Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Jobs, Kansas, Youth

Building the Next Generation of Workforce

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Apprenticeship Office Awarded Funding to Expand Youth Opportunities

TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship today announced it has been selected as one of 10 states to receive the prestigious Talent Ready funding through CareerWise and the Future Ready Apprenticeship Center. This highly competitive national recognition puts Kansas at the forefront of building the next generation of workforce through innovative youth apprenticeship opportunities for young Kansans starting as early as 16 years of age.

“Kansas is growing its youth apprenticeship pipeline to connect our young Kansans to high-demand careers while still working towards their degrees,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This national recognition reflects the strength of our vision and our commitment to opening doors for students across Kansas and into a wide range of industries.”

The $200,000 award provides Kansas with resources and national partnerships needed to expand youth registered apprenticeship opportunities, particularly with high school students — by aligning programs with Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. These initiatives enable students to learn, gain industry specific credentials and experience, and prepare them to step into high-demand careers.

This initiative gives Kansas the ability to:

  • Expand youth apprenticeship opportunities across key industries
  • Build alignment between apprenticeship programs and CTE coursework
  • Increase employer engagement in building sustainable talent pipelines
  • Create scalable systems that connect education to workforce

Kansas has demonstrated national leadership in apprenticeship innovation, including its goal of reaching 10,001 active apprenticeships by 2031. The new funding opportunity will further reinforce the commitment to building a future-ready workforce and ensuring students have access to high-quality, work-based learning experiences and long-term career success.

As part of the national cohort, Kansas will collaborate with leading workforce and education organizations, gaining access to best-in-class technical assistance, strategic guidance and proven frameworks to scale apprenticeship systems across the state.

“This milestone is more than funding — it’s about building a system that works for students, employers and the Kansas economy,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “We’re committed to building real pathways and partnerships that create career opportunities for future generations.”

Employers are a crucial part in building the workforce of the future. To learn more about how to get involved or start a youth apprenticeship program, visit here.

Kansas recently celebrated National Apprenticeship Week, using its platform to discuss the success and future opportunities of building youth registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas. To view photos from the 2026 Kansas Apprenticeship Awards, visit here.

For additional information about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, visit here.

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.

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.

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Entertainment, Kansas

2026 Kansas Related and Authored Notable Books

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State Library of Kansas announces 21st class of Kansas-authored
or Kansas-related Notable Books

The State Library of Kansas is happy to announce the 2026 Kansas Notable Books selections. This year’s Notable Books include stories for readers of a variety of interests including wild west action, true crime, fantasy rom-com, poetry, and culture among people of the past, present and future.   

“As always, the variety of Kansas Notable Books does not disappoint,” said Valarie Lamoreaux, deputy state of Kansas librarian and Kansas Center for the Book affiliate director. “In 2026, we find historical Kansans with more to tell us, authors who encourage readers to see Kansas’ beauty in its waterways and birding hotspots, and writers who draw readers into unique moments in history. Stories of fortitude, belonging, family, small towns, and romance beyond reality are well represented, as well as authors and illustrators who nurture joy in reading, and writers whose poetic humor and insights confirm Kansas —itself — as a notable state.”

Each year, the Kansas Notable Books committee recommends 25 books written by Kansans or about Kansas to the State Librarian. The State Librarian selects 15 of these books as Notable Books, a celebration of the sunflower state’s rich culture and storytelling. This year’s Notable Book selection committee included representatives of public, university and school libraries, scholars and writers from across Kansas.

Kansas Notable Books authors will be recognized and awarded medals during the Kansas Book Festival at Washburn University, Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas which is the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The mission of the Kansas Center for the Book is to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading, and libraries.

2026 Kansas Notable Books

The Aviator and the Showman, by Laurie Gwen Shapiro

Black Moses, by Caleb Gayle

Brain Train: An Off-the-Rails Journey from A to Zzz, by Charlie Mylie, author and illustrator

The Guide to Kansas Birds and Birding Hotspots, by Pete Janzen and Bob Gress

I Make Jokes When I’m Devastated, by Luisa Muradyan
Kansas Matters: Twenty-First Century Writers on the Sunflower State, edited by Thomas Fox Averill and Leslie VonHolten

Lady or the Tiger, by Heather M. Herrman

The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower, by Michel Paradis

Lightning Bug Jamboree, by Stephanie Brinkley, illustrated by Victoria Mikki

The Magic of Light, by Jordan Abitz

Mask of the Deer Woman, by Laurie L. Dove

Riverine Dreams: Away to the Glorious and Forgotten Grassland Rivers of America, by George Frazier

A Town with Half the Lights On, by Page Getz

The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam, by Megan Bannen

Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder, by Rachel McCarthy James

Visit library.ks.gov/KSNotableBooks for more information. If you have questions about Kansas Notable Books, contact the State Library of Kansas at 785-296-3154 or email [email protected].

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

 

 
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Government, Health Care, Kansas

Promoting Safe Infant Sleep

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State Child Death Review Board Partners with KIDS Network to Provide Sleep Sacks, Promote Infant Safe Sleep Across Kansas

TOPEKA – (May 11, 2026) – The Kansas State Child Death Review Board is partnering with KIDS Network to promote infant safe sleep, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today.

The review board, housed at the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, approved the purchase of $5,000 in sleep sacks that will be delivered in the coming days to the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network for distribution at Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers statewide. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to preventing sleep-related infant deaths by equipping families with practical tools and education on safe sleep practices. Sleep-related deaths, including those from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), remain a leading cause of infant mortality in Kansas and nationwide. Consistent safe sleep education and resources can significantly reduce these preventable tragedies.

“Every infant death is a profound loss, and the State Child Death Review Board is dedicated to turning data into action that protects Kansas families,” said Attorney General Kris Kobach. “By collaborating with the KIDS Network, we are providing tangible support—sleep sacks—to help parents create safer sleep environments while raising awareness of proven prevention strategies.”

Sleep sacks are wearable blankets designed to keep infants warm and safe without the hazards of loose bedding. They reduce the risk of suffocation or entrapment by eliminating the need for blankets, which can accidentally cover an infant’s face. This makes sleep sacks an effective, evidence-based tool aligned with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for safe infant sleep.

New and expectant parents are strongly encouraged to follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep:

A – Alone: Infants should sleep alone in their own sleep space, without sharing a bed with adults, siblings, or pets. Room-sharing (but not bedsharing) is recommended for the first six months.

B – On their Back: Always place babies on their back to sleep for every nap and nighttime.

C – In a Clutter-Free Crib: Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable crib with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. Keep the sleep area empty—no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys.

“Safe sleep can feel overwhelming for new parents, and we’re incredibly grateful for this partnership that helps make caring for an infant a little easier and safer. By providing sacks at Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers, families can immediately put what they’ve learned into practice,” Christy S. Schunn, executive director of the KIDS Network.

The KIDS Network’s Community Baby Showers (also known as Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers or Crib Clinics) are interactive, educational events for new and expectant parents and community providers. These baby showers combine celebration with hands-on learning about infant safe sleep, maternal child health, and available resources. Sleep sacks purchased through this initiative will be distributed at upcoming showers across Kansas to help families put safe sleep practices into action immediately.

Find upcoming Community Baby Showers here.

To learn more about safe sleep resources, visit the KIDS Network website at http://www.kidsks.org. The Kansas State Child Death Review Board reviews child fatalities to identify trends and recommend prevention strategies. The KIDS Network works statewide to support families affected by infant death and to promote education that prevents future losses.

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Kansas Attorney General’s Office | 120 SW 10th Ave. | Topeka, KS 66612 US
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Government, Kansas

Sunflower Summer Returns with Free Admission for Kansas

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COMMERCE

Sunflower Summer Returns with Free Admission for Kansas Families

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the return of the popular Sunflower Summer program for the 2026 season, and invited Kansas families to explore the state’s wide variety of attractions. Kansas residents with school-aged children from pre-K through 12th grade are eligible to participate.

“Sunflower Summer is an opportunity for Kansas families to explore, learn and create lasting memories together right here at home,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “It opens the doors to our state’s vibrant communities and ensures our children can experience and fall in love with all that Kansas has to offer. We are proud to provide this program for another year and excited to see the adventures that will unfold.”

The program, which will run from July 9 to August 2, covers admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per participating attraction. Participants must be Kansas residents to qualify for free tickets, which are accessible through the Sunflower Summer app and redeemable upon arrival at participating locations.

“Each year, we see families creating traditions through Sunflower Summer while discovering places they may have never experienced before,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This program removes barriers to travel, encourages Kansans to explore their own backyard, and helps connect families to the people and places that make our state unique.”

Kansas Tourism is now accepting applications from attractions interested in participating in the 2026 season. The list of participating attractions for the 2026 program will be announced in June.

Learn more about Sunflower Summer here.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive economic and other impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.

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.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Pardon

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she granted a pardon for Chung Pham. The decision to grant the pardon was made following independent reviews by the Prisoner Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.

“The decision to grant a pardon is a serious one,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A thorough vetting and review process determines individuals considered for pardons have indeed made amends for their actions and have been consistent in positively contributing to society and to their community. Individuals who have long maintained their law-abiding behavior and positive community impact, have earned the second chance a pardon can provide.”

Governor Kelly takes into consideration numerous factors to determine if a pardon is warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, length of time since the offense, impact of the crime on any victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, and contributions to society post-release.

Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency.

Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website: https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb.

The Governor’s Office encourages victims and survivors to reach out to the Office of Victim Services, which provides confidential support and information to victims, survivors, or witnesses of a crime. Information can be found here or by phone at 866-404-6732.

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Government, Kansas

April Total Tax Collections at $1.4 Billion; 2.3% Above Estimate

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TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends April 2026 with total tax collections at $1.4 billion. That is $31.6 million, or 2.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 4.0% from April 2025.

Individual income tax collections were $803.5 million. That is $31.7 million, or 4.1% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 17.3% from April 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $237.4 million. That is $3.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate, and down 25.0% from April 2025.

“Total April tax collections returned as projected, though this month’s report indicates the continued softening of corporate income tax collections, significantly missing the mark,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must remain vigilant and continue to keep an eye on this to ensure Kansas has a solid fiscal foundation in the years ahead.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $302.9 million, which is $2.0 million or 0.7% above the estimate, and up 2.2% from April 2025.

Click here to view the April 2026 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Drought Updates for Kansas

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Governor Updates Declaration of Drought Emergency, Warnings, and Watches for Kansas Counties

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has signed a proclamation approving updated drought declarations for Kansas counties.

Drought conditions have worsened across much of Kansas this spring, with extreme drought expanding into northwest and far southwest portions of the state and severe drought growing across central regions. Above-normal temperatures – combined with limited rainfall – have accelerated soil moisture loss, increasing the risk of worsening drought conditions heading into summer.

The drought declaration added 51 counties into watch status and placed 47 into warning and 7 into emergency status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

“While parts of eastern Kansas have seen significant rainfall, much of the state – especially western Kansas – continues to experience persistent precipitation deficits,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As we head into a warmer and potentially drier period, I encourage all Kansans to take proactive steps to conserve water and remain aware of how these conditions can affect our daily lives.”

Drought conditions are expected to persist and intensify across west-central Kansas, with limited opportunities for sustained improvement. Seasonal outlooks indicate an increased likelihood of below-normal precipitation statewide. The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change.

“Recent rainfall has helped in some areas, but drought is far from over in Kansas. Conditions range from crop stress and elevated fire danger to growing water supply concerns. In the hardest-hit areas, we are seeing significant agricultural losses and extreme rangeland fire risk,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. “It is important to monitor conditions and be mindful of water usage as drought impacts evolve.”

This proclamation shall remain in effect for those counties identified until rescinded by a proclamation ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.

Effective immediately, the proclamation:

Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning, or Watch for the counties as identified below;

Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning, or emergency-level drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans. Kansans are encouraged to report drought-related conditions and impacts in their region through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) system.
Government, Kansas

KS Supreme Court seeks parent representatives for Child Support Guidelines Committee

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Supreme Court seeks parent representatives for Child Support Guidelines Committee

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court is seeking a parent who pays child support and a parent who receives child support to serve on the Kansas Child Support Guidelines Advisory Committee.

 

To apply for either position, complete the online application by May 22.

 

Every four years, the committee reviews Kansas child support guidelines to ensure that money parents pay is equitable and appropriate for the day-to-day essential needs of the children they support. The committee includes parents who either pay or receive child support, tax professionals with expertise in child support, attorneys, and judges.

 

After its review, the committee reports to the Supreme Court any changes it recommends be made to the guidelines.

 

Parent representatives are voting members of the committee and serve four-year terms. Committee members are eligible for travel reimbursement to attend meetings, and reimbursement is calculated at the same rate as for state employees.

 

If you have questions about the application or process, send them by email to [email protected].

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

 
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Government, Kansas

Bipartisan Child Care Tax Credit Expansion Bill Signed

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill
Expanding Child Care Tax Credits

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Senate Bill 82, which expands access to tax credits for employer expenses for child care and contributions to third parties that expand the availability of community child care. The bill also creates income tax credits for the sale of higher-ethanol blends of fuels and the purchase of lockable gun and ammunition storage.

“Throughout my administration, I have strived to make Kansas a place where people want to put down roots. Senate Bill 82 helps strengthen child care access while ensuring our economy remains healthy and thriving — making our state more appealing to workers, employers, and families alike,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is smart, commonsense legislation that will make our state stronger.”

Senate Bill 82 modifies credit percentages, allowable credit amounts, and eligible expenses for the existing child care assistance tax credit that provides a credit to employers who provide child care services to their employees. Businesses that pay for their employees’ child care services, establish or expand a child care program utilized by employees, or pay for referral services that connect employees to child care providers would now be eligible to receive a tax credit of 75% of the total amount the business expends on these services.

“Access to quality, affordable childcare is a hurdle for both employers and employees. I’m proud of the Legislature’s work to simplify and modernize the child care assistance tax credit,” said Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi. “These improvements allow employers to invest more broadly in their communities to ensure our workforce remains strong.”

In addition, the bill would also allow businesses to receive an additional credit for donations made to organizations that expand access to child care services in the business’s community. Under these modernized tax credits, businesses could claim up to $100,000 in non-refundable credits per tax year and carry over any unused credit for up to three years.

“Access to high‐quality child care is essential for Kansas children, families, and our state’s economy. Kansas businesses want to be part of the solution and this bill streamlining the business tax credit for child care will make that more feasible,” said David Jordan, President of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Thanks to Governor Kelly and the Legislature for taking this important step to stimulate business investments in the early childhood system. It will benefit Kansas families and our economy.”

Senate Bill 82 also creates a non-refundable income tax credit of $0.05 for each gallon of E15 or higher-ethanol blend fuel sold at retail. This credit would be capped at $2.5 million per year. The bill also creates an individual income credit for the purchase of lockable gun and ammunition storage items and repeals certain other tax credits.

In addition to Senate Bill 82, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Substitute for Senate Bill 51: Making changes related to responsibilities of the Executive Branch Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO); Executive Branch Information technology services, including telecommunications and cloud computing; and IT audit reporting requirements.

Senate Bill 300: Creating requirements for certain manufacturers of alcoholic liquor regarding corporation income tax and repealing certain statutory language.

Senate Bill 430: Including mitragynine, a psychoactive component of kratom, on schedule I of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act as well as reconciling two amendments to specific statutes regarding theft and expungement.

House Bill 2029: Reconciling amendments to statues that were amended more than once during the current and prior legislative sessions.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Five Bills

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Governor Kelly Vetoes Five Bills


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed five bills.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2043:

“For the last several years, the Legislature has promised to solve the property tax issue for Kansans. This has always been a false promise. The only property tax that the state levies is 20 mills for public schools. All other property taxes are levied at the local level.

“Knowing that legislators were anxious to tell their constituents they had done something to alleviate their property tax burden this session, I offered a three pronged, workable approach: a one-time $250 reduction on their car tax; a permanent increase from $75k to $150K exemption from the state mill levy for schools on their home; and a $60million fund to help counties mitigate property tax increases.

“Legislative leadership never allowed legislators to discuss or vote on my proposal. Instead, they ramrodded through another sure-to-fail, untenable property tax bill.

“I don’t dispute that property taxes in Kansas are too high. I have been saying that since 2012 when the disastrous “tax experiment” focused on income tax reduction that primarily benefitted those at the top. Those ill-advised cuts drastically reduced revenues coming into state coffers. The state responded by, among other things, cutting support to local communities for vital services, leaving our counties and cities to pick up the slack. Those additional burdens make it very difficult for our municipalities to hold the line on property taxes.

“It is time for the Legislature to partner with our city and county officials to develop a strategy to reduce the property tax burden on their constituents and return to the balanced “three-legged stool” approach to taxes — sales, income and property — that Kansas needs to thrive.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2043.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Substitute for House Bill 2111:

“While HB 2111 may be well-intentioned, this legislation was not requested by the agri-tourism industry at large. Rather, it was requested by a single entity and rammed through the legislative process at the last minute. It is irresponsible for the Legislature to rush to amend state law on behalf of a single entity when the changes contained in this bill could have far-reaching negative consequences for the agri-tourism industry as a whole.

“Additionally, this bill overrides local governments’ ability to enforce their own building codes, regulations, and ordinances on the new class of agri-tourism entities created by this bill. I do not support the Legislature’s continued attempts to infringe on local control and this bill is another example of that. Cities and counties are best positioned to partner with agri-tourism businesses to develop and enforce regulatory structures that foster this diversified revenue stream while protecting the health and safety of Kansans.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto Senate Substitute for House Bill 2111.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2515:

“I have made it a priority during my administration to find ways to reduce the tax burden for Kansans, best evidenced by the elimination of both the food sales tax and the state income tax on social security. I have also made it a priority to protect the state’s ability to meet its obligations to fund schools, build roads, take care of foster children and other essential services, while ensuring the long-term financial health of the state. I have done this by consistently rejecting proposals that diminish state resources while benefitting just a select subsection of Kansas citizens. HB 2515 fits into that category.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2515.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2044:

“This bill contains issues that warrant serious discussion by the Legislature. The discussion should take place using traditional legislative procedures and within the context of other discussions related to taxes. Those discussions should then be juxtapositioned with budget issues to ensure that, should it be enacted, the state can continue to meet its obligations and remain fiscally sound long term.

“That process did not occur regarding this bill.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2044.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2763:

“I wholeheartedly believe that elementary students need a minimum of 30 minutes recess every school day. Recess contributes to the physical health of children and enhances their ability to learn. I also support implementation of a State Fitness Test to be administered annually, as required for participation in the federal Rural Health Transformation grant program.

“The leadership of State Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education have agreed to begin taking the steps to implement the Fitness Test once federal guidance is provided to states. They will further reaffirm their recommendation that elementary schools provide a minimum of 30 minutes of recess every school day and work with any school districts not currently following their recommendation to facilitate implementation wherever feasible.

“I appreciate the State Board of Education’s willingness to use its constitutional authority to modify curriculum requirements mandated in HB 2763.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2763.”

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes House Bill 2412

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed House Bill 2412.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2412:

“I concur with legislators who believe that citizen knowledge of and involvement in our democratic process at the local, state and federal level should be emphasized throughout our children’s educational journey. That knowledge would include an understanding that, in Kansas, the Kansas Board of Education is accorded constitutional authority to determine curricula. So, while I support the concept of Civics Education, its design and implementation should be dictated by state and local boards of education.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2412.”

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