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Category Archives: Kansas
New “To the Stars” Standard License Plate to Begin Appearing on Kansas Vehicles
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.
More information on the ongoing embossed plate replacement project can be found at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/
August Virtual Job Fair Offers Kansas Jobseekers Hundreds of Opportunities
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.
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Kansas Department of Revenue Reveals Winning Personalized License Plate Design
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.
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“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.
To check the availability of personalized plate text, visit www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/
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Cost Share Program for Kansas Communities Construction Projects Is Accepting Applications
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KDOT requesting comment on draft 2025 STIP
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KS July Tax Collections Below Estimate
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.
Click here to view the July 2024 revenue numbers.
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Evergy Electric Transmission Projects Public Meeting Is August 1 To Review Compliance: Can Be Viewed On YouTube
KCC to discuss future Evergy transmission
projects at virtual public workshop August 1
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a virtual meeting Thursday morning, August 1, beginning at 8 a.m. to discuss Evergy’s plans for future transmission projects. Members of the public are invited to watch the meeting, which will be livestreamed to the KCC’s YouTube Channel and recorded for later viewing.
Evergy representatives will present details of the planned projects, take questions, and hear comments from Commissioners, Commission Staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB).
The costs of transmission projects are passed on to ratepayers in the form of a transmission delivery charge (TDC), which appears on monthly electric bills. The workshop gives the public visibility to the transmission planning process, which is designed to provide the infrastructure necessary to ensure reliability while still maintaining affordability for ratepayers.
House Bill 2225 passed by the 2024 Kansas Legislature requires a public meeting to review the utility’s annual transmission compliance filings to the Commission.
Evergy’s compliance filings can be found on the Commission’s website using the following links: Docket Nos.: 24-EKME-253-CPL and 24-EKCE-254-CPL.
Global Technical Issue Impacts Agency Services
TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Information Technology Services (OITS) confirmed that a software update from vendor partner CrowdStrike has impacted services for Executive Branch agencies.
This was not a cybersecurity attack and there is no threat to life safety services.
CrowdStrike, a vendor partner, deployed an update late Thursday evening and into the early morning hours of Friday, impacting servers and computers. CrowdStrike has provided fixes, and OITS is working closely with them and the Executive Branch agencies to remediate any issues. This is a global problem, impacting many beyond Kansas.
Services continue to be restored online. We cannot provide an estimated time for each service’s restoration.
More information will be provided as things develop.
Please direct any questions to Allie Denning, Director of Public Affairs, OITS. She can be reached at [email protected].
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Water-Related Technical Assistance and Water Projects Grant Applications Now Accepted
HB 2302 Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Technical Assistance Grant Fund and Water Projects Fund
The Kansas Water Office announced that applications are now being accepted for the House Bill 2302 Grant Programs.
In 2023, Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Legislature, through Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302, increased the amount of state funding for the State Water Plan Fund (SWPF). The State Water Plan Fund was created in 1989 to provide funding for projects, programs, and activities recommended in the Kansas Water Plan (KWP) to address the various water issues identified in the KWP. Provisions for HB 2302 included the creation of two new water-related grants funds: the Technical Assistance Grant Fund and the Water Projects Grant Fund.
The Technical Assistance Grant Fund and Water Projects Fund serve to help municipalities and special districts related to water to obtain the up-front technical assistance and the on-the-ground actions needed to address various water quantity and quality needs. The two funds are generally directed to supporting water-related infrastructure activities.
Last year, Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office invested $18 million into 34 municipalities and special districts related to water across Kansas. Nineteen Technical Assistance Grants and 15 Water Project Grants were awarded.
Applications for this round of funding are due on September 6, 2024. Previous applicants must resubmit their applications for consideration. For additional information, please visit https://www.kwo.ks.gov/news-events/hb-2302-grant-programs.
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As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.
The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation.
KDOT to replace guardrail along U.S. 69
The week of July 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin replacing guardrail on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. The 27-mile project area starts at the south U.S. 69/U.S. 54 junction and continues north to Pleasanton.
The speed limit will be reduced to 60 miles an hour in the work zone, with alternating lane closures for northbound traffic. The ramp from westbound U.S. 54 to northbound U.S. 69 in Fort Scott will be closed to traffic between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, July 22-23. Use alternate routes during the closure.
KDOT awarded construction contracts totaling $1 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by the end of 2024. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Kansas August Primary Election Candidates: Kansas House of Representatives
This is part of a series on the candidates on the August Primary Election ballot.
There are two candi dates for District 4 Kansas House of Representatives on the Bourbon County ballot.
Joshua Jones, 43, lives in Bourbon County.
He has three experience years as a Fort Scott City Commissioner and 20+ years as a small business owner.
Jones has been involved in his community in the following ways: Kiwanis, Chair of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Advance Bourbon County, previous city commissioner, Christmas in the Park/Bricks committee, Bourbon County Core Communities
“The primary role of any elected official is to represent the people in their jurisdiction, as citizens are the ultimate authority. Unfortunately, many candidates make promises during election campaigns but fail to follow through once elected. When I served as a city commissioner, I was the only one to hold public forums while in office. Transparency and communication are essential.”
“The Kansas House of Representatives faces many pressing issues, with two major concerns being taxes and government overreach into our freedoms and liberties. Often, the government assumes it knows what’s best for us and enacts laws that infringe on our freedoms. The more this happens, the closer our government comes to resembling a dictatorship and less of a government for the people.”
Rick James, 61, lives outside of LaCygne.
He earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree and has
30 years of experience in the United States Marine Corps.
He has served two full terms as a County Commissioner (Linn County, Ks.); served 7 years on the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services, and 4 years on the Ks. Area on Aging for SE (Ottawa). He is a local business owner of Semper Fi Auction Services (2013) and Bravo Realty (2019).
His community involvement: a member of Lady of our Lord’s Catholic Church, member of Rotary 2010-2024, and has “Helped out doing benefit auctions for our non-profits locally. I’m a conservative and proud Republican. Semper Fi.”
The primary role of a Kansas House Representative to James is:
“Introducing good legislation that benefits our constituents. Reduce government where possible—serving as the voice to our constituents in legislative matters, advocating for their interests and concerns in Topeka. I will be fiscally responsible and work to lower taxes. By engaging with community groups, attending local events, and staying informed about local issues; I can be the sounding board for the 4th District.”
The most pressing issue in the Kansas House of Representatives is
“Taxes… first and foremost. We as local and state governments have got to work harder at being good stewards to our citizens when spending their money. Another issue is the recent attacks on rural America with green energy wanting to take 10’s of thousands of acres away from our landowners here in Bourbon and Linn County. Other bad ideas like Pikes Reservoir (10,000 acre lake proposed in Bourbon County) which was known in Topeka before land owners knew. There are many things our state can improve on so lets start where it hurts citizens the most (TAXES). We have a great district and I would appreciate your vote in August. “