TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the August 2024 total tax collections were $665.6 million. That is $22.8 million, or 3.5% more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up 4.0% from August 2023.
“While we are seeing collections higher than the estimate, we likely won’t see the impact of the income tax cuts from Senate Bill 1 on monthly collections until the beginning of next year,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Because of that timing, we must continue to be fiscally responsible for our long-term outlook.”
Individual income tax collections were $329.4 million, which is $19.4 million, or 6.3% more than the estimate and up 10.1% from August 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $20.2 million, which is $9.8 million, or 32.8% less than the estimate and down 19.7% from August 2023.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $294.6 million, which is $12.6 million, or 4.5% more than the estimate and up $2.2 million, or 0.7% from August 2023.
Click here to view the August 2024 revenue numbers.
The Department of Children and Families, National Avenue and Wall Street, August 2024, a new multi-million dollar investment in Fort Scott’s downtown area will open soon.
The new Department of Children and Families building is located at National Avenue and Wall Street and is 13, 642 square feet.
“The new building will include safety features to protect employees and clients such as secure interview rooms, electronic access management system, a video surveillance system and other office renovations to suit the functionality and needs of DCF,” said Anita Cooper, Southeast Regional Director for the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
Taken from X.com
“A more centralized location will make it easier for residents in Fort Scott and the surrounding area to access the service center,” she said. “The new building puts us back in the downtown area where we were originally located. We are excited to be a part of the downtown community! ”
The Kansas Department for Children and Families offers a wide range of programs and services to help vulnerable Kansans.
“As of May 2024 (the most recent report), the total number of households in Bourbon County served by DCF was 878,” Cooper said. “That includes 21 served by the Temporary Assistance to Needing Families (TANF) program, 817 served by food assistance (FA) and 40 served by child care assistance (CC). The Fort Scott office also manages the cases for people living in Linn County. Total households served in Linn County: 419 (5 TANF, 402 FA and 12 CC). In addition, Child Protection Services provides child and family well-being services to approximately 417 families a year out of our Fort Scott office.”
There are 29 staff members based out of the Fort Scott office with hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The new building is located at 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott. The phone, fax, etc. will all remain the same numbers when they move in, in the next month.
“We are leasing our current office location at the Fort Scott Professional Building, 710 W. 8th St. We’ve been in this location since 2009. The new building will be leased as well through SilverRock Ventures, LLC based out of Junction City,” Cooper said.
Kendall Schoenrock, of SilverRock Ventures, is the
owner and builder of the building.
Submitted graphic.
“We will own it and it is leased to the State of Kansas Department for Children and Families,” Schoenrock said. “The State will look to take occupancy (of 10 S. National Avenue) in the next four weeks or so.”
Schoenrock purchased the property on August 31, 2023, which was originally known as the Downtowner Hotel building.
“This project will get a lot of people for downtown businesses,” he said. “They will eat downtown, shop downtown, etc.”
The demolition was done by Skitch’s Hauling and Excavating, Inc.
After demolition was completed, his team got to work putting the building on the south side of the lot, with parking on the north.
“Many people helped make this happen,” he said. “Bailey Lyons with Lyons Realty Group, Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development and Brad Matkin and Matthew Wells, with the city. And Arnold Scholfield with the Fort Scott Design Review Board provided good, solid feedback for the project.”
“They should be praised,” he said. “Fort Scott has been very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more support from the city. That’s what is needed to spur development.”
Name In Stone
There is a name in stone on the north facade of the new building in honor of a SilverRock employee who died on this job site this year.
Mike Anders. Submitted photo.
“Mike Anders was a long-time employee and close friend,” Schoenrock said. “Sadly he passed away on the job site on April 4th, 2024. It was not work-related.”
Governor Kelly Ceremonially Signs
Comprehensive Tax Cuts Package in Olathe
OLATHE— Governor Laura Kelly today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1, the bipartisan sustainable tax cuts package, in Olathe. The bill comprehensively cuts Kansans taxes while ensuring the state’s long-term fiscal health.
“Kansans can expect to see meaningful tax cuts and can rest assured they will not threaten our ability to continue fully funding essential services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This bipartisan bill delivers the tax relief Kansans needed, deserved, and that our state could afford.”
Senate Bill 1, passed with bipartisan support and signed by Governor Kelly in June, provides Kansans with nearly $2 billion in tax cuts over the next 5 years. The bill completely eliminates state taxes on Social Security income, saving Kansas retirees $152 million in the first year alone.
The bill also reduces property taxes by increasing the residential property tax exemption to $75,000. Residential property owners will save more than $236 million over 5 years. Additionally, the bill reduces income taxes while increasing the standard deduction and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
“By responsibly reducing property and income taxes, we’re implementing comprehensive tax cuts that all Kansans will feel the impact of,” said Kansas State Senator Rob Olson, District 23. “I’m proud to have worked with Governor Kelly and lawmakers of both parties to get this bipartisan package across the finish line.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation is offering the public two ways to provide input on the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program – an on-line survey and virtual webinars. Information gathered will help direct future programs and recommendations
Getting more kids walking, biking and rolling to school, improving safety and increasing health and physical activity are the goals of SRTS. This can reduce traffic, improve air quality and reduce costs for families.
Anyone can take the survey, especially parents, city employees, school staff and SRTS practitioners and advocates. The survey will take about 15 minutes and is at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7953400/KDOT-SRTS-2024. The deadline to participate is Sept. 30.
For Kansas SRTS program information or to sign up for the quarterly newsletter, go to https://saferoutes.ksdot.gov/.
Four virtual webinars will take place in September for those interested in implementing SRTS activities such as public health practitioners, city/county planners/engineers, school administrators/teachers and parents. Click on the group and date/time (all CST) below to register:
Public health (10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 11) – click HERE to register.
PTO, parents (1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 11) – click HERE to register.
School administrators, teachers (3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Sept. 11) – click HERE to register.
City/county planners, engineers (10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 12) – click HERE to register.
Contact Ann Katt, Safe Routes to School Coordinator, at [email protected] for webinar questions.
Safe Routes to School provides students and caregivers with skills and encouragement through activities, events and lessons while also addressing local pedestrian, bicycle, and personal safety concerns.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Sept. 4. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
KDOT accepting applications for Innovative Technology Program
The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the fall 2024 round of the agency’s Innovative Technology Program.
The Innovative Technology Program provides financial assistance to governmental and non-governmental organizations for innovative transportation-related projects that promote safety, improve access or mobility and implement new transportation technology.
“Innovative technology” is broadly defined as any technology that does not currently exist in the local community of the project. This allows local communities to determine what projects to submit based on their specific needs.
All transportation system projects are eligible, including roadway (on and off the state system), rail, aviation, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), bicycle/pedestrian, public transit, software and technology infrastructure. Candidate projects should include investments that provide transportation benefits and are not eligible for other KDOT programs. This round of grant funding has an overall budget of $2 million, with a maximum awarded amount of $1 million per project.
A few past approved projects include Truck Driving Simulators for the CDL Program expansion at Seward County Community College, an AI-Based Road Condition Assessment in the City of El Dorado and a UAS Flight Operations and Simulation Center for Kansas State University – Salina.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue announced today that the new standard license plate design, “To the Stars,” is now available. The new design was overwhelmingly chosen by Kansans in a December 2023 public vote, winning 53% of the total vote. The “To the Stars” design will replace the current “Ad Astra” standard license plate designs.
“To the Stars” design
The design features the Kansas Statehouse Dome within a cutout of the state set against a blue, white, and yellow gradient background. Paying tribute to our state motto, “Ad Astra per Aspera,” the phrase “To the Stars” is inscribed along the bottom of the design.
The new design will be used for all new plate issuances, including replacements for any remaining embossed plates. Kansans, who were issued a plate with the “Ad Astra” design as the replacement for their embossed plate, will not be reissued another plate with the new design. However, any Kansan who has the “Ad Astra” design but wants the “To the Stars” design can visit their local county treasurer’s office to transfer their registration to a plate with the new design.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland is encouraging both jobseekers and employers searching for new talent to participate in the August Virtual Statewide Job Fair. Hosted by KANSASWORKS, the job fair will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 21.
“Over the last five years, Kansas has been very strategic and purposeful when it comes to growing our economy. We are one of the top states for economic development and we’re bringing more jobs to our state than ever before,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “There is no better time than right now to explore the many career opportunities spread out across the state.”
The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseekers training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professional, 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 the 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, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue revealed today the next design of the Kansas personalized license plate. Five designs were put up for public vote online earlier this month. After more than 30,000 votes were cast, Kansans across the state chose the design showcasing the iconic Flint Hills as the next personalized license plate design. The Flint Hills design emerged as the clear favorite, receiving over 56% of the vote.
“We are excited to reveal the next Kansas personalized plate design and will now work to get the design ready for production and for Kansans to purchase in 2025,” KDOR Division of Vehicles Director David Harper said.
When the new design is available, Kansans can visit their local county treasurer’s office to purchase the new plate for $45.50.
The “Powering the Future” personalized plate design will no longer be available after Jan. 1, 2025. Kansans, who currently have this design, must replace their plate during their next renewal period to keep their personalized plate text.
KDOT’s Cost Share Program applications being accepted
The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the fall 2024 round of the agency’s Cost Share Program. More than $146 million has been given to Kansas communities since the Cost Share Program began in 2019.
The Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to local entities for construction projects that improve safety, leverage state funds to increase total transportation investment and help both rural and urban areas of the state improve the transportation system. This is the 10th round of projects to receive funding.
“KDOT’s Cost Share Program improves transportation, creates economic growth and increases job opportunities across Kansas,” said Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager. “Past Cost Share participants have proven this program to be the financial boost that many small and large communities needed to achieve their project goals.”
All transportation projects are eligible, including roadway (on and off the state system), rail, airport, bicycle/pedestrian and public transit. Candidate projects should include investments that provide transportation benefits and are not eligible for other KDOT programs. This round of grant funding has an overall budget of $6 million, with a maximum awarded amount of $1 million per project.
The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 19. More information and the application link are on KDOT’s website at http://www.ksdot.org/CostShare/CostShareProgram.asp. Applications will be completed online, and a sample PDF application is available.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on the draft Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The draft STIP document is available for review online at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp. Select the draft FFY 2025-2028 STIP- link at the top of the page.
The approval of the STIP requires a public comment period of 30 days, which concludes on Sept. 6. To make comments on the STIP document, contact Lisa Roth at (785) 296-0892 or Gene Ingwerson at (785) 296-0136 with KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
July Total Tax Collections at 660.3 Million; 1.0% Below the Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ended July 2024 with total tax collections at $660.3 million. That is $6.4 million, or 1.0%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 3.0% from July 2023.
Individual income tax collections were $308.5 million, which is $8.5 million, or 2.8% above the estimate and down 1.7% from July 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $34.3 million, which is $15.7 million, or 31.4%, below the estimate and down 23.3% from July 2023.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $305.1 million, which is $4.1 million, or 1.4% above the estimate, and down $10.1 million, or 3.2%, from July 2023. Retail sales tax receipts are 3.7% less than the July 2023 collections as Kansans continue to save money on groceries from the reduced state food sales tax rate.
