Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Unclaimed Property Claims Speeded Up

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New Technology from the Office of KS State Treasurer Jake LaTurner Speeds Up Unclaimed Property Claims for Hundreds of Kansans

Topeka—Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner launched a new statewide effort making it easier and more convenient to connect Kansans with their unclaimed property and financial assets than ever before. Hundreds of Kansans were sent letters notifying them they have property in the state treasury waiting to be claimed and giving them an easier way to do it. Instructions on the letter allow the person to claim their property simply by entering a code from the letter in to a portal on the state treasurer’s website or by using their smartphone to scan a QR code also printed in the letter.

Treasurer LaTurner wants to make sure Kansans know these letters are a legitimate method for getting back their unclaimed property, and Kansans should feel secure going through the steps in the letter to claim their money.

“This is not a scam. If you received a letter from me with a link to kansascash.ks.gov, it means we have real money that belongs to you just waiting to be claimed,” said LaTurner. “We want to make sure no one throws these letters away by accident. Simply go to our website and enter the code in the letter or scan the QR square and get your money back.”

State Treasurer LaTurner has spent his last year and a half as treasurer using technology and efficient business practices to streamline the process for returning unclaimed property, including adding direct deposit as a way to receive payment. In 2018 a record $26.5-million in unclaimed property was returned to Kansans, and the office is on track to break that record in 2019.

Even without receiving a letter, all Kansans interested in finding out whether any of the $350-million in unclaimed property belongs to them can easily search by first and last name on kansascash.ks.gov.

Government, Kansas

KDOT hosts webinar on agriculture and drones

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The Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Division of Aviation will host a webinar, “Drones in Ag: Harvesting Drone Data to Improve Performance,” on Tuesday, March 26, at 10:30 a.m.

 

The webinar is co-hosted by Kansas Farm Bureau and will feature two presentations – the first from Microsoft FarmBeats hardware researcher Zerina Kapetanovic detailing the FarmBeats system and the artificial intelligence challenges associated with agriculture, and the second from Kansas State University associate professor Ignacio Ciampitti on applications of UAVs in precision agriculture. It will also include a brief overview of the Kansas Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP) from KDOT Director of Aviation Bob Brock.

 

Individuals or teams interested in participating should RSVP at www.ippkansas.org/events. Space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Participants will receive a link to the webinar upon registration.

 

The Kansas UAS IPP is led by KDOT Aviation as one of 10 national leaders conducting advanced UAS operations to guide future rule-making that will result in access to new technologies for the nation. IPP will help tackle the most significant challenges to integrating drones into the national airspace and will reduce risks to public safety and security. The Kansas team is focused on efforts in Long Line Linear Infrastructure Inspection (i.e. highways, railroads, energy distribution lines, etc.) and Precision Agriculture.

Government, Kansas

Governor Applauds Medicaid Expansion

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Governor Laura Kelly applauds the passage of Medicaid expansion in the Kansas House

 

The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the passage of Medicaid expansion by the Kansas House of Representatives:

 

“Today a bipartisan coalition in the Kansas House put politics aside and came together to pass Medicaid expansion. I’m proud of their work – and the work of so many advocates and citizens who worked tirelessly to make their voices heard on this issue.

 

“Medicaid expansion is one of the most critical issues impacting our state’s future. It will allow up to 150,000 more Kansans access to affordable healthcare, support local hospitals and clinics, and impact our economy for the better.

 

“Over 70 percent of Kansans support Medicaid expansion. I encourage the Kansas Senate to join me, this bipartisan coalition, business leaders and the overwhelming majority of Kansans in support of Medicaid expansion. The time for blocking progress has long since passed. Now is the time to expand Medicaid.”

Government, Kansas

Governor Tours Kansas Flood Areas

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Governor Kelly tours flood-affected areas with the Kansas National Guard, the Kansas Department of Emergency Management and the Kansas Water Office

Governor Laura Kelly today toured counties damaged by flooding in Kansas and Nebraska with Maj. General Lee Tafanelli from the Kansas National Guard, Deputy Director Angee Morgan from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management and Acting Director Earl Lewis from the Kansas Water Office. They flew by helicopter to Leavenworth and then up the Missouri River Basin surveying the damage and relief efforts.

Kelly signed an executive order yesterday easing motor carrier regulations to expedite emergency relief and restoration. Last week, the governor issued a state of disaster emergency declaration for several counties affected by flooding. Local, state and federal partners will continue to work together to address the needs of communities and rural areas.

Government, Kansas

Governor Eases Regs To Assist Flood Relief

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Governor signs Executive Order easing motor carrier regulations to assist with flood relief

 

To expedite emergency relief and restoration efforts associated with recent flooding in Kansas and neighboring states, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order.

The order temporarily exempts commercial motor carriers and operators from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations while traveling in Kansas and directly participating in disaster operations.

 

“Yesterday, I signed an executive order waiving fees and easing regulation on motor carriers to assist with transporting relief to flood affected areas,” Kelly said. “I’m grateful for the work of our emergency management team and the Kansas National Guard during this critical time. It’s important communities in both states receive the aide they need immediately.”

 

The regulation exemptions include licensing, certification and permitting; fuel tax permits, and other rules that will allow motor carriers to more quickly bring in necessary supplies and equipment to aid in relief efforts.

 

Heavy rains and spring snow melts are causing moderate flood conditions along the Missouri River in several states, including Kansas, and is expected to increase to major flooding in the next few days. Doniphan, Marshall and Jefferson Counties have issued local disaster declarations and Gov. Kelly signed a state declaration for Doniphan County on March 15. Currently, potential flooding in the state would primarily affect farmland and not residential areas.

 

The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka has been activated to a 24/7 level to monitor weather conditions and support local emergency management operations. The governor will tour the area impacted by flooding today with the Kansas National Guard, the Kansas Department of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Water Office.

 

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

March 15, 2019

K-12 School Funding, Senate Bill (SB) 142, was a point of controversy on the Senate floor.  The bill is an attempt to satisfy the Kansas Supreme Court in the Gannon lawsuit.  You may ask, “another K-12 funding increase”?  Remember, over one billion dollars has been added to K-12 funding in the past two years.  SB 142 would be another increase of over $90 million.  At first, the plaintiffs agreed to the bill.  Then they decided it wasn’t enough.  They want a $360 million increase, the $90 million plus $270 million more.  According to an article in the Wichita Eagle, John Robb, lead attorney for the school districts, said, “I agree the optics are terrible, but I can’t look the other way on the $270 million for schools because the optics may look bad.”  The optics look terrible and the facts look even worse.

In the past ten years, K-12 funding has increased $1.7 billion!  In the past twenty-five years, the number of full-time students has increased approximately 10%, the number of classroom teachers increased approximately 15%, while the number of managers increased approximate 36%, and other non-teacher positions increased approximately 40%.  We must start looking at how the money is being spent and managed.  Is the money getting to the classroom and the teachers?  With the amount of money we pay for our schools, there should NOT be any teacher paying for supplies.

SB 142 allows the Court to continue appropriating from the bench without concern for our property taxpayers, infrastructure, prisons, and other obligations.  The Kansas Constitution puts sole responsibility of appropriations with the Legislature and I will continue to stand against the Court’s Constitutional overreach.  It was disappointing that more Senators chose to cave to the Court’s overreach.  One Senator said, “this is my final offer”, as he voted Yes.  I’ve heard that before and the schools and Court just keep coming back for more.  The bill passed 32 to 8.  I voted No.

Tax:  SB 22 addresses the state tax increase that is a result of the 2017 the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  Many states, including Kansas, should change their tax laws in order to avoid a state tax increase.  The Senate passed SB 22 and sent it to the House.  The House added additional tax legislation. The Senate voted 24 Yes and 16 No to accept the House changes.  I voted Yes.  The House additions to SB 22 lowered state sales tax on food by 1% and added an internet sales tax that requires out-of-state vendors to pay Kansas sales tax.  SB 22 is now on the Governor’s desk.  If the bill does not become law, individual taxpayers will have an estimated $50 million increase because they may not be able to itemize deductions and businesses will have an estimated $137 million tax increase if they bring overseas money to Kansas.  Several other states have passed legislation avoiding a state tax increase, including our neighbors to the east – Missouri.

 

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

Caryn

 

Government, Kansas

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Communication

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March 15, 2019∙ Week Nine
HARD FACTS
·      In January, the unemployment rate increased to 3.4 percent from December’s 3.3 percent. In January 2018, unemployment was at 3.5 percent (Kansas Department of Labor).
·      The Kansas labor force expanded by 1,300 in January. The number of unemployed escalated by 930 (Topeka Capital-Journal).
·      The five-county Topeka and Wichita areas had an unemployment rate in January of 4.1 percent. In Johnson County and four nearby counties, unemployment was at 3.7 percent. The Douglas County and Riley County reports showed an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent (Topeka Capital-Journal).
We had the honor of recognizing the Kansas American Legionnaires at the State Capitol. Thank you Legionnaires Carl and Myra Jowers representing Fort Scott Thompson-Harkey Post 25, for making the trip to Topeka!
Many of us have “learn a new language” on our to-do list. With Mango Languages, you can learn right from your own computer (or smartphone!). This online language learning service https://kslib.info/Mango provided by the State Library is easy to use. Choose from 71 languages such as Spanish, French, Mandarin, Japanese- even Swahili. Mango uses real life situations and conversations to more effectively teach a new language. Mango also includes 19 English as a second language options. Use as a Guest or register to track your progress (and for smartphone use).
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. To see all the State Library’s online resources, visit https://kslib.info/databases.
Congratulations to ArtForms Gallery in Pittsburg for winning the 2019 SBDC PSU Emerging Business award!
Thank you Sue Horner, Janet Lewis, Ruth Miller, and Sylvia Shirley for taking the time to visit with me after the ceremony!
FLOOR ACTION
CEMETERY DISTRICT TERRITORY VALLEY CENTER (SB 155): Senate Bill 155 would de-annex all of Valley Center territory within the Hillside Cemetery District, located in Sedgwick and Harvey counties, from the cemetery district, effective June 30, 2020. After July 1, 2020, any territory annexed by the City of Valley Center located within the Hillside Cemetery District would be excluded from the cemetery district upon annexation. This bill was passed and placed on the Consent Calendar 38-0.
SALE OF PROPERTY IN DOUGLAS COUNTY (SB 173): Senate Bill 173 would authorize the State Board of Regents to sell the Old father Studios in Douglas County on behalf of the University of Kansas. The proceeds from the sale deposited to the restricted use account of the University of Kansas to be used for deferred maintenance. The bill would require the deeds, titles, and conveyances be reviewed and approved by the attorney general. This bill was passed and placed on the Consent Calendar 38-0.
STATE USE LAW EXTENTION (HB 2174): House Bill 2174 extends the sunset date for the State Use Law Committee which is organized within the Department of Administration, from July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2024. This bill was passed and placed on the Consent Calendar 38-0.
TEMPORARY PERMITS FOR THE SELLING AND SERVING OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR (SB 70): Senate Bill 70 modifies and consolidates laws concerning temporary permits to serve liquor for consumption on premises. The bill would codify several Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division rules and regulations into statute. The bill would repeal KSA 2018 Supp. 41-347 and KSA2018 Supp. 41-2645 but would retain most of the provisions of these statutes in new law. This bill passed the Senate 38-0.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT DELETING REQUIREMENT FOR ADJUSTMENT OF CENSUS DATA (SCR 1605): Senate Concurrent Resolution1605 removes the census adjustment requirement in the Kansas Constitution for military personnel and students. Currently, the state is required to contact every college student and member of the military who resides in Kansas to determine official residence. The census adjustment will ask ‘what is your permanent residence’, then adjusts the official census numbers accordingly based on that answer. This adjustment is only used for reapportionment of Kansas Senate districts, Kansas House of Representatives districts, and State Board of Education districts. During the 2010 adjustment, approximately 13,000 individuals were subtracted from U.S. Census bureau numbers because they told the State of Kansas, they considered themselves to be a resident of another state.
If SCR1605 does not pass, the Secretary of State’s office anticipates needing $834,000 in state general funds to cover the costs of the adjustment as part of the 2020 Census. In addition to state savings, SCR1605 has the benefit of allowing for expedited redistricting. On average, it takes three to six months after official U.S. Census data is provided to Kansas to complete the adjustment and provide redistricting data to the Kansas Legislature. Historically, Kansas has been among the last states to complete its reapportionment requirements and SCR 1605 provides the Legislature with additional time to complete redistricting. This resolution passed the Senate 40-0.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES-RELATED STATUTES (SB 99): Senate Bill 99 creates the designation of inactive certificate, authorizing the Board to issue an inactive certificate to persons currently certified by the Board who make a written application on a Board form and pay the corresponding fee. Such inactive certificates could only be issued to persons who are not directly providing emergency medical services (EMS) in the state and are not presenting themselves to the public as providing EMS. A holder of an inactive certificate would not be allowed to engage in the practice of EMS. Inactive certificate holders could apply for an active certificate by filing a written application on a form prepared by the Board and by paying the corresponding fee. The Board would have the authority to require additional testing, training, or education as deemed necessary to establish the inactive certificate holder’s ability to engage in the provision of EMS with reasonable skill and safety. This bill passed the Senate 36-2(I voted against this bill. I had some concerns with the state mandating fingerprinting, and then making the EMS personnel pay for it.).
This week I had the opportunity to introduce Dr. Jim Triplett, Erin Kruse, Charlie Beetch, and Cecily Stephens in the Senate. They were in the Capitol representing PSU’s Sustainability program. PSU is the only University in the Kansas regents system that offers this 4-year baccalaureate degree.
HOUSE PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, HUMAN TRAFFICKING OR STALKING (SB 150): Senate Bill 150 creates law prohibiting certain actions from being taken against a tenant, lessee, or applicant for a lease because such person has been or is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking. A tenant or lessee could not be evicted from the premises or found to be in violation of a rental or lease agreement based on or as a direct result of the circumstances, if the tenant or lessee otherwise qualifies for tenancy or occupancy. A tenant or lessee would not be liable for rent for the period after vacating rented or leased premises if the tenant or lessee is in the circumstances and notifies the landlord or property owner in accordance with provisions set forth in the bill. In an action brought against a tenant or lessee under Kansas law seeking recovery of rent, the tenant or lessee would have an affirmative defense and no liability for rent for the period after vacating the premises if, by preponderance of the evidence, the court finds the tenant or lessee was in the circumstances described above and provided the required notice.
An applicant, tenant, or lessee would qualify for the protections of the bill if the applicant, tenant, or lessee provides a statement regarding the circumstances to the landlord or property owner, who could also request the applicant, tenant, or lessee provide additional documentation specified by the bill. Such documentation could include a document signed by the victim and any one of various specified professionals or providers from whom the victim sought assistance, declaring under penalty of perjury the individual believes the qualifying circumstances exist, or a record pertaining to the alleged qualifying circumstances from a court or federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, including a police report. The submission of false information by an applicant, tenant, or lessee would be a basis for denial of tenancy, eviction, or violation of a rental or lease agreement. A landlord or property owner could impose a reasonable termination fee, not to exceed one month’s rent, on a tenant or lessee requesting termination pursuant to the bill before the expiration date of the lease, but only if such fee is contained in the terms of the rental or lease agreement. This bill passed the Senate 40-0(I was a co-sponsor of this bill).
AUTHORIZING A STUDY OF RETAIL RATES OF KANSAS ELECRIC RATES (Sub SB 69): Substitute for Senate Bill 69 authorizes an independent $1 million study of retail rates charged by public utilities. The bill requires the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC), a bipartisan group of House and Senate leaders, to select a firm or organization to perform the study which is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), the state’s utility regulator, would have to cooperate with the organization hired to conduct the study. Sub SB 69 requires the study to be paid for by utility companies.
This legislation was created in response to Kansas having some of the highest utility rates in the region and is intended to provide information to the Legislature in order to protect ratepayers.
The initial phase of the study will examine whether the current rate-setting process influenced utility capital investments, balanced utility profits and public-interest objectives, expenditures in transmission and renewable energy resources, and examine the regional competitiveness of Kansas’ rates.
The second phase will explore how electric public utilities accounted for installation of charging stations for electric vehicles, how investment in transmission infrastructure influenced utility rates and the impact of electric rates on economic development. This bill passed the Senate 38-1(I voted in favor of this bill).
$90 MILLION SCHOOL FUNDING INFLATION PLAN (SB 142): Senate Bill 142 appropriates funds to the K-12 base aid for FY 2020 and FY 2021. The legislation supplements the state’s $525 million, five-year investment that passed last year, with a series of additional $90 million bonuses during the next four years. SB 142 was crafted to comply with the Kansas Supreme Court’s instructions to add an inflation adjustment. This bill passed the Senate 32-8(I voted in favor of this bill).
ALLOWING KANSANS TO BENEFIT FROM FEDERAL TAX REFORM (SB 22): Senate Bill 22 was originally introduced in response to the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017 and the revenue windfall Kansas is expected to receive because of federal tax reform. SB 22 addresses both individual and corporate taxes by decoupling state law from federal tax provisions. The bill will provide individuals with the ability to itemize when using the federal standard deduction on their tax return. SB 22 provides Kansans with the right to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses. The bill also provides incentives for businesses to invest and create jobs in Kansas since it places Kansas on par with surrounding states that have already decoupled from federal law, increasing Kansas’ competitiveness.
If Senate Bill 22 does not get signed into law, businesses are expected to get hit with $137 million in state income taxes and individual taxpayers would pay an extra $50 million to the state.
After SB 22 passed the Senate on a vote of 26-14, it was then sent to the House of Representatives where two amendments were added before it passed the House on a vote of 76-43.
One amendment added by the House provided a one percentage point reduction in the state’s 6.5 percent sales tax on food. The food sales tax reduction is expected to provide a $43 million reduction in sales tax, beginning October 1st. The second amendment was an internet sales tax amendment that requires out-of-state vendors to pay sales tax. Online sales tax is expected to generate about $21 million annually. The Senate voted 24-16 to concur with House amendments(I voted in favor of this bill. I did not like the internet sales tax piece that the House put on this bill, and the fact we were not given a chance to remove it).
We had constituents from Spring River Mental Health and Wellness, as well as from Fort Scott Mental Health at the Capitol promoting mental health awareness in Kansas.
 NEXT WEEK
Monday –
·      Hearing on: SB 175, enacting the public employee right to choose act, providing public employees with the right of relief from the obligation to pay union dues through withholding of their wages – [Senate Commerce Committee; March 18 at 8:30 am]
·      Confirmation hearing on: Julie L. Lorenz, Secretary, Department of Transportation – [Senate Transportation Committee; March 18 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: HB 2279, requiring law enforcement officers to provide information about timing of release from custody when an arrest is made following a domestic violence call – [Senate Judiciary Committee; March 18 at 10:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 211, requiring the attorney general to appoint a Kansas youth suicide prevention coordinator – [Senate Education Committee; March 18 at 1:30 pm]
Tuesday –
·      Hearing on: HB 2103, amending the revised Kansas code for care of children to provide requirements for placement of a child in a qualified residential treatment program – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee; March 19 at 9:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 220, licensure of professional occupations allowing certain persons with criminal or civil records that would otherwise disqualify such persons from licensure to receive a license; add state board of education to exempt agencies – [Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee; March 19 at 10:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 126, exemption from income tax for certain public utilities – [Senate Utilities Committee; March 19 at 1:30 pm]
Wednesday –
·      Confirmation hearing on: David Toland as Secretary of Kansas Department of Commerce – [Senate Commerce Committee; March 20 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 221, allowing clubs and drinking establishments to sell beer and cereal malt beverages for consumption off the licensed premises – [Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee; March 20 at 10:30 am]
·      Hearing on: HB 2038, revoking spousal inheritance rights upon divorce – [Senate Judiciary Committee; March 20 at 10:30 am]
Thursday –
·      Hearing on: HB 2211, allowing judges to waive or reduce driver’s license reinstatement fees – [Senate Judiciary Committee; March 21 at 10:30 am]
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.
Kansas

Kansas American Legion Day March 15

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Gov. Laura Kelly recognized the role that Kansas American Legion members play in supporting Kansas veterans by recently signing a proclamation designating March 15, 2019, as Kansas American Legion Day.

“We appreciate the Governor recognizing the significant contributions made by American Legion Posts as pillars in Kansas communities over the last 100 years,” Kansas Department Commander Dan Wiley said. “Kansas has a special place in the history of The American Legion. One of our favorite sons, Harry Colmery, Past National Commander from Topeka, was the author of the post-World War II G.I. Bill of Rights that lifted the standard of living for an entire generation. We look forward to another century of service positively impacting the lives of veterans and the communities in which they live.”

On March 15, 1919, The American Legion was founded in Paris, France by members of the American Expeditionary Force. Over the past 100 years, The Kansas American Legion has become a preeminent community-service organization in Kansas. It has more than 40,000 family members in over 500 Kansas American Legion posts, units, and squadrons. These Legion entities promote a variety of programs that support the goals of The American Legion.

Kansas Department Vice Commander Chuck Shoemaker has participated in three signings in the Governor’s Office proclaiming the state’s gratitude for American Legion activities.

Article from the Hutchison News, submitted by Carl Jowers.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Horton Hospital Closes: Governor Sends Help

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Governor comments on Horton Community Hospital closure, sends agency assistance

Following the closure Tuesday of Horton Community Hospital, Governor Laura Kelly extended assistance from her administration and highlighted the critical importance of community hospitals in rural Kansas.

“I’m concerned for the community of Horton as they face the serious loss of their local hospital,” Kelly said. “This is becoming a far too frequent occurrence in our state. Local hospitals are key to the health of Kansas families and are often one of the largest employers in a small town. Elected leaders must work together to do more to support our local hospitals.”

Three rural hospitals have closed in the last three months. Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott closed on December 31st. Oswego Community Hospital closed in February. And Horton Community Hospital closed its doors Tuesday.

“I’ve directed our agencies to coordinate support for hospital staff during this challenging time,” Kelly said. “A closure of a hospital has ripple effects through the community and region. Our KANSASWORKS team will be in Horton Thursday to assist hospital staff with filing for unemployment benefits, as well as job applications and re-employment services.”

The Governor’s Office, Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Department of Labor are working to provide support to employees of the hospital, ensure unemployment benefits applications are streamlined, and re-employment opportunities are available.

In response to Tuesday’s closure, KANSASWORKS will be hosting Rapid Response Informational Meetings Thursday in Horton in conjunction with the Community Outreach Event at the Horton Public Library.

Efforts to assist affected hospital employees will include Rapid Response Informational Meetings at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday at the Horton Public Library, 809 1st Ave E. No registration is required. Information will be shared about KANSASWORKS, Workforce Center employment and training services and how to file unemployment insurance benefits.

Also, the KANSASWORKS Mobile Workforce Center will be at the Horton Public Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to provide additional re-employment services. Workforce Center staff will be available to help with registering on KANSASWORKS.com, creating a resumé, job search assistance and filling out job applications.

The Rapid Response team was also sent to Oswego following the closure of its hospital last month.

Any questions about KANSASWORKS should be directed to the Department of Commerce:

Government, Kansas

Senator Caryn Tyson’s Weekly Communication March 12

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The halfway point in the 2019 legislative session is officially passed so all of the work in the eighth week of session was in committees. 

Kansas Toll Roads, 236 miles of highway, are managed by the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA).  In 2015 there was a push to get rid of the tolls.  It was not successful but a law was passed requiring the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and KTA to “achieve the maximum coordination in planning, development and operation of the highway systems in this state”.  I supported that legislation and it has helped create efficiencies according to the Interim Secretary of KDOT.  The KS turnpike was built from 1954 to 1956 and has been collecting tolls ever since.  The initial $160 million bond was paid off in 1994.  Since then KTA has issued over $200 million in bonds and over $140 million in interest.  Estimates are it will not be paid off until 2040. 

A bill brought to the Senate Transportation Committee would allow some roads in Kansas to be funded by tolls.  The Interim Secretary of KDOT stressed that local input would be a factor as to where toll roads would be implemented.  The KTA collects over $100 million a year in tolls to support the turnpike.  Are toll roads the answer to supporting Kansas highway infrastructure?  I understand the need for safe infrastructure and it being one of the main functions of government.  My record demonstrates this by voting NO on bills that took money from KDOT projects.  The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, i.e. the Interstate Highway, did not allow tolls except in some cases.  Tolls are allowed on the KS turnpike because it was established before and grandfathered into the Interstate.    

Kansas Taxes, Exemptions, and Credits were discussed in the Senate Tax Committee.  Kansas taxpayers paid over $15.2 billion to support state and local governments in 2018.  The largest portion of this was property tax at $4.9 billion.  Less than 2% of property taxes in Kansas fund state government.  The rest, over $4.8 billion, funds local governments and schools.  Sales and use tax  was more than $4.4 billion and income tax was over $3.8 billion.  The rest came from other taxes such as vehicle registration, liquor, beer, cigarette, tobacco, transient guest, and other taxes.  The $15.2 billion is an increase from $13.3 billion in 2015.  Almost a $2 billion increase in three years!  This is not sustainable. 

Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) SB 9, requiring a missed state payment into KPERS be paid, was signed into law by the Governor.  Research reported the delay of payment cost around $24,000 a day, for a total payment plus interest of $115 million.  The Governor let the bill sit on her desk 9 days before signing it on the 10th day.  Can you imagine letting a bill sit on your desk knowing it was costing almost $24,000 a day?  The practice of delayed payments started in previous administrations.  I do not support this practice under ANY administration. 

 

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

Government, Kansas

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter March 8

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March 8, 2019∙ Week Eight
HARD FACTS
·      Kansas received $377.7 million in General Fund Receipts for February, $34.3 million over the estimate. General fund receipts for the fiscal year are down $5 million (Kansas Department of Revenue).
·      The U.S. economy added 20,000 jobs in February, far below analysts’ prediction of 180,000 jobs (The Hill).
Kansas Talking Books Week is March 4-8
The Kansas Talking Books program, a division of the State Library of Kansas, provides library materials in a specialized format to any Kansas resident with a visual or physical impairment that makes reading difficult. This no-charge service includes fiction and nonfiction in braille or audio format, magazines in braille or audio, plus descriptive videos. A simple application is available at https://kslib.info/talking-books. A signature from a certifying authority such as a medical doctor, optometrist, or librarian is needed. If you or someone you know would like information, please visit the Kansas Talking Books website https://kslib.info/talking-books or call 620-341-6280 or 1-800-362-0699.
GOVERNOR KELLY CABINET APPOINTMENTS
On day 37 of a 90-day session, Governor Kelly finally submitted four of her acting Cabinet secretaries for Senate confirmation. The Senate read in the Cabinet secretaries on Wednesday to send to committees for screening and consideration. Once committees have held hearings on the appointment, they will then be forwarded to the full Senate for a vote.
Current Appointments submitted include:
Commerce Secretary – David Toland
Transportation Secretary – Julie Lorenz
Secretary of Health and Environment – Lee Norman
Secretary of Revenue – Mark Burghart
SENATE BILL 22 PASSES THE HOUSE
On Friday, the Kansas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 22 with a vote of 76-43. Senate Bill 22 originally passed the Senate and was created in response to federal tax reform. The legislation was created to return the unexpected windfall from the Trump tax cuts back to taxpayers while allowing Kansans to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses through decoupling with federal law. The bill also provides Kansas businesses with the full benefits of federal tax breaks on foreign income, allowing Kansas to remain competitive with neighboring states who have already done this.
The House added two amendments to Senate Bill 22. They included a 1 percentage point reduction in the state’s 6.5 percent sales tax on food. The House also included an internet sales tax amendment that would require out-of-state online retailers to pay sales tax which they have not been required to do in the past.
The Senate will have the opportunity to concur with the House’s adjustments or engage in compromises during conference committees.
GOVERNOR KELLY SIGNS SENATE BILL 9 INTO LAW
On Friday morning, Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 9 into law. Senate Bill 9 allocates $115 million from the state general fund to the school group of the Kansas Public Retirement System (KPERS). The $115 million pays back a previously missed KPERS payment, bringing the funding ratio to the highest point it has been in 25 years. The school group of KPERS has had the lowest funding ratio, at 61.6 percent, well below the total KPERS funding ratio which is 68.4 percent. I was proud to have been a co-sponsor for this bill.
Senate Bill 9 passed both the Senate and House unanimously.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF E-CIGARETTE USE
The Kansas Health Institute recently published an issue brief on the dangers of e-cigarette use. The Rising Use of E-Cigarettes in the U.S. and Kansas Sparks Concern: Federal, State, and Local Regulatory Actions, highlights the increased use of e-cigarettes among teenagers and adults as well as regulatory actions at the federal, state, and local levels.
Electronic cigarettes, commonly known as e-cigarettes, are battery-powered devices that provide nicotine and other additives to the user in the form of aerosol. This usage is referred as “vaping,” and entered the market in 2007.
A 2018 report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) concluded there is substantial evidence that e-cigarettes usage increases the risk of using conventional cigarettes among youth and young adults. Evidence has shown that most e-cigarette products contain and emit numerous potentially toxic substances and short-term exposure can cause health issues.
 NEXT WEEK
Monday –
·      Hearing on: HB 2006, requiring the department of commerce to create a database of economic development incentive program information – [Senate Commerce Committee; March 11 at 8:30 am]
Tuesday –
·      Hearing on: SB 189, providing for an increase in registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles – [Senate Transportation Committee; March 12 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 174, exempting all social security benefits from Kansas income tax – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; March 12 at 9:30 am]
·      Confirmation hearing on: Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary, Kansas Department of Health & Environment – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee; March 12 at 9:30 am]
Wednesday –
·      Hearing on: HB 2167, establishing a system for the transfer of certain deer hunting permits to nonresidents – [Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee; March 13 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 218, requiring a duly ordained minister of religion to report certain abuse and neglect of children – [Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee; March 13 at 10:30 am]
Thursday –
·      Hearing on: SB 113, providing for the legal use of medical cannabis – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee; March 14 at 9:30 am]
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.

Bourbon County Local News