Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson February 28, 2025

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Caryn Tyson

 

 

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

February 28, 2025

 

After turnaround (the halfway point in session), most of the work is happening in committees.

 

Stopping State Benefits to Illegal Aliens including in-state tuition, Senate Bill (SB) 254, drew a crowd for the committee hearing.  There was one proponent and over 20 opponents that wanted to speak about the bill.  The committee rules allow each side to speak the same amount of time.  Since the proponents only had one person speaking, AG Kobach spoke for several minutes.  The opponents (those who want benefits for illegals) were told that not all of them would get to speak, especially since there were so many of them and the first speakers used up a good portion of the time.  After time was called, one of the opponents started yelling and demeaning the committee and the process.  The Highway Patrol was called to escort him out of the room and the meeting was adjourned.  Thankfully, this is extremely rare, and most people respect the rules and the decorum at our Capitol.  The committee will work on the bill in the next week or two.

 

U.S. Constitution Article V speaks to allowing states to convene and propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution.  Any proposed amendment would have to be ratified by 38 of the states.  The main difference in an Article V convention of states is that the amendment originates from the states, not in U.S. Congress.  All amendments have originated in Congress, never by using Article V.  However, there is a growing effort to make this happen.

 

With President Trump in office working to stop out-of-control spending, there doesn’t seem to be the urgency for an Article V amendment.  However, the next president may be as reckless as previous presidents, so I voted for Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1604, calling for a convention.  The SCR passed the Senate 29 to 11. If the House passes SCR 1604, Kansas will be the 20th state to pass this language.  It takes 34 for a convention to be called.

 

Sales Tax Exemption Forms would not be required for custom meat processing if the person who owns the animal is processing it for their own consumption.  Senate Bill 33 passed unanimously and was sent to the House for consideration.

 

Firearms taken under the Kansas Standard Asset and Seizer Act could be sold or transferred to a properly licensed federal firearms dealer if SB 137 becomes law.  It passed 39 to 1.  I voted Yes.

 

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

Caryn

Government, Kansas

Public Meetings on Night Vision Coyote Hunting Season

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Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings on Night Vision Coyote Hunting Season

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host three public meetings in March to gather feedback on the night vision coyote hunting season. These open forum meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts with KDWP staff, which KDWP will use to assess season dates.

Meeting Schedule:

  • March 10 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
    El Dorado State Park Shooting Facility
    2980 NE Shady Creek Access Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
  • March 24 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
    Sportsman’s Acres
    3922 Highway K-244 Spur, Junction City, KS 66441
  • March 25 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
    Brief Space
    219 W 10th St, Hays, KS 67601

“Coyotes are classified as a nongame species in Kansas,” says Dr. Jon Beckmann, assistant director of the wildlife division at KDWP, “but they are regulated and managed like a furbearer species. They range throughout Kansas in both rural and urban landscapes, and approximately 30,000 people hunt coyotes each year.”

The night vision coyote hunting season, introduced in 2021, runs annually from Jan. 1 through March 31. During this season, hunters may use artificial light, night vision, and thermal-imaging equipment to hunt coyotes with a $2.50 Night Vision Equipment Permit and the appropriate hunting license. In addition to the night vision season, Kansas maintains a year-round coyote hunting and furharvesting season with no limit on the number of coyotes that can be taken.

“We have not proposed any changes to the coyote night vision season,” explained KDWP Acting Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “We have heard from many members of the public with varying opinions and scheduled these meetings to ensure we are listening and considering the views of all Kansans.”

The night vision coyote season will also be discussed at upcoming Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meetings, including the next meeting on March 27 at the Topeka & Shawnee County Library. Members of the public are welcome to attend and voice their opinions during the meeting’s two public comment sessions.

Those unable to attend a meeting can provide input by filling out the “Contact All Commissioners” form at ksoutdoors.com/commission.

For more information on coyote hunting in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Coyote.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.com.

Government, Kansas

District court public access portal domain to change to .gov March 1

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District court public access portal domain to change to .gov March 1

TOPEKA—The Kansas District Court Public Access Portal will be offline from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 1, for a domain change from .org to .gov.

 

People who use the portal are encouraged to update their bookmarks after the domain change is complete.

 

The change is one of the final steps in a project to move all judicial branch websites, portals, and email from .org to .gov. An informational webpage describes the project—KSCourts is going .gov.

 

Portal used to search district court case information

 

The portal allows anyone anywhere to search most Kansas district court case information online. The service was created through the Kansas eCourt case management system project to consolidate case data on a single, web-based platform.

 

Benefits of .gov domain

The federal government controls who can get a .gov domain, which is one reason a .gov domain is desirable. It clearly communicates the Kansas judicial branch is a government entity. But there are benefits beyond credibility.

Dot gov domains must follow certain rules that contribute to a more secure environment for all government websites. By following domain security best practices, users are assured a safer visitor experience.

Other benefits of a .gov domain are described on the federal website get.gov.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

Government, Kansas

KANSASWORKS Hosts Manufacturing and Aerospace Job Fair

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers interested in Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace to take advantage of March’s Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 5.

“Kansans are builders and doers, and nothing demonstrates this more than our strong and robust manufacturing industry across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Kansas’ outstanding manufacturing and aerospace employers are looking for skilled talent to join their ranks across every region of our state — don’t miss this opportunity to connect and explore the high-growth professions here in Kansas.”

The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a new position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

The Virtual Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

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.

About the 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.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update from KS Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

 

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

February 21, 2025

 

In a rush to pass bills before turnaround (the halfway point in session) over 60 bills were worked in two days on the Senate floor.  It was a grueling pace.  All bills can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.  Below is a sample of the bills that passed the Senate and were sent to the House.

 

A U.S. Senate, Insurance Commissioner, or State Treasurer vacancy replacement would be filled by an appointed committee of legislators providing three names to the Governor.  The Governor would then select one from the three names, unless the legislature is in session.  When the legislature is in session, a resolution with three names would have to pass both chambers and then the Governor would select a replacement from the three names on the resolution.  Two years ago, I introduced legislation that would have held a replacement convention, much like we do with other positions, but it couldn’t get traction.  Timing is everything.  Now that Senator Marshall could be considered for a Presidential appointment, it has become urgent to pass replacement legislation instead of just letting the Governor name a person.  SB 105 would respect the voters’ decision by requiring nominees to be a member of the same party for at least six years, as the vacated seat.  It would also block any of the legislative nominating committee members from being a nominee.  SB 105 passed 31 to 9.

 

Healthy Choices are the intent of SB 79 by excluding candy and soft drinks from eligible foods on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formally known as food stamps.  Some argued that it was mean and restrictive.  It doesn’t stop other welfare money from being used on these items, only SNAP.  It passed 29 to 11.  I voted Yes.

 

Bail Bonds for Illegal Immigrants would get special treatment if an illegal defendant were deported outside the U.S. in SB 105.   The court would have to return 95% of the bond issued for an illegal immigrant who was then sent back to another country.  The Sheriffs association expressed concern that someone could put up a bond knowing the person was a major flight risk.  The bill passed on a vote of 31 to 9.  I voted No because illegal immigrants shouldn’t be bonded out.

 

Given Name Act would prohibit students from changing their name without a parent or guardian permission and would prohibit students from using pronouns.  It is an attempt to stop the woke nonsense in K-12 schools.  SB 79 passed 26 to 14.  I voted Yes.

 

Search Warrants could only be issued by law enforcement if SB 138 becomes law.  Currently, anyone can issue a search warrant.  It passed the Senate unanimously.

 

Low Income Scholarship Program would be expanded to allow children in foster care, children of active-duty military, or children of law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel to qualify for a scholarship to attend alternative K-12 schools.  Currently, any Kansas student whose family income is less than 250% of federal poverty guidelines can qualify for the scholarship program.  SB 87 also increased the program cap from $10 to $15 million for the tax credit portion.  It passed 24 to 16.  I voted Yes.

 

Student Loans would have an established uniform interest rate, repayment schedules, and establish authority of the State Board of Regents to administer the student financial aid programs in SB 50.  It makes more sense than using taxpayer money to pay off student loans for people.  It passed 39 to 1.  I voted Yes.

 

Help Not Harm Act was passed into law after overriding the Governor’s veto by 2/3 the legislature voting Yes.  Senate Bill (SB) 63 would stop chemical and surgical sex changes on anyone younger than 18 years of age. The vote to pass the bill was 32 to 8, but one Senator who voted for the bill did not vote for the override.  It passed the Senate on a vote of 31 to 9.  I voted Yes on both measures.

 

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

Caryn

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bronson Among Kansas Water Office Project Award Winners

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Governor Kelly Announces Over $26M for
Water Projects and Technical Assistance


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office announced Thursday the award winners for the second round of the Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 Grant Programs, which provide over $26 million in funding for water projects and technical assistance to communities across Kansas.

“Water is vital to the livelihood of our communities and Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding is a crucial step in addressing pressing water issues to safeguard our water supply for generations to come.”

In 2023, Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 increased the amount of state funding for the State Water Plan Fund (SWPF) and created two new water related grant funds: the Technical Assistance Grant Fund and Water Projects Grant Fund. In the first year, 34 municipalities and special districts related to water were rewarded $18 million.

“The expansion of the State Water Plan to include support for municipalities and water districts continues to be a critical component towards ensuring communities across the state have access to a reliable supply of clean water,” said Senator Kenny Titus, Kansas Senate District 18.

The grant program received over 300 applications in its first year, and an additional $10 million was provided in 2024 through the Legislature to address the high demand for funding.

“We are grateful for the Legislature and Governor Kelly for approving this additional funding,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “We received a large number of applications again this year. This funding is necessary to Kansas communities.”

Over 270 communities applied for the 2024 funding period, requesting a total of $237 million. Thirty-nine technical assistance grants and 24 water projects grants were awarded to 70 communities and special districts related to water.

“Our small agricultural towns are the lifeblood of our state,” said Senator Rick Billinger, Kansas Senate District 40. “And this funding will help these communities have the clean and affordable water access they need to thrive.”

A total of $26,287,103 was awarded.

“I am so pleased to see the list of rural communities and rural water districts across Kansas that have been awarded grants to mitigate their specific water issues,” said Representative Lisa Moser, Kansas House District 106. “Water is the lifeblood of our state. Without it, nothing else matters.”

See the full list of funded projects at kwo.ks.gov.


Technical Assistance Grant Fund:

Barber County RWD No 1

$324,116

Finney County Sewer District 1

$165,000

Wallace County RWD No 1

$452,000

Ellis

$83,400

Bunker Hill

$176,200

Leon

$250,000

West Mineral

$33,000

Onaga

$192,490

Franklin County RWD No 1

$18,500

Cloud County RWD No 1

$132,600

Kismet

$146,500

Jewell County RWD No 1

$237,500

Norcatur

$134,700

Hartford

$68,000

Anthony

$50,000

Sylvia

$304,900

Toronto

$250,400

Ozawkie

$45,000

Harper

$83,800

Lecompton

$125,000

Towanda

$390,900

Finney County RWD No 1

$307,500

Cawker City

$241,650

Liberty

$25,000

Randall

$38,300

Parsons

$92,000

Potwin

$52,180

Montgomery County RWD No 9

$55,000

LeRoy

$102,000

Reno County RWD No 1

$94,600

Chase

$366,100

Lakewood Hills Sewer Improvement District

$909,000

Wilson County RWD No 4

$39,700

Sylvan Grove

$148,400

Goessel

$50,000

Ellis County RWD No 1C

$219,600

Alma

$575,600

Bronson

$307,075

Washington County RWD No 2

$64,000

Water Projects Grant Fund

Marion County Improvement District 2

$458,880

Troy

$824,520

NWKP&DC/Palco

$500,000

Moscow

$635,300

Marion County RWD No. 4

$1,414,760

Barton County RWD No. 2

$980,000

Blue Mound

$517,000

Bartlett

$416,310

Collyer

$13,745

Goff

$94,850

West Mineral

$664,000

Harveyville

$1,272,556

La Harpe

$750,000

Leondardville

$289,140

Girard

$1,289,800

Quinter

$350,000

Humboldt

$3,000,000

Geary County RWD No. 4

$192,516

Cuba

$334,000

Hamilton

$467,000

Huron

$520,805

Pretty Prairie

$33,651

Moundridge

$542,000

Kanopolis

$1,196,141


Loan Assistance:

Liebenthal

$24,103

St. John

$531,772

Gorham

$59,506

Kensington

$184,084

NWKP&DC/Hill City

$1,104,952

Gove

$132,110

Plainville

$141,891

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Government, Kansas

Significant Changes to CDBG Community Facilities Programs

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Commerce Unveils Groundbreaking Overhaul of Community Development Block Grant Program

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today significant changes to its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Community Facilities program to allow a rolling application process, lower local match requirements and an expanded scope of eligible projects.

“This is a game-changer for Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “For decades, we’ve seen too many worthy projects stalled due to rigid deadlines and high local match requirements. By streamlining the process and reducing financial burdens, we’re ensuring that cities and counties — large and small — can bring transformative projects to life.”

The revamped CDBG – Community Facilities program opens the door for projects ranging from emergency sirens and ADA upgrades to new libraries and major park developments. Notably, the transition from an annual competition to a rolling application process means that cities and counties can apply for funding year-round, receiving decisions in a matter of weeks rather than waiting months for a single funding cycle. Additionally, the local match requirement has been reduced from its normal 25% to a 10% match for small projects and 20% for large projects.

“This continues the significant shift in the way the Kansas Department of Commerce is approaching community development” Commerce Assistant Secretary Matthew Godinez said. “In 2024, we rebranded the Community Development Division as the Quality Places Division to better reflect our mission of fostering vibrant, connected and resilient communities. We’re removing bureaucratic roadblocks and getting critical dollars where they’re needed faster. This is about leveling the playing field so that smaller or lower-income communities have a real shot at funding transformational projects.”

Key program enhancements include:

  • Rolling Application Process: Applications will be accepted year-round starting May 1, with monthly reviews and grant agreements executed within five business days of approval.
  • Reduced Match Requirements:
    • Small projects ($50,000 to $210,000) require only a 10% local match.
      • Examples include:
        • Accessibility and ADA Improvements
        • Parks and Recreational Facilities
        • Community Centers and Public Infrastructure
        • Public Safety and Emergency Service
    • Large projects ($210,001 to $1.5 million) require only a 20% local match.
      • Examples include:
        • Public Infrastructure and Facility Development
        • Public Safety and Emergency Services
        • Libraries and Educational Facilities
  • Pre-Application for Readiness Screening: Cities and counties can submit a short pre-application starting April 1, 2025, to gauge project eligibility and receive feedback within five business days. The full application stage opens on May 1, 2025.
  • Flexible Project Categories: Communities can apply for any eligible CDBG-funded project, from public safety improvements to large-scale community facility developments.

By expanding access and accelerating the funding process, the Kansas Department of Commerce is ushering in a new era of community investment across the state.

“This is about empowering Kansas communities,” Toland said. “No longer will cities and counties be forced to wait for a single shot at funding each year. We’re making the process flexible, fair, transparent and focused on results.”

For more information about the CDBG program, click here.

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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Government, Kansas

KS Launches New Support to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers

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Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Launches New Programs to Support Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) recognizes the significant emotional, physical, and financial toll that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia can take on families. To provide much-needed support, KDADS is launching two new initiatives: the Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program (K-RAD) and the Kansas Dementia Roadmap: A Guide for People Impacted by Dementia.

In Kansas, more than 55,000 individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, and more than 89,000 individuals are providing unpaid care. Families serve as the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities across the nation. According to the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers report developed by the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Act Family Caregiving Advisory Council and the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, gaps in the availability of and access to respite care can add to the stress and burden faced by unpaid caregivers. Respite care often comes with high costs and limited availability, leaving caregivers responsible for most expenses.

Kansas has allocated funding for a state-funded respite program to address these challenges. The K-RAD program offers relief to unpaid caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia by providing temporary care services that replace the direct care given by the caregiver for short or intermittent periods.

“We are excited about the K-RAD program and the ability it provides our agency to help our caregivers with respite care for their loved ones,” Leslea Rockers, Executive Director for East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging, said.

Caregivers can apply for K-RAD funds to cover respite care costs. More information is available on the KDADS website, and applications can be obtained through local Area Agencies on Aging or by contacting the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-855-200-2372.

Additionally, KDADS has introduced the Kansas Dementia Roadmap: A Guide for People Impacted by Dementia. This resource acknowledges that caring for someone with memory loss or dementia is a long and unpredictable journey. The Roadmap provides essential guidance, support, and information for families, helping them navigate the challenges of dementia care.

“This roadmap will help families navigate their dementia journey so that they won’t become lost in the diagnosis,” Jamie Gideon, Kansas Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association, said.

Printed copies of the Kansas Dementia Roadmap are available at local Area Agency on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association offices. A downloadable version is also available at https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/aging/alzheimer-s-disease-and-dementia/kansas-dementia-roadmap.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson February 14, 2025

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Caryn Tyson

 

The week was slow on the Senate floor in Topeka, but President Trump kept things moving in D.C.  Next week things will pick up because it is turnaround.  It is the half-way point in session. House bills that were never in an exempt committee will die if they do not pass the House by turnaround.  In the Senate, bills that aren’t exempt don’t die, but no more action can be taken on them until next year.  For a bill to be exempt it must have been in the Tax, Federal & State Affairs, or Ways and Means committee in the Senate.  The House exempt committees are Tax, Federal & State Affairs, or Appropriations.   During the week of turnaround, both chambers will be working diligently to pass bills that are non-exempt.

 

More Election protection is the intent of Senate Bill (SB) 5.  It would block wasteful spending by the United States government used to influence elections, such as targeted voter registration.  This money has been sometimes referred to as “Bidenbucks”.  A couple of years ago, I offered an amendment that blocked third party money that was trying to influence elections procedures, it was referred to as Zuckerbucks.  You might remember Mark Zucherburg made donations to election offices trying to influence election procedures.  Kansas law now blocks these types of donations from individuals or companies, SB 5 would block federal money trying to influence election results.  Federal money provided for election security would still be allowed.  It passed on a bipartisan vote 33 to 6.  I voted Yes.

 

Move Over for stopped vehicles displaying hazard warning signal and proceed with caution or you can be fined if SB 5 becomes law.  SB 8 passed the Senate unanimously and is on its way to the House.

 

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

Caryn

Government, Kansas

Topeka Government Offices Reopen Tomorrow

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Governor Kelly Announces State Offices to Re-Open Thursday for State Employees in Shawnee County

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she has ordered state offices in Shawnee County to re-open on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Governor Kelly previously ordered state offices in Shawnee County closed on Wednesday due to safety concerns regarding potentially hazardous conditions resulting from the winter storm.

“Thanks to the hard work of crews, roadway conditions have improved, and state offices will return to normal operations on Thursday,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Please exercise caution when traveling and continue to give crews the necessary space as they keep working to clear roadways.”

All non-essential state employees in Executive Branch agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction who work in Shawnee County are required to report to work as normal.

For continuously updated road information, go to www.KanDrive.gov and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 – for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).

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Government, Kansas

Ks Senator Caryn Tyson’s Weekly Legislative Report

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Caryn Tyson

 

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

February 7, 2025

 

Property Taxes are high, and most people would agree the system is not always accurate or fair, so the Senate acted by passing a constitutional amendment, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1603, to limit taxable valuation increases of real property to a maximum of 3% a year, unless certain triggers occur. Local governments often rely on skyrocketing valuations to collect more property taxes.  SCR 1603 would limit the tax value of real properties so local governments would have to vote to raise the mill levy, providing more transparency to property tax increases.

 

The SCR would have to pass the House and then voters would decide to amend the Kansas Constitution and limit taxable valuation increases each year or not.  It passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote 28 to 11.  I voted yes.

 

Election ends on election day, SB 4, would require all ballots to be returned by 7 p.m. on election, not three days later.  It passed the Senate 29 to 10.  I voted yes.

 

Rank choice voting, where you can rate the candidates on the ballot by selecting your first choice, your second choice, your third chose and so on, would be banned in Kansas if SB 6 becomes law.  It is a voting system in which the candidates are ranked when you vote.  It’s difficult to count and can delay election results.  SB 6 passed 29 to 10.  I voted yes to ban this election system in Kansas.

 

Budgets can be used for political volley.  It’s disappointing but it does happen.  To correct this, the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 14 so that if a budget is not passed into law by June 30th, then the state government would not shut down because the previous year’s budget would be adopted.  It passed the Senate 31 to 8.  I supported this effort.

 

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

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Divisive Legislation

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday vetoed Senate Bill 63.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 63:

“Right now, the Legislature should be focused on ways to help Kansans cope with rising prices. That is the most important issue for Kansans. That is where my focus is.

“Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value. As I’ve said before, it is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind. This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and health care workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue.

“It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans’ private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans’ lives.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 63.”

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