Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Health Care, Kansas, Youth

Kansas child deaths hit record low in 2021

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Kansas child deaths hit record low in 2021, annual report shows

 

TOPEKA – (Oct. 3, 2023) -– Child deaths hit a record low in 2021, despite an increase in the number of child homicides and fentanyl overdoses, according to a report released today by the State Child Death Review Board of Kansas.

The board’s annual report analyzed the deaths of Kansas children (birth through 17years old) that occurred in calendar year 2021, the most recent year for which data is available.

“Within the three decades that the State Child Death Review Board has been in in existence, more than 12,000 deaths of Kansas children have been examined. The data provided in this report is critical to our understanding of why children are dying,” said Sara Hortenstine, the board’s executive director.  “We know that behind each of these statistics are the stories of children who lost their lives too soon, families who are still grieving, and communities that will be impacted forever. We must learn from these difficult circumstances and take action to prevent future deaths of Kansas children.”

Overall, the report showed Kansas had 349 child fatalities in 2021, compared with 365 in 2020. The overall child death rate in 2021 was 49.6 deaths per 100,000 population, both the lowest number and rate of death since the board was created in 1994.

The rate of deaths due to natural causes declined in the last five years, the report revealed. In 2021, 100-plus fewer children died of natural causes compared to 2018. Despite the overall decreasing number of child deaths in Kansas, homicides, weapon-related deaths, and drug-related deaths in children has shown an alarming increase.

Thirty-two children died from homicide in 2021 compared to only 22 child homicides in 2020, a 45% increase. The report also indicates drug-related deaths increased significantly in the past two years. While no children died in 2017, 2018, and 2019 from fentanyl, 20 kids died from fentanyl overdoses in 2020 and 2021.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 500,000 people of all ages died from overdoses involving both illicit and prescribed use of opioids from 1999-2019. In recent years, both nationally and in Kansas, the data has shown an increase in the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. While fentanyl is a prescription drug, it is also manufactured illegally. Frequently it is incorporated into illicitly manufactured pressed pills and mixed with other substances without the knowledge of the end user.

“My office is committed to preventing every preventable death of a child. This report shows a dramatic increase in fentanyl deaths in 2020 and 2021 as compared with previous years. We are using every tool at our disposal to deal with this threat,” Kobach said.

In addition to policy recommendations, the report includes prevention points that families can use to decrease the likelihood of a child’s death.

The board is a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency volunteer board organized by law within the attorney general’s office to examine trends and patterns that identify risk factors in the deaths of children, from birth through 17 years of age. The report is available on the attorney general’s website at https://ag.ks.gov/scdrb.

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Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections $42M More than Estimated

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Governor Kelly Announces September Total Tax Collections $42M More than Estimate

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that total tax collections for September 2023 were $991.6 million. That is $42.0 million, or 4.4%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up $30.6 million, or 3.2%, from September 2022.

“Because of my administration’s work to put our state on solid financial footing, we have been able to grow our economy and make historic investments in schools, roads, and law enforcement,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, it’s time to give money back to Kansans through responsible tax cuts. Last session, I proposed a plan to cut property, grocery, and retirement taxes in a way that helps every family without robbing the state of its ability to continue growing the economy and making those key investments. Let’s get it done this upcoming session.”

Individual income tax collections were $390.9 million. That is $24.1 million, or 5.8%, below the estimate and down 11.4% from September 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $261.5 million. That is $61.5 million, or 30.8%, more than the estimate and up 53.7% from September 2022.

“Wage withholding remains one of the most reliable revenue streams with 12.2% growth over September 2022. In addition, the SALT Parity Act continues to cause a shift between individual and corporate income tax receipts, with the former being $24.1 million below the estimate and the latter being $61.5 million over the estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “Notwithstanding this reporting anomaly, overall tax receipts closely track the Consensus Revenue Estimate for the month of September.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $305.1 million, which is $5.1 million, or 1.7%, more than the estimate and down $4.5 million, or 1.4%, from September 2022.

Click here to view the September 2023 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

KS Managed Care Organization Contracts Expire Dec. 31

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KDHE Announces Re-Procurement of KanCare Medicaid & CHIP Capitated Managed Care Request for Proposals 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Administration, has released the KanCare Medicaid & CHIP capitated managed care request for proposals (RFP) for the provision of managed health care coverage to low-income children and pregnant women, seniors aged 65 or older, individuals with disabilities, and some parents who meet income eligibility requirements.

The current managed care organization (MCO) contracts expire on December 31, 2024.

“My administration is committed to using every lever possible to improve health care across the state, which is why this RFP was carefully crafted to learn from past models and to find new ways to reach uninsured Kansans,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This process is vital to providing the quality health care Kansas’ Medicaid recipients deserve.”

“The RFP represents Kansas’ continued commitment to providing consistent and quality health care coverage for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Christine Osterlund, Deputy Secretary for Agency Integration and Medicaid. “Updates to the KanCare program in this RFP include a renewed focus on improving outcomes by addressing integrated, whole-person care, workforce retention, accountability measures for the MCOs and other cost-effective strategies to improve the delivery system for members and providers.”

This RFP was carefully developed based on valuable feedback from members, providers, stakeholders, and legislators. The State expects selected MCOs to provide the expertise, experience, innovative strategies, methods of approach and capabilities necessary to advance the KanCare vision and goals. The MCOs must demonstrate congruence with the KanCare vision and goals in all aspects of their performance under the contract.

The procurement follows this schedule:

Event

Date

1.

State releases RFP

October 2, 2023

2.

Pre-bid conference and actuarial pre-bid conference (Mandatory)

October 16, 2023

3.

Deadline for submitting written questions requesting clarifications

October 23, 2023, by 12 p.m. CT

4.

State will post an amendment with bidder questions and agency answers

November 28, 2023

5.

Proposal submission deadline (RFP closing date)

January 4, 2024, by 2 p.m. CT

6.

Evaluation of bids conducted by State

January 5, 2024 to March 21, 2024

7.

Face-to-face negotiations with selected bidders

TBD

8.

Contract award

April 12, 2024

9.

Bid protest period

April 15, 2024 to May 17, 2024

10.

Readiness review period

End of bid protest to December 31, 2024

11.

KanCare 2.0 MCO contracts expire

December 31, 2024

12.

New contracts take effect — services rendered under new contracts

January 1, 2025

“Working with our partners at KDHE, we are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent procurement process to ensure the best product is made available to the people of Kansas,” said Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt. The Department of Administration is responsible for administering the procurement process.

Interested parties may access relevant procurement documents at the Kansas Department of Administration E-Supplier Page and clicking on Bid Event Number EVT0009267 titled “KanCare Medicaid & CHIP Capitated Managed Care”. The Department of Administration E-Supplier Page can be accessed at: https://supplier.sok.ks.gov/psc/sokfsprdsup/SUPPLIER/ERP/c/SCP_PUBLIC_MENU_FL.SCP_PUB_BID_CMP_FL.GBL.

Additional RFP resources can be found at https://kancare.ks.gov/about-kancare/kancare-2025-request-for-proposal-(rfp).

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Government, Kansas

Wanted: Public Comment on Kansas Broadband Digital Equity Plan

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Governor Kelly Releases Kansas Broadband Digital Equity Plan for Public Comment

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Kansas Digital Equity (DE) Plan for high-speed internet connectivity is available for public review and comment. While the recently announced Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan outlines the state’s plan to provide access to high-speed internet, the Digital Equity Plan focuses on specifically connecting users.

The DE Plan outlines digital skills training, affordable service plans, and the availability of broadband-ready devices as top priorities. Additionally, the plan emphasizes technology’s positive effect on various areas of everyday life, such as health care, education, and civic engagement.

“Digital equity empowers Kansans with the tools they need to succeed in the modern world,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The release of the Digital Equity Plan marks a significant milestone in our commitment to closing technology gaps. I urge everyone to participate in the public comment process.”

The DE Plan represents a significant step towards achieving the state’s vision of universal access to education, health care, employment, social services, and participation in the digital economy. The plan outlines how every Kansan can utilize quality, affordable, and reliable broadband service.

“As Kansans, we embrace challenges with determination and innovation,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “At its core, this plan supports economic development through the expansion of digital skills and access to new opportunities for individuals and businesses throughout the state.”

The vision and goals of the Digital Equity Plan were developed in consultation with the Digital Equity Advisory Council, representing various organizations and leaders from across the state. The Council’s extensive outreach, research, collaboration, and public input were instrumental in shaping the plan.

Residents, community organizations, businesses, and local authorities from throughout Kansas are encouraged to participate in the public comment period for the DE Plan. The document adheres to National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) guidelines and includes a description of each requirement and attachments.

“Our vision of digital equity is grounded in the lived experiences of Kansans who face barriers to broadband access,” Director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, we are committed to providing equitable opportunities to all our residents.”

The Digital Equity Plan is the second of four primary documents focused on accessing and deploying federal funding, building upon the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan (FYAP). The public comment period will be open until November 2, 2023. To add a comment or to get more information about the plan, click here.

The Office of Broadband Development will have a webinar on the importance of public comments for the DE Plan from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3. To register, click here.

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Government, Kansas

Oct. 12 KDOT Meeting: Focus on Transportation Priorities

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KDOT to host Local Consult in Iola Oct. 12

Meeting will focus on transportation priorities in southeast Kansas

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting nine meetings in October as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. KDOT holds Local Consult meetings every two years to discuss regional transportation project priorities with Kansans.

The sixth meeting will be in Iola and focus on transportation in southeast Kansas (KDOT District 4). It will take place on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. – noon, at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Iola.

Those who attend will have an opportunity to share their region’s transportation priorities, hear about more investments being made in transportation and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT. The meeting is open to the public.

This event in southeast Kansas is part of the series of meetings being held across the state and is an important step in collecting public input for the IKE program – the state’s current 10-year transportation improvement program.

The remaining Local Consult meeting locations, dates and times are:

  • KC Metro – Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Lenexa Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center in Lenexa.
  • Wichita Metro – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – noon, WSU Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex in Wichita.
  • Virtual Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, they may attend a virtual meeting on Zoom. Please register here  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uppjMsHdaOpjIXnRlJQV-xQrcEpb1A

More information about the Local Consult process is available online at: ike.ksdot.gov/local-consult-process.

 

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Food, Kansas, Youth

COVID-19 Supports for Kansas Kids Dropped Poverty and Food Insecurity

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Data Shows Pandemic-era Supports Drove Down

Child Poverty, Food Insecurity among Kansas Kids

TOPEKA, KAN.
— Poverty and food insecurity rates among Kansas children dropped significantly in the early years of the pandemic, according to the
2023 Kansas KIDS COUNT® Data Book, which analyzes child outcomes in economic well-being, education, and health indicators. The
Data Book was created by Kansas Action for Children, which collected state and county data from national and state sources.

Kansas children living below the poverty line (or a household income of less than $26,500/year for a family of four) decreased from 101,000 children in 2019 to 92,000 children in 2021. And
kids experiencing food insecurity (or not having enough to eat for every meal) decreased even more significantly from around 120,000 kids in 2019 to about 94,000 in 2021.

These improvements correlate to early pandemic-era supports targeting kids and families, such as increased food assistance benefits, no-cost school meals for all children, the temporarily
expanded federal child tax credit, and other measures that helped relieve financial burdens for families living on low- or middle-incomes.

Additionally, more Kansas kids became enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), reaching a combined peak across the last decade of nearly 300,000 children accessing
some type of coverage through KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program. This number is in stark contrast to a combined total of about 271,000 kids enrolled in 2019.

Due to the public health emergency, KanCare enrollees did not have to submit paperwork with the state to determine continuing eligibility, and enrollees were able to keep their coverage for
prolonged periods. However, with the public health emergency ending in May 2023, those redeterminations are underway, and thousands of kids are losing coverage.

“The data is clear that measures implemented during the early years of the pandemic helped families make ends meet,” said John Wilson, President and CEO of Kansas Action for Children. “But
with those programs having ended, advocates are concerned with the data trends we are likely to see in 2022 and beyond.”

He continued, “We can build on the success of pandemic-era programs by ensuring families can achieve financial security. Expanding Medicaid, implementing a state child tax credit, breaking
down barriers to food assistance, and raising the minimum wage are all solutions to make that a reality.”

Other notable data shifts highlighted in the report include:

·
Income statuses of families in Kansas have been on a constant incline since 2011, but there are still large discrepancies between racial groups. For instance,
Asian American/Pacific Islander households made around $102,100 in 2021, while American Indian/Alaskan Native households were at $32,400.

·
Fewer young children were enrolled in early learning programs. From 2019-2021, about 54% of Kansas 3- and 4-year-olds weren’t in nursery school, preschool, or
kindergarten. This is about a 2-point increase from 2017-2019.

·
Basic reading and math proficiency continued to trend downward in the last decade, following trends across the country. Reading proficiency has dropped about
10 percentage points since 2015 (80% vs. 70% in 2021). Math proficiency decreased even more significantly, seeing 8th graders drop from 71% in 2019 to 61% in 2022 and 4th graders drop from 79% to 75% across the same period.

·
Low birth weights are statistically much higher among Black newborns compared to every other racial/ethnic group. In 2021, around 7% of all Kansas newborns were
born at less than 5.5 pounds, but Black babies were twice the state average at 14%.

·
Racial disparities were also present in infant mortality rates. While the overall state rate is 5.9 infant deaths per 1,000, around 16.5 Black infants per 1,000
died in 2021.

·
Children without health coverage stayed steady at around 5%. With KanCare redeterminations currently occurring, this number could increase in future years.

Government, Kansas

KS Hearing for Proposed Seed Law on Oct. 19

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, to consider the adoption of proposed regulations that govern the administration of the Kansas Seed Law. The hearing will be held in person at the Kansas Department of Agriculture at 1320 Research Park Dr. in Manhattan, as well as via video conferencing system.

KDA is proposing four new regulations along with amendments to two existing regulations, all of which implement revisions and offer clarification to the Kansas Seed Law. The new regulations define terms, set guidelines about analysis to determine violations, establish a list of restricted weed seeds, establish a list of prohibited weed seeds, and clarify rules for seed labels.

For the most part, these changes implement revisions that were made to the Kansas Seed Law during the 2022 legislative session and also make minor clarifications. The only change imposed by these regulations that has the potential to have a practical effect on the agricultural seed industry is the addition of Caucasian bluestem and yellow bluestem seeds to the list of restricted weed seeds. This addition is proposed to help safeguard the agricultural industry from the threat of invasive weeds which is part of the agency’s mission to protect plant health.

KDA welcomes public input on any portion of the proposed regulations — especially the addition of the new species, including those species of Old World Bluestem — to the list of restricted weed seeds. Input can be shared on the public comment portion of the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, KS 66502. A copy of the proposed regulations, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on that webpage as well.

Public comment will also be possible at the public hearing both for in-person and online participants. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register at the Public Comment webpage to be provided with a video link.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodation to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].

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WHAT:          Public hearing on proposed Kansas Seed Law regulations

WHEN:          Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:       Kansas Department of Agriculture

1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, Kansas

Or virtual: via video conferencing system

 

Hearing for Proposed Seed Law Regulations.pdf
Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bourbon County Approved for Bridge Replacement Over Pawnee Creek and Hwy. 69 at Crawford County Line

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KDOT announces approved September bids
The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Sept. 20, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

District One — Northeast

Marshall ‑ 9‑58 KA‑7038‑01 ‑ K‑9, from K‑99/K‑9 north junction east to K‑87/K‑9 junction, milling and overlay, 4.5 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,175,416.00.

Osage ‑ 70 C‑5146‑01 – County bridge, located 0.5 mile south and 4.0 miles east of Vassar over 110 Mile Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc & Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $1,260,666.80.

Shawnee ‑ 89 C‑5033‑01 ‑ Shawnee County, Topeka Boulevard at 57th, University and Gary Ormsby, traffic signals, J Warren Company Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,759,278.50.

Statewide ‑ 36‑106 KA‑7109‑01 – U.S. 36, from the west city limits of Hiawatha east to the Brown/Doniphan county line; U.S. 73, from the south city limits of Hiawatha north to the north city limits of Hiawatha; U.S. 36, from the Brown/Doniphan county line east to the east city limits of Troy and then from the north city limits of Wathena east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, sealing, 33.7 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. and Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,792,246.60.

District Two — North Central

Dickinson ‑ 70‑21 KA‑7141‑01 ‑ I‑70, from 2.3 miles east of K‑43/I‑70 junction east to the Dickinson/Geary county line, pavement patching, 6.2 miles, Prado Construction LLC, Valley Center, Kansas, $2,032,974.50.

Geary ‑ 31 KA‑7123‑01 ‑ K‑57, from 0.2 mile east of U.S. 77/K‑57 junction east to the north city limits of Junction City; U.S. 77, from 0.02 mile south of U.S. 77/Lacy Drive junction north to 0.1 mile north of U.S. 77/Lacy Drive junction; U.S. 77, from 0.1 mile south of U.S. 77/Rucker Road junction north to 0.3 mile north of U.S. 77/Rucker Road junction, milling and overlay, 2.7 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $2,067,478.15.

Statewide ‑ 28‑106 KA‑7056‑01 ‑ K‑28, from the Jewell/Cloud county line east to K‑9/K‑28 junction; K‑28, in Jewell county from K‑28/K‑148 junction east to the Jewell/Cloud county line, sealing, 22.9 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $818,311.00.

District Three — Northwest

Logan ‑ 83‑55 KA‑7002‑01 – U.S. 83, bridge #026 over Smoky Hill River located 6.8 miles north of the Scott/Logan county line, bridge repair, L & M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $259,709.50.

District Four — Southeast

Bourbon ‑ 6 C‑5152‑01 – County bridge, located 1.0 mile west and 2.8 miles north of Pawnee Station over Tributary to Pawnee Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Mission Construction Co Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $299,833.00.

Bourbon ‑ 69‑6 KA‑7178‑01 – U.S. 69, southbound lanes beginning 2.1 miles north of the Bourbon/Crawford county line north 3.8 miles, crack repair, 3.8 miles, Pavement Pro’s LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $82,780.00.

Miami ‑ 169‑61 KA‑6241‑02 – U.S. 169, beginning 3.9 miles south of K‑68/U.S. 169 (Baptiste Drive) junction to 1.4 miles south of the Miami/Johnson county line (northbound only), guard fence, 10.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $686,153.00.

Miami ‑ 69‑61 KA‑6055‑02 – U.S. 69, beginning 1.3 miles south of 359th Street north to 0.6 mile south of K‑68, guard fence, 10.8 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $841,828.75.

Woodson ‑ 54‑104 KA‑6726‑01 – U.S. 54, bridge #007 over Cherry Creek Overflow located 6.7 miles east of U.S. 75; bridge #008 over Cherry Creek located 6.8 miles east of U.S. 75, bridge repair, Mission Construction Co Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $879,901.40.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7173‑01 ‑ Various locations in Allen, Bourbon, Coffey, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson and Osage counties, mud jacking, Nortex Concrete Lift & Stabilization Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, $135,016.00.

District Five — South Central

Kingman ‑ 42‑48 KA‑6939‑01 ‑ K‑42, bridge #046 over Wild Horse Creek located 5.1 miles west of K‑14; bridge #067 over Chikaskia River located 7.3 miles west of K‑14, bridge repair, PBX Corporation & Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $83,179.19.

Statewide ‑ 281‑106 KA‑7085‑01 – U.S. 281, from K‑19/U.S. 281 junction north to the Stafford/Barton county line; U.S. 281, from the Stafford/Barton county line north to 2.5 miles south of the south city limits of Great Bend; U.S. 281 from 2.5 miles south of the south city limits of Great Bend north to the south city limits of Great Bend, sealing, 13.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,569,990.60.

District Six — Southwest

Ford ‑ 56‑29 KA‑6776‑01 – U.S. 56, bridge #064 over the Arkansas River located 2.6 miles northeast of U.S. 56/U.S. 283 south junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation & Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $293,370.03.

 

The following projects were held from the Aug. 23, 2023, letting.

Finney – 156-28 KA-6440-01 – K-156, from 130 feet east of 3rd/4th Street east to 300 feet west of Belmont Place, grading and surfacing, 0.2 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $1,413,165.31.

Comanche -17 C-5129-01 – Intersection of RS 711 and RS 963, intersection improvement, 1.0 mile, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $540,237.05.

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Elections, Government, Kansas

KS Attorney General: Procedures for Election Results

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AG’s Office Issues Opinion on Election Recount Procedures

 

TOPEKA – (Sept. 27, 2023) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach’s office today issued an opinion on procedures for election recounts.

“…A county conducting a recount may not substitute ballot images for the original paper ballots, unless the person requesting the recount specifically requests such substitution in a county that uses optical scanning equipment or electronic or electromechanical voting systems,” the opinion reads.

Government, Kansas

Safety First While Driving

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Stories show why traffic safety must be priority
People across Kansas are sharing stories about lives saved, lost or affected forever due to a traffic crash during the annual Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day safety blog series.

In today’s blog HERE, traffic was moving slowly, and Caleb Locke thought it would be okay to pull a map up on his phone for directions.

“While I was accessing the map, I took my eyes off the road for less than three seconds. It was at this moment the whole line of cars in front of me had come close to a complete stop. But I was still going 50 miles an hour. As I saw my life flash before my eyes, I instantly dropped my phone, slammed on my brakes and prayed I would stop in time,” Locke said.

During his time at the Kansas Turnpike Authority, Jim Stauffer has seen a number of crashes involving wildlife, and recent KTA stats show 28% of single vehicle crashes are with an animal.

Stauffer shared an example of an incident where, “a driver on the Turnpike had a goose fly into their windshield,” he said. “It actually crashed into the car and out the back window.”

Denee Cupp’s daughter, Makenzee, died in a crash when a driver didn’t stop at the intersection of two highways in La Crosse.

“So many lives have been taken from families that are changed forever because someone was checking their phone. We want to prevent this heartbreak and devastation from happening to other families,” Cupp said.

These and other traffic-related experiences are being told in nine different blogs that begin today and run through Oct. 10, which is Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day. Whether you are in a vehicle, on a motorcycle or even walking, the campaign’s goal is for you to arrive safely every time.

To read safety blogs posted each day, go to KDOT’s blog page HERE.
Government, Kansas

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Input Needed

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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Oct. 4. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

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Government, Health Care, Kansas

Rate of Uninsured Kansans Surpasses National Rate

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Census Survey: Nearly 250,000 Kansans
without Health Coverage

~~ Kansas Rate of Uninsured Per Capita Surpasses U.S. Rate
for Second Year ~~

TOPEKA – The U.S. Census Bureau recently released its American Community Survey 1-year estimates, indicating nearly 250,000 Kansans lack health insurance. The survey reflects data collected in 2022 to assess health insurance coverage rates across Kansas and the United States.

For the second consecutive year, Kansas’ uninsured rate for working-age adults surpassed the national rate. Kansas’ rate was 12.5% compared to the U.S. at 11.3%.

Governor Kelly announced yesterday that her top priority for this coming legislative session is Medicaid expansion by kicking off her “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour. Medicaid expansion would give thousands of working Kansans access to affordable health care.

“While 40 other states have expanded Medicaid, Kansas continues to lag behind the nation in health care coverage because the legislative has yet to accept the federal funding – which Kansans have already paid for through taxes – needed to get more workers insured,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s unacceptable. Kansans should call their legislator and urge them to expand Medicaid this upcoming legislative session.”

Prior to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act by other states, the rate of Kansans with health care coverage was better than the nation. Since the Legislature hasn’t expanded Medicaid, the rate of uninsured Kansans has trended closer to or exceeded the national uninsured rate.
Uninsured Rates for Kansas and the United States, 2009-2022

Graph courtesy of the Kansas Health Institute.

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