Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Commerce Launches SIGNS Grant to Boost Downtown Revitalization

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today launched the Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant, a new initiative aimed improving the appearance and appeal of retail and commercial business signage in downtowns across the state. The total funding amount available is $250,000 and will be distributed to support innovative, high-quality signage projects.

“Downtown districts are the heartbeat of our rural communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through the new SIGNS grant, we’re directly investing in locally owned businesses and their ability to attract more customers while preserving the charm and character of their historic downtowns.”

Eligible applicants are businesses or building owners, municipalities, Main Street organization, economic development groups, chambers, foundations, tribal organization and other nonprofit community entities. Communities can apply for funding ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with a required cash match based on the community’s population:

  • 50% match for communities with populations between 2,500 and 50,000
  • 25% match for communities with fewer than 2,500 residents

To preserve the unique character of Kansas’ historic downtowns, the grant prioritizes projects that adhere to the Kansas Commerce Sign Guidelines, ensuring that all signage complements existing architectural features. Preference will be given to three-dimensional signs created and installed by Kansas-based businesses.

Funds will be used to enhance community vitality and contribute to the downtown’s historical and aesthetic character. Awarded funds can be used for the design, purchase, lighting and installation of signs. The program is intended to support multiple buildings and businesses in a downtown region. A minimum of three signs must be proposed in each application.

Applications will be reviewed on a monthly first-come, first-served basis, until the funds are fully allocated. Applicants should ensure proposed projects comply with state and local regulations and that all grant-funded signage is completed within six months of the award approval.

“Historically, rural and small communities often lack the resources to revitalize their towns — that’s why this new funding opportunity is critical,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “These investments in our downtowns and small businesses will foster growth and drive economic vitality across the state.”

For more information about the SIGNS grant, click here or contact Quality Places Manager Sara Bloom at [email protected] or (785) 506-9278.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Quality Places Division:

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

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Government, Kansas

Commerce Announces New Opportunity for Transformative Art in Public Spaces

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of an innovative program to support community-driven projects that enhance the quality and functionality of public spaces in Kansas communities. The Transformative Art for Public Spaces (TAPS) grant will have a total of $150,000 available to support the creative transformation of often overlooked infrastructure into vibrant and engaging elements for the community.

“The TAPS grant program is about more than making every-day objects look more presentable,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Having attractive public gathering spots encourages more people to utilize them, stay for longer periods of time, and spend more money at local establishments. These small investments will have long-term economic benefits for communities across the state.”

The TAPS grant offers awardees amounts of $1,500 to $2,000 per project to cover materials, supplies and artist compensation. Interested applicants are encouraged to collaborate with local artists, students and community members by offering them opportunities to contribute creatively to their communities. A maximum of five projects are allowed per applicant.

Approved and funded fixtures and overlooked structures include:

  • Electrical boxes
  • Fire hydrants
  • Trashcans
  • Water utilities
  • Other infrastructures

Applications will be accepted through December 5 or until funds are depleted. Priority will be given to projects in communities that have not received funding from Commerce during the previous three years.

“The TAPS Grant is an exciting way to celebrate community identity while offering artists and residents the chance to make a lasting impact on their surroundings,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “We can’t wait to see how these projects inspire collaboration and connections among our Kansas communities and residents.”

Organizations may submit proposals for multiple projects within a single application, provided each project meets the program’s guidelines. Projects that will not be supported include:

  • Signs promoting businesses
  • Murals or large-scale wall installations
  • Live performances or temporary art
  • Large undertakings requiring structural modifications

Applicants must work with their local municipality or property owner and be permitted to create art on the proposed structure. Documentation of this permission will be required for the application.

For more details, application forms, project examples and resources, click here.

Questions about the TAPS Grant can be directed to Quality Places Manager Sara Bloom at [email protected] or (785) 506-9278.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Quality Places Division:

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

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Government, Kansas

March Total Tax Collections at $636.9 Million; 2.1% Below Estimate

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TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends March 2025 with total tax collections at $636.9 million. That is $13.6 million, or 2.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 16.2% from March 2024.

Individual income tax collections were $261.6 million. That is $3.4 million, or 1.3% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections were down 28.3% from March 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $50.1 million. That is $26.9 million, or 34.9% below the estimate, and down 35.0% from March 2024.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $246.8 million, which is $8.2 million, or 3.2% below the estimate and down $14.5 million, or 5.5%, from March 2024.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CRE), comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on April 17, 2025, to review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.

Click here to view the March 2025 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 28, 2025
The 2025 regular session ended.  Veto session starts April 10th and is scheduled to last two days.  Below are a few of the items we worked on last week.  All legislation can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.
Property Taxes the statewide 1.5 mill levy used for building maintenance will be eliminated if CCR 35 becomes law.  The Senate passed the tax cut in January.  In March, the House gutted the bill and put language in that would repeal transparency (often referred to as Revenue Neutral that requires local governments to vote on property tax increases) and created an option to petition counties and cities to restrict property tax increases over inflation plus new development plus some bonding, but the Senate saw too many issues so asked for a conference committee.  The House agreed in conference to put the Senate version back, eliminating the statewide 1.5 mill levy tax cut.  Some legislators complained because it is a minimal cut, but a cut is a step in the right direction.  Keep in mind, it is a cut that will save you more each year, because you will no longer pay 1.5 mill on your increased valuations.  All property taxes will now be to fund local governments, including schools, not state government.
The Senate also passed constitutional amendments that would have gone on a ballot for voters to decide if they want to limit property taxable valuation increases.  The county valuation of your property could still increase but the taxable value of your property would be limited in growth each year.  The Senate passed it three times by 2/3 majority (in SCR 1603 and HCR 5011, with a 3% limit on a bipartisan vote; and CCR 5011 with a 4% limit).  It doesn’t make sense the Senate passed each one with 2/3 majority, and the House rejected the opportunity for voters to decide.  The House passed a more clunky version to limit taxable value increases using an average of several years that could still result in double digit increases and would have taken longer to implement because the number of years would have to be defined in statute.  The House could still move on SCR 1603 in veto session, but the odds are slim because lobbyists for the Kansas Realtors and others are putting out inaccurate information.  SCR 1603 would allow voters to decide if they want a taxable valuation limit of 3%.  I say, let the voters decide.
Foreign Adversaries would not be able to own property within 100 miles of a military facility in Kansas and drones or parts for drones made by foreign adversaries could no longer be purchased by government entities, including law enforcement, if CCR 9 becomes law.  This would restrict foreign governments from spying.  The Senate sent it to the Governor’s desk on a vote of 39 to 1.  I voted Yes.
Right To Try experimental drugs if you are out of health options passed the Senate unanimously and was sent to the Governor.
Contingent Fee Contracts by political subdivisions would have a higher level of scrutiny if HB 2228 becomes law.  That sounds good, but the bill had some suspicious dates like back dating to July 1, 2024, and sunsetting in 2029.  Only 9 other Senators had concerns, so the bill passed with 28 yes votes.  I voted No.
Campaign Contribution Limits to candidates would double if the Governor signs CCR 2054 into law.  It would also increase contribution limits to political parties.  We do not need increased contribution limits.  It passed 26 to 14.  I voted No.
Kansas Court of Appeals appointment of Lori Bolton Fleming from southeast Kansas, passed the Senate unanimously, which finalized her appointment.
Kansas Supreme Court Justices could be elected if voters decide to amend the Kansas Constitution on the August 2026 ballot.  SCR 1611 passed both chambers with 2/3 majority.  I voted Yes.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Two Bills, Allows Three to Become Law Without Signatur

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed Senate Bill 5 and Senate Bill 14. Governor Kelly also allowed House Bill 2106, House Bill 2027, and Senate Bill 105 to become law without her signature.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 5:

“Restricting federal funds for elections and election-related activities without legislative approval is not just unnecessary micromanagement; it undermines our ability to conduct secure and efficient elections.

“Some legislators have voiced concerns about voter fraud and foreign interference, but state and local election officials would be much more capable of addressing these threats if they received necessary funding from Congress. It doesn’t make sense to turn down these resources that make our local elections in Kansas safe, secure, and accurate.

“Given that the Legislature only convenes for three months each year, how can we expect them to approve funding when they are not available year-round? Instead of obstructing our electoral process, lawmakers should concentrate on the real issues impacting Kansans, rather than complicating the management of election funds.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 5.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 14:

“Kansas entered statehood on January 29, 1861. Since that time, every single Legislature has managed to pass a budget that became law. In fact, technically speaking, it’s the Legislature’s only constitutionally required job.

“If this Legislature cannot do what every previous legislature has been able to do since our founding—through periods of war, famine, pandemic, recession, the Dust Bowl, and even the Great Depression—then they will have to do it over my veto because I will not sanction it, nor will the people of Kansas.

“This bill is the latest attempt at legislative overreach into the executive branch and is really nothing more than an invitation to government dysfunction—just like we see in Washington, D.C. Is that what we want for Kansas?

“I am confident that this Legislature will be able to continue the tradition of completing their constitutionally mandated duties, within the constitutionally mandated timeframe just as every one of their predecessors has been able to do.

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

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing House Bill 2106 to become law without her signature:

“I support stopping foreign influence in our elections so that Kansans can decide what’s best for Kansas. Federal law already prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to federal, state, or local elections. If the Legislature had crafted something similar for Kansas, I would have signed it. But this bill goes too far. I cannot sign a bill that takes away the ability of Kansans and Kansas businesses to support elections if they accept money from overseas for any purpose, not just those related to elections.

“Forcing Kansans to choose between accepting financial support for any reason or surrendering their voice in the political process is wrong. This bill potentially exposes our state to litigation for its limitations on speech and association, possibly violating First Amendment protections in the U.S. Constitution as well as possible equal protection violations of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution on account of disparate treatment of the people and businesses in Kansas based on whether they have international operations or support.”

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing House Bill 2027 to become law without her signature:

“The Legislature passed the so-called HOPE Act in 2015, severely restricting Kansans’ ability to access social service programs like SNAP food assistance, TANF cash assistance, and childcare assistance.

“The HOPE Act was wrong then, and it remains wrong now. Legislators are only trying to put lipstick on a pig, and I refuse to associate myself with the HOPE Act. Now, more than ever, the Legislature should look for ways to support working Kansas families rather than further shredding the safety net that gives Kansans a bridge back to self-sufficiency.”

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing Senate Bill 105 to become law without her signature:

“While I understand the Legislature’s desire to have a say in the appointment process for filling vacancies for United States senator, state treasurer and insurance commissioner, this bill puts forth a partisan power grab by the Legislature and includes an overly bureaucratic process ripe for undue influence by special interests.

“Had the Legislature passed a simpler method for modifying the appointment process for these offices, I would’ve signed it into law. However, given my concerns about the messy process this bill creates, the bill will become law without my signature.”

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Increasing Dollars for Conservation Districts

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 36, which increases the cap on the amount of money conservation districts can receive from the division of conservation and increases the amount of matching dollars the state can provide conservation districts.

“Addressing our state’s diverse water quality and quantity challenges will require on-the-ground action from local partners who know their communities the best,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This bill strengthens local capacity by providing our state’s conservation districts the resources they need to effectively implement state and federal natural resource programs.”

Under Senate Bill 36, the matching basis for state moneys disbursed to conservation districts will be based on amounts allocated by the board of county commissioners for such districts.

“Kansas Conservation Districts have been a vital part of responsibly maintaining our water supply and protecting against erosion for over eight decades,” said Representative for House District 116 Kyle Hoffman. “By ensuring these districts have the resources necessary to continue their important work, we are taking critical steps toward the future of agriculture in Kansas.”

This bill doubles the amount of money conservation districts can receive from $25,000 to $50,000 and makes matching dollars a $2 division contribution for every $1 from counties to match the funds allocated by county commissioners.

“Doubling the matching funds available could allow the district to hire a second staff member to focus on education and outreach,” said Senator for District 2 Marci Francisco. “Helping our farmers understand the advantages of conservation practices such as cover crops could in turn have a significant impact on both soil health and crop quality.”

In addition to Senate Bill 36, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

Senate Bill 6: Reaffirms current law prohibiting the use of ranked-choice voting methods for conducting elections.

Senate Bill 58: Modifies the requirements and allocations for multi-year flex accounts, providing for additional flexibilities to maximize the efficiency of water usage and conservation.

House Bill 2254: Ensures Kansas milk producers are financially protected by requiring milk processors to hold payments in trust for producers until full payment is received.

House Bill 2085: Extends the expiration of permits issued under the water pollution control permit system from five to 10 years.

House Bill 2166: Continues existing exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the open records act pertaining to sensitive personal medical information.

House Bill 2182: Clarifies that victims shall not be charged a fee for service of process by a sheriff’s office under the Kansas protection order acts; with the goal of ensuring that said fee does not deter victims from pursuing a protection order for their safety.

House Bill 2238: Directs legislative administrative services to prepare all committee minutes.

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Government, Health Care, Kansas

Kansas Has 23 Cases of Measles

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Kansas has  23 cases of Measles according to KDHE, according to information from Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer

https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2314/Measles-Data

“You can get to the above link as well by way of the link below from the CDC:

https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html

Below is the link to the MMWR article from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices regarding MMR vaccination:

https://www.immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/acip/mm7146a1-H.pdf

To clarify:
During a measles outbreak, infants aged 6–11 months should receive a single dose of MMR. This would be followed by the 2 dose series at the recommended periods (12-15 months and 4-6 years).
**This would be for residents of counties with outbreaks**

The ACIP generally considers those individuals born before 1957 to have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella, thus does not recommend vaccination with the MMR vaccine for this group.”

—

Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer

photo

 
Government, Kansas

Bipartisan Bill Eliminating Barriers to State Employment Signed

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Eliminating Barriers to State Employment


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly signed on Friday Senate Bill 166, the Fostering Competitive Career Opportunities Act.

“There are a multitude of factors that go into employment consideration, and a postsecondary degree should not always be the deciding factor,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While this principal has already been implemented for agencies under my jurisdiction, I am pleased to sign this bill to codify this practice.”

Senate Bill 166 ensures that applicants for state jobs can’t be denied solely due to their lack of a postsecondary degree. The provisions of the bill would not apply to any positions for which a postsecondary degree is justifiably necessary. Currently, less than 15% of state employees work in jobs that require a postsecondary degree.

“As Chairman of the Commerce Committee for the past seven years, I’ve heard time and again from businesses and workers alike that experience in the field often outweighs classroom learning, and I know firsthand that I learned far more through work than I ever did earning my MBA,” said Representative for House District 27 Sean Tarwater. “This bill sends a clear message: Kansas values hard work and experience. Countless Kansans chose to build their careers rather than take on debt for a degree, and it’s time we recognize and reward their skills.”

This bill codifies current practice for executive branch agencies, continuing to allow flexibility in determining requirements for applicants for each job posting. Rather than being strictly limited to a postsecondary degree requirement, employers could consider prior direct experience, certifications, courses or specialized training, among other requirements.

“With this commonsense approach, Kansas is no longer tied to outdated requirements to demonstrate work readiness,” said Senator for District 25 Mary Ware. “For decades we’ve experienced ‘degree inflation’ which demands a post-secondary degree whether it’s truly necessary, but now previous work and life experience will be as important as a college degree for thousands of positions in our state’s workforce.”

In addition to Senate Bill 166, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

Senate Bill 78: Requires postsecondary educational institutions to review and update accreditation policies regularly.

Senate Bill 194: Voids a restrictive covenant that limits the use of real property and includes discriminatory provisions, enabling an IXP project at Wichita State University to proceed.

House Bill 2092: Updates certain reporting and audit requirements for Professional Employer Organizations (PEO) with the secretary of state.

House Bill 2117: Modifies certain business filing and fee requirements for business trusts, foreign corporations and limited partnerships; and makes other technical changes.

Substitute for House Bill 2145: Reorganizes the Butler County Fair Board.

Substitute for House Bill 2102: Provides for the advance enrollment of a military student whose parent will be stationed in Kansas.

House Bill 2185: Provides additional educational supports for Kansas National Guard members and their families by updating the Educational Assistance Act to allow family of guard members to participate. The bill also updates the Kansas National Guard educational master’s for enhanced readiness and global excellence (EMERGE) program to include other advanced degrees.

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Government, Kansas

KS 2025 Agriculture Commodity Safety Net Programs  Enrollment Is Down, Deadline April 15

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Agricultural Producers Have Until April 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs for the 2025 Crop Year  

Kansas Enrollment Currently At 70% of Expected

 

Manhattan KS, March 27, 2025 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year have until April 15, 2025, to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to eligible farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or revenues for the 2025 crop year. In Kansas, producers have completed 72,222 contracts to date, representing 70% of the more than 104,500 expected contracts.

 

“Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs provide excellent risk protection, for market declines, at no cost to the producer,” said Joshua Ridder, deputy state executive director for FSA in Kansas.  “If you haven’t made your program election or signed a contract, please contact your local FSA county office as soon as possible to set an appointment so you don’t miss the April 15 deadline.”

 

Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC, which provide crop-by-crop protection, or ARC-Individual, which protects the entire farm. Although election changes for 2025 are optional, producers must enroll, with a signed contract, each year. If a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm, the contract will continue for 2025 unless an election change is made.

 

If producers do not submit their election revision by the April 15, 2025, deadline, the election remains the same as their 2024 election for eligible commodities on the farm. Also, producers who do not complete enrollment and sign their contract by the deadline will not be enrolled in ARC or PLC for the 2025 year and will not receive a payment if one is triggered. Farm owners can only enroll in these programs if they have a share interest in the commodity.

 

Producers are eligible to enroll farms with base acres for the following commodities:  barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.

 

Web-Based Decision Tools    

Many universities, including Kansas State University’s  AgManager.info , offer web-based decision tools to help producers make informed, educated decisions using crop data specific to their respective farming operations. Producers are encouraged to use the tool of their choice to support their ARC and PLC elections.
Crop Insurance Considerations 

Producers are reminded that enrolling in ARC or PLC programs can impact eligibility for some crop insurance products offered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Producers who elect and enroll in PLC also have the option of purchasing Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) through their Approved Insurance Provider, but producers of covered commodities who elect ARC are ineligible for SCO on their planted acres.

 

Unlike SCO, RMA’s Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) is unaffected by participating in ARC for the same crop, on the same acres. Producers may elect ECO regardless of their farm program election.

 

Upland cotton farmers who enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are ineligible for the stacked income protection plan, or STAX, on their planted cotton acres.

 

Optimizing FSA Office Visits

Agricultural producers visiting FSA to complete ARC/PLC elections and enrollment are encouraged to also conduct other FSA program business during their scheduled appointment including completing farm loan applications and applying for the recently announced Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP). 

 

Sign up for ECAP began on March 19, 2025. ECAP, authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, provides up to $10 billion to agricultural producers for the 2024 crop year. Administered by FSA, ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. Congress gave USDA 90 days to implement the program, and that deadline was met. Producers of eligible commodities must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office  by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap  utilizing a secure login.gov account. For more information, please visit the ECAP website or review the ECAP Fact Sheet.

 

More details are forthcoming on more than $20 billion to be made available through the American Relief Act, 2025, for producers who suffered losses from natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 including $2 billion set aside for livestock producers and other funds that will be administered through block grants with states.

 

More Information

To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

Government, Kansas

Protect Your Genetic Data Amid 23andMe Bankruptcy

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Consumer Advisory for Kansans

TOPEKA – (March 27, 2025) – Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued a consumer alert warning Kansas resident of the recent bankruptcy filing by 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing and information company. 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23. The company said in a press release, “There are no changes to the way the Company stores, manages, or protects customer data.” However, the bankruptcy raises the risk that 23andMe may attempt to sell Kansans’ genetic data and other private information as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

“Protecting Kansans’ personal information and genetic data is of the utmost importance to our office. Because of the company’s current financial situation, we encourage Kansans to consider requesting deletion of their genetic data held by 23andMe,” Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz said.

Kansas residents should be aware of their rights and the protections afforded to their genetic data under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and the Wayne Owen Act.

Since this data is incredibly personal and sensitive, it’s important to understand your rights under Kansas’s privacy laws, including how to delete your genetic data from 23andMe.

How to Take Action and Protect Your Genetic Data
If you wish to rescind access to your genetic information and request the destruction of your test sample, follow these steps:

How to delete genetic data from 23andMe

  1. Sign in to your 23andMe account at www.23andme.com.
  2. Navigate to your profile’s “Settings” section.
  3. Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page.
  4. Click “View” next to the “23andMe Data” heading.
  5. If you would like to keep a copy of your genetic data, download your data before continuing.
  6. Locate the delete data option.
  7. Select “Permanently Delete Data”.
  8. Check your email for a confirmation link and follow it to complete the deletion process.

How to destroy your 23andMe Test Sample 
If you previously chose to allow 23andMe to store your saliva sample and DNA but would now like to opt-out, you can update your settings by going to “Preferences” on your account page.

To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”

Please visit the Office of the Kansas Attorney General’s website for more information on your rights under the KCPA and the Wayne Owen Act, guidance in managing your data, or to file a complaint.

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Government, Kansas

U.S. 69 Overlay Project in Bourbon and Linn Counties: March 31 to December

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Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing north for 25.6 miles to K-52 near Pleasanton.

 

Traffic will be carried through the work zone with alternating lane closures and intermittent ramp closures. Weather permitting, the road work should be finished by mid-December. Pearson Construction, of Wichita, is the primary contractor on the $17.6 million resurfacing work.

 

Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway conditions and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

 

 

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