Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Making Key Investments to Improve State Services for Vulnerable Kansans

~~Legislation Enables State Universities to Hold Tuition Flat~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed bipartisan House Bill 2510, which makes key investments in education, economic development, mental health, senior services, and our veterans. HB 2510 also makes historic levels of funding to state universities, enabling them to freeze tuition and knock down barriers to higher education.

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TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed Substitute for Senate Bill 34, House Bill 2387, and House Bill 2252, and signed Senate Bill 313.

The following veto message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of Substitute for Senate Bill 34:

I have consistently opposed vaccine passports and mandating any COVID-19 vaccination. However, this bill goes beyond COVID-19 and implements a one-size-fits-all approach for all infectious diseases. It significantly limits any government entity’s response to any infectious disease outbreak.

As a result, this legislation creates significant safety concerns for workers, for employers, for the economy, and for all Kansans. Schools could not adequately respond to an outbreak of measles in a classroom, and manufacturing facilities could not respond to a tuberculosis outbreak.

Beyond that, our agricultural sector could not continue to fight the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). We have a responsibility to protect our critically important agricultural industry and the farmers and ranchers who feed the nation.

We need to be prepared for what’s down the road to best protect Kansans. This bill puts the safety of all Kansans and our economy at risk.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Substitute for Senate Bill 34.

The following veto message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of HB 2387:

Having a transparent, competitive bidding process is key to ensuring that our state contracts provide the most value to Kansas taxpayers while using the latest technology and best practices. This is not only good for the State of Kansas, but also for our current MCOs and the people they serve.

The language included in HB 2387 regarding the current MCO contracts is a product of closed-door dealings to push legislation that did not have a single proponent. There is little question that this effort is fraught with legal issues and jeopardizes our Medicaid program. HB 2387 prohibits the state Medicaid agency from pursuing the state’s independent procurement process and, by doing so, functionally provides the current MCOs with a no-bid, multi-billion-dollar, contract.

We must favor transparency and fair competition over attempts to re-insert corruption into the state contracting process.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto HB 2387.

The following veto message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2252:

Elected officials must be able to perform their job duties effectively and efficiently. By prohibiting executive branch officers, including the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, from entering into agreements regarding the enforcement of election law, this bill prevents the executive branch from fulfilling its constitutional duties. House Bill 2252 represents an overreach by the legislative branch that defies the separation of powers – a principle fundamental to a working democracy. If passed, it would also lead to costly litigation at the expense of Kansas taxpayers.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2252.

Governor Kelly also signed Senate Bill 313 which provides for the use and regulation of autonomous motor vehicles and establishes the Autonomous Vehicle Advisory Committee. More information about SB 313 can be found here.

Governor Laura Kelly Legalizes Sports Wagering in Kansas

~~Kelly Signs Bill Allowing Kansans to Place Sports Bets on Mobile Apps, at Casinos, and Other Specific Venues~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 84, allowing Kansans to legally participate in sports wagering in the state. SB 84 also allows state casinos to use digital platforms and create sportsbooks.

“Legalizing sports betting will bring more revenue to our state and grow our economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is another mechanism that casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment venues can now utilize to attract Kansans to their establishments.”

“I was excited to pass sports wagering in Kansas, it’s something that Kansans are already doing, and it will bring additional tax revenue to our state to help with our needs,” Senator Rob Olson, Chair of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, said. “My constituents have pushed for this legislation for years, and now, the next time we have a significant sporting event in our state, Kansans will be able to bet on their hometown team.”

“We have heard from our constituents for years about the need for a sports wagering program here in Kansas, both for the value it will bring to their lives and for the revenues it will generate for our state,” Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Ranking Member of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, said.  “I’m proud to have contributed to this package that will do just that and revitalize my community by creating jobs in Wichita.”

In addition, SB 84 allows venues such as restaurants and nonprofit fraternal or veterans organizations to hold sports wagering.

SB 84 preserves tribal sovereignty, allowing the negotiation of a new or existing gaming compact regarding sports wagering.

More information about SB 84 can be found here.

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Expanding Computer Science Education in Kansas Schools

~~This Legislation Helps Students Transition from Career and Technical Education Programs into the Workforce~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed bipartisan House Bill 2466 to promote computer science education in Kansas schools and provide additional funding for current and aspiring teachers to receive training in computer science programs. HB 2466 also establishes a pilot program that covers credential exam costs and assists career and technical education students in their transition to the workforce.

“By expanding computer science education and creating this transition program, we can better retain the skilled workforce Kansas produces through our K-12 schools,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In addition, it signals to companies looking to build or expand their business that Kansas is the place to do it.”

HB 2466 provides scholarships for educators in rural areas and underrepresented socioeconomic groups to obtain computer science education training.

“HB2466 will bring much needed resources and training to our teachers,” Representative Steve Huebert, District 90, said. “With that, more classes will be offered, allowing students to gain the computer science skills they need for today’s workforce demands.”

More information about HB 2466 can be found here.

Governor Kelly also signed the following bills:

HB 2138
Provides for the use of electronic poll books in elections and the approval of such books by the secretary of state, requires all voting systems for elections to use individual voter-verified paper ballots with a distinctive watermark, requires the secretary of state and local election officers to develop an affidavit to be signed by election workers regarding the handling of completed ballots, requires audits of any federal, statewide or state legislative race that is within 1% of the total votes cast and requires randomized audits of elections procedures used in four counties in even-numbered years, requires a county election officer to send a confirmation of address when there is no election-related activity for any four-calendar year period and exempts poll workers from certain election crimes.

May 6, 2022

 

The legislature is on another break until May 23.  The delayed schedule is a response to the Congressional map and now the state senate map being challenged in court.

 

Meat Labeling Conference Committee Report (CCR) 261 will stop the use of the word “meat” when a product at the grocery store does not contain meat.  The bill does not address the use of the word “meat” in restaurants or the use of the word “milk”, but it is a step in consumer protection and forcing accurate labeling of non-meat products.  The CCR passed unanimously.

 

Taxes collected were $175 million above estimates for April.  Last year the Governor vetoed income tax cuts, calling them reckless.  The legislature overrode the veto and the tax cuts were implemented.  Taxes collected are at an all-time high.  A majority of legislators voted to pay down some debt (KPERS unfunded liability), which I supported.  However, a majority of legislators also voted to increase spending and put $750 million in reserves – so that government can spend it at a later date.  I do not support allowing government to grow, especially at that pace.

 

As Chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I am grateful for the hard work by the Senate and the House to get some good tax legislation passed this year!  Here are some of the highlights: property tax freeze for low income seniors and disabled veterans, tax credits for teachers who purchased school supplies with their own money, removing state sales tax on delivery and postage costs, doubling personal income tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans from $2250 to $4500, and many other provisions.  And of course, after many years of trying, we finally passed legislation that will bring the state sales tax on groceries to zero. These are big wins for Kansans and I am grateful for the teamwork between the House and Senate to the tax policies passed with veto proof majority.

 

In the next day of session, May 23, watch for CCR 2597 which would amend income tax, sales tax, and would enact the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act, providing partial property tax relief for businesses who were restricted at their storefront during the Governor’s COVID-19 shut down.  The legislation would gradually remove state income tax on Social Security, increase the standard deduction based on inflation, remove state sales tax on electric and other utilities for businesses (homeowners are already exempt), and other tax provisions to help return record tax collections to Kansas taxpayers.

 

There was good teamwork and leadership this year that has brought good tax policy to fruition, but there is still work to be done on May 23.

 

K-12 funding for each Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, 2023, 2024 is over $6 billion in CCR 2567.  There was some policy items in the CCR, most notably, adoption of Open Enrollment, allowing students to move between schools provided the receiving school has the capacity to accept the student transferring.  There are several questions with the legislation.  It was in a budget bill and the Governor can line item veto budgets.  Does it apply to this bill?  The CCR passed the Senate 24 to 14.  I did not support the major spending increase.  I did support the school transfer version of the bill and had voted Yes when it was a standalone bill.

More legislation that passed can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12^th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

April 30, 2022

 

The legislature began the 2022 veto session on April 25.  It has been an unusual year and the schedule confirms this since the legislature will return May 23 and the final day of session will not be until June.  The last day is usually in mid-May.  The delayed schedule is a response to the Congressional map being challenged in court.

 

Sales Tax on Groceries, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2106, passed the Senate unanimously and the House with super-majority.  January 1, 2023, the state sales tax on groceries will decrease from 6.5% to 4%, in 2024 it will decrease to 2%, and in 2025 it will be 0%.  The Governor’s plan never cut “sales tax on food”.  It was sales tax on groceries.  Groceries are to be defined as non-prepared foods with a few quirky items.

 

My updates do tend to focus on tax.  As the Senate Tax Chairman, I have worked diligently to lower taxes in Kansas.  Someone in the Capital commented to me that we wouldn’t have passed any tax legislation this year if I would not have been working on it.  We have had some major wins this year, including lowering property tax for homeowners.  (Hopefully, local governments will not take the savings from you by increasing local taxes.)  The Governor took credit for it even though she never worked on it.

The legislature passed a budget that puts over $750 million in reserve.  That money should be returned to the taxpayers – Kansans need it with inflation and skyrocketing prices.  Let’s cut more taxes by passing CCR 2597.  It would remove income tax on Social Security, increase the standard deduction based on inflation, and implement other common-sense tax solutions for Kansans.

Fairness in Women’s Sports, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 160, would have ensured participation in women’s sports is for biological women.  For a second year, the Governor vetoed the legislation.  The Senate had the votes for an override.  However, the House fell three votes short of an override.  I supported the legislation and the override.  It will be interesting to see how much impact this has on 2022 elections.

The Parents’ Bill of Rights, CCR 58, would have been a first step for addressing Critical Race Theory (CRT), age-appropriate material, and transparency for parents of students attending elementary or secondary school in this state.  The Governor vetoed the legislation.  The Senate overrode the veto but the House fell short by 12 votes.  I had introduced a bill banning CRT and the teaching of inaccurate history.  Due to social pressure the bill didn’t even get a hearing.  The Parents’ Bill of Rights was the only legislation to pass out of committee this year.

The Governor vetoed Welfare Reform CCR 2448, requiring able-bodied adults without dependents to complete an employment and training program in order to receive food assistance.  The House and Senate were able to override this veto.  I voted Yes.

A Constitutional Amendment will be on the November 2022 ballot, allowing voters to decide if the Kansas Constitution should be amended to require County Sheriffs to be elected, except for Riley County.

More legislation that passed can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.  I’ll include more items in a later update.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12^th District State Senator.

Caryn

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Supports New Community Health Worker Certification

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition are excited to announce the new Community Health Worker Certification. This certification is the first in the state to recognize the valuable role that Community Health Workers (CHWs) play in communities as they serve as a link between health and social services and communities to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

“CHWs play an integral role in patient-centered health care teams. They improve care accessibility and health outcomes. The diversity of backgrounds, skills and experiences CHWs bring is a strength,” said David Jordan, President and CEO of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “The new certification process standardizes Community Health Worker education and training. Ultimately, this will strengthen community health workers’ future in Kansas. The Health Fund is proud to have partnered with the Kansas Community Health Worker workgroup, KDHE and the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition to standardize the role of CHWs in Kansas.”

A Certification Task Force was formed out of a need to investigate pathways for certification and started in the coalition’s Sustainability Committee. Over the past five years, the development of this certification has been inclusive and transparent. More than 40 individuals from the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition and beyond were involved in the process.

“Having a certification process for CHWs is key to expanded career options and future opportunities,” said Stefanie Olson, KDHE CHW Section Director.

“This certification also provides CHWs who serve in their communities a way to validate and build their skills in individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy” said Alma Vargas, KS CHW Coalition Executive Co-Chair. “It also offers employers of CHWs – particularly health care providers with a key support in these times of increased need for skilled health professionals. This statewide recognized certification can distinguish CHWs from their peers and can help them as they work towards other goals.”

Is this certification for you? Certification requires:

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalent. Exceptions may be made.
• Completion of one of these two pathways.
  • Education Pathway: Applicant must complete the KDHE approved CHW training program through the Kansas CHW Coalition or a certified Kansas CHW education provider.
  • Work Experience Pathway: Applicant must complete 800 hours over three years plus three letters of recommendation to document work and/or volunteer experience.

Given CHWs important role in advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health, these efforts could not have come at a better time.

Visit the Community Health Worker Coalition  to learn more about and apply for the certification, scholarships are available. Health topic information and other resources to support CHWs can be found on both the KDHE and CHW websites. Join KDHE on Thursday, June 9 at Wichita State University, Rhatigan Student Center at 9 a.m. for the annual Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium. Sponsorship and scholarship opportunities are available.

 

~~Assistance Available for Housing Developers to Jumpstart Projects, Address Rural Housing Shortage~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the launch of a new housing program for developers to help address the housing needs of communities across Kansas. The Startup Housing Opportunity Venture Loan (SHOVL) program provides funding to housing developers for expenses incurred before the closing of permanent financing for housing developments.

“A shortage of quality, affordable housing is a barrier to economic growth and development throughout the state – and particularly in rural Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Affordable housing is a vital component of recruiting and retaining workers, families, and entrepreneurs to help rural and urban Kansas thrive. We can’t capitalize on our record-breaking economic success if we don’t have affordable housing options for our workforce, and I’m pleased this new program will be another step in addressing this challenge.”

Economic development, including new business recruitment, business expansions and job retention, is highly dependent on available and adequate housing. To qualify for the SHOVL program, the housing developments must directly connect to past, current, or future economic development efforts. This link between housing and economic development may include:

• New job creation within the last several years
• An opportunity to attract a new business with the development of workforce housing
• Expansion plans by an existing local business
• A pending economic development project that will require additional housing
• Job retention of a local business dependent upon adequate housing development

“We remain committed to finding creative ways to assist developers in finding the funding they need to get projects started,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Housing is critical to economic development and we must continue to invest in housing in order to attract new businesses and new residents to the state.”                       

SHOVL is available for housing developers looking to construct housing developments in communities with populations of 10,000 or less. The program will offer a no-interest loan of up to $25,000 and require a 20% match. Loans are available to private developers, non-profit organizations, or the local government.

“Rural housing development often lacks something that can jump start the process. The SHOVL program will provide that spark,” Housing Specialist, Randy Speaker said.

More information on the SHOVL program is available here.

Governor Kelly Fights to Address Rising Prices, Calls For $250 Tax Rebate, Providing Immediate Relief for Kansans ~~Governor Urges Legislature to Reconsider one-time $250 Tax Rebate through Budget Amendment to Provide Kansas Taxpayers with Immediate Relief~~ TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced an additional $460 million through a Governor’s Budget Amendment (GBA) for a one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas residents who filed a 2020 tax return in 2021. Resident tax filers who filed as married and filing jointly will be eligible for a $500 direct payment. “We’ve worked hard to get Kansas’ budget back on track after years of mismanagement,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our strong economic growth would not be possible without the hard work of Kansas taxpayers, and I want to return this money to the people who earned it. Especially right now, when we are all experiencing the impact of rising costs at the pump and the grocery store, the state can make an immediate and direct impact to help Kansas families pay their bills and save for the future.” Governor Kelly previously called for the one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas taxpayers in her budget proposal, but the full House and Senate rejected funding for this measure. However, similar bipartisan plans have been proposed in numerous other states, including most recently, the state of Missouri. Under the Governor’s plan, Kansas will return approximately $460 million to over 1.2 million Kansas residents who paid taxes in 2021. Additionally, by using one-time revenue, this will have no impact on the state’s ongoing ability to collect revenues that fund critical services or eliminate the state’s food sales tax. The proposal will be paid for with Kansas’ current budget surplus and is intended to provide relief to tax filers who are Kansas residents. Find the Governor’s Budget Amendments here. ###