Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

KS Unemployment Insurance System Is Modernized

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Kansas Department of Labor’s Modernized Unemployment Insurance System to Begin Sending out Benefit Overpayment Notices

~~ The modernized system improves operational efficiency and accuracy for unemployment insurance overpayment recoupment ~~ 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) announced that, as part of its modernization of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system, it is sending 8,526 billing notices to those who received UI benefits overpayments.

Overpayment occurs when individuals receive more unemployment benefits than they are eligible to receive. Recipients receiving these notices have previously been notified of the overpayment through a manual process.

This update provides the agency with more accurate accounting, consistent billing, and reliable recovery. This work supports the long-term integrity of the unemployment trust fund and reflects responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

“Modernization of the state’s unemployment insurance system from the claimant- and agency-side of the portal has improved how the agency communicates and administers the program,” KDOL Secretary Amber Shultz said. “Addressing these balances is necessary to ensure fairness and maintain the stability of the program for Kansas workers and employers both now and in the future.”

Overpayments can happen for a variety of reasons, including changes in eligibility, reporting discrepancies, or claim adjustments. Many of these overpayments are tied to historic claims, including benefits issued during pandemic-era programs or due to limitations in the previous system.

Those who receive a UI overpayment notice have several options to resolve the issue.

Options include:

  • Paying the balance in full
  • Establishing a repayment plan
  • Requesting a waiver, if eligible

KDOL has updated its website and staff are prepared to assist claimants in understanding their options and navigating the process.

While further collection steps, including liens, are possible under current law, KDOL will provide advance communication and clear instructions before any such actions are taken.

For assistance with overpayments, contact KDOL at (785) 296-3609, visit dol.ks.gov/unemployment/overpayments, or email [email protected].

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Government, Kansas

KS Works To Improve High-Speed Internet Infrastructure

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Office of Broadband Announces $16.3 Million in New Grant Funding

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $16.3 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program. The program is designed to offset high costs that are required for building networks in places where distance and low population density make private investment difficult to attain.

“High-speed internet is an industry standard and should be available for use on a daily basis by individuals and businesses alike,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The BAG program supports the prosperous future we’re building for all Kansas residents which includes having reliable and affordable access to broadband infrastructure, regardless of zip code.”

In its sixth year, through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities and areas of compelling need.

“Broadband directly affects every industry and every person — and that’s why KDOT is an essential partner of this grant program and why we are committed to bringing broadband access to all of Kansas,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “Working together, across agencies, we share the sentiment that this program is working to help our local leaders overcome challenges and make important infrastructure improvements that benefit communities and the state.”

Since the program was launched, Kansas has invested $31.3 million in broadband grants to communities and businesses across the state. Over the last five years, high-speed internet has been delivered to more than 12,000 homes and businesses in 37 counties. The effort leverages an additional $38 million in matching funds.

“The BAG program is more than just another grant opportunity — these grants are investments in people and places,” Director of Broadband Development Bill Abston said. “Strong infrastructure in Kansas — and specifically rural parts — help us remain a viable, competitive and connected place for new families and businesses — today and for future generations.”

The grant application period will begin at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 27, and remain open until 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 12. To apply for the Broadband Acceleration Grant program, click here.

The Office of Broadband Development will host a kickoff webinar at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 27. To register, click here.

About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:

Established in 2020 by Governor Laura Kelly through Executive Order, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is committed to ensuring all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a digital economy. KOBD accomplishes this by administering state and federal funding to support critical broadband infrastructure and expand access to high-speed internet. These efforts help enhance workforce readiness, education, digital opportunities and economic development across the state.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

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

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Government, Kansas

KS Youtube Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness workshop is April 24

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TOPEKA – A virtual workshop on Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness will be hosted by the Kansas Corporation Commission on Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

House Bill 2107, passed by the Kansas Legislature during its 2025 session, requires the KCC to hold a workshop addressing the topics of general wildfire risk, mitigation strategies, wildfire emergency response, and managing cost recovery.

This comes at a time when, according to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, wildfires are increasing in frequency, destructiveness, and cost. Wildfire-driven financial risks affect all types of electric utilities, including investor-owned, cooperative, and public.

The virtual workshop will feature a series of presentations from national and local experts, each followed by a Q&A session and discussion. View the agenda.

The workshop can be accessed on the agency’s YouTube channel. No preregistration is required.

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Government, Kansas

KDWP Hosts Meetings On Turkey/Water Fowl

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KDWP Office of the Secretary Letterhead

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings on Turkey Seasons and Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host two public meetings this spring to discuss the possible re-establishment of a fall turkey season and proposed regulations affecting non-resident waterfowl hunting on public lands. Both meetings will include time for questions and public feedback.

“These conversations are an important part of how we manage wildlife and hunting opportunities across Kansas,” said Jake George, KDWP’s wildlife division director. “We want to hear directly from hunters and others who care about these resources as we consider potential changes and make informed decisions moving forward.”

Regulations remain unchanged at this time; any adjustments would require approval by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission before they are implemented.

Meeting Schedule:

April 22 | 6:00 p.m.
Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium
6232 E. 29th St N
Wichita, KS 67220

May 6 | 6:00 p.m.
Kansas Highway Patrol Training Center (Small Auditorium)
2025 E. Iron Ave
Salina, KS 67401

Attendees at the Salina meeting are asked to park in the lower parking lot. Parking is not permitted in the lot east of the main drive.

These meetings are open to the public, and all interested individuals are encouraged to attend.

Those unable to attend in person may submit comments through the KDWP public comment form at ksoutdoors.gov/contact.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.
Government, Kansas, Youth

Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Risks Announcement

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Kobach warns Kansans of AI chatbot risks in PSA

TOPEKA – (April 14, 2026) – The Kansas Attorney General’s Office today announced that Digital Citizens Alliance has produced and is distributing a new public service announcement (PSA) featuring Attorney General Kris Kobach. The PSA alerts parents and families to the serious risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, particularly to children and teenagers.

“Artificial intelligence is now part of our everyday life. AI chatbots, digital characters that teens talk to, can form emotional connections with young people and shape their thinking, sadly with tragic outcomes,” Kobach warns in the PSA.

In the PSA, Attorney General Kobach stresses that while AI can offer benefits, certain applications—such as chatbots that teens interact with online—can create emotional bonds, influence thinking, and lead to tragic consequences, including encouragement of self-harm or violence.
“I’m committed to holding AI companies legally responsible for their actions and keeping you informed so together we can keep the next generation of Kansans safe,” Kobach said.

Digital Citizens Alliance executive director Tom Galvin said, “As we enter the AI era, General Kobach’s commitment to helping parents understand the risks AI can pose to their children makes Kansas a safer place as we all navigate this new digital world.”

The PSA is part of ongoing efforts by the Attorney General’s Office to protect Kansas families from emerging online threats. The Digital Citizens Alliance is distributing the announcement on digital platforms across Kansas.

About the Digital Citizens Alliance: The Digital Citizens Alliance is a consumer-focused group whose mission is to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about how to make the Internet safer.

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

Kansas Business Award Is Accepting Nominations

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Commerce Opens Nominations for 2026

To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The increasingly popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on the Kansas economy and on their local communities.

During the event, Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence, the 2026 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, The Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Award and two new inductees of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame. This year’s gala will be held Oct. 8 at the Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park.

“Kansas businesses are fueling real economic growth — creating jobs, opening new markets, and building communities worth investing in and calling home,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our state’s continued economic success isn’t possible without them, and To The Stars is the highlight of my year because it puts a spotlight on the companies and individuals leading the charge. Nominate the businesses that are moving Kansas forward — they’ve earned it.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following award categories:

  • AgriBusiness – Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, agri-tourism or products and services
  • Apprenticeship Champion – Companies and other entities that excel in 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
  • Main Street Momentum – Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
  • 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
  • Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award – Honors one corporation statewide that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships
  • Under 30 Entrepreneur – 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

“Businesses are investing in Kansas at unprecedented levels statewide — and small businesses play a leading role in how our communities are growing and building for the future,” Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said. “It’s local businesses that keep our state attractive and vibrant, and their momentum sets the stage for even more business wins throughout Kansas.”

Award nominations will be accepted until Monday, June 15. To learn more, view past winners and submit nominations, 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, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

KS Governor Vetoes HB 2346

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Governor Kelly Vetoes House Bill 2346

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Monday vetoed House Bill 2346.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2346:

“Kansas already has a fund dedicated to attracting sports related activities to Kansas. If the Legislature wants to direct a portion of those funds to local communities for sports attraction they should do so.”

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2346.”

Government, Kansas

KS Governor Doesn’t Sign HB 2018

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Governor Kelly Allows
Substitute for House Bill 2018 to
Become Law Without Signature


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has allowed Substitute for House Bill 2018 to become law without her signature.

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing Substitute for House Bill 2018 to become law without her signature:

“This bill is born out of a tension between two fundamental rights: the right to freely practice religion and the right to freedom of expression. This type of tension is not uncommon in a democracy that has enumerated as many constitutional rights as we enjoy and seek to protect today.

“However, I am concerned that this legislation addresses this tension in a manner that prioritizes one of these rights over the other, and will result in costly litigation.”

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Government, Kansas

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter corrected

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Thoughts From Under the Dome

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

 

 

The 2026 regular legislative session in Kansas has now come to an end and I am happy to say that Benny’s Bill is now Benny’s Law. Those of you who are regular followers of the local news in Southeast Kansas are more than likely familiar of the story of Benny Cannon who now suffers from permanent disability due to the negligence of daycare workers. The persons who were found to be responsible for that incident received very light sentences considering the severity suffered by Benny and his family. This new law elevates child endangerment charges from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under the age of six.

 

Another crime and sentencing related bill that I sponsored along with other legislators this year is HB 2444 which provides among other things that jail credit when consecutive sentences are imposed shall not apply to more than one case, The Governor signed it into law on April 6th.

 

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill that regulates the middlemen who operate between drug manufacturers and local pharmacies has been signed into law by Governor Kelly. This was much needed regulation which puts limits on what is virtually a monopoly.

 

On the subject of property tax relief we voted on HCR 5008 which would allow for a constitutional amendment allowing legislative limits on property valuations. The resolution did not pass and I was a no vote because I don’t believe that if enacted that it would have been effective in lowering property tax.

 

That’s just about it for now. I would like to invite anyone who is interested to come out to Galesburg Community Center on Monday the 20th of April at 6:30 PM for my Legislative Update. I will have some other events in the future so be sure to check your local papers or my page on Facebook page for updates. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

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Ken Collins. Submitted photo.

 

Thoughts From Under the Dome

 

 

The 2026 regular legislative session in Kansas has now come to an end and I am happy to say that Benny’s Bill is now Benny’s Law. Those of you who are regular followers of the local news in Southeast Kansas are more than likely familiar of the story of Benny Cannon who now suffers from permanent disability due to the negligence of daycare workers. The persons who were found to be responsible for that incident received very light sentences considering the severity suffered by Benny and his family. This new law elevates child endangerment charges from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under the age of six.

 

Another crime and sentencing related bill that I sponsored along with other legislators this year is HB 2444 which provides among other things that jail credit when consecutive sentences are imposed shall not apply to more than one case, The Governor signed it into law on April 6th.

 

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill that regulates the middlemen who operate between drug manufacturers and local pharmacies has been signed into law by Governor Kelly. This was much needed regulation which puts limits on what is virtually a monopoly.

 

On the subject of property tax relief we voted on HCR 5008 which would allow for a constitutional amendment allowing legislative limits on property valuations. The resolution did not pass and I was a no vote because I don’t believe that if enacted that it would have been effective in lowering property tax.

 

That’s just about it for now. I would like to invite anyone who is interested to come out to Galesburg Community Center on Monday the 20th of April at 6:30 PM for my Legislative Update. I will have some other events in the future so be sure to check your local papers or my page on Facebook page for updates. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Banning Kratom Products

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed House Bill 2365, which amends the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to designate 7-OH kratom related substances to Schedule I designation. Schedule I designates a substance to have a high potential for abuse and without a currently accepted medical use.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the process of determining whether kratom is a safe and effective means of treating certain medical conditions,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Until such a time as quality scientific reviews determine positive impacts and minimal health risks, it is wise to safeguard the health of Kansans.”

Importantly, this legislation updates Schedule IV – substances that are defined as drugs with low potential for abuse and dependence – to include Zuranolone, a prescription medication approved to treat postpartum depression.

This bill also adds to Schedule I of the CSA: 11 opioids or synthetic opioids; fentanyl-related substances that are not specifically exempted or listed in Schedules II through V; ethylphenidate, a stimulant; hexahydrocannabinol, a derivative of Delta 9; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); CUMYL-PEGACLONE, a synthetic cannabinoid.

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