Category Archives: Kansas

Food, Government, Kansas

Powdered Infant Formula Recalled

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KDHE and the FDA warn consumers not to use select Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula 

TOPEKA – Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is investigating complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott’s Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Three brands of powdered infant formula were recalled for possible Cronobacter contamination. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the FDA is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas. Products made at the Sturgis facility can be found across the United States. Individuals can find more information about returning the product directly to Abbott by using the Product Recall tool.

Cronobacter infections are rare, but they can be deadly in newborns. Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. About two to four cases are reported to CDC every year, but this figure may not reflect the true number of illnesses because most hospitals and laboratories are not required to report Cronobacter infections to health departments.

The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying, or very low energy. Infants with these symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

February 18, 2022

 

 

Crazy Weather lately the temperature has fluctuated from unusually hot to very cold – kind of like how this year’s legislative session has gone.

 

Tax Cuts The government takes too much of our money and needs to be more frugal with its spending.  I stand strong for tax cuts, not tax increases.  Last year, I led a successful effort to cut income taxes by increasing the standard deduction and allowing an option to itemize – the Governor vetoed the tax cuts, but the legislature overrode the veto.  This year, I am again working to lower your taxes. Kansans are paying record amounts of taxes – even with last year’s tax cuts.

 

Senate Bill (SB) 431 modernizes the $20,000 exemption for the schools 20 mil of property tax.  Presently, $20,000 is subtracted from a homeowner’s valuation for the 20 mill collected by the state and sent to the schools.  The $20,000 exemption was established in 1997.  To count for inflation, SB 431 would increase the $20,000 to $65,000 for 2021 and adjust annually.  The bill passed out of the Senate Tax Committee and hopefully, will be debated on the Senate floor next week.

 

Improving Adoptions in Kansas SB 12 would require performance-based contracts to be established by Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) with stakeholders.  The plan would help with early intervention services for families and children who are awaiting adoption.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously.

 

Increasing Healthcare Access

SB 200 would provide Kansans an option to see a pharmacist to start therapy for the flu, strep, and UTI (Urinary Tract Infections).  Some think this is a doctor’s responsibility and overreach for a pharmacist.  While others see it as a way to improve our healthcare system.  I voted Yes.  The bill passed 37 to 2.

 

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

Caryn

Government, Kansas

Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula Alert

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OOS - JSFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 18, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

KDHE and the FDA warn consumers not to use select Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula 

TOPEKA – Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is investigating complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott’s Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Three brands of powdered infant formula were recalled for possible Cronobacter contamination. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the FDA is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas. Products made at the Sturgis facility can be found across the United States. Individuals can find more information about returning the product directly to Abbott by using the Product Recall tool.

Cronobacter infections are rare, but they can be deadly in newborns. Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. About two to four cases are reported to CDC every year, but this figure may not reflect the true number of illnesses because most hospitals and laboratories are not required to report Cronobacter infections to health departments.

The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying, or very low energy. Infants with these symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider.

##
Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Fishing: Live-Imaging Sonar Study

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KDWP Fisheries Staff Test Latest Technology in Ground-breaking Study

EMPORIA – Many advances in technology arise out of a desire to improve output and efficiency, and the fishing industry is no exception. One such advancement that has many anglers “picking sides” is the introduction, and proliferation, of live-imaging sonar (LIS) – sonar that allows anglers to view fish and structure, below and around their vessel, in real time and often with great clarity. While some believe LIS adds immense value to the overall fishing experience, others believe it poses an ethical dilemma, blurring the lines of “fair chase.” So, when is an advancement too advanced? That’s the data KDWP Fisheries staff sought but couldn’t find; so, they developed it themselves in a first-of-its-kind study.

“As a conservation-based organization, we always want to look to science and ask ourselves, ‘What is the data telling us?’” said KDWP Fisheries biologist, Ben Neely. “But this technology is just new enough, that these data really didn’t exist. That’s when we decided we needed to explore this further and develop the study. It’s taken off like wildfire in the conservation community ever since.”

KDWP Fisheries staff opted to conduct a controlled and replicated experiment to assess the influence of LIS on catch of winter crappie ­– Kansas’ second-most sought-after sportfish. Specifically, the project was designed to examine LIS impacts on “casual weekend anglers” fishing unfamiliar water on a weekend trip.

In early December 2021, a total of 32 individuals from KDWP’s Fisheries and Wildlife divisions, and Kansas State University took part in a two-week experiment at Cedar Bluff Reservoir. Anglers were randomly partnered up and instructed to fish for seven hours on either the north or south sides of the lake, and either with or without the aid of LIS. The next day, each team switched sides and use of equipment; This resulted in a total of 16 controlled “samples.” The results were unexpected.

  • Participating anglers who did not use LIS averaged 6.3 crappie per day, while anglers who used LIS caught 7.3 crappie per day.
  • When other species of fish were counted in the study, teams not using LIS averaged 12.9 fish per day, compared to 14.4 per fish per day when LIS was used.
  • And, anglers also caught slightly larger crappie on average (10.8 inches) when using LIS, compared to the fish (10.5 inches) caught by anglers not using LIS.

Ultimately, the data collected demonstrated that while LIS may improve angler catch and size of crappie by casual weekend anglers, overall differences were statistically minimal. And maybe more importantly, the data suggests an overall low risk of long-term damage to crappie populations as a result of LIS. However, anglers with more experience and expertise using LIS to target crappie were not considered in this study. Future studies are being discussed that can leverage the abilities of more LIS-experienced anglers to further inform future management of crappie in Kansas.

“Balancing sociological needs with biological needs is at the heart of nearly everything we do at KDWP,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless. “This study is a fine example of how our staff continue to operate off of the best-available data to make science-based decisions that benefit not only the resource, but our users. I’m confident this study will be just one of many that the conservation industry looks to, as our talented staff in Kansas continue to pave the way in fisheries research and management.”

To learn more about this study, watch an audio/video presentation by Neely here, https://youtu.be/XEiP0_PMjjg.

For more on fishing in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Fishing.

COVID-19, Health Care, Kansas

KDHE Amends Travel Related Quarantine List

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to add the countries of Denmark, Georgia, Iceland, Latvia, Netherlands, Reunion and Slovenia. The countries on the travel quarantine list will expire on March 3, 2022. KDHE will not release a travel quarantine list after March 3, individuals should now refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel advisory page.

An unvaccinated individual who has not had COVID-19 within the last 90 days or those that have not received all the recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots, should quarantine if they meet the following criteria:

  • Traveled on or after Feb. 4 to Faroe Islands.
  • Traveled on or after Feb. 17 to Denmark, Georgia, Iceland, Latvia, Netherlands, Reunion and Slovenia.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state or in-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The length of a travel-related at home quarantine is 5 days after your last exposure with an additional requirement to wear a well-fitting mask indoors and outdoors when around others for an additional 5 days. If you cannot mask, at-home quarantine is recommended for 10 days. Quarantine would start the day after you return to Kansas or from the mass gathering. If yo­­u do not develop symptoms of COVID-19 during your quarantine period, then you are released from quarantine. Regularly check this list to stay up to date on travel-related guidance. Please refer to the KDHE Isolation and Quarantine FAQ for additional information.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who meet the following criteria do NOT need to quarantine:

  • You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. This means that you are ages 5 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people when eligible.
  • You had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (meaning you tested positive using a viral test).

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel or mass gatherings.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Government, Kansas

Improving Equity in Nutrition Program

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KDHE Awarded State Partnerships Improving Nutrition and Equity Program Grant

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is pleased to announce that the Community Health Promotion (CHP) team has received the State Partnerships Improving Nutrition & Equity (SPINE) Program Grant from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD).

CHP was awarded $144,274 to support the one-year grant project. This grant project aims to implement sustainable and equitable policy, systems, and environmental actions to address food and nutrition security across the life span.

“Even though Kansas is known for its food production, access to nutritious food is still a challenge for many Kansans,” said Courtney Koenig, Physical Activity and Nutrition Program Manager at KDHE. “We are excited for this grant opportunity and look forward to getting started on the work to improve nutritious food access in Kansas.”

For this year-long program, the CHP team will partner with the Kansas Food Action Network and focus their efforts on community engagement, assessment and creating a food policy council in the Southwest Kansas region.

Health equity is foundational to the SPINE program and will be integrated throughout the planning, action, and evaluation stages, in addition to considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health equity can be defined as “when everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, has a fair and just opportunity to experience their highest level of health and wellness. This requires eliminating barriers like poverty and repairing injustices in all systems that can impact the ability to experience health and wellness. Such systems include education, criminal justice, health and transportation.” (Modified from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, “What is Health Equity?” and Colorado Department of Health and Environment)

Nine states were selected to receive the grant, including Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Oregon and Oklahoma.

For more information about the SPINE Grant, please visit the NACDD website at chronicdisease.org/spine-program/.

Government, Kansas

Kansas State Senator Caryn Tyson Legislative Update

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Caryn Tyson

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

February 11, 2022

 

 

Tax RELIEF – Removing Sales Tax on Shipping

Do you know you pay sales tax charges on postage and shipping in Kansas?  Hopefully, not for long.  The Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 327 unanimously, exempting shipping and postage charges from sales tax if the charges are listed separately on a receipt or invoice.  It just makes sense, and I was glad to lead this effort.  Hopefully, the House will pass it as well.

 

The Senate Tax Committee passed SB 339, removing all sales tax on food.  While working the bill in Committee a couple of amendments were added, removing sales tax on commercial electric, gas, and other utilities (homeowners don’t pay this sales tax), and removing sales tax on theater tickets.  It looks like the bill will have a few more amendments when worked on the floor.  One of the amendments will be regarding funding to KDOT.  Currently, KDOT gets 16.55% of sales tax collected.  Since sales tax collection will decrease, KDOT would like the percentage to increase proportionally.

 

Economic Development – Giving away almost everything, including the kitchen sink

The Governor and the Kansas Secretary of Commerce brought a bill, SB 347, to the legislature for economic development with one company in mind.  I opposed the Governor’s efforts to pick winners and losers in business.  Instead we should pass tax cuts that help existing businesses and make Kansas a more appealing state for all businesses to come.

 

SB 347 could have Kansas writing a check to the company for an obscene amount of money – the current estimate is over $60 million a year for 10 years if the company makes a $4 billion investment.  I asked, “what would qualify as an investment?”  Can you believe the Secretary of Commerce gets to decide?  The bill has payroll, income tax, and sales tax incentives and is being touted as the $1 billion giveaway.  We have also heard the state and local governments will be giving away possible buildings, land, and abating property taxes.

 

There have been comments about the secrecy and not knowing the company.  As a legislator under these circumstances, I did not sign a non-disclosure.  Anyone who did, was told the company name.

 

SB 347 goes against what I have been fighting for – transparency and to stop the government from picking winners and losers.  It has been reported the company is a foreign company, possibly Panasonic to make batteries for electric vehicles. Disappointingly, the bill passed the legislature and was signed into law.  My hope is that it doesn’t turn out like the Wisconsin Foxconn “debacle”.

 

Veto Override Redistricting Map

The legislature voted to override the Governor veto of SB 355, the U.S. Congress redistricting map.  Lawsuits have already been filed, likely more to follow – as the minority party has planned all along.

 

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

Caryn

 

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Compliance of Federal Funding Affects Six State Facilities, State Employees

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Governor’s Office Directs Agencies to Apply State Law When Complying with Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Federal CMS COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

~~Compliance Ensures Continuation of Federal Funding, Affects Six State Facilities, 11.2% State Employees~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today directed affected state agencies to apply Kansas law when complying with the United States Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule requiring staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The directive requires agencies complying with the CMS rule to follow Kansas state laws regarding medical and religious exemptions, documentation, and self-attestation regarding vaccination status.

“I’ve consistently opposed federal COVID-19 vaccine requirements because the responsibility was given to the states from the beginning to make these decisions,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “However, in order to protect the millions of dollars in funding Kansas receives and to prevent Kansans’ tax dollars from going to other states, we must comply with the federal vaccine requirement.

“It’s absolutely critical that any policy implemented in response to the federal ruling must follow our state laws which protect medical and religious exemptions, and prevent intrusive requests from employers,” Governor Kelly said.

In January 2022, the United States Supreme Court upheld the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) COVID-19 vaccine requirement. For nearly all Kansas state employees, there will be no vaccine requirement. 11.2% of state employees work in the state’s six CMS-funded facilities that are subject to the United States Supreme Court ruling.

The Governor’s directive requires that any agency policy implementing the CMS rule should not conflict with provisions of Kansas state law, including but not limited to the 2021 Special Session House Bill 2001 and 2021 Regular Session Senate Bill 159.

The directive requires the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Commission on Veteran Affairs Office, and any other state agency impacted by the CMS Interim Final rule to affirm state laws when complying with the federal CMS guidance, including but not limited to:

  • Medical exemptions: Facilities must grant an exemption to the federal COVID-19 vaccine requirement if the employee submits a written waiver request stating that complying with the condition would endanger the life or health of the employee or an individual who resides with the employee, as evidenced by an accompanying written statement signed by a physician.
  • Religious exemptions: Facilities must grant an exemption to the federal COVID-19 vaccine requirement if the employee submits a written waiver request stating that complying with the requirement would violate the religious beliefs of the employee. Facilities can’t inquire into the sincerity of the request.
  • Documentation: Facilities must not require employees to provide documentation of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Facilities may request such documentation but must make it clear that providing documentation is not a condition of employment and that no adverse action will be taken if the employee does not provide it.
  • Self-Attestation: Facilities can implement a verbal self-attestation of COVID-19 vaccination status policy from any employee who does not provide documentation and does not request an exemption from the vaccination requirement. The facility, not the individual, will be responsible for documenting the individual’s self-attested vaccination status.

Please find the full directive here.

Government, Kansas

National Blood Shortage Is Affecting Patient Care

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Sen. Moran Speaks on U.S. Senate Floor on National Blood Crisis

 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the U.S. Senate Floor regarding the national blood crisis and how this severe blood shortage is affecting patient care in Kansas.

 

“There is no substitute – no alternative – our nation can turn to in the absence of blood donations,” said Sen. Moran. “The only answer is each of us stepping up to donate, helping to end this crisis and contributing to saving the lives of those in our own communities. This shortage is severe, and it is affecting Kansas health care providers and their ability to care for patients. Kansans pull together in times of need, and I encourage anyone who is able to donate.”

 

Click HERE to watch Sen. Moran’s full speech

 

 

Find a donation site near you through the American Red Cross here.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Awarded $700,000 For Water System Improvements

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces More than $17 Million in Grants to Support Redevelopment Efforts for Rural Communities

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced 40 rural Kansas communities will receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) totaling more than $17.6 million to help support critical community development projects.

“These grants will help our communities improve public safety, revitalize vital infrastructure and maximize economic opportunity for our Kansas families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s further proof that investments like this are critical to positively impact lives of Kansans living in rural parts of the state.”

The awards are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and granted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities CDBG program. Eligible CDBG public improvement projects help fund water and wastewater projects, housing rehabilitation and other community facilities and services.

“Community Development Block Grants strike at the core of what we all want to achieve for Kansas: strong communities, healthy families and a high quality of life,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The investments announced today will create better living conditions for Kansans, which in turn drives new economic opportunities and promotes new growth across our state.”

Cities and counties, their award amount and project type are as follows:

City of Atchison

$370,000

Sidewalk improvements

City of Arkansas City

$300,000

Housing rehabilitation

City of Auburn

$330,765

Stormwater street improvements

City of Augusta

$260,000

Purchase fire engine

City of Burr Oak

$330,000

Water system improvements

City of Bushton

$530,000

Water system improvements

City of Caldwell

$300,000

Housing rehabilitation and demolition

City of Cawker City

$454,250

New water tower

City of Cedar Vale

$300,000

Housing rehabilitation and demolition

City of Concordia

$560,000

Purchase of a fire ladder truck

City of Dodge City

$300,000

Housing rehabilitation

City of Douglass

$99,000

New playground equipment

City of Emporia

$750,000

Street replacement with curbs and gutters

City of Fort Scott

$700,000

Water system improvements

City of Fulton

$270,000

Water system improvements

City of Girard

$600,000

New lift stations and improvements to the sanitary sewer system

City of Glasco

$323,530

Improvements to the lift station and sanitary sewer system

City of Hiawatha

$600,000

Improvements to the lift station and sanitary sewer system

City of Highland

$600,000

Street improvements

City of Humboldt

$492,086

Street improvements

City of Leon

$616,000

Water system Improvements

City of Lincoln Center

$300,000

Housing rehabilitation and demolition

City of Linwood

$499,586

Replacement of remaining cast-iron water lines throughout town

City of Lucas

$600,000

New water tower and water supply improvements

City of Lyndon

$501,111

Construction of a new community center

City of Lyons

$300,000

Housing rehabilitation and demolition

City of Mankato

$600,000

Wastewater collection system repairs and improvements

City of Marysville

$600,000

Sanitary sewer treatment facility improvements

McPherson County

$250,000

Water system improvements

City of McPherson

$500,000

Housing rehabilitation and street improvements

City of Medicine Lodge

$480,000

Rehabilitate/re-purpose existing building for a non-profit daycare

City of Miltonvale

$383,000

Wastewater collection system and treatment facility improvements

City of Moran

$450,000

Water supply improvements

City of Oberlin

$466,598

Sanitary sewer treatment facility improvements

Osage County

$260,000

Sanitary sewer systems improvements

City of Russell

$360,300

Street improvements

City of Saint Francis

$600,000

Street improvements

City of Timken

$170,000

Water system improvements

City of Valley Falls

$600,000

Sanitary sewer systems improvements

City of Wellington

$634,706

Water system improvements

The CDBG program, administered by the Community Development Division, provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities, and economic development needs. To receive funds, the local government units must meet at least one of three national program objectives:

  • The grant will benefit low- and moderate-income persons
  • The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight
  • The grant will resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available

The Small Cities CDBG program is one of the Community Development Division’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities.

Photos and video from the CDBG Awards Ceremony are available here.

Government, Kansas

Kansas: Strengthening Eco Devo Toolkit

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill, Strengthening Economic Development Toolkit

~Legislation Could Help Kansas Land Biggest Private Sector Investment in State’s History~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed the bipartisan bill known as Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act (APEX). The bipartisan bill creates a new tool in Kansas’ toolbox that allows the state to compete on a national and global scale for large economic development projects.

“This positions Kansas to potentially land a once-in-a-generation opportunity that could transform our economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This tool is about more than just one project. It makes us an economic powerhouse ready to compete on a national and global scale. That means thousands of new jobs, billions more business dollars injected into the economy, and more opportunities for Kansas families. I need to thank Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Ron Ryckman for their leadership and hard work to fast-track this bill. An opportunity like this was an all-hands-on-deck effort, and they worked with us to get this done.”

This economic development bill could help Kansas land the biggest private sector investment in the state’s history. The current project would bring 4,000 new jobs to Kansas and inject $4 billion in business investment into the Kansas economy.

“Passage of APEX shows there is strong bipartisan support to put Kansas on the national stage for economic development,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The APEX bill gives us a realistic shot at winning large economic development projects that will bring huge business investment and job creation to our state. We are excited about our chances with the current prospect that would be transformative for our state and deliver long lasting benefits to Kansas. Thank you to Governor Kelly and the Legislature – and especially Senate President Masterson, House Speaker Ryckman, Chairwoman Erickson and Chairman Tarwater – for this commitment to strengthening our economic development toolkit and making Kansas even more of a force to be reckoned with.”

Here’s what they’re saying:

“The Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Act creates a needed economic development incentive that will help the State of Kansas win megaprojects that attract talented individuals to our state, create thousands of jobs, invest hundreds of millions of dollars in capital expenditures, and grow our economy. Thank you to Governor Kelly, Lieutenant Governor Toland, the Kansas Department of Commerce, legislative leadership, and the entire Kansas Legislature for this investment in the business community.”

– John Rolfe, President and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

“Passage of the APEX bill provides an opportunity for Kansas and Kansas communities to be competitive locations for transformative economic development projects. While the impetus for APEX is an exciting opportunity that exists in the here and now, this legislation provides a tool that allows Kansas to be in the mix for future projects that will help drive our economy for a generation.”

– Steve Kelly, Vice President of Economic Development at The Chamber of Lawrence 

“The passage of APEX is a win for communities across Kansas. I’m pleased to see legislators and the governor push this bill past the finish line, as it is bound to result in positive economic returns for our state and local economies. It’s time to show the nation that Kansas is ready to compete at a new, unprecedented level.”

– Curtis Sneden, president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce

“Economic development is a highly competitive endeavor, pitting Kansas not just against other states, but other countries. The APEX legislation allows Kansas to compete for projects that can diversify and transform our economy. Projects that qualify for APEX incentives can provide workers with new, up-skilled options and also give our students opportunities to pursue high-tech careers in Kansas instead of other states.”

– Tracey Osborne Oltjen, President and CEO of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce 

“The ability to set partisanship aside for the greater good of the State of Kansas is a true testament of leadership and commitment from Governor Kelly, Lieutenant Governor Toland, Senate President Masterson, House Speaker Ryckman and all of the legislative leaders. There’s much work yet to do, but we are now in a position to truly compete for this generational economic development attraction opportunity.”

– Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council

“The brain drain problem in our state is real, and this legislation takes proactive steps to attract emerging industries that will make our young people want to stay in Kansas and give them the jobs and opportunities they need to make that attainable. Our state needs to stay competitive to grow, and APEX will ensure that we cannot be counted out for projects that would transform our state for years to come.”

– Dinah Sykes, Senate Democratic Leader

“This is an enormous opportunity for Kansas. Bringing new industry to the state ensures Kansas continues to evolve with the shifting needs of the economy. I’m excited to see how this further develops our workforce and keeps college graduates in Kansas.”

– Tom Sawyer, House Democratic Leader