Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

KS Launches Mental Health Lifeline

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Governor Laura Kelly Celebrates the Launch of the 9-8-8 Mental Health Lifeline in Kansas

~~Starting July 16 Kansans Can Call 9-8-8 During Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Emergencies~~

WICHITA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed Senate Bill 19, bipartisan legislation that launches 9-8-8 as the official 24/7 three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Beginning Saturday, July 16, Kansans and all Americans can call 9-8-8 during mental health and substance abuse emergencies. Governor Kelly joined Sedgwick County Commissioners, legislators, and local advocates for the celebration at the Sedgwick County Courthouse.

“With 9-8-8, we are on the path to reversing our country’s mental health crisis and getting Kansans the help they need,” Governor Kelly said. “Just as every American knows to call 9-1-1 in times of emergency, every American – and every Kansan – will soon know to call 9-8-8 when they or a loved one is facing a mental health or substance abuse crisis.”

Governor Kelly announced in January of this year that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) received the Lifeline’s 9-8-8 State Planning Grant through the nonprofit Vibrant Emotional Health to develop plans to build the infrastructure for and grow access to the Lifeline’s new three-digit 9-8-8 number. Governor Kelly signed SB 19 in June so that going forward, each July 1 $10 million in state general funds will be appropriated to fund 9-8-8 with no access fee for Kansans.

The new “9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline” will connect callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and offer a broader range of services for people experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use crisis. Callers will be connected to resources in their local community and to in-person crisis services where available. Kansans who dial 9-8-8 will be routed to a local crisis specialist trained to address unique concerns and needs, which may include assessment, stabilization, referral, and follow-up.

“Kansas is the 14th state to fund 9-8-8 through legislation and we are excited for the national launch of 9-8-8,” KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andrew Brown said. “KDADS has been working throughout the Kelly Administration to increase the infrastructure in Kansas for suicide prevention and crisis intervention in preparation for 9-8-8. This will be the first of several milestones that will help Kansans experiencing a crisis get improved access to the help they need during a crisis.”

KDADS partnered with the Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ, Johnson County Mental Health, COMCARE of Sedgwick County, HealthSource Information Solutions, and TBD Solutions LLC, to develop clear roadmaps to address coordination, capacity, funding, and communications surrounding the launch of 9-8-8 and collaborated with state leadership, suicide prevention experts, people with lived experience, and others to create a 9-8-8 implementation plan and support the Lifeline’s operational, clinical, and performance standards that allow access to care.

Individuals will still be able to access the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) after the July 16 implementation of 9-8-8. The current Lifeline and 9-8-8 will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via call, text, or chat. All phone service providers are required to connect callers who dial 9-8-8 to the Lifeline.

Government, Kansas

UPDATE: K-31 road work delayed

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has delayed plans to close K-31 west of Fulton to replace two crossroad pipes. The road work, which was scheduled to take place this Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12-13, has been postponed until a later date. Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

Kansas

Ks Dept of Agriculture Seeks Nominations for Ag Heroes

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — Do you know someone in your community who has made an outstanding contribution to agriculture this year? Nominate them to be recognized as one of the 2022 Kansas Ag Heroes at this summer’s Ag Growth Summit!

Each year, the Kansas Department of Agriculture honors remarkable Kansans and share the stories of their outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community. Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community.

KDA encourages you to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. Nominations will be accepted through August 12. The nomination instructions can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes.

KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on August 18.

For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes nomination process, please contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or [email protected].

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bourbon County K-39 bridge replacement project starts next Monday

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start work Monday, July 11, on a project to replace a bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County. The bridge spans Flat Rock Creek and is approximately 3 miles east of the Neosho-Bourbon county line.

 

K-39 traffic will be placed on a state route detour around the work zone. Eastbound traffic will detour north on U.S. 59 to U.S. 54, then east to K-3 and south to K-39. Westbound K-39 traffic should follow the same route in the opposite direction. KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.

 

KDOT awarded the $722,897 construction contract to Killough Construction Inc., Ottawa, Kansas. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by the end of November. Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

KDOT to replace crossroad pipes on K-31 in Bourbon County

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close a section of K-31 in Bourbon County to replace crossroad pipes on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12-13. The work will take place between reference points 128-133, from the east junction with K-7 east to the community of Fulton.

 

The closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day. Traffic should use alternate routes. Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

Government, Kansas

KS: Rainy Day Fund is $1 Billion

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Governor Laura Kelly Continues Fiscal Responsibility with Nearly $1 Billion
Rainy Day Fund

~~Fiscal Year 2022 is First Time in Over Two Decades
Kansas Hasn’t Gone into Debt~~ 

TOPEKA – Highlighting her record-setting levels of fiscal responsibility, Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has closed out Fiscal Year 2022 (“FY22”) with a Rainy Day Fund balance of $969.0 million and without having to take out a certificate of indebtedness. FY22 marks the first year since Fiscal Year 1999 that the Kansas State Finance Council did not have to vote to take out a short-term loan to cover the state’s day-to-day expenses.

At the start of the Kelly Administration, there were no savings in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, and Kansas ranked last compared to other states when it came to saving for its future. Earlier this year, Governor Kelly signed a budget that made a historic $500 million deposit in the Fund and an Omnibus bill that had another $250 million deposit. Before the fiscal year closed, $219.0 million more was transferred from the State General Fund. The last deposit was made because FY22 revenues continued to beat estimates, leaving the state with higher than anticipated levels of cash.

“When I first came into office, Kansas had no savings, and in fact, was going into debt every year. My Administration worked to put Kansas on a consistent path of fiscal stability and economic growth,” said Governor Kelly. “That work has paid off. This past fiscal year, we were able to save for the future in record numbers, fully fund K-12 education, make historic investments in law enforcement and higher education, and axe taxes – all without going into debt.”

Kansas’ Rainy Day Fund was created in 2017 when the Kansas Legislature ended the failed Brownback-era tax experiment that gutted state budgets and downgraded the state’s credit rating. The previous all-time high balance in the Fund was $81.9 million.

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Surpass Estimate

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces that Kansas Ends Fiscal Year 2022 with Total Tax Collections Surpassing Estimate by $438.1 Million

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas’ June total tax receipts were $918.8 million. Those collections are $20.2 million, or 2.2%, over the estimate and $64.4 million, or 7.5%, over June 2021 total tax receipts.

“In June, we brought in more money than was estimated – re-enforcing that our state’s economy is continuing its forward momentum,” said Governor Kelly. “Our efforts to be the most fiscally responsible and pro-business Administration in Kansas history has helped our state become a hub for economic growth.”

Individual income tax collections were $40.3 million, or 9.9%, below the estimate. But for a one-time significant refund paid in June, such receipts would actually have exceeded the estimate by 6.7% for the month. June corporate income tax receipts, which are comprised primarily of estimated tax payments, continue their upward trend. Corporate income tax collections were $148.1 million, or 48.1%, over the estimate and 33.2% over June 2021.

“The higher-than-expected corporate estimated payments send a strong signal that corporations anticipate greater profits in 2022,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts at $303.6 million were 10.6% over the combined receipts for such taxes for June 2021. Inflation may have positively impacted such receipts, but overall consistent consumer spending also has continued during the months of May and June.

When June’s positive numbers are taken into account, Kansas will end FY 2022 with total tax revenues of $9.8 billion which exceeds the FY 2022 revised estimate by $438.1 million.

The complete June 2022 Revenue Report can be found here.

Bourbon County, Kansas

Bourbon County in a Drought Watch

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Governor Declares Drought Emergency, Warnings and Watches for Kansas Counties

The Governor’s Drought Response Team examines conditions; and recommends updates to the Governor

 

Effective June 27, Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #22-06. This drought declaration places all 105 Kansas counties either in watch, warning or emergency status.

 

“A significant portion of the state of Kansas has experienced drought or abnormally dry conditions for the past several months,” said Governor Kelly. “Unfortunately, these conditions are forecast to persist or get worse, so I strongly encourage Kansans to be mindful of drought conditions while we work to minimize the threat of fires across the state.”

 

The drought declaration placed 34 counties into an emergency status, 8 counties in a warning status and 63 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. Although most of Kansas has experienced high precipitation this past month, a record-breaking heat wave has been making its way across the area. While most of eastern Kansas is currently drought free, the forecasted hot and dry conditions will likely lead to the rapid intensification of drought conditions in portions of the Midwest over the next few weeks.

 

“We have watched drought conditions in parts of the state continue to get worse since this past fall or longer in some areas, causing concern with groundwater supplies, crop production, elevated wildfire risk and more,” said Owen. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the situation and make recommendations to the Governor as necessary. As future outlooks call for hot and dry conditions to continue into July, the potential for a “flash drought” is likely.”

 

Through an interagency agreement between the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Kansas Division of Emergency Management, counties in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes. These counties also become eligible for water in some Federal reservoirs.

 

Individuals and communities need to contact the Kansas Water Office for a water supply request prior to any withdrawals from lakes. These requests will in turn be referred to the appropriate office to obtain necessary permits to withdraw requested water.

 

This Executive Order shall remain in effect for those counties so identified until rescinded by Executive Order ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.

 

Effective immediately, Executive Order #22-06:

 

  • Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning or Drought Watch for the counties as identified below;
  • Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate

watch, warning or emergency level-drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

 

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the effects drought has on Kansans.

 

For more detailed information about current conditions, visit the Climate and Drought webpage on the Kansas

Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

 

County Drought Stage Declarations:

 

Drought Emergency: Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Decatur, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant,

Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Norton,

Rawlins, Scott, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, Wichita.

 

Drought Warning: Barber, Ellis, Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Rooks, Rush, Stafford.

 

Drought Watch: Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Barton, Bourbon, Brown, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee,

Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Elk, Ellsworth, Franklin, Geary,

Greenwood, Harper, Harvey, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Kingman, Labette, Leavenworth, Lincoln,

Linn, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, McPherson, Miami, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Osage,

Osborne, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Reno, Republic, Rice, Riley, Russell, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Smith,

Sumner, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wilson, Woodson, Wyandotte.

Business, Kansas

Give Opinion on Evergy’s Energy Effeciency Program Proposal

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Kansas Corporation Commission schedules public hearing and
comment period on Evergy’s energy efficiency program proposal

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission invites Evergy customers to attend a virtual public hearing to learn more about the company’s proposed energy efficiency programs and share their feedback with Commissioners.

Evergy has filed an application with the KCC requesting approval of a portfolio of nine energy efficiency and demand-side management programs for residential and business customers (Docket No. 22-EKME-254-TAR). If approved, the programs would be in effect from 2023 through 2026.

The public hearing will take place online, via Zoom, on Monday, June 27, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. CT. To make a public comment at the hearing, attendees should register on the KCC website (https://kcc.ks.gov/your-opinion-matters) by noon June 27. For those who don’t plan to speak, no registration is necessary. The hearing will be broadcast live on the Commission’s YouTube channel and recorded for later viewing.

In addition to the hearing, the Commission will accept written comments about the programs through 5 p.m., July 8, 2022 on its website, by mail or by calling the KCC at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

Government, Kansas

KS Bonuses For Child Care Providers

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces $53 Million in Appreciation Bonuses for Child Care Providers

~~Child Care Providers Will Receive $750 to $2,500 Per Person
as a Thanks for Their Hard Work~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her administration is giving a total of $53 million to eligible child care staff at licensed facilities as a reward for their incredibly essential, hard work. The funds will be made available through Child Care Workforce Appreciation Bonuses that will soon be directly distributed to approximately 22,650 early childhood care staff members across Kansas. Individual bonus amounts will range from $750 to $2,500 per person.

“Early childhood development is the smartest investment a community can make. Early childhood education programs benefit our kids in the long-term, both in and out of the classroom, and they make it possible for parents to enter and participate in the workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s exactly why we’re making a total of $53 million available to nearly 23,000 child care providers throughout Kansas: We want to show our gratitude for all they do every single day.”

Eligible child care providers must be regularly working in a paid position at a licensed facility and have a minimum of six months continuous employment at their current employer or six months of combined continuous employment with a licensed provider. Home-based and relative providers may also qualify for the bonus program. There is also an opportunity for those who have worked less than six months at a licensed facility to receive a bonus. The Appreciation Bonus is a one-time payment that will begin in mid-to-late July and is funded through federal Child Care Development Funds.

Licensed facilities include child care centers, including all Head Start programs and preschools; school age programs; day care homes; and DCF relative providers.

“Working in child care is a calling, one that inspires and educates the minds of young Kansans, and plays an important role in strengthening Kansas families,” said Laura Howard, Secretary of Kansas Department for Children and Families. “We cannot say it enough — Thank you child care workers for everything you do for Kansas children!”

Child Care Aware of Kansas (CCAKS) will implement the program on behalf of the Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. All eligible child care workers will receive a letter in July outlining the process to accept the bonus and will have until Nov. 18 to act. CCAKS will offer educational webinars about the process as well. Learn more at www.ks.child careaware.org.

“Child care professionals are essential to a thriving Kansas economy, providing high-quality early care and education to young children while ensuring parents are able to work,” said Kelly Davydov, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. “We’re grateful for their service to young children and families.”

The Child Care Workforce Appreciation Bonus program is one more way the Kelly Administration has supported child care providers to create real, sustainable change in child care in Kansas.

In total, the Kelly Administration has invested more than $272 million to support child care providers, including three rounds of Child Care Sustainability Grants to aid child care providers to meet the costs of operating their businesses through the remaining impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The third round of Child Care Sustainability Grants announced in March made more than $160 million available for child care businesses to use toward payroll expenses, costs of operations, and potential revenue losses. Rounds one and two of the Sustainability grants provided nearly $100 million in support to ensure child care centers and home-based providers were able to remain open.

HERO Relief Provider Funding assisted all open child care providers and related providers with funding supports during the immediate impact of COVID-19. More than $11 million was awarded to providers to assist with unexpected expenses related to the pandemic.

Governor Kelly also wrote a letter to licensed child care providers thanking them for their work and informing them of how to qualify for the bonus award. The letter is available here.

Government, Kansas

Minority/Women Enterprise Award Nominees Are Sought

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Nominations Open for Minority and Women Enterprise Development Awards

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced the call for nominations for the 2022 Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards. The annual awards are just one way the Department of Commerce notes the growing impact minority- and women-led companies have on the entire state economy.

“Any time we have an opportunity to shine the light on all the amazing businesses and businesspeople in our great state is a win,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Taking the time to recognize minority- and women-owned businesses is key to our success in highlighting and showcasing our Kansas communities and the people who make them thrive.”

Presented by the Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Development, the awards are given to minority- and women-owned businesses in the following categories:

  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Professional Service
  • Retail
  • Service
  • Supplier/Distributor
  • Young Entrepreneur
  • Business Advocate
  • Corporation of the Year

“We want to recognize minority- and women-owned businesses that are working hard to build their companies and at the same time contributing to their community as valuable resources,” Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Rhonda Harris said. “This is a great time to say “Thank you” for everything that they do, and we appreciate their dedication and vision to make their community and Kansas a better place.

MED Week is celebrated nationally to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority business enterprises that support the U.S. economy and generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue. The significant economic impact of minority- and women-owned businesses translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. These jobs not only sustain the individual worker, but contribute to the economic security of their families, and the economic vitality of their communities and of the nation.

The Department of Commerce will hold an annual luncheon in November to recognize the many winners and celebrate the contributions of women- and minority-owned businesses and communities across the state.

To learn more about the MED Week Awards, view past winners and nominate a business, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 13.

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.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Hits Lowest Unemployment Rate in Recorded History

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~~Continues Decline to 2.3% as Nation’s Unemployment Rate Holds Flat~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated that Kansas hit the lowest unemployment rate in the state’s recorded history, at 2.3%. Unemployment continues to decline in the state, even as the unemployment rate nationally holds flat. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas has the sixth lowest unemployment rate in the country relative to other states.

“My Administration has worked to ensure that every Kansan who wants a job, can have a job,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I’m proud that we have achieved the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history at 2.3%, over a full percentage point below the nation’s unemployment rate. We will continue breaking economic records by prioritizing job creation, business investment, and workforce development.”

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.3% in May, a decrease from 2.4% in April and a decrease from 3.4% this time last year. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in the United States as a whole has remained at 3.6% for three consecutive months, a rate significantly higher than Kansas estimates.

Kansas began keeping records of monthly unemployment rates in January 1976.

Since the start of the Kelly Administration, Kansas has secured 654 economic development projects worth $8,943,214,898.00 in capital investment and has retained and created 43,111 jobs.