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Category Archives: Kansas
Kobach issues formal opinion on Women’s Bill of Rights
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced a formal opinion that provides guidance on the Women’s Bill of Rights, which becomes law on July 1. He was flanked by state Sen. Renee Erickson, Reps. Tory-Marie Blew, and Barb Wasinger, and the Kansas Solicitor General Anthony Powell.
The Women’s Bill of Rights codifies a legal definition of “woman” in state statute. Erickson, Blew, and Wasinger helped carry the Women’s Bill of Rights legislation, SB 180,
The Attorney General opinion requires the Kansas Department of Revenue to list individuals’ biological sex at birth on driver’s licenses. It requires the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to list a person’s biological sex at birth on birth certificates, and it requires that only biological females be housed in a specific portion of the Topeka Correctional Facility.
“State records must be accurate and reflect the truth as defined in state law. A birth certificate is a record of what happened at the moment a baby came out of the womb. That baby weighed a specific amount and was a specific sex,” Kobach said. “Similarly, a driver’s license is a state document reflecting a state database for state purposes. It is not a canvas on which a person can paint one’s expression and preferences.”
Erickson said “The truth matters. You can choose whatever name you want. You can present yourself however you want, but state records reflect the truth.”
Wasinger said, “Women are being erased in the record books. Women need the protection of Title IX, and we need the protection of SB 180.”
Blew said, “It is bizarre that this is controversial, and for most Kansans, it is not. For most of human history, everyone understood the difference between a man and a woman.”
The Attorney General’s Office notified the state departments of revenue, health and environment and corrections prior to the press conference. Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed SB 180, but lawmakers overrode her veto.
“Just as I must defend every Kansas law whether I agree with it or not, the governor must execute the law whether she agrees with it or not,” Kobach said. “We expect the Governor’s office and her agencies to conform to the law.”
Read the formal opinion here.
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KDA Announces Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded a $6.46 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program.
The purpose of the RFSI program is to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems by creating new revenue streams for Kansas producers. Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products excluding meat and poultry. This program is intended to provide similar support to other programs which provided USDA funding for meat and poultry processing, but this program is focused on sectors other than meat and poultry.
KDA will work in partnership with USDA to make competitive sub-award infrastructure grants to Kansas food and farm businesses and other eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools and hospitals.
KDA is soliciting feedback from interested parties to identify funding priorities. Two listening sessions will be held on July 6, 2023, to gather input. There is also an online public comment form available. For more information, visit agriculture.ks.gov/RFSI or contact Brittney Grother, KDA grants coordinator, at [email protected] or 785-564-6797.
The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.
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Nominees For Positive Impact to Communities Being Sought
Nominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.
This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.
“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:
AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.
“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”
To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a busiNominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.
This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.
“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:
AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.
“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”
To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.
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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
###ness or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.
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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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KS to Limit Bradford, Cleveland, Select, Chanticleer Pears Trees Because of Invasivenessss
KDA Seeks Public Input on Callery Pear Trees
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is requesting public comment on a proposal to limit the number of Callery pear trees (Pyrus calleryana) that are planted in Kansas each year. This includes trees with the names of Bradford, Cleveland Select, Chanticleer, and others.
Because of this tree’s inherent invasiveness and its proven tendency to spread to areas outside of the landscapes in which is planted, KDA is seeking ideas on how to restrict the further introduction of these trees into the state, including a possible quarantine that would restrict new planting or movement of the Callery pear into and within the state of Kansas.
Although KDA recommends the removal of all invasive species found to be growing on public and private lands, this proposal would not include any requirement for the removal of any Callery pear trees that had already been planted. Therefore, listing the species as a noxious weed would not be applicable in this case.
The plant protection and weed control program at KDA is committed to protecting the state’s native and cultivated plants from the introduction and outbreak of harmful plant pests, including insects, plant diseases, weeds, and other organisms.
Provide comment on the idea of restricting the movement of Callery pear trees into and within the state of Kansas at agriculture.ks.gov/
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Combating Fentanyl
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Creative Placemaking Pilot Program Launched
Department of Commerce and Patterson Family Foundation Launch Creative Placemaking Pilot Project
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation are pleased to announce the Engaging Placemaking for Innovative Communities (EPIC) pilot program. With a focus on arts-driven community development projects that enhance rural communities and enable additional partnership and connection, EPIC is launching in south-central Kansas under the leadership of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC).
“The arts enrich communities and enhance the quality of life all across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Support from the Patterson Family Foundation is helping us elevate Kansas communities by developing innovative spaces and high-quality, creative destinations that will drive new growth, particularly in rural areas and small towns.”
Groups from Hutchinson, Kingman, Lindsborg, Little River, Lyons, St. John, Stafford and Sterling will participate in the initial EPIC pilot. The program will help connect rural communities to one another, as well as facilitate partnerships with urban and micropolitan communities. The goal is to create a two-way street, where rural communities are uplifted through new, innovative collaborations.
EPIC is designed to strengthen regional connections between community leaders, artists and arts organizations for unexpected and innovative projects that address community challenges. By strategically harnessing resources and increasing partnerships, communities can hone their unique identities to become more competitive as families choose where to put down their roots and do business.
The pilot group was identified through a competitive application process. The EPIC team will work with them through a discovery and project planning phase, then provide technical assistance and support as the project is implemented.
“Artists are experienced creative problem-solvers and critical thinkers,” KCAIC Interim Director Kate Van Steenhuyse said. “EPIC will give communities the opportunity to work through artistic processes to meaningfully engage their communities and explore new possibilities. EPIC positions arts and culture as the backbone for vibrant and welcoming communities in Kansas.”
“We’ve seen before that the arts can help make rural places into destinations,” Patterson Family Foundation President Lindsey Patterson Smith said. “This program has the potential to fuel arts-based, community-driven development, adding to the distinctive character that makes people feel connected to places. We are proud to work with the Kansas Department of Commerce to bring the EPIC program to life in south-central Kansas.”
The south-central pilot communities are participating in engagement sessions this spring to build community development project plans. Projects, co-designed with community members and area artists, will launch in the fall.
To learn more about EPIC, arts-driven community development and creative placemaking strategies, 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
Input For Future Community Development Grants Is Needed
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Grants Available For Cities/Counties COVID-19 Issues For Small Businesses
Department of Commerce Makes $2 Million Available for COVID Resiliency Program
TOPEKA – The Department of Commerce will award $2 million through the Community Development Block Grant – COVID Resiliency (CDBG-CVR) program to enable cities and counties to address issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when no other funds are available. This is a competitive CDBG grant with an application window that closes July 31, 2023.
Funding for the program was made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Kansas should utilize CDBG-CV funds to modernize facilities owned and operated by small businesses that provide vital services and goods. Funds will be prioritized for for-profit businesses that have a majority ownership by a socially or economically disadvantaged person or persons as defined in 15 CFR 1400.0.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they were hit hard by the pandemic,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We are pleased to receive this funding that will help support more Kansas businesses and enable them to continue serving their communities.”
Eligible activities for the CDBG-CVR program include COVID resiliency improvements for businesses such as:
Upgrades to remain open and prevent future closures due to community illnesses and public health emergencies
Technology, hardware, and software upgrades
E-commerce updates
Professional development and training
Other updates that can be directly related to resiliency improvements
Eligible businesses must have at least 51% of their employees meet the low- to moderate-income (LMI) standards. Like other CDBG grants, cities and counties will apply for the funds on behalf of eligible businesses and then make the funds available, administering the program locally. Non-LMI communities can still qualify for this funding if not an entitlement community. The LMI requirement is determined by the business and not the city.
The Kansas Department of Commerce provides CDBG funds to non-entitlement communities across the state, while entitlement communities receive CDBG funding directly from the federal government. Entitlement communities in Kansas include Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, and all of Johnson County. Cities and counties are also ineligible if they have a current balance in in their CDBG Local Revolving Loan Funds account.
For more information on the CDBG-CVR program and to access the application, 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Kansas Historic Economic Development
Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Awarded Third Consecutive Gold Shovel for
Historic Economic Development
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that for the third straight year, Kansas has won Area Development magazine’s coveted Gold Shovel Award. The back-to-back-to-back accolade has no precedent in state history and reflects three consecutive years of record-setting private-sector investment.
“Every day, my administration works to grow the economy so there are better opportunities for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This award shows that our work is paying off, and as a result, more Kansans have good-paying jobs with which they can support their families and contribute to their communities.”
Kansas was recognized for its achievement in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs throughout the state. Five states were awarded the prestigious Gold Shovel in their respective population categories, with Kansas at the top of the list of states with fewer than 3 million residents.
Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in De Soto was the largest capital expenditure in 2022, but it wasn’t the only one. There were 272 projects across the state totaling almost $7.4 billion in private-sector investment and nearly 13,400 jobs created or retained.
“Governor Kelly’s commitment to bring prosperity to communities across the state is being fulfilled by home-grown businesses and companies from around the world,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “A third straight Gold Shovel confirms our strategic plan for economic development is working.”
That strategic plan, the Kansas Framework for Growth, was unveiled by Governor Kelly in early 2021. Through the work of thousands of Kansans from the public and private sectors, the plan emphasizes:
- Talent development and retention
- Working with higher education institutions on job and business creation
- Innovation as a driver of opportunity
- Community assets and regional approaches
- Long-term growth policies
- Target business sectors
Almost 90% of the successes announced since the beginning of the Kelly administration came from one of the five target sectors. Over that time, Kansas has attracted more than $16.2 billion in private-sector investment and created or retained more than 57,000 jobs.
Area Development Magazine is a publication for economic development executives covering corporate site selection and relocation.
Fort Scott and Uniontown Receive Funds for New Murals
Governor Kelly Announces 14 Rural Communities Receiving Funding for New Murals
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced 14 communities will receive funding through the Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art grant program. The $76,071 in grants awarded will allow communities to create 38 new murals and public art projects that engage community residents and create a place for the community to gather and enjoy. Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded more than 43 murals in 25 communities.
“Our Rural Mural program continues to gain momentum as a way to showcase and celebrate small towns across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue supporting local community efforts to enhance their sense of place and quality of life.”
Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. 75% of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.
“The Rural Murals already completed have added a unique attraction that communities are proud to display,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “As tourism in Kansas is on the rise, particularly in rural areas where visitors increasingly go to get off the beaten path, these new murals will encourage people to experience more great locations across the state.”
The organizations that are being awarded for FY 2024 include:
The Arts Center, Inc.; Anthony and Attica; $7,500
City of Cedar Vale; $1,500
City of Cheney; $3,603
Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation; $5,250
Northwest Kansas Technical College; Goodland; $4,250
5.4.7 Arts Center; Greensburg; $7,368
Graham County; Hill City; $7,500
Wichita County Economic Development, Inc.; Leoti; $4,500
Vesper Community Club, Inc.; Vesper Township; $7,500
City of Lyons; $7,500
The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation; Blue Rapids Community Action Team Fund, Blue Rapids; $2,350
City of Smith Center; $7,500
City of Uniontown; $2,250
Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Winfield; $7,500
“The innovation and creativity that these communities demonstrated in their applications was phenomenal,” said Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon. “We can’t wait to see how these new murals and public art projects will help energize these communities and increase tourism and community engagement.”
Kansas Training and Retention Aligned with Industry Need
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