Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission to Meet on Jan. 12 in Wichita

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will begin its next public meeting at noon on Jan. 12, 2023 at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E 29th St. N, Wichita. The meeting will begin with an introduction of Commissioners and guests, a review of agenda items, approval of past minutes, and public comment on items not listed on the agenda. No items will be voted on during the Commission’s Jan. 12 meeting.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Secretary Brad Loveless will provide an agency and state fiscal status update, followed by a brief legislative update from KDWP’s chief legal counsel, and a General Discussion period covering:

• 2023 Commissioner Big Game Permit program update and drawing
• Proposed 2023-2024 webless migratory game bird bag limits and season dates
• Proposed 2023-2024 waterfowl season dates, and bag and possession limits
• Use of night vision during the coyote hunting season
• Hunting pressure on public lands
• Proposed 2023-2024 deer season dates for Kansas’ military installations
• Amount of fees charged for licenses and permits

Commissioners will then hear several Workshop Session items, which may be voted on at a future date, including:

• Antelope seasons, bag limits and permits. Staff will recommend a permanent season framework for antelope; discuss several approaches they’re considering to reduce hunter harvest (due to poor production); and, provide an update on proposed permit allocations.
• Elk seasons, bag limits and permits. Staff will recommend a permanent season framework for elk, as well as provide an update on units open to hunting and permit allocations.
• Big game permanent regulations, to include clarifying the regulation that pertains to acquiring pronghorn antelope permits or preference points, and proposed 2023-2024 deer season dates.
• Updates to the Public Lands reference document, to include designating select tracts of Cherokee Lowlands Wildlife Area as refuges; requiring electronic check-in on all public lands for hunting activity only; electronic check-in on select river access sites for non-motorized vessel use; and, reserving most Special Hunts for Kansas residents only.
• Annual camping permits. Staff will discuss increased camping occupancy, and changes that may be necessary for resolving capacity and RV storage issues.

Following the Workshop Session, time will again be set aside for public comment on items not listed on the agenda.

The public is welcome and encouraged to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Virtual participants may access login instructions HERE or watch live video/audio stream of the meeting HERE.

Click HERE to download the Jan. 12, 2023, meeting agenda and briefing book.

An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Commission secretary at (620) 672-0702.

The next Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting will take place March 9, 2023 at noon at the Ramada Convention Center, Topeka.

Department of Commerce announces Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) 2.0 Grant Application

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced $50 million will fund a second round of projects under the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. BASE 2.0 will continue addressing infrastructure and economic development needs that were delayed or slowed due to COVID-19 in an effort to expand the state’s base of businesses and residents.

The additional funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.

Previous applicants that were not funded in round one will be considered for BASE 2.0 and do not need to reapply unless they would like to submit a new application. Awardees from the first round are not eligible for a BASE 2.0 award.

The Commerce Department received more than 440 applicants requesting more than $1 billion in identified projects during BASE 1.0 for the available $100 million funding. This new round will follow the same regulations established for the first round, including the requirement that awardees provide a 25% match.

County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders are eligible to apply. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded and required matching funds. Applications submitted are required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in economic conditions.

The BASE 2.0 grant application process opens at 2:00 p.m. today. The deadline for submissions will be 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, January 31.

An informational webinar on BASE 2.0 will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 6. Registration for the webinar and guidelines for the grant application can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/basegrant/.

Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

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 in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program to Continue Heating Homes this Winter

TOPEKA – Colder temperatures and winter weather has arrived in Kansas. The dropping temperatures and necessity of raising the thermostat are leaving some families vulnerable when it comes to covering their heating bills.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), implemented in the state by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), allows peace of mind and financial assistance to families struggling to pay their heating bills during the cold winter months.

“LIEAP has helped our Kansas communities stay warm for many years,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “It is an important and valued support program provided to families during cold Kansas winters.”

Last year, $47 million aided approximately 40,000 households in covering winter heating bills, averaging $1,180 per home.

To receive assistance, applicants must apply on the DCF website, www.dcf.ks.gov, by clicking “Apply for Services” or in person and be eligible according to the qualifications. Find a DCF service center closest to you at www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/DCFOfficeLocatorMap.aspx.

The applications are available beginning Jan. 3, 2023, and must be received by 5 p.m., March 31. More information and FAQs on the LIEAP program is available at www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx.

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address that is responsible for the heating costs of the home. Applicants must be able to prove a recent history of payments on the energy bill (within the past three months), along with being at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

The one-time assistance payment is determined by household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, and type of heating fuel. Income eligibility guidelines are as follows. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

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Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2022 for Kansas

TOPEKA – As 2022 ends, the Kelly administration highlights promises made and kept over the past year.

“This year, we got Kansas back on track by working across the aisle to attract jobs, strengthen our roads and bridges, and fully fund education,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “2023 is looking bright!”

ECONOMY & WORKFORCE: Kansas attracted nearly $7.5 billion in capital investment in 2022 – doubling last year’s amount, which was a record.

INFRASTRUCTURE: In 2022, the Kelly administration made progress on 500 transportation projects totaling $1.7 billion in construction. This includes projects that will resurface nearly 1,500 miles of roadway and repair or replace more than 220 bridges.

BIPARTISANSHIP: During the 2022 session, Governor Kelly signed 96 bipartisan bills.

EDUCATION: In 2022, Governor Kelly signed legislation fully funding K-12 education for the fourth consecutive year and guaranteeing funding through the 2024 fiscal year. The legislation also funded historic investments in early childhood and K-12 education.

Kansas Receives Nearly $5.7M to Expand Equitable Broadband Access

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced Kansas has received nearly $5.7 million to expand broadband access, adoption, and affordability, from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Office.

“Communities across the Kansas have enormous potential for a new chapter of innovation and success,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will propel the state forward, accelerating our efforts to ensure all Kansans can fully participate in the digital world.”

The funds are part of the designated $65 billion as outlined in the federal bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, dubbed the “Internet for All Initiative.”

“The Internet for All initiative will bridge the digital divide in Kansas and ensure rural areas have the service they need to access telehealth, education and jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “I appreciate Governor Kelly’s commitment to connecting all Kansas homes and businesses to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service.”

“Kansans use the internet to work, learn, keep in touch with family, grow a business, get health care, and more. While access to high-speed internet is a gateway to opportunity, that opportunity is not distributed equally in our state,” said Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03). “I’m proud to have voted for this new federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law that will help every Kansan thrive in the digital age.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) will use these funds in a variety of ways. Almost $5 million will be used to deploy the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program that is part of the Internet for All Initiative. The remaining $692,000 will be used to deploy the first phase of NTIA’s Digital Equity Act.

“Broadband equity starts with access, but also includes adoption and application,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The state is committed to providing capacity and resources to ensure everyone has the access and skills needed to benefit from digital technologies in their lives.”

OBD will engage with stakeholders across Kansas to develop both a five-year action plan and a Statewide Digital Equity Plan, which will provide direction and measures to assist in deployment of high-speed affordable and reliable internet to all Kansans. Both plans will be submitted to NTIA by August 2023.

The office will hold events at 25 to 30 locations around the state beginning in January. Special attention will be paid to groups and communities that are disproportionately impacted by digital inequity. These groups include low-income households, aging populations, people with disabilities or language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, rural inhabitants, incarcerated individuals, and veterans.

“These planning dollars will allow our office the opportunity to connect and engage with all Kansans,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “We will launch our planning efforts at our inaugural Kansas Broadband Summit on January 19 at Wichita State University.  This event will be the first opportunity to connect with communities across Kansas and ask for partnership and support as we coordinate efforts to connect Kansans with high-speed, reliable internet access.”

All 50 U.S. states and six territories applied for planning grant funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act program. Grant awards for all 56 eligible entities will be announced on a rolling basis.

Please visit the Kansas Office of Broadband Development website here. More information about the federal efforts is available at AffordableConnectivity.gov and InternetforAll.gov.

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Governor Kelly Orders State Office Buildings Closed Thursday and Friday for State Employees in Shawnee County due to Winter Storm

TOPEKA – Due to safety concerns regarding the winter storm projected for the state on Thursday, December 22 and dangerously cold temperatures on Friday, December 23, Governor Kelly has issued a Declaration of Inclement Weather for Shawnee County, ordering state office buildings in Shawnee County to be closed on Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23, 2022.

“Due to the potential for hazardous road conditions, precipitation, and dangerously cold temperatures, we are closing state office buildings in Shawnee County on Thursday and Friday,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Please exercise extreme caution if traveling for the holiday weekend, give road crews enough space to do their jobs safely, and stay safe and warm.”

The declaration takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 21st and remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. Friday, December 23rd.  Ambient temperatures 6 a.m. on Thursday will be 4 degrees with wind chills hitting -20 to -30 degrees. Additionally, with wind guests up to 40-45 mph, blizzard-like conditions are expected. Travel through midday Friday will be hazardous.

This declaration applies to all non-essential state employees in Executive Branch agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction who work in offices located in Shawnee County. During the period of Inclement Weather, essential employees are required to report to work as normal. Benefits-eligible non-essential employees should record Inclement Weather Leave during the period of Inclement Weather. Remote work is not being required.

This declaration does not include employees in the Board of Regents, Regents Institutions, the Judicial Branch, nor the Legislative Branch of Government. Their designated representative will make a separate declaration for those employees if appropriate.

To ensure consistent leadership during potentially dangerous road conditions, Secretary Lorenz will remain in her current role as Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary until midnight on Saturday, December 24, 2022. Calvin Reed will assume his role as Acting Secretary at KDOT on Sunday, December 25, 2022.

Appointing authorities in offices located outside Shawnee County have the option to declare Inclement Weather for those counties.

Governor Kelly Releases Tax Cut Plan to Save Kansans More Than $500M Over Next Three Years

~~ Calls on Bipartisan Legislators to Join Her in ‘Axing Your Taxes’ ~~

ROELAND PARK – Governor Laura Kelly today released her three-part ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan to save Kansans more than $500 million over the next three years. The comprehensive plan delivers on major campaign promises, including a push to immediately ‘axe the tax’ on groceries and eliminate the state sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products; create an annual state sales tax holiday for school supplies; and cut taxes on social security for retirees.

“I’m pleased to introduce a plan that axes taxes for Kansas families and retirees in a way that keeps our state’s economy and budget strong,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By cutting taxes on groceries and diapers, school supplies, and social security, this plan will put money back in Kansans’ pockets and create real savings for those who need it most.”

Last spring, Governor Kelly signed the “Axe the Food Tax” bill to gradually eliminate the 6.5% state sales tax on groceries, which is one of the highest in the country, starting January 1, 2023. If passed, the first part of her ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan would supersede the gradual reduction and immediately zero-out the tax – as well as the state sales tax on other essentials like diapers and feminine hygiene products, which were not included in the 2022 bill. View the bill draft here.

The second part of the ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan would create a three-day zero percent sales tax holiday on school supplies, personal computers, instructional materials, and art supplies, every August. The holiday would provide relief to families and teachers gearing up for back to school and keep Kansas retailers competitive to surrounding states. View the bill draft here.

Right now, Kansans earning less than $75,000 annually do not pay state income tax on social security income. But once they earn a dollar more – including through investments and life insurance policies – the entirety of their social security income is subject to state income tax. The third part of Governor Kelly’s ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan would smooth out that cliff so no Kansan making under $100,000 pays full taxes on social security. View the bill draft here.

These tax cuts are possible through Governor Kelly’s fiscal responsibility and leadership during her first term as governor.

“I am calling on legislators of both parties to support these bills and provide practical financial relief to families and retirees across our great state,” she said.