Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Air Quality Advisory Issued for the Flint Hill Region

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Air Quality Advisory Issued for Parts of the Flint Hill Region Due to Seasonal Burning

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing an air quality advisory for the Flint Hill region, through Manhattan toward Nebraska.

KDHE activated the Kansas smoke modeling tool on March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke to downwind air quality problems.

Modeling has predicted conditions will worsen because of existing smoke combined with weather inversion patterns starting at 10 p.m. – 10 a.m. with a brief reprieve possible between noon and 5 p.m. and may continue for several days. The advisory took effect on April 7 for central and north-central counties in Kansas due to smoke from the Flint Hill seasonal burning between Topeka, Manhattan, and Salina, Kansas. When human health impacts are reduced, KDHE will rescind the advisory.

KDHE reminds Kansans that March and April are when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned, especially within the Flint Hills. These burns help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar, and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and effectively manages rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas.

Smoke management techniques are vital to reduce air quality and health impacts for the most vulnerable individuals, including those with respiratory issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children, and the elderly.

“Because air quality levels can change quickly, we are asking people to remain vigilant,” Doug Watson, meteorologist, said. “Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals.”

Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis.

If individuals live or have activities near these areas, they can take these steps to protect themselves when smoke is present:

  • Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
  • More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
  • Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Contact their doctor for symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue.

For more information about the burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions, and the smoke modeling tool, please visit http://ksfire.org.

Government, Kansas

Proposed Regulations for Retail Food Establishments Hearing is April 17

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A public hearing will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023, to consider the adoption of proposed revisions to the regulatory requirements for retail food establishments. The hearing will be held in person at the Kansas Department of Agriculture at 1320 Research Park Dr. in Manhattan, as well as via video conferencing system.

KDA is proposing revisions to K.A.R. 4-28-8 to update the regulatory requirements for retail food establishments contained in the Kansas Food Code. The Kansas Food Code sets food safety standards for Kansas retail food establishments, and the current regulatory requirements have not been updated since 2012. These proposed regulatory revisions are based on the Model Food Code currently used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which was adopted in 2017.

The proposed revisions include amendments to several sections of the Kansas Food Code. These changes will provide some clarity to food safety requirements and enhance safety practices in retail food establishments. They will also provide uniformity between the requirements imposed on retail food establishments in Kansas and other states.

KDA uses the public hearing and comment process to improve decisions, and appreciates public participation in the process. A copy of the updated Kansas Food Code, the expanded notice of public hearing (including a brief overview of the substantive revisions), and the economic impact statement may be accessed on the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register at that page to be provided with a video link. Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, KS 66502.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodation in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulation in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulation, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].

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Hearing for Proposed Revisions to Kansas Food Code.pdf
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 31, 2023

 

Too many bills to mention Last week the Senate worked over 75 bills in three days.  It was a grueling schedule.  All of the bills can be found at www.KSLegislature.org  Below are a few highlights from the marathon of legislation.

 

Property Tax was discussed in some detail on the Senate floor regarding a proposed constitutional amendment that I requested, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1610.  It would limit property valuations to a maximum 3% increase each year.  According the Revisors office (lawyers), this change must be made in the Constitution.  It was modeled after Oklahoma and Oregon, states that use fair market value systems, similar to Kansas.  A couple of Senators argued that it would take us out of compliance of fair market value and some owners would be paying more because they remodeled or sold their home.  However, the more important argument in support of the 3% limit is why should you be paying higher property taxes if your neighbor sells or remodels their home?  Oklahoma and Oregon have had valuation limits for over 25 years.  It will not break the Kansas system, but it will keep property owners from these massive property tax valuation increases in one year.  It does not stop local governments and schools from increasing your property taxes, via mil levy increases, but it does stop these super-inflated valuation increases and the burden of contesting them.  The SCR must pass both chambers by 2/3 majority.  It failed in the Senate on a vote of 26 to 14.  If one Senator who voted no, will change their vote Monday 4/3/23, it would go to the House for a vote.  It is a step in the right direction for limiting these massive property valuation increases.

 

Freedom from Government Competition is the intent of Senate Bill (SB) 252.  Businesses should not have to compete against their government.  There are government ran businesses in Kansas, creating an unfair advantage and SB 252 would help level the playing field.  If the Department of Revenue decides that your business is competing against a government business in your city then sales and property tax for your business would be exempt.  It passed the Senate 24 to 16.  I voted Yes.

 

Environmental Social Governance (ESG)  is a rating system established to encourage politically charged investments, such as stopping investments in the oil and gas industry.  The Kansas Senate took a major step in prohibiting state agencies and other political subdivisions from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against companies based on ESG criteria.  I offered an amendment that would prohibit state investments in countries that are known foreign advisories to the U.S., such as China and others.  All investments must be divested within 18 months.  We should have never been invested in these countries.  The amendment passed.  The bill passed the Senate 29 to 11.  I voted Yes.

 

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

Caryn

 

Government, Kansas

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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America Needs a Fair & Transparent Organ Transplant System
For years, Senator Roy Blunt and I raised the alarm about the nation’s fundamentally unfair and biased organ transplant system. Our warnings were heeded when the Department of Health and Human Services announced its intent to overhaul the organ transplant system.

Breaking up the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) contract and adding transparency to the process are good first steps to rectify the fundamental bias in the system dominated by a monopolistic contractor. Getting the organ transplant and donation system right is a matter of life and death. There is no room for bias, reckless mistakes or an opaque process. It is important to continue oversight and make certain the organ donation process is transparent and fair so that more organs can be donated and more lives saved.

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Government, Kansas

KS March Taxes Surpass Estimate

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Governor Kelly Announces March Total Tax Collections Surpass Estimate by Nearly $65 Million

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections for March 2023 were $758.3 million. That is $64.9 million, or 9.4%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also $78.7 million, or 11.6%, more than March 2022.

“Time and again, we have exceeded our estimated tax collections, providing further proof that we can responsibly axe taxes on groceries, retirement, and property for Kansans,” said Governor Laura Kelly.

Individual income tax collections were $314.6 million. That is $438,000 less than the estimate but $16.4 million, or 5.5%, more than March 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $102.6 million, which is $75.6 million, or 279.9%, more than the estimate and $74.9 million, or 271.1%, more than March 2022.

Combined sales and compensating use tax receipts were $275.4 million, which is $422,000 more than the estimate and $4.9 million, or 1.7%, less than March 2022. The reduced year-over-year receipts for March from these tax sources are due in part to the reduction of state sales tax on food and food ingredients.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Kansas 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 20. The Group will review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.

Government, Kansas

Dawn Bryant, Fort Scott, Selected to Serve on the KS Pet Animal Advisory Board

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Governor Kelly Announces
Administration Appointments

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced seven appointments and five reappointments to the following boards, commissions, and councils.

Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council
Purpose: To advise the Governor on adult, adolescent, and children’s services issues.

  • Cindy Sherlock, Osawatomie
  • Amber McMurray, Dighton
  • James Jones, Kinsley
  • Seth Dewey, Hutchinson

KS Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Purpose: To advocate for and facilitates equal access to quality, coordinated, and comprehensive services that enhance the quality of life for Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing.

  • Harmony Jarratt, Olathe

Citizen’s Utility Ratepayers Board
Purpose: Provides efficient and effective legal and technical representation for residential and small commercial utility ratepayers and ensures that utilities can charge only just and reasonable rates to Kansans.

  • Danya Burks, Wichita

Agricultural Remediation Board
Purpose: To administer the Kansas Agricultural Remediation Fund and the remediation reimbursement program.

  • Laura Pearl, St. Marys (reappointment)
  • Jami Loecker, Manhattan (reappointment)

KS Dental Board
Purpose: Adopt rules, issue licenses, and conducts hearings to revoke or suspend dental licenses.

  • Maya Nunley, Wichita (reappointment)

Pet Animal Advisory Board
Purpose: To make recommendations on changes to the Kansas Pet Animal Act.

  • Dawn Bryant, Fort Scott

Physical Therapy Advisory Council
Purpose: Advises the Board of Healing Arts on the examination and registration of physical therapists.

  • Danielle Vequist, Wichita (reappointment)

KS Athletic Commission
Purpose: Supervises all regulated sports and professional wrestling performances held in the state.

  • Tom Burroughs, Kansas City (reappointment)

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Government, Kansas

Gov. Kelly Requests Agency Provide Emergency Waiver During Summer Driving Season

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Governor Kelly Calls On EPA to Take Action to Save Kansans Money at the Gas Pump This Summer 

~~Gov. Kelly Requests Agency Provide Emergency Waiver to Allow Alternative Fuels During Summer Driving Season~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan requesting the agency allow the sale of E15 products – gasoline blended with 10.5% to 15% ethanol – during the summer through the use of an emergency waiver. This move, which the EPA granted last summer, would help prevent potential fuel shortages and save Kansas money at the gas pump.

Allowing the sale of this product during the summer driving season would also support the Kansas ag industry, especially corn growers who contribute to ethanol production.

“I’m calling on the EPA to take action to save Kansans money at the gas pump, increase our nation’s fuel supply, and support Kansas ag producers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The agency delivered this relief last year, and given inflation and declining fuel inventories, I believe they should do it again.”

During the summer of 2022, the EPA ensured the continued availability of E15 in order to extend fuel supplies put at risk by the Russia-Ukraine War. This action helped prevent potential shortages and saved Americans at least $57 million in fuel costs.

U.S. inventories of crude oil and petroleum products recently hit a 19-year low, and nationwide gasoline stocks are 3% lower than a year ago. Those statistics, coupled with continued international pressure and refining capacity being offline for maintenance, are predicted to have the same implications as last summer, providing support for another emergency waiver.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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Government, Kansas

KS Palliative Care Plan Announced

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Governor Kelly Announces the Release of
 Kansas’ 5-Year Palliative Care Plan

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released the state’s comprehensive 5-Year Palliative Care State Plan, a blueprint for how Kansas can better deliver care that improves the quality-of-life and mitigates suffering for Kansans with serious and often terminal illnesses. It includes proposals to deliver timely care to rural Kansans, bolster the health care workforce, and increase public awareness so Kansans can make informed decisions about treatment.

Thousands of Kansans could benefit from palliative care each year, yet Kansas currently ranks 42 of 51 states (including D.C.) in access to palliative care. Examples of diagnoses appropriate for palliative care include advanced dementia, cancer, chronic obstructive lung disease, genetic disorders, perinatal conditions, heart conditions, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, and neurologic disorders, among others. It is appropriate for patients of any age or stage of illness and can accompany curative treatment.

“My administration is focused on improving the quality of life for Kansans at every stage of life, and key to that is improving understanding of and access to palliative care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Palliative Care State Plan provides a comprehensive guide for how our state ease suffering at scale.”

The 2022-2027 Palliative Care State Plan is the product of a collaboration between KDHE, the Palliative Care Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council, the Kansas Cancer Partnership, and other palliative care experts.

“Many people in Kansas would benefit from Palliative care but don’t know about it,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “This state plan will help serve as a guideline to ensure that all Kansas families facing serious illness have the information and opportunity to obtain high-quality medical care that aligns with their unique circumstances and values.”

Other recommendations in the plan include:

  • Expanding broadband access and preserving policy changes to deliver telehealth services essential to delivering timely palliative care for all Kansans, including those in rural and frontier communities.
  • Incentive programs to recruit, train, and retain highly skilled palliative care clinicians; education on primary palliative care for all disciplines; and enhanced support for unpaid caregivers crucial to addressing our state’s palliative care workforce shortage.
  • Efforts to engage and inform Kansans about palliative care to improve the public’s understanding and acceptance of palliative care and how it differs from hospice.
  • Efforts to bring advanced care planning and serious illness care planning to scale across care settings so that Kansans are well-informed and can express their wishes, values, and treatment preferences ahead of treatment plan development.

To learn more about palliative care and the resources available, visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/834/Palliative-Care-Program.

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Kansas

KS Women Trailblazers

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Governor Kelly Honors Three Kansas Trailblazers During Women’s History Month


TOPEKA – As part of a ‘Women’s History Month’ celebration, Governor Laura Kelly today honored three women who have made significant contributions to Kansas: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, former Secretary of Administration; Julie Lorenz, former Secretary of Transportation; and Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools. Governor Kelly also presented each honoree with letters of recognition and formally proclaimed March ‘Women’s History Month.’

“Too often, we think of ‘women’s history’ as being in the distant past, failing to recognize that there are women making Kansas history right now,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today, during Women’s History Month, I want to shine a light on three of my favorite current history-makers, strong women leaders who are paving the way for the next generation.”

As Secretary of Administration, Chief Information Technology Officer, and director of the Office of Recovery, Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace played a critical role in strengthening state operations at all levels and broke barriers in state government for women. She departed the Kelly administration in January 2023 after over three years of service.

Dr. Burns-Wallace has been recognized nationally for her achievements, including receiving the Orbie Award for the 2022 Outstanding CIO of the Year in Government. She was also elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020 and became a member of the Council on Foreign Relations in 2022.

“The 2023 National Women’s History Month theme is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” Dr. Burns-Wallace said. “I am honored and humbled today to stand with these two amazing women as our stories, our journeys, our triumphs and even our failures reflect the richness, diversity, and the depth and breadth of women leaders across our great state and nation.”

As Secretary of Transportation and chair of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, Julie Lorenz navigated the passage of the 10-year bipartisan infrastructure program and repaired KDOT’s relationships with stakeholders across the state. She departed the Kelly administration in December 2022 after four years of service. She now serves as Principal Consultant for 1898 & Co., the business and technology consulting arm of Burns & McDonnell.

Like Dr. Burns-Wallace, Lorenz has been recognized across the country for her leadership, including with the prestigious George S. Bartlett Award.

“Throughout our history, Kansans have benefitted from strong women leaders in businesses, schools, government, and at home – and our work is not done,” Lorenz said. “We know poverty disproportionately affects women and children.  Today’s celebration of women also underscores the need for us to work harder together to make the future brighter for those who follow us.  I like to say Ad Astra Simul – to the stars, together!”

Dr. Tiffany Anderson is the first African American female superintendent of Topeka Public schools. She has been a passionate public school educator for 28 years, working to transform the lives of students and prepare them for life after graduation. In addition to her role as superintendent, Dr. Anderson serves on the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority (TEA), and as Co-Chair of the Governor’s Kansas Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.

Her dedication has been recognized by President Obama and at the Academy Awards. She recently received the 2023 Woman Superintendent in School Leadership award from the American Association of School Administrators.

“Women have changed the world and continue to lead the way to a better, more prosperous future of hope which can be seen in our woman leaders in politics, healthcare, and in the public education system which supports all other careers,” Dr. Anderson said. “It is a privilege to join Governor Kelly and the many women across Kansas in celebrating the countless contributions of women across the world.”

Fort Scott, Kansas, Schools

FSHS Math Teacher Amy Harper Honored As District 2 Kansas Teacher of the Year

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From Mr. Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal:

“This past Sunday Amy Harper, FSHS Mathematics teacher, was honored at the Kansas Teacher of the Year District 2 Banquet in Topeka.  We are extremely proud of Mrs. Harper for her recognition as a nominee and all that she does for Fort Scott students as well as the community. Mrs Harper, you make USD 234 a great place to learn! ”

Government, Housing, Kansas

The Cold Weather Rule ends March 31

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TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule ends on Friday, March 31. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills will be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements. March 31 is also the last day to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program or LIEAP, a federally funded program administered by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. LIEAP applications must be received by the Kansas DCF office by 5 p.m. on Friday.  The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected.

The Cold Weather Rule, in effect from November 1 through March 31, provides protection from disconnection to residential customers served by utilities regulated by the KCC when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. When the rule is in effect, regulated utilities are also required to offer a Cold Weather 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken.

When that protection ends on Friday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.

The Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plans require an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months in addition to the regular monthly bill.

It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 24, 2023

 

Session 2023 is quickly coming to an end.  There are a few more days of regular session, then conference committees will be the focus.  Conference committees are six member committees, three from each chamber, that negotiate the differences in legislation that has passed both chambers.  It is usually the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Ranking from committees.  However, the Senate President and Speaker may appoint whomever they want on conference committees.

 

Property Tax has been a focus for many, including myself and other legislators.  The Senate Tax Committee passed Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1610, limiting property valuations to a maximum 3% increase each year.  If we can get the SCR passed in both chambers by 2/3 majority, it would be on the ballot for voters to decide.  Hopefully, leadership will shepherd it through the process this session to let taxpayers vote and stop these massive valuation increases, which often result in higher property taxes.

 

Self-storage unit operators would be able to request towing of a vehicle, trailer, or watercraft when a storage unit payment is 60 days or more past due.  The bill, SB 2042, passed the Senate 38 to 0.

 

Article V in the U.S. Constitution defines two methods to amend the U.S. Constitution.  The most commonly known method is that an amendment to be initiated by U.S. Congress.  The second method is when an amendment can be initiated by the states.  There are a few groups working to initiate amendments through the state legislatures.  The Kansas Senate debated a resolution that would call for an Article V convention for term limits, a balanced budget, and to reign in federal overreach.  It always leads to healthy debate.  The Kansas Constitution requires a resolution for an Article V convention to pass by 2/3 majority.  There have been attempts in the past to disregard this requirement.  I do not support those efforts.  I do support states working to reign in our federal government, so I voted for the resolution.  However, it failed on a vote 22 to 16.  It needed 27 votes to pass.

 

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

Caryn