|
Category Archives: Kansas
Special Session By Senator Caryn Tyson
2021 Special-Session
“Actions speak louder than words.” It was never more obvious than on the Senate floor, when conservatives defended our freedom against federal overreach of mandating COVID-19 vaccines. The legislature passed a bill that strengthens Kansas law regarding COVID-vaccines including religious and medical exemptions and unemployment. Employers are required to accept these religious exemptions to Kansans who seek them. Also, employers are required to accept requests for medical exemptions that include a doctor’s signature. Unemployment benefits were not available to employees who lost or will lose their job due to not receiving COVID-19 shots, but now they are.
The 25th Special Session in Kansas began November 22, 2021 and ended the same day. The day began with both the Senate and the House going directly to the floor to debate and work on legislation to block the federal vaccine mandates. Both chambers passed legislation and a conference committee was called to work out differences. The final legislation passed the Senate 24 to 11 and the House 77 to 34. I voted Yes. The Governor signed the bill into law.
It was the first time in Kansas history the Governor was forced to call a special session by a petition of 2/3 the legislators. It was reported in an online newspaper that the Governor requested Democrats not sign the petition for a special session. Thankfully, Republicans heard the cry of Kansans and stood together signing the petition, 29 senators and 84 representatives and the Governor signed the legislation into law.
It is a victory for protecting Kansans liberties.
Contact Tracing
The Governor Kelly administration has been contact tracing, collecting data on a person who may have been in contact with an infected person. Last year, they went as far as tracking Kansans movement of cellphones. This is invasive and is another form of government overreach.
Because of the time constraints on special session, Contact Tracing and other topics were not discussed. In fact, it was requested that we hold amendments to the COVID-19 mandates until regular session beginning January 10, 2022. Myself and others respected the request and have legislation ready for next session.
There will be many important topics in the 2022 session. Blocking overreaching government mandates, stopping Critical Race Theory (CRT) from being taught in our schools, government transparency, removing sales tax on food, elections, and many other topics will be worked during next session. You may follow the bills and watch meetings online at www.KSLegislature.org.
I hope that you are able to enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
KDHE Statement on the Omicron Variant
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 variant Omicron. No confirmed cases have been identified in Kansas or the United States to date. This variant is new, and it is still unknown how transmissible or contagious this variant is. It is unclear how quickly it will spread, but it has been found in 17 countries already and we should assume that it is only a matter of time before it will be found in the United States. KDHE will continue to sequence positive COVID-19 samples to look for the Omicron variant.
With over 64% of the eligible population fully vaccinated, Kansas is more prepared for Omicron than previous variants. Experts continue to believe that the COVID-19 vaccine will continue to protect those who are vaccinated against severe disease and death. The COVID-19 vaccine is available for all individuals aged five years and over. The vaccine booster dose is available for all adults aged 18 and over. Boosters increase the strength of your antibody response, so even if the virus mutates, a boost makes it more likely that your antibodies can prevent you from getting sick or seriously ill, even with the new variant. If you are six months past your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months past your J&J vaccine, get boosted now.
As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, taking steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus remains the same. Kansans should receive the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, wear a mask in public indoor settings, wash their hands frequently, physically distance from others as much as possible, stay home if they feel sick, and get tested if they have been exposed to COVID-19 disease or have symptoms.
Find the nearest vaccination clinic by visiting Vaccines.gov.
###
New KDHE Acting Secretary Announced
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Janet Stanek as Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced Janet Stanek as the new Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Stanek will serve in an acting capacity until the Kansas Senate confirms her as the new head of the agency. She had previously served as the Director of the State Employee Health Benefits Program (SEHBP).
“As we move to this next phase of the pandemic, from emergency response to steady state, it was important that we find a Secretary to oversee both the state’s COVID response and the many other services performed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,” Governor Kelly said. “With Janet’s decades of experience as well as the relationships she has built across the medical community in Kansas, I have no doubt that she will be able to step into this role immediately and continue the agency’s critical work.”
Prior to her role at SEHBP, Stanek spent more than 35 years in various healthcare leadership positions in Pennsylvania, western New York and Kansas, including 21 years of her career at Stormont Vail Health Topeka where she last served as chief operating officer and senior vice president. While with Stormont Vail, she oversaw a wide array of clinical and non-clinical functions and departments, as well as the strategic selection and rollout of a sophisticated electronic health record system across the region. Her most recent work involved focusing on population health, accountable care organization development and the transition to value-based care delivery.
“I’m honored to be selected by Governor Kelly to serve as the next Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,” Stanek said. “Since the start of the pandemic, the agency has done a remarkable job helping lead the state’s response to this once-in-a-century crisis. I look forward to working with the entire KDHE team to build on their outstanding work.”
Stanek holds a graduate certificate in population health from Thomas Jefferson University, an MBA from Alfred University (NY) and a Bachelor of Science degree in health information management from the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Utica, New York. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, and is a Registered Health Information Administrator. Additionally, Stanek currently serves as the Chair of the Kansas Health Institute Board of Directors.
Hwy. K-39 Following Replacement of Pawnee Creek Bridge
K-39 section reopens to traffic
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has reopened K-39 to through traffic between K-3 and U.S. 69. This section has been closed since April for replacement of the bridge over Pawnee Creek.
The detour route is being deactivated. Drive with care. Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.
KS Pay Raise for 24/7 State Facilities Staff
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Pay Raise for State Employees in 24/7 Facilities to Address Staffing Shortages
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a series of new pay initiatives designed to address critical staffing shortages at several 24/7 State facilities, including Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) facilities, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) state hospitals and the Kansas Commission of Veterans Affairs Office (KCVAO) veterans’ homes.
“My administration and the Kansas Department of Corrections have worked over the past three years to address staffing shortages and overcrowding that have impacted corrections facilities for years,” Governor Kelly said. “But even after implementing a pay increase for corrections officers in 2019, Kansas, like the rest of the country, faced new challenges caused by COVID-19. This new pay plan is a necessary step to address the ongoing challenges brought on by the pandemic, support our efforts to prioritize public health and safety, and care for our most vulnerable populations.”
Kansas is not alone in staffing shortages. States across the U.S. have experienced critically low staffing levels in 24/7 facilities, including Nebraska, Florida, and Arkansas to name a few. Each of these states have implemented various pay plans designed to address similar staff shortages.
The Kansas plan is comprehensive and will provide both long-term and temporary pay increases, including a permanent base pay increase and temporary pay differentials, with “differential pay” defined as extra compensation for employees during extraordinary times of staff shortages.
The pay plan includes the following for state employees:
- Permanent Base Pay Increases for all KDOC Job Classes & Nursing Job Classes
- Temporary Pay Differentials for Hourly Employees in the following areas:
- Differential #1: All 24/7 Facility Staff
- Differential #2: Uniformed KDOC Security Staff at 24/7 Facilities
- Differential #3: Nursing Staff at 24/7 Facilities
- Differential #4: All Staff Working at 24/7 Facilities that are designated at “critical staffing levels” with 25% (or higher) vacancy rates.
- One-Time, $3,500 Bonuses for Salaried Staff at KDOC, KDADS and KCVAO 24/7 facilities.
“The staff in our 24/7 facilities are the frontline workers for some of the most necessary and, frankly, thankless work that we do for Kansans,” Governor Kelly said. “These pay increases are well deserved – and my administration will continue working to support our state employees and their families.”
“Employees of the Kansas Department of Corrections are committed to their service to promote safer communities throughout the state. Never has that been more evident than over the past several months when staff vacancies have required our employees to take on more responsibilities and work longer hours to satisfy the agency’s mission,” KDOC Secretary Jeff Zmuda said. “The Governor’s pay plan recognizes the incredible contributions of our employees to public safety and provides a great incentive to retain their experience and commitment within the organization while providing an opportunity for relief as more job seekers join them in our workforce.”
“Governor Kelly’s plan is an excellent step towards making workers and the communities they serve safer,” KOSE President Sarah LaFrenz said. “These raises and pay differentials mean frontline workers like corrections officers and state hospital staff could finally get the safe staffing levels they need and proper pay for their unthinkable sacrifices on behalf of Kansans. As facilities around the nation face a staffing crisis that endangers the public, workers and their families – this plan shows real leadership by making this crisis and addressing it an actual priority. We will continue, as we always have, to advocate directly to the Governor, her administration, and the Kansas Legislature towards a final, long-term solution.”
Kansas law prohibits several employment-related bonus tools, like retention bonuses, for state employees that are available to other states. The law also limits the amount that can be paid to staff in a single Fiscal Year. Governor Kelly’s plan recommends the maximum bonus for salaried staff that is allowed under the current law.
The pay increases will be phased in with the base-pay increases taking effect during the next pay period, beginning November 28. Governor Kelly will issue an Executive Directive authorizing the initial pay increases and will pay for them with existing agency funds. She will work with Legislative leadership to fund the rest of the pay plan and get it fully implemented as soon as possible.
The incentive program focuses on, but is not limited to: juvenile corrections officers, corrections officers, nurses, and others who provide direct care. Additionally, Governor Kelly is also ordering KDOC to purchase and provide Multi-Threat Tactical Safety Vests to all Corrections Officers who work in 24/7 facilities.
Please find the Kansas plan here.
New KS Law Requires Exemptions and Eligibility For Unemployment Benefits
Governor Laura Kelly signs Bill in Response to Federal Vaccine Mandate
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed CCR for HB 2001 into law, the bill passed during Kansas’ 2021 Special Session, which requires exemptions and eligibility for unemployment benefits.
The following statement can be attributed to Governor Laura Kelly:
“I have been clear that I believe it is too late to impose a federal standard. States have been leading the fight against COVID-19 for nearly two years. I know there are Kansans who believe this legislation goes too far, and there are others who believe this legislation doesn’t go far enough. But I was elected to lead, and leadership means seeking compromise.
“This bill is the result of compromise in action. Now that it is signed, we need to turn our attention towards pressing issues like growing our economy and passing my plan to Axe the Food Tax, so we can put money back into everyday Kansans’ pockets.”
More information about CCR for HB 2001 can be found here.
KCC Notes Concerns with Evergy’s Sustainability Plan
The KCC weighs in on Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan emphasizing the need for regionally competitive rates, reliable service
TOPEKA – In an order issued this morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission noted concerns with Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) and added reporting requirements to evaluate whether the STP is making progress toward regionally competitive rates and reliable electric service.
Today’s order does not attempt to decide the merits of the program or associated investments, those issues will be decided in Evergy’s future rate cases. However, the Commission did outline the following questions and concerns:
- How will the costs associated with the STP impact rates? It is important to achieve and maintain regionally competitive retail rates, and it is unclear at this time whether the STP improves or worsens the trajectory of rates.
- More transparency is needed on Evergy’s projections of future spending increases. The original STP envisioned $8.9 billion in capital expenditure spending from 2020 through 2024. However, in its September 21, 2021 Investor Presentation, Evergy extended its projections through 2025, increasing its proposed 5-year spending to $10.4 billion.
- The Commission remains concerned over Elliott Management’s role in encouraging and developing the STP, noting that as a regulated utility, Evergy should not prioritize shareholder interests to the detriment of ratepayer interests.
Evergy developed the plan after entering into an agreement with Elliott Management to increase shareholder values through a standalone plan to cut expenses and increase capital expenditures, or a merger transaction. In response, the Commission opened a general investigation to protect the interests of ratepayers and provide KCC staff, stakeholders and Evergy an opportunity to collaborate and evaluate the STP. Four informational workshops were held and 1,472 members of the public submitted comments.
Today’s order directs Evergy to explain the increased spending in its 5-year projections and the impact it will have on rates in a Capital Plan filing due on February 28, 2022. In addition, Evergy is required to file reports on its key performance indicators so the Commission can determine if the company is executing the STP successfully and making progress toward regionally competitive rates and reliable electric service.
Today’s order can be viewed at http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=b39d5a81-97bf-4564-b069-d1583ff728ca
A recording of the Commission Business Meeting is available at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzpv8kFi0WY
Kansas State Parks Offering Free Entrance on Black Friday
PRATT – There’s no better deal than “free” and this Friday, there’s no better place to snag that deal than at a Kansas state park. This Black Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, entrance fees will be waived at all Kansas state parks as part of the nationwide #OptOutside initiative.
Those who visit any of Kansas’ 28 state parks on Nov. 26 will also have a chance to win a free night’s stay in a Kansas state park cabin of their choice. To enter, visitors must simply take a “selfie” within any Kansas state park and share it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the tags #OptOutside and #MyKsStatePark.
#OptOutside – the brainchild of outdoor retail giant REI – began after REI executives closed all 150-plus stores for a day in 2015 and paid more than 13,000 employees to instead spend the day outside. It’s since become an annual event for REI, state parks across America and the millions of people who opt to spend the day outside and enjoy nature.
“We couldn’t be more excited to once again offer free entrance to Kansas’ state parks on Black Friday,” said Linda Lanterman, director of Kansas State Parks. “Being outside in nature does wonders for our physical and mental health, so I hope everyone opts to go outside this year and enjoy a Kansas state park as part of their holiday experience.”
To find a Kansas state park nearest you, and to make camping reservations year-round, visit www.ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks.
To connect with Kansas State Parks on social media, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/KDWP-Social-Media#facebook.
KDHE Announces Changes to Kansas COVID-19 Testing Strategy
~ As KDHE shifts to a sustainable, long-term plan to support COVID-19 monitoring, testing will remain free and available to the general public ~
TOPEKA – Following the recent release of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) updated Employer Testing Playbook, KDHE is announcing upcoming changes to its COVID-19 testing strategy that ensure testing remains accessible to all Kansans across the State.
As widespread COVID-19 vaccination continues to prevent serious illness and death, the virus is expected to continue to circulate in the near future, not unlike the flu. Testing remains an important tool to identify the virus and protect Kansan communities against its spread.
“Testing has become an increasingly important way in which those who choose to be unvaccinated may still be able to work, attend events, and travel,” said Ashley Goss, Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “This is especially critical as more businesses and employers have begun requiring either proof of vaccination or demonstration of a negative COVID-19 test with greater frequency.”
However, as COVID-19 continues to be present in our communities, it is no longer sustainable for public health to fund testing alone. KDHE initially allocated $141M of federal grant funding to make COVID-19 testing accessible for all Kansans, including support for commercial and university labs to help expand processing and sampling capacity. The surge of infections due to the Delta variant significantly depleted this budget in a shorter timeframe than expected.
As a result, and to ensure Kansans have uninterrupted access to crucial COVID-19 testing, KDHE is implementing the next phase of its COVID-19 testing strategy, which is intended to reduce the State’s costs for its testing program while ensuring it can continue into 2022.
These changes will also mean employers, health insurers, and individuals are going to be increasingly asked to pay for COVID-19 testing, as they would with testing for most other communicable diseases. Moving forward, access to COVID-19 testing will be a shared responsibility of both the public and private sector. To ensure adequate time for testing partners to transition, KDHE has approached state and federal bodies to secure additional funding for continuity of testing operations through March 2022.
Free COVID-19 testing will continue to be available across Kansas for those who are experiencing symptoms or have potential exposures to COVID-19 in their communities. To get a COVID-19 test through KDHE’s mass testing sites, the network of Community and Volunteer Testing Partners, and Local Health Departments, Kansans can access a full list of sites offering free testing at KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com. The following options remain available for free testing across the State, with availability dependent on need as well as state and federal funding:
- Mass testing sites: KDHE will continue to offer free COVID-19 PCR tests at 9 mass testing sites in Johnson, Wyandotte, Douglas, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Riley counties
- Employer testing: KDHE will continue employer testing for those previously enrolled in the COVID-19 employer testing program, supporting biweekly testing for 10% of employees. KDHE is working with state and federal bodies to secure funding to support this program through March 2022, at which point it will be phased out. Any changes to this timeline will be communicated as clearly and early as possible.
- Community Testing Partner Program and Volunteer Testing Partner Program: Free rapid antigen tests will continue to be offered as long as supplies are available by over 100 partner organizations enrolled in the program in more than 80 counties across Kansas. KDHE is working with state and federal bodies to secure funding to support this program through at least March 2022. Any changes to availability of testing supplies or the program will be communicated as clearly and early as possible.
- Local Health Departments: KDHE will continue to support Local Health Departments that offer free COVID-19 PCR tests to Kansans in their communities
- K-12 schools: KDHE will continue to fund free testing for students and staff at schools that are participating in the school testing program. Schools not currently enrolled in the school testing program can contact Sarah Allin at [email protected].
- Long Term Care Facilities: Facilities have the option of receiving free surveillance testing through a national vendor and / or to modify existing contracts with lab vendors to include billing insurance for diagnostic testing
- Outbreaks: KDHE will continue to offer free testing in response to outbreaks in a facility or organization
In addition to KDHE free testing sites, Kansans can receive free testing at pharmacies and retailers that are part of the federal Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program. Other options for testing that may require insurance include pharmacies, primary care provider clinics, and FQHCs. Individuals can also purchase over the counter antigen tests at many retail grocery stores and pharmacies across Kansas.
For additional information on updates to Kansas’ testing strategy or to find a free testing site, visit KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com.
Flags At Half-Staff to Honor Firefighter
Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff to Honor Baxter Springs Firefighter Lt. Malachi Brown
TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Sunday, November 21, 2021 in honor of Baxter Springs Firefighter Lt. Malachi Brown.
Lt. Brown was injured while battling a structure fire on October 15, 2021, and succumbed to his injuries on November 10, 2021.
“My thoughts are with Lt. Brown’s wife, children, loved ones, and the entire Baxter Springs community during this incredibly difficult time,” Governor Kelly said. “Lt. Brown lived in service to his community – and lost his life supporting his fellow firefighters. His bravery and compassion will not be forgotten.”
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor.
KDHE Amends Travel & Exposure Related Quarantine List
KDHE Amends Travel & Exposure Related Quarantine List
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove the state of Alaska and the countries of Estonia, Isle of Man, Latvia, Lithuania and Serbia. The countries of Austria, Cayman Islands, Croatia and Gibraltar have been added to the travel quarantine list. An unvaccinated individual should quarantine if they meet the following criteria:
- Traveled between Oct. 7 and Nov. 18 to Alaska.
- Traveled on or after Oct. 22 to Barbados and Georgia.
- Traveled between Oct. 22 and Nov. 18 to Latvia and Serbia.
- Traveled on or after Nov. 4 to Faroe Islands and Slovenia.
- Traveled between Nov. 4 and Nov. 18 to Estonia, Isle of Man and Lithuania.
- Traveled on or after Nov. 18 to Austria, Cayman Islands, Croatia and Gibraltar.
- 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 travel and mass gathering quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.
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 are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel or mass gatherings if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
- Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.
Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel or mass gatherings.
Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
- Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
- Have remained asymptomatic since the travel
Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.
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 kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.