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Category Archives: Kansas
Amended Update Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 22, 2024
The Budget is so full of pork, you’d think it’s a bacon factory. It increases spending 13.9%, over $1.2 billion, in just one year. There are some good things in SB 514 – the budget, but the waste far outweighs the good. The final budget bill will be put together in conference committee. Maybe this year, waste will get trimmed. The SB 514 passed 24 to 14. I voted No.
Tax Relief for a second time this session passed the Senate. The first time was CCR 2284 that was vetoed. The second time was SB 539 that passed with a bipartisan veto proof majority. It would provide property, income, and sales tax relief for Kansas taxpayers, but the House buried it in committee. They introduced a tax bill of their own, HB 2844, Monday, held a hearing on it Wednesday. Thursday they gutted SB 300 and put the contents of HB 2844 in SB 300, what is referred to as a ‘gut-n-go’. They passed it out of House Tax. It’s difficult to say what will happen, but what we do know is that this bill moves to the left and is a smaller tax cut for Kansans. There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so I am working for maximum tax relief. Kansans need it, especially with cost of food, fuel, and other necessities.
County On License Plate would be required on a majority of license plates and would authorize First City of Kansas (Leavenworth) distinctive license plates. HB 2498 passed unanimously.
Occupational Licensing would be expedited, and fees waived for military service members and spouses residing or planning to reside in Kansas. HB 2745 passed unanimously.
Kansas Commission On Veterans Affairs Office would be reestablished as the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. The Veterans Claims Assistance Program would be updated to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. HB 2760 passed 40 to 0.
Peer Support Counseling is with peers of similar experience. It would by expanded allowing law enforcement, emergency services, or the Kansas National Guard to utilize more resources for peer support and extend privilege to discussing a critical incident. HB 2557 passed 36 to 4. I voted Yes.
Silver Alert for a missing person would be expanded to include anyone over 18 diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Currently, silver alert is for elderly who are missing. SB 371 passed unanimously.
Ignition Interlock Devices are required for a person convicted of DUI. Currently, they pay a monthly fee for the device and the manufacture pays a fee to the Highway Patrol. SB 493 would establish another fee fund that would be paid by the convicted person to the Highway Patrol for administering the program. This increased cost will not be a deterrent from drunk driving. “I don’t think that you shall see, a fee that doesn’t tax you or me.” It passed 28 to 12. I voted No.
Kansas Credit Unions would be able to operate outside the state. A suspended board member may apply for review that has to occur within 60 days. It would allow the Credit Union Administrator to collect civil penalties. There are several other provisions in the HB 2561 that passed 40 to 0.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
DCF Announces Grants
DCF announces Innovative Capacity Building Grants for Therapeutic Family Foster Homes
Kansas to invest more than $4.7 million to grow availability and training of needed services to support families and prevent foster care
TOPEKA – In response to the need to provide more Therapeutic Family Foster Homes (TFFH), the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announce that seven agencies will receive $4,765,355 in grants to build capacity through innovative approaches that will significantly increase the number of homes available and provide needed training and supportive services.
Last year, the Kansas Legislature appropriated $6 million in State General Funds to support the TFFH capacity building program. TFFH receive increased training and supportive services to provide a temporary home for youth with significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. The homes are part of the continuum level of care and support as a resource for children and families.
“Together, the selected agencies will grow the network of Therapeutic Family Foster Homes while providing meaningful services and supports,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “The approaches by the agencies span a number of thoughtful innovations with an ability to have resources customized to meet a child’s or family’s individualized needs.”
The innovative mix of service delivery options will result in specific recruitment strategies and increased wraparound supports to resource families, biological families and youth. Some grants include collaboration with agencies who operate similar programs or support youth requiring a therapeutic level of care.
“DCF is committed to providing supports and services to all agencies sponsoring these types of homes,” Howard continued.
The grants are effective March 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 with the possibility of three one-year renewals. The remaining $1.2 million of the allocated resources will be available to provide other TFFH supports, training and services.
|
Agency |
Area of focus |
Counties |
Estimated support |
Initial Award Amount: March 1 to June 30, 2024 |
Full grant amount |
|
Cornerstones of Care |
Prevention |
Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Jefferson, Wabaunsee and Shawnee |
Therapeutic prevention-based care |
$177,123 |
$512,766 |
|
DCCCA |
Prevention and Foster Care |
Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick and Crawford |
50 children per year |
$143,905 |
$1,017,306 |
|
Eckerd Connects |
Foster Care |
Butler, Cowley, Reno, Sedgwick and Sumner |
5 to 8 TFFH |
$131,117 |
$332,014 |
|
EmberHope YouthVille |
Foster Care |
Sedgwick |
12 TFFH + 25 percent growth in outyears |
$360,509 |
$1,221,644 |
|
Foster Adopt Connect |
Foster Care |
Bourbon, Crawford, Douglas, Ellis, Johnson, Leavenworth, Reno, Shawnee and Wyandotte |
Rapid expansion of Behavioral Intervention Program |
$82,930 |
$189,507 |
|
KVC |
Foster Care |
Shawnee |
Implementation of The Mockingbird Family Model |
$245,643 |
$532,255 |
|
Pressley Ridge |
Training, Data Collection & Learning Management Software |
Statewide |
Training to staff |
$231,584 |
$959,863 |
Cornerstones of Care: Cornerstones will support families identified through open family preservation cases by supporting safety plan or respite placement options. Additional support will be available to the placement providers such as access to a virtual resource library, a daily reimbursement rate, incentive payments to placement providers, access to functional family therapy, and an in-home support specialist. This program will support increasing the capacity of TFFH homes by engaging in prevention activities to support youth in their homes and communities rather than in out of home care.
DCCCA: DCCCA will focus on the recruiting, training, and sponsoring TFFH to serve youth in DCF custody as well as through therapeutic stability placements. Therapeutic stability placements are designed for youth who are not in the custody of DCF but may be receiving support through Family First Prevention Services, Family Preservation, or Post Adoption Support. DCCCA will employ a dedicated TFFH recruiter, provide in-person and virtual support groups, specialized training for TFFH providers, mentoring, and incentives for youth, parents and placement providers. DCCCA will utilize Behavioral Interventionists as well as Functional Family Therapy when appropriate.
Eckerd Connects: Eckerd Connects will establish five to eight TFFH homes in Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Sumner, and Reno counties to provide TFFH services to youth placed in these homes. The approach will include a recruiter/trainer, clinical licensed mental health professional, respite, support groups, mentoring, flex funds and specialized training for TFFH. Eckerd will make their Functional Family Therapy program available to assist with care coordination and rapid response to support TFFH placements. Eckerd is creating a TFFH Peer Respite model to ensure respite support is available to families providing TFFH as well as accessing flex fund supports for TFFH.
EmberHope YouthVille: EmberHope will recruit TFFH families in Sedgwick County for youth between the ages of three and 18. They will provide specialized training for TFFH providers. EmberHope will create a TFFH team including a therapist, foster care worker, supervisor, TFFH recruiter, and quality improvement coordinator. EmberHope will also provide a resource room for TFFH to supply youth and families with hardgoods needed during placement.
Foster Adopt Connect: Foster Adopt Connect will support a rapid expansion of their Behavioral Intervention (BI) Program into Johnson, Wyandotte, Bourbon, Crawford, Shawnee, Douglas, Leavenworth, Reno and Ellis counties. BI is an in-home support that engages both parents and children with daily management of behaviors to decrease the need for short term hospitalization and assist with crisis de-escalation, re-direction, and the teaching of positive replacement behaviors to the youth. BI services can follow the child and be available to support the transition to either the parents’ home or an adoptive placement.
KVC – Mockingbird: KVC will create a Mockingbird Family Model of foster home constellations. These constellations consist of a maximum of 11 families, 10 foster homes and 1 Hub Home. The Hub Home serves to provide support to the homes within the constellation of families. Constellations may include licensed foster homes, relatives or non-related kin placements. The Mockingbird Family Model is designed to assist placement providers in utilizing supports not only from professionals involved in the child welfare system but also their peers. Hub Homes are specially trained to build community within the constellation and maintain open beds to provide respite and emergency supports to other constellation families, and plan social activities for the constellation. KVC will provide support to the hub and constellation through a KVC Liaison staff person, as well as attendant care workers. KVC will utilize the Registered Behavior Technician training to prepare their attendant care staff.
Pressley Ridge: Pressley Ridge will provide TFFH training statewide to agencies in Kansas who wish to utilize this model. Pressley Ridge training will be available in multiple cohorts throughout the state.
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The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offer a wide range of support services, including food, utility, child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children, including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF works in partnership with organizations, communities, and other agencies to support families, children, and vulnerable adults, connecting them with resources, supports, and networks in their home communities.
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 22, 2024
The Budget is so full of pork, you’d think it’s a bacon factory. It increases spending 13.9%, over $1.2 billion, in just one year. There are some good things in SB 514 – the budget, but the waste far outweighs the good. The final budget bill will be put together in conference committee. Maybe this year, waste will get trimmed. The SB 514 passed 24 to 14. I voted No.
Tax Relief for a second time this session passed the Senate. The first time was CCR 2284 that was vetoed. The second time was SB 539 that passed with a bipartisan veto proof majority. It would provide property, income, and sales tax relief for Kansas taxpayers, but the House buried it in committee. They introduced a tax bill of their own, HB 2844, Monday, held a hearing on it Wednesday and put the contents of HB 2844 in a shell, SB 330 which is a Commerce bill. They passed it out of House Tax on Thursday. It’s difficult to say what will happen, but what we do know is that this bill moves to the left and is a smaller tax cut for Kansans. There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so I am working for maximum tax relief. Kansans need it, especially with cost of food, fuel, and other necessities.
County On License Plate would be required on a majority of license plates and would authorize First City of Kansas (Leavenworth) distinctive license plates. HB 2498 passed unanimously.
Occupational Licensing would be expedited, and fees waived for military service members and spouses residing or planning to reside in Kansas. HB 2745 passed unanimously.
Kansas Commission On Veterans Affairs Office would be reestablished as the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. The Veterans Claims Assistance Program would be updated to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. HB 2760 passed 40 to 0.
Peer Support Counseling is with peers of similar experience. It would by expanded allowing law enforcement, emergency services, or the Kansas National Guard to utilize more resources for peer support and extend privilege to discussing a critical incident. HB 2557 passed 36 to 4. I voted Yes.
Silver Alert for a missing person would be expanded to include anyone over 18 diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Currently, silver alert is for elderly who are missing. SB 371 passed unanimously.
Ignition Interlock Devices are required for a person convicted of DUI. Currently, they pay a monthly fee for the device and the manufacture pays a fee to the Highway Patrol. SB 493 would establish another fee fund that would be paid by the convicted person to the Highway Patrol for administering the program. This increased cost will not be a deterrent from drunk driving. “I don’t think that you shall see, a fee that doesn’t tax you or me.” It passed 28 to 12. I voted No.
Kansas Credit Unions would be able to operate outside the state. A suspended board member may apply for review that has to occur within 60 days. It would allow the Credit Union Administrator to collect civil penalties. There are several other provisions in the HB 2561 that passed 40 to 0.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Bird Flu Identified in Two Kansas Diary Operations
HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA– APHIS), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial dairy operations. These are the first cases of HPAI in commercial dairy operations in Kansas. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that indicate mammal-to-mammal transmission, indicating that the risk to the public remains low.
At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. The pasteurization process of heating milk to a high temperature ensures milk and dairy products can be safely consumed, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In line with long-standing policy, the CDC does not recommend consuming unpasteurized milk or raw milk. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Dairies are also required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply chain.
We continue to encourage all dairy producers to closely monitor their herd and contact their local veterinarian immediately if cattle appear infected. Symptoms are mostly restricted to late-stage lactating cows and include a drop in milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency. We encourage dairy producers to minimize wildlife access to their dairy cattle’s water and feed sources.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment works to protect and improve the health of all Kansans. The agency has been notified of the findings and will monitor the situation as they did for HPAI when it was found in the poultry industry.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve while promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection and food safety to the best of our ability.
HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds
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New DCF Building Exterior Framework Is Going Up
The exterior framework began on March 22, on the new Kansas Department of Children and Families building project at Wall Street and National Avenue.
If all goes well, the completion date is July 2024, said Mike Anders, job supervisor of Silverrock Ventures.
The 13,000-square-foot building will house offices, several conference rooms, interview rooms, a large central file room, reception/waiting areas, break rooms, and storage spaces. There is a storm shelter built into the plan.
Kendall Schoenrock, owner, and developer of Silverrock Ventures who is building the new office space for the KDCF, spent time in making the facade of the building fit in with downtown Fort Scott, Anders said.
“It will have a red brick face and a limestone three-foot starter around the bottom of the east and north side,” Anders said. “It will have a different roof to fit in with downtown. It will have outside lighting like that of E3 Ranch, right across the street.”
There will be parking on the north side of the building, on Wall Street, which the building will face. They are also leasing parking spaces from the City of Fort Scott for some parking west of the building, on the south side of that lot.
There is a whole slate of tradesmen lined up for the work ahead: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, framing, masonry, and painting, Anders said.
Skitches Hauling and Excavation, Inc., Fort Scott, was the demolition contractor for the building site.
“He supplied all of our backfill and got our job site ready to build on,” Anders said. “A great guy.”
“We tried to use local contractors,” he said. “A lot are from a 30-mile radius approximately.”
Silverrock Ventures will do the interior finishing he said.
About DCF
The Kansas Department for Children and Families is available to assist with child care and child support, employment education and training, food and cash assistance, support for youth who have experienced foster care, and more.
For further information about services to the community:
https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/default.aspx
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If you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is being harmed emotionally, physically, or sexually, report it to the Kansas Protection Report Center 24/7 at 1-800-922- 5330 or online.
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LIEAP Application Deadline This Friday March 29 For Those Who Need Help With Utilities
The Cold Weather Rule and the LIEAP
application period will end soon
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) wants to remind utility customers that there are two important dates coming up that they should be aware of. First, the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP, is Friday, March 29. LIEAP is 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 KCC urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected. More information about the program is available at https://www.dcf.ks.gov/
In addition, the Cold Weather Rule ends on Sunday, March 31. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers, served by KCC regulated utilities, from disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees.
When the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, regulated utilities are also required to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken. When that protection ends on Sunday, 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.
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/
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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Escaped Inmate Is Apprehended
Minimum-custody Inmate John Evans Johnson, Jr., Who Escaped from the Johnson County Department of Corrections’ Adult Residential Center Apprehended
~Johnson, Jr. caught without incident~
KANSAS CITY, Kansas. –
Minimum-custody resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been apprehended.
On Thursday morning, March 21, 2024, Johnson, Jr., was taken into custody by Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. He was arrested on the KDOC escape warrant without incident.
He had been placed on escape status after attending two job interviews, and not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) on March 12, 2024.
No other details are being released as the investigation is ongoing.
The Johnson County Department of Corrections Adult Residential Center is a 398 bed, community based, facility that provides a highly structured environment for adult offenders ordered by the District Court.
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Measles Are On The Rise: Vaccines Are Encouraged
Submitted by Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination
Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network
March 18, 2024, 12:30 PM ET
CDCHAN-00504
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention for all international travelers aged ≥6 months and all children aged ≥12 months who do not plan to travel internationally. Measles (rubeola) is highly contagious; one person infected with measles can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom they come in close contact. From January 1 to March 14, 2024, CDC has been notified of 58 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, including seven outbreaks in seven jurisdictions compared to 58 total cases and four outbreaks reported the entire year in 2023. Among the 58 cases reported in 2024, 54 (93%) were linked to international travel. Most cases reported in 2024 have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Many countries, including travel destinations such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, are experiencing measles outbreaks. To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission from importation, all U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations. Healthcare providers should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR. Given currently high population immunity against measles in most U.S. communities, the risk of widescale spread is low. However, pockets of low coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks.
Background
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated persons. Measles typically begins with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2 to 4 days before rash onset. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days (range 7 to 12 days), while rash onset is typically visible around 14 days (range 7 to 21 days) after initial exposure. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. Individuals infected with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterward.
Declines in measles vaccination rates globally have increased the risk of measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the United States. Measles cases continue to be brought into the United States by travelers who are infected while in other countries. As a result, domestic measles outbreaks have been reported in most years, even following the declaration of U.S. measles elimination in 2000. Most importations come from unvaccinated U.S. residents.
Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. MMR vaccines are safe and highly effective, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%) most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity). However, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019–2020 school year to 93.1% in the 2022–2023 school year, leaving approximately 250,000 kindergartners susceptible to measles each year over the last three years. Thirty-six states plus the District of Columbia (DC) had less than 95% MMR coverage among kindergartners during the 2022–2023 school year. Of states with less than 95% MMR coverage, ten reported more than 5% of kindergartners had medical and nonmedical exemptions, highlighting the importance of targeted efforts at increasing vaccine confidence and access.
Recommendations for Healthcare Providers
- Schools, early childhood education providers, and healthcare providers should work to ensure students are current with MMR vaccine.
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- Children who are not traveling internationally should receive their first dose of MMR at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4 to 6 years.
- All U.S. residents older than age 6 months without evidence of immunity who are planning to travel internationally should receive MMR vaccine prior to departure.
- Infants aged 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Infants who receive a dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses of MMR vaccine, the first of which should be administered when the child is age 12 through 15 months and the second at least 28 days later.
- Children aged 12 months or older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
- Teenagers and adults without evidence of measles immunity should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
- At least one of the following is considered evidence of measles immunity for international travelers: 1) birth before 1957, 2) documented administration of two doses of live measles virus vaccine (MMR, MMRV, or other measles-containing vaccine), or 3) laboratory (serologic) proof of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease.
- Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with fever (≥101°F or 38.3°C) and a generalized maculopapular rash with cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis who has recently been abroad, especially in countries with ongoing outbreaks. When considering measles, then:
- Isolate: Do not allow patients with suspected measles to remain in the waiting room or other common areas of a healthcare facility; isolate patients with suspected measles immediately, ideally in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) if available, or in a private room with a closed door until an AIIR is available. Healthcare providers should be adequately protected against measles and should adhere to standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspect cases, regardless of their vaccination status. Healthcare providers without evidence of immunity should be excluded from work from day 5 after the first exposure until day 21 following their last exposure. Offer testing outside of facilities to avoid transmission in healthcare settings. Call ahead to ensure immediate isolation for patients referred to hospitals for a higher level of care.
- Notify: Immediately notify state, tribal, local, or territorial health departments (24-hour Epi On Call contact list) about any suspected case of measles to ensure rapid testing and investigation. States report measles cases to CDC.
- Test: Follow CDC’s testing recommendations and collect either a nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, and/or urine for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and a blood specimen for serology from all patients with clinical features compatible with measles. RT-PCR is available at many state public health laboratories, through the APHL Vaccine Preventable Disease Reference Centers, and at CDC. Given potential shortages in IgM test kits, providers should be vigilant in contacting their state or local health department for guidance on testing.
- Manage: In coordination with local or state health departments, provide appropriate measles post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible after exposure to close contacts without evidence of immunity, either with MMR (within 72 hours) or immunoglobulin (within 6 days). The choice of PEP is based on elapsed time from exposure or medical contraindications to vaccination.
Recommendations for Health Departments
Measles is an immediately notifiable disease. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments have the lead in disease investigations and should report measles cases and outbreaks within 24 hours through the state health department to CDC ([email protected]) and through NNDSS.
- Establish measles case reporting from healthcare facilities, providers, and laboratories to public health authorities.
- If measles is identified, conduct active surveillance for additional (secondary) cases and facilitate transportation of specimens immediately to confirm diagnosis.
- Record and report details about cases of measles, including adherence to recommended precautions and facility location(s) of index and secondary cases.
- Enhance outreach and communications to under-vaccinated communities through trusted messengers.
Recommendations for Parents and International Travelers
- Even if not traveling, ensure that children receive all recommended doses of MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide better protection (97%) against measles than one dose (93%). Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella.
- Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally. Before international travel, check your destination and CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health Notice for more travel health advice, including where measles outbreaks have been reported.
- Parents traveling internationally with children should consult with their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that they are current with their MMR vaccinations at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants aged 6 to 11 months should have one documented dose and children aged 12 months and older should have two documented doses of MMR vaccine before international travel. Depending on where you are going and what activities you plan, other vaccines may be recommended too.
- After international travel, watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks after returning to the United States. If you or your child gets sick with a rash and a high fever, call your healthcare provider. Tell them you traveled to another country and whether you or your child have received MMR vaccine.
For More Information
- Parents and International Travelers
- Health Departments and Public Health Professionals
- Healthcare Providers
- Measles One-Pager for Healthcare Providers | Project Firstline and AAP
- Immunization Schedules | CDC
- Safety Information for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccines | CDC
- For Healthcare Professionals – Diagnosing and Treating Measles | CDC
- Interim Measles Infection Prevention Recommendations in Healthcare Settings | CDC
- Measles – Vaccine Preventable Diseases Surveillance Manual | CDC
- Rubeola / Measles | CDC Yellow Book 2024
- Measles Lab Tools | CDC
- Measles Serology | CDC
- Measles Specimen Collection, Storage, and Shipment | CDC
- Test Directory | Submitting Specimens to CDC | Infectious Diseases Laboratories | CDC
- Webinar Thursday, August 17, 2023 – We Must Maintain Measles Elimination in the United States: Measles Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Prevention (cdc.gov) (Free CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.
Department of Health and Human Services
HAN Message Types
- Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance about a public health incident.
- Health Advisory: Provides important information about a public health incident.
- Health Update: Provides updated information about a public health incident.
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This message was distributed to state and local health officers, state and local epidemiologists, state and local laboratory directors, public information officers, HAN coordinators, and clinician organizations.
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Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 15, 2024
Tax Relief passed the Senate and was sent to the House. All of the bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org. Here are some highlights.
Tax Relief for All Kansans: Property, Sales, and Income tax cuts passed in SB 539 with a bi-partisan vote of 29 to 11. I voted Yes. The bill would cut taxes for every Kansas taxpayer. It will:
- eliminate state income tax on Social Security (SS)
- provide property tax relief to homeowners by increasing the K-12 20 mill exemption to $100,000, up from $44,000
- eliminate the state sales tax on groceries July 1, instead of Jan 1, 2025
- increase personal exemptions for single filers to $11,000 and $22,000 for married joint filers and increase for inflation each year after – current single exemption is $2250 and $4500 for married
- increase single filer standard deduction to $4000 and increase all standard deductions (married is currently $8000) for inflation each year after
- increase dependent exemptions to $3000 up from $2250 and increase each year after for inflation
- create a single tax bracket at 5.7 that would decrease each year .05 for 5 years
- decrease the privilege tax to 1.63 for banks and 1.62 for trust companies over two years
- create a child tax credit program based on household income
Personal Property Taxes would be eliminated on off-road vehicles (including all-terrain vehicle – ATVs), watercraft, golfcarts, motorized bicycles, snowmobiles, and trailers with a gross weight of 15,000 lbs. or less. The KS County Appraisers Association asked me to help eliminate the taxes because it cost more to collect the tax than what is collected. The County Treasurers and Clerks I checked with agreed. Also, constituents had contacted me asking me to help because the taxes on these items are high and the penalties are steep. SB 484 is a win for the taxpayer and the tax collector. It passed 29 to 11.
Property Tax Freeze for Seniors and Disabled Veterans would be expanded in HB 2465 by subtracting SS from the household income, increasing the household income limit to $80,000, and increasing the home valuation to $595,000. Currently, only 50% of SS can be subtracted from the household income and it must be below $53,600 with a home valuation of $350,000 or less. HB 2465 would also open up the filing deadline because most people didn’t know about the program. (They must not be reading my newsletters ) The filing deadline for the property tax freeze is April 15 each year. The form is K-40SVR at Kansas Department of Revenue https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr23.pdf. I worked diligently with other Senators and House Tax Conference Committee members to pass this into law and we are working to expand the program so more people qualify.
Sales Tax Exemption For Disabled Veterans would be a new program for veterans. Any 50% or more disabled veteran would not pay state or local sales tax on personal purchases, excluding vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products. It would have a limit of $24,000 in purchases. KDOR reported that most Kansas families spend about that amount on items that have a sales tax. The original bill was SB 58. The committee voted to create Senate Substitute for HB 2036.
HB 2036, a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, created constitutional questions as stated by lawyers and others. Instead of risking losing the legislation because of questions on constitutionality, it made more sense to expand the existing program that freezes property taxes for seniors and disabled veterans and implement the sales tax program. It will help more disabled veterans, because not all own a home. The state has avoided the question of constitutionality with the property tax freeze program by having all of the property taxes paid and homeowner apply for a rebate.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
John E. Johnson Jr. Escaped From Jo. Co. Department of Corrections
Submitted photo.
Minimum-Custody Offender John Evans Johnson, Jr. Placed on Escape Status from Johnson County Department of Corrections’ Adult Residential Center
~Should be considered dangerous~
GARDNER, Kansas. –
Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been placed on escape status after not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) facility this afternoon.
Johnson, a 49-year-old white male with green eyes, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds. He has a shaved head and nine tattoos across his arms, legs, neck, and back.
He was placed on escape status when he did not return to the residential center following two job interviews.
Johnson has been serving a one-year sentence at the Johnson County Work Release Center since August 3, 2023. He was convicted in Wyandotte County for one count of burglary.
Anyone with information on Johnson should call the KDOC’s Enforcement, Apprehension, and Investigations Division (EAI) at 816-266-2102, the JCDOC at 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at [email protected]
The walk-away is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who meet certain criteria can be housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration into the community.
A photo of John Evans Johnson, Jr., can be found here.
KDOT supports applications for ‘Safe Streets and Roads for All’ grants
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