|
|
|
|
Category Archives: Kansas
KDOT seeks input on EV charging in Kansas
|
|
|
|
Commerce Encourages Jobseekers to Join Virtual State Agency Job Fair
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers to take part in this month’s State of Kansas Agency Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 22.
“Our state agencies are always looking for strong candidates who can help serve the people and communities of our great state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I encourage anyone who is interested in doing important and meaningful work for Kansas to come join a winning team.”
There are currently 786 agency positions available across the state that range from entry to senior level. State agencies are looking for new talent to assist in improving Kansas. The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a state position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating agencies.
The State Agency Virtual Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
###
Kansas Family Permanency Option For Aging Out Of Foster Care System
Governor Kelly Ceremonially Signs SOUL Family Legal Permanency Bill
~~Kansas Becomes First State in the Country
to Adopt the SOUL Family Option~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed House Bill 2536 today, establishing the Support, Opportunity, Unity, and Legal (SOUL) Family permanency option for children aging out of the state’s foster care system.
“My administration has been focused on reforming our child welfare system and reducing the number of children and teenagers entering foster care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The changes we have made to our child welfare system have been significant and the SOUL Family permanency is another example of this. It is a tool that we can use to ensure Kansas foster children aging out of the system grow into the next phase of their life, finish their education, settle into jobs, and become contributing members of their community.”
The Kelly administration’s work has resulted in a nearly 20% drop in the total number of young people in foster care.
SOUL Family is a fourth pathway for teens 16 or older in foster care to obtain legal permanency and transition into adulthood via a custodian of their choice.
Previously, young people in custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) had three pathways for permanency, a term for a legally recognized family-like relationship. Those pathways were adoption, reintegration, and appointment of a custodian. Now, teens 16 and older can choose a person or a group of people they trust to help raise them as they enter adulthood.
“The SOUL Family option means young people who are aging out of foster care will be empowered to select the circle of caring adults who will help them as they move into adulthood,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “The adults would agree to serve as legally recognized caregivers not just during the young person’s transition from foster care to adulthood, but for the rest of their lives.”
While adoption, reunification, and guardianship provide family for many youths, those pathways don’t always meet the needs of others. Stakeholders and those with lived experience in the foster care system testified to the need for the SOUL Family permanency option.
Kansas is the first state in the country to sign the Soul Family permanency option into law.
“When young people with lived foster care experience spoke, the legislature listened with the overwhelming support of the SOUL bill. This additional permanency option gives youth the freedom to select their SOUL family, providing the security and stability needed as they approach adulthood,” said Kansas State Representative Susan Concannon, District 107. “This is a game changer, and I’m so proud that Kansas is the first state to pass this innovative approach to permanency.”
DCF is currently working on the implementation process, which includes building the criteria, practices, resources, benefits, and administrative structures to best support the safety and well-being of young people transitioning from foster care into court-approved legal SOUL Families. This fourth permanency option is expected to be available to young people in foster care this summer.
Young people with lived experience will continue to be involved in the implementation process.
###
Upper Floor Housing in Kansas Main Street Communities Are Eligible For Grants
Upper Floor Housing Grants Available for Designated Main Street Communities
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $400,000 is available under the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) grant program to support new upper-floor housing in commercial buildings in Designated Kansas Main Street communities.
“Main Street communities across the state long have been revitalizing their historic business districts and supporting economic vitality,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Increasing the amount of available upper-floor housing is essential to maximizing the economic potential of Main Streets across Kansas. ROOMS grants provide another powerful tool to breathe new life into their downtown areas.”
Upper-floor investments create new housing opportunities and can play an important role in addressing the shortage of quality housing, which regularly is identified as a major issue throughout Kansas. Upper-floor housing enhances the overall livability and functionality of downtowns. It also can lead to increased investment, improved infrastructure, a positive cycle of economic growth, a stronger tax base, and a greater sense of place and community identity.
“These types of projects are expensive and require funding from multiple sources,” Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said. “The ROOMS grants offer a tremendous opportunity to help make these kinds of projects happen.”
ROOMS funds will be available to applicants within active Designated Kansas Main Street communities for projects that can be shown to lead directly to housing creation or retention in upper floors of existing buildings in the designated downtown area. Projects must incorporate Main Street design standards and follow local ordinances and code for improvements. Each eligible applicant may receive a single $50,000 grant.
To view a webinar recording about the ROOMS grant program, click here. For more information about the Kansas Main Street program, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
###
Grants To Restore Barns For Agritourism Announced
Kansas Tourism Announces New Grant to Assist Restoration of Historic Barns for Agritourism Businesses
TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs (BARN) Grant Program is open for applications. This is the first grant program of its kind for Kansas Tourism. The grant has been created to support and expand agritourism businesses across Kansas through converting underutilized or vacant historic barns into new venues.
“Transforming barns through the BARN program will preserve historical structures and repurpose them into vibrant hubs for agritourism activities, all while bringing new life and economic opportunities into Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By revitalizing these iconic buildings, we are honoring our state’s agricultural roots and planting seeds for future businesses to grow and prosper.”
The BARN grant program is designed to spur economic growth and help create memorable visitor experiences by preserving a significant aspect of Kansas’ architectural history. These grants are specifically designed to rescue iconic barns from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into spaces conducive for new or expanding agritourism businesses.
“The type of project we are looking for are those that have the potential to bring new visitors to Kansas,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Agritourism is an effective way to celebrate our state’s agricultural tradition while providing unforgettable travel experiences to our visitors.”
A total of $100,000 will be provided this year, with a maximum of $25,000 available per project. Applications are open until July 31 and awards will be made in September. BARN guidelines and applications are available here.
About Kansas Tourism:
The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive 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 the 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
###
Recognizing Companies/Individuals For Positive Community Impact
Nominations Now Open for 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on their communities and the Kansas economy.
This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held Thursday, October 3, at the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“The number of outstanding business success stories across Kansas continues to grow — and we’re looking forward to recognizing more impressive companies and businesspeople who invest in their communities and in our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The To The Stars awardees exemplify the spirit and determination necessary to succeed in business and make a lasting impact. We all know companies and individuals that have gone above and beyond, and I encourage everyone to nominate them for this notable honor.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:
- AgriBusiness– Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
- Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
- Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
- Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
- Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
- Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
- Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
- Under 30 Entrepreneurs – Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success
- Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
The Department of Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.
“As our state’s economy keeps growing, it’s only appropriate that we celebrate and thank the Kansas businesses that continue to support their communities and drive our state’s unprecedented economic success,” Commerce Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “We look forward to recognizing another year of outstanding businesses and hard-working Kansans, and we hope to see you in Great Bend.”
To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
###
Kansas Establishes Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Work Group and Task Force Combine to Establish Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition
TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) are taking steps to gather professionals, as well as individuals with lived experience, to update the state’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia state plan.
In response to this public health care crisis, in May 2019, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 19-08, establishing the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force. Task Force members divided into committees that studied, researched and documented the following topics for the plan: Public Awareness, Access to Care, Family Caregivers, Training and Workforce, Safety and Legal, Research and Data, Dementia Care and Rural.
In 2024, KDHE received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to engage members of the 2018 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and 2019 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force in establishing a Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition to address Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD).
“This coalition is the perfect opportunity to continue our partnerships across the state in addressing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their effects on Kansans and their families,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “The hard work and dedication of the individuals in these groups have provided the foundation that will allow us to continue educating and discussing these important topics as we move forward in supporting the individuals affected by these impactful diagnoses.”
In addition to expanding the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and Task Force into a state-level Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Coalition and updating the state plan to include related disease and actions from the CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative, the program will begin educating the public on brain health and ADRD issues and the broad spectrum of actions needed to fully address ADRD across Kansas.
“Our goal is to improve access to dementia care and quality of life and build strong communities for those living with Alzhemier’s disease or other forms of dementia through strengthened partnerships and policies,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “By engaging and educating the public and focusing on action plans to promote dementia-friendly resources, we can elevate and address issues in dementia care.”
Coalition meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, virtually, from 1 to 3 p.m. The next one is scheduled for May 14. To participate contact Tyra Quintin or Amy Hampton.
###
Vivint Home Security Will Pay State of Kansas For Pressuring Consumers
Home security company will pay state $500K, Kobach says
TOPEKA – (May 3, 2024) -A Utah company will pay the state of Kansas $500,000 after agreeing to a consent judgement with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, Attorney General Kris Kobach said. The allegations in the petition filed in Shawnee County District Court included that the company, Vivint, used deceptive business practices to pressure Kansas consumers into long-term contracts.
“Protecting Kansas consumers is our highest priority. Door-to-door transactions are an easy way for suppliers to take advantage of consumers through high-pressure sales tactics. We encourage every consumer solicited through a door-to-door transaction of any kind to thoroughly read and take the time to understand the contract before signing,” said Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz.
In addition to the monetary payment, Vivint agreed to change a number of its business practices including not allowing its employees to fill in customers’ names on electronic forms, allowing consumers to cancel their month-to-month services by phone or email, and providing customers with a copy of their extension or renewal agreements within three business days.
Attorney General Kobach encourages consumers who have questions about door-to-door sales or any consumer protection matter to call the Kansas Attorney General’s Public Protection Division at (800)432-2310 or email [email protected].
Read the consent judgment here.
###
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
May 3, 2024
Veto Session is over and so is the 2024 session. The House was able to override the Governor’s veto of CCR 2036, but it failed in the Senate by one vote. There were two Senators who voted for the CCR but voted No on the override. They turned around and voted for the next tax package – CCR 37, which was similar to CCR 2036. It is the mega-tax relief package that would exempt Social Security from state income tax; take the grocery state sales tax to zero July 1, 2024 instead of Jan 1, 2025; provide some property tax relief; lower income taxes for all taxpayers; lower the privilege tax; and remove the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction (LAVTR) language. The difference is the tax brackets. The top bracket would be 5.57, instead 5.55 and the other bracket would be 5.2 instead of 5.15. It is around a $3 million fiscal note from the Governor’s proposed legislation. The Governor is considering a special session costing $84,600 a day for what one accountant called, “a rounding difference”. Keep in mind, over $4 billion is in the state coffers. It makes no sense not to let this legislation become law.
Legislative Post Audit Committee had the Ford and Chase County Clerks answer questions regarding a previous audit on elections. Ford County sealed all of the election material and didn’t cooperate with the audit staff. After questioning, the Committee decided to request audits of Ford County for this year’s primary and general elections. Chase County had sealed election material also but had worked with audit staff during the audit. The Committee also asked that the election material be unsealed so that they can be audited. A copy of the audit is posted at https://www.kslpa.org/audit-report-library/reviewing-kansass-rocedures-for-election-security-part-2/
Lies are rampant in the Capitol. First, I was not blocking any tax relief, especially for veterans. In fact, I have been and will continue to lead the charge on tax relief. Some legislators told me, “we wouldn’t have any tax relief if it weren’t for you.” Remember Property Tax Relief in CCR 2096 that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago?
- Expand the property tax freeze for seniors and disabled veterans so more people qualify
- Eliminate personal property taxes on items not used for business purposes, such as off-road ATVs, 15,000 lbs. trailers, motorized wheelchairs, bicycles, scooters, watercraft, and golfcarts
- Veterans’ Valor property tax relief program providing for totally disabled and unemployable
- Provide the current year and a four-year lookback on property valuation notices
- Allow payment under protest and appealing valuation in the same year if new evidence is provided
- Stop government competing with business property tax exemption
- Clarify 1031 exchange, build-to-suit, or sale/leaseback are not used establishing fair-market value
The House sent the CCR back to conference committee and a state representative has put out “fake news” that I am blocking or won’t attend a conference committee. CCR 2096 is a House Bill so I cannot call a conference. I have been working diligently to find a solution that leadership, Senate and House members will support. The House called a conference and we made changes to the legislation. One of the changes was to add a childcare tax credit to the package. It would help families keep more of their hard-earned money. Both chambers passed the legislation, so it up to the Governor if these provisions become law.
Again, Tom Petty’s words say it well, “I won’t back down. Well I know what’s right; I got just one life; In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around; But I’ll stand my ground; And I won’t back down.”
I have worked diligently to pass tax relief for disabled veterans and all Kansans. I will not back down in my support for the Kansas taxpayers.
Good News! The legislature overrode CCR 2098 with several sales tax provisions. It creates new program for disabled veterans (50% or more), exempts custom meat processing services, and exempts manufacturer coupons from sales tax and other provisions. The CCR is posted at https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2098/
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
KS Tax Collections Are Above Estimate
Governor Kelly Announces April Total Tax Collections Nearly 8.0% Above the Estimate
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that total tax collections for April were $1.42 billion. That is $101 million, or 7.7%, more than the monthly estimate. Total tax collections are up 9.6% from April 2023.
“These revenue numbers underscore how important it is to provide responsible tax relief now,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I remain committed to cutting taxes in a fiscally responsible, comprehensive manner that doesn’t jeopardize the progress we’ve made.”
“The overage for April is largely due to the fact that we are processing 63,000 more ‘balance due’ checks from taxpayers this year than we were at the same time last year,” Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said. “A combination of two additional processing days and recently upgraded check remittance technology at the Department of Revenue have allowed payments to be processed faster and much more efficiently.
Secretary Burghart went on to say, “the spike in processed payments for April is really just a carrying forward of payments that would normally be processed in May. As a result, individual income tax receipts for May will likely be lower than the estimate.”
Individual income tax collections were $740.3 million in April 2024. That is $91.0 million, or 14.0%, more than the estimate, and up 24.7% from April 2023.
Corporate income tax collections were $338.2 million last month, which is $6.3 million, or 1.9%, more than estimates. It does, however, reflect a 4.5% drop from corporate income tax collections at this same time last year.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $295.1 million, which is $3.1 million, or 1.1% more than the estimate but down $13.5 million, or 4.4%, from April 2023.
The Consensus Revenue Estimating group met on April 19 to revise estimates for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
Click here to view the April 2024 revenue numbers.
###
K.R.I. is Fully Staffed, Licensed and Ready for Patients
Kansas Renewal Institute signed a lease on the building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott. on February 1, 2024, and celebrated the grand opening of Kansas’ newest mental health treatment center on April 18. The institute received its licensure on April 25.
“The License is specifically for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) – 50 beds for adolescents,” Joe Tinervin, MSW, president of operations said. “We are starting with adolescents and intend to expand on our PRTF license to include other age groups at a future date.”
Their current license allows work with individuals no less than 6 years of age and not older than 21.
“However, any current resident may continue to receive treatment until that resident reaches 22 years of age,” Tinervin said. “Preadolescents (ages 6-10), adolescents (ages 11-17), and adults (ages 18 and older) will program and reside in separate units with no co-mingling between those groups.”
“Now that we are licensed, we have begun the enrollment/credentialing process with the Managed Care Organizations and expect to start serving their members within the next two weeks,” Tinervin said. “All referrals are generated by the MCOs who work in conjunction with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services in coordinating appropriate placement.”
“At this time, we are fully staffed to accommodate a census of 20,” he said. “We will continue to hire additional personnel as our growth ramps and we’re always keeping our eye out for talented individuals to join our organization.”
They received their license to specialize in Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) level of care, according to a press release.
“The Fort Scott facility boasts state-of-the-art amenities and a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to addressing the unique needs of each individual. From therapeutic interventions to educational and recreational activities, every aspect of care is tailored to foster healing, growth, and resilience.”
Mike Sharpmack is the Executive Director of Kansas Renewal Institute and can be reached at 620-644-1195 or
[email protected] for more information on employment.
To view the KRI website:
