistricting of U.S. Congressional seats in Kansas.  There has been much national attention on the issue, and several states are moving forward on the effort – red and blue states.  It is not to be taken lightly, and it appears it will not happen in Kansas.

 

Waste and Fraud have national attention.  Concerns about welfare fraud in Kansas, fueled by taxpayer frustration and high-profile cases like Minnesota, are resulting in much needed increased reporting and investigations.  SNAP (food stamps) and TANF (welfare cash assistance) benefit cards have been hacked in Kansas with card readers that steal card numbers and PINs, allowing a clone card to drain the funds.  In Kansas, it’s mainly being reported in the KC and Wichita areas.

 

KSLegislature.gov has bill information, a list of legislators, videos of committee meetings and floor debates, and much more available information.  My email address is Caryn.Tyson@Senate.KS.gov or phone number during session is 785.296.6838.

 

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

Caryn

 

Government, Kansas

KS Rail Service Improvements Announced

1 Comment

 

Governor Kelly Announces $11M for
Rail Service Improvement Projects


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 10 rail service improvement projects across Kansas will receive a total of $11.2 million through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Rail Service Improvement Program (RSIP).

“Investment in rail infrastructure is an investment into the economic success of the entire state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the Rail Service Improvement Program, we’re ensuring that all Kansans can benefit from efficient movement of goods throughout the state.”

The selected projects, located across 10 counties, enhance the state’s rail network by promoting economic efficiency, supporting sustainability, and addressing critical infrastructure needs. The $11.2 million award represents the program’s $10 million annual funding combined with $1.2 million in carryover funds and loan payments from past projects.

KDOT received 20 applications totaling more than $33.5 million in project costs, with funding requests surpassing $23.4 million. From this pool, 10 projects were selected for awards. When combined with local matches, the total rail infrastructure investment exceeds $16.5 million, which includes over $5.3 million in local matching funds.

“KDOT’s Rail Service Improvement Program represents a true public-private partnership in enhancing Kansas’ rail network,” said Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “The demand for the program and the projects it supports is evident, with KDOT receiving applications for twice as much funding than available.”

Among the selected projects is the Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad’s Siding Expansion Project, which will accommodate a projected increase of 8,000 carloads from the new $400 million GAF shingle production facility in Newton. The facility is scheduled to be operational in late 2026.The new siding tracks will increase efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a staging ground for all Newton traffic. Six team members and two locomotives are expected to be added to accommodate the increase in volume.

The selected 2026 RSIP projects are below: 

Sponsor

Project Title

County

Award

Cimarron Valley Railroad

Hugoton Capacity Expansion Project

Stevens

$2,556,238

Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad

KO Newton GAF Siding Expansion

Harvey

$2,060,178

Kyle Railroad

Kyle Yuma Subdivision Rail Upgrade Project, Phase III

Cloud

$1,671,566

V & S Railway

V & S Railway Bridge Maintenance

Barber/Harper

$1,025,017

South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad

SKOL Chanute Yard Track Upgrade

Neosho

$716,274

Garden City Western Railway

GCW West Line-Main Track Upgrades, Phase II

Finney

$420,000

Land Rush Rail

Land Rush Rail – Emergency Repairs

Sumner

$323,583

Ardent Mills

Ardent Mills Rail Expansion Project

Sedgwick

$1,509,900

Bartlett – Montgomery County

Product Loadout Track Extension

Montgomery

$787,298

Kanza Cooperative Association

Kanza Coop – Andale Rail Project

Sedgwick

$118,364

10 Projects Total

$11,188,418     


###
Government, Kansas

KDOC: $2.1M through Jobs for the Future

Leave a comment

Kansas Joins National Effort to Expand Education and Workforce Pathways for Justice-Impacted Individuals

~The KDOC will receive up to $2.1M through Jobs for the Future initiative to increase access to education and training~

TOPEKA, Kansas. – The Kansas Department of Corrections has officially joined the inaugural cohort of Jobs for the Future’s (JFF) Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) State Action Networks, a new initiative to help states expand high-quality postsecondary education and workforce pathways for individuals with histories of incarceration. As one of four states selected for the initial cohort, leaders in Kansas will work with JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement to address barriers including discriminatory hiring practices and legal restrictions, that limit economic opportunities for many of the more than 70 million people in the United States with records of arrest, conviction, or incarceration.

“Kansas has long recognized the profound impact education and workforce programs have on our incarcerated population, and our state’s selection for the Fair Chance to Advance State Action Networks is true recognition of the strides we have made,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Connecting returning citizens to training, education, and employment opportunities sets them up for success upon their release and reduces recidivism. Our efforts are rooted in the core belief that when we invest in people, we create safer communities, a thriving workforce, and a stronger state for all.”

The launch of the State Action Networks represents the latest phase of the FC2A initiative, initially launched in 2024 with support from Ascendium Education Group. JFF selected Kansas from among more than 30 applicants based on Kansas’ existing efforts to expand economic mobility for individuals with records, a strong commitment to bringing together a range of leaders across state agencies, and clear articulation for how participation in the cohort will catalyze long-term change in the state. Kansas will use its cohort membership to formalize channels for collaboration among state leaders, strengthen reentry metrics, and expand employer engagement amid significant statewide job growth.

“We are excited to collaborate with the bipartisan, inter-agency leaders from across Kansas who are committed to strengthening the state’s workforce, supporting businesses, and creating pathways to quality jobs for learners with histories of incarceration,” said Rebecca Villarreal, Senior Director, Center for Justice & Economic Advancement at JFF. “As Kansas experiences significant economic growth and workforce demand, state leaders are showing interest in how fair chance employment can contribute to the state’s future. FC2A will work with partners to explore how education and employment during incarceration connect to emerging opportunities across the state.”

Over the next four years, Kansas along with Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon, will receive up to $2.1 million in funding and technical assistance valued at $1.8 million from JFF and the Coleridge Initiative, a nonprofit organization working with governments to ensure that data is more effectively used for public decision-making. States will gain access to a secure data-sharing platform to improve coordination between partner agencies and participate in a national learning network designed to accelerate reforms across corrections, postsecondary education, workforce development, and fair chance employment.

“States play a critical role in creating education and workforce systems that open doors to opportunity,” said Molly Lasagna, Senior Strategy Officer at Ascendium Education Group. “When leaders align policy, funding, and data around a shared commitment to economic mobility, they can build pathways that work for learners and employers alike—especially for individuals with histories of incarceration that have been traditionally excluded from those opportunities.”

Mathematica will serve as the third-party evaluator to document lessons learned and share insights with the field. Throughout the initiative, the FC2A State Action Networks will closely engage people with histories of incarceration as advisors and co-designers. An application to join Kansas’ five-person directly impacted advisory board is now open.

###

 About Jobs for the Future

Jobs for the Future (JFF) transforms U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for all. We design innovative solutions, scale best practices, influence policy, and invest in system change to create pathways to advancement and economic mobility. jff.org

 About Kansas Department of Corrections

The Kansas Department of Corrections is the state agency managing Kansas’s prisons, focused on rehabilitating, training, educating, and preparing incarcerated individuals for reentry, offering programs like GEDs, CTE, college courses, and reentry support.

###
Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Unveils Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Leave a comment


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Wednesday her annual budget, which provides a path back to structural balance and continues to fully fund Kansas public schools. The budget also includes investments in Kansas’ water needs, early childhood, health care, public safety, and more. Governor Kelly was committed to reflecting Kansans’ priorities that she heard on ‘The People’s Budget’ statewide tour last fall.

“Last fall, I spoke directly with Kansans, who were clear about the priorities they wanted reflected in my budget: fully funded public schools, investments in health care, and action to address our water challenges,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My budget delivers on Kansans wishes while remaining balanced and ensuring that we protect Kansas’ fiscal foundation. This budget aligns with Kansans’ needs and is an investment in what a budget should focus on: the people of Kansas.”

The budget:

  • Fully funds Kansas’ public schools and increases funding for special education: Governor Kelly’s budget fully funds K-12 public schools for the eighth consecutive year and includes $50.6 million in additional funding for Special Education State Aid. If enacted by the Legislature, Governor Kelly would be the first governor in a generation to fully fund public education every year of their term.
  • Provides funding for free school meals for students currently on reduced-price meals: For the second year in a row, Governor Kelly’s proposal includes $2.5 million to eliminate co-pays for the 34,400 Kansas students who are already on reduced-price meals.
  • Prioritizes addressing Kansas’ water challenges: The governor’s budget includes resources to aid in long-term planning for water quality and quantity. Governor Kelly is again recommending fully funding the State Water Plan Fund, and the budget includes $2.3 million to improve water quality in the Equus Beds Aquifer, an additional $1.1 million for Water Planning and Project Development, and more than $870,000 in annual funding for aid to conservation districts.
  • Continues to invest in early childhood education and care: The Governor’s budget fully funds the Kansas Office of Early Childhood, providing the agency with the tools and resources needed to efficiently function in its first year. This includes operational funding for the agency to include salaries and wages, physical office infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and other implementation costs.
  • Expands funding for mental health services: Governor Kelly is delivering on her commitment to investing in mental and behavioral health services. The budget includes $30.9 million to fund the first year of operations for the South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital, addressing a critical need for more mental health beds. The Governor’s budget also includes $5 million to support six hospitals providing adult inpatient behavioral health services.
  • Invests in health care: To safeguard children’s access to critical health services, Governor Kelly’s budget includes $15 million to account for increased Children’s Health Insurance Caseloads. The Governor’s budget also aims to bolster the health care workforce by including funding for contract nursing at Larned State Hospital and Osawatomie State Hospital.
  • Fully funds the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy: The governor’s budget includes $8.6 million to fully fund the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy and equip current and prospective teachers with training and resources in modern literacy curriculum to ensure Kansas students have the support and tools necessary to improve their reading skills.
  • Supports Kansans with disabilities: Governor Kelly is committed to supporting Kansans with disabilities. The budget includes $12.6 million to fund the first year of the new Community Support Waiver and $10.1 million for the Technical Assistance Waiver.
  • Reflects Kansans’ priorities that Governor Kelly heard on ‘The People’s Budget’ tour: Several themes emerged during Governor Kelly’s conversations with Kansans on ‘The People’s Budget’ tour. In addition to the aforementioned investments, the Governor’s budget restores full funding for the State Library’s State Grants-in-Aid program, which provides public libraries across the state with resources. Governor Kelly’s budget also restores full funding for the Kansas Arts Commission, which is dedicated to promoting, supporting, and expanding Kansas’ creative industries and enriching communities through arts and culture. Funding for both programs was previously cut by the 2025 Legislature.
  • Bolsters Public Safety: The Governor’s budget recognizes the importance of public safety. It includes $26.8 million to relocate Kansas Highway Patrol troops to the new Dispatch Center in Salina, and $350,000 for Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to restructure law enforcement operations to strengthen public safety statewide. Governor Kelly’s budget also allocates $816,000 to renovate an existing building at the Topeka Correctional Facility for use as a nursery so incarcerated mothers can stay in the special unit with their babies if they have a projected release date within 18 months of the child’s birth and meet additional safety standards.
  • Increases State Employee Pay: Governor Kelly values the work of state employees and recognizes that to attract talented public servants, the State must remain competitive with the private sector. The Governor’s budget includes a 2.5% pay increase for qualifying state employees.

Governor Kelly’s full budget proposal can be found here.

###
Government, Kansas

Turkey Hunting Season Begins in Kansas

Leave a comment

Application Period for Nonresident and Unit 4 Resident Turkey Permits Opens Jan. 13

TOPEKA – Kansas’ spring turkey season is just around the corner, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is encouraging hunters to apply for limited permits during the annual lottery application period, open January 13 through February 13, 2026.

Kansas is divided into six turkey management units. Turkey Management Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are open to Kansas residents and qualifying nonresident tenants through over-the-counter permit sales, while nonresidents must apply through a lottery draw for those units. Permits to hunt in Turkey Management Unit 4 in southwest Kansas are available exclusively through a lottery draw only to Kansas residents and nonresident landowners and tenants.

Unit 4 Resident and Resident-Tenant Draw Permits
Applications open Jan. 13 for the Unit 4 spring turkey draw, which is available only to Kansas residents and nonresident tenants. A total of 375 spring turkey permits are available for Unit 4, with 200 permits reserved for resident landowners and tenants and nonresident tenants of land within Unit 4. The remaining 175 permits are allocated to other Kansas residents who enter the draw.

Nonresident Permits
Nonresident hunters, except nonresident tenants, must obtain a permit through the lottery draw to hunt in Turkey Management Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6. Each application requires a non-refundable $12.50 application fee. Applicants who are successfully drawn will then also be charged the $75 turkey permit fee for a total cost of $87.50. A total of 9,700 spring turkey permits will be drawn for nonresident hunters in these units.

To apply:

  1. Visit gooutdoorskansas.gov between Jan. 13 and Feb. 13, 2026.
  2. Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits & Tags.”
  3. Create a new account or log in to an existing account.
  4. Select “Limited Draw Applications.”
  5. Follow the prompts to submit the application.

Applicants will be notified by email of their draw status in early March. Successful applicants will be charged the permit fee, while unsuccessful applicants will receive a preference point for future drawings. Applicants also may choose to purchase a preference point only during the application period rather than entering a draw.

The 2026 spring turkey archery season runs April 6–14, 2026, and the regular season runs April 15–May 31, 2026. Starting March 10, Kansas residents and qualifying nonresident tenants may purchase spring turkey permits for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6 over the counter or online.

For more on turkey hunting in Kansas — including season dates, management units and electronic permitting — visit ksoutdoors.gov/turkey.

###

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

Spring Turkey Unit Map

2026 Kansas Spring Turkey Units