Category Archives: Kansas

Kansas Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 2015

Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 2015

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that for the first time since 2015, Kansas saw less than 400 traffic fatalities last year. Preliminary data for 2023 indicates 388 people died in traffic crashes in Kansas, compared to 410 fatalities in 2022. The number of fatalities has been trending down for three consecutive years.

Roadway safety has improved, in part, thanks to the Kelly administration’s 10-year, $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program and efforts to close the ‘Bank of KDOT.’

“Safe roads save lives, which is why I have been relentless about repairing our infrastructure across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’ll work with the legislature to continue to make those necessary investments, and in the meantime, we must all do our part to reduce traffic fatalities. I encourage all Kansans to buckle up, follow posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and drive sober.”

The simple act of buckling up increases crash survivability by over 45%, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. The Drive To Zero Coalition credits initiatives included in the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan to helping lower fatalities and serious injuries.

“The state’s Safety Plan has resulted in increased behavioral safety messaging and low-cost engineering improvements, such as the designation of four Safety Corridors, communities building safety coalitions, and law enforcement increasing engagement with the public,” said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.

Click here to learn more about these safety initiatives.

The Kansas Drive To Zero Dashboard can be found here.

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Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

February 2, 2024

 

The Disability Employee Act tax credit program expired last year.  We tried to continue the program, but the Governor vetoed the extension language in CCR 8.  This year the legislature passed CCR 15 to reinstate the program.  The legislation passed the Senate unanimously and has been sent to the Governor.

 

Committee work is still the main focus of session.  All bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org. There are several bills that have passed out of committees.  It appears leadership is not going to move on any bills until there is a vote to override the Governor’s veto of the tax bill CCR 2284, or it could just be a coincidence that no bills have been brought “above the line”.  Above the line is a term used for bills that passed out of committee and are scheduled for debate on the chamber floor with the committee of the whole.  The committee of the whole is all of the members of that chamber.

 

Tax Relief is a major debate in Topeka.  There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so how are we going to cut taxes?  The legislature passed sustainable tax relief in CCR 2284 that helps fight inflation with a bipartisan vote, but the Governor vetoed it.  There will be an attempt to override the veto.

 

CCR 2284 would provide tax relief for all Kansans.  Some people are misrepresenting the fact that it would help over 341,000 low income taxpayers.  They would pay $0 in state income tax.  For example, a family of four making $29,000 with the legislators’ plan, CCR 2284, would have $0 taxes owed, a relief of $372 from existing law, and a relief of $310 over the Governor’s plan.  In current law the family has a $12,000 taxable income after the standard deduction and personal exemptions are subtracted, taxed at 3.1% or $372 taxes owed. The Governor’s plan (SB 377) the same family would have $10,000 taxable income, because SB 377 increases the standard deduction to $10,000 marred filing jointly, but leaves the personal exemption the same; resulting in a tax obligation of $310, a $62 savings from current law.  CCR 2284 would have $0 taxable income because there is an additional subtraction of $12,300 for joint filers ($6150 for individual filers) besides the standard deduction and personal exemption subtractions (which is increased in CCR 2284) – a much better deal than current law or the Governor’s plan.

 

One of the most important features in CCR 2284 is that it continues to increase the standard deduction and personal exemptions to fight inflation, along with a property tax inflation fighter.  CCR 2284 and the Governor’s plans decrease property taxes by exemption $100,000 from the K-12 20 mill, but the legislature’s plan continues to increase this value to fight inflation plan.  Both plans accelerate the elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and exempt Social Security from income tax.  Taxpayers deserve the best possible tax relief and policy that helps fight inflation.

 

Foreign Adversaries, such as China, must be stopped from owning property in Kansas.  I requested legislation to address this and stopping taxpayer money like Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) from being invested in foreign countries that are adversaries of the United States.  The foreign investment language passed the Senate, but a few House members blocked it in conference committee last year.

 

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

Caryn

 

Budget Amendment Proposed by Gov. Kelly

Governor Kelly Announces Budget Amendment to Increase Funding for Intellectual/Developmental Disability and Physical Disability Waivers

~~$23M Investment Will Ensure 500 More Kansans Receive Critical Services~~ 

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly today announced a Governor’s Budget Amendment to her Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal to invest over $23 million for the Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) and Physical Disability (PD) waivers, creating 250 new slots for each.

With this investment, 500 more Kansans with disabilities will receive critical services such as in-home care, reducing the waitlist for services. Meanwhile, Governor Kelly continues to push for long-term solutions that expand the capacity of disability service providers, such as Medicaid expansion and the Community Supports Waiver. An estimated 15,000 Kansans with disabilities would be eligible for health insurance coverage if Kansas were to expand Medicaid.

“As we’ve heard from disability advocates and families, Kansans with disabilities need the essential services and care provided by these waivers to live comfortably. While we work to build a more comprehensive network of disability services providers, I am committed to reducing the wait times for waiver services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In addition to this investment, I will continue to urge the legislature to expand Medicaid to better recruit and retain the workforce needed for more Kansans with disabilities to access quality resources and services.”

Governor Kelly has previously invested a historic $90 million to enhance services for the I/DD waiver throughout her time in office following underfunding from the previous administration.

Governor Kelly has also allocated a $8.6 million enhancement in her Fiscal Year 2025 budget to increase Supported Employment rates for the I/DD waiver community. This funding will allow individuals on the I/DD waiver to pursue their employment goals and play an important role in addressing workforce gaps in Kansas. Governor Kelly’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget also included $7.4 million for I/DD Targeted Case Management and $2 million for I/DD Mobile Crisis Services.

In addition to addressing the I/DD and Physical Disability Waivers, the Governor’s Budget Amendment also includes funding for a new information system at the Department for Children and Families to help the agency identify kin and relative placements for foster youth. It would pay off more than $47 million in bonds for the Curtis and Myriad Buildings, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and Statehouse renovations projects, and previous capital improvement projects. The Governor’s Budget Amendment would also retire $450 million in KPERS debt.

The Governor’s Budget Amendment can be found here.

HEAL Grants Available to Stabilize Rural Downtown Buildings

 

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $500,000 will be available under the Emergency Response Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (Emergency HEAL) program to bring rural downtown buildings back from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into productive commercial use.

Emergency HEAL was created to provide a resource to address sudden and urgent needs of communities when disaster strikes.

“We have seen too many communities lose beautiful historic buildings after extreme wind events, floods or fires when there weren’t adequate resources available to prevent their demolition,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program will help provide rapid funding to save these structures so they can once again contribute to the retail and service economies of rural Kansas communities.”

Buildings that are at risk of imminent loss, that are causing damage to surrounding downtown buildings, and/or have significant damage due to a disaster event are eligible projects for Emergency HEAL. The grant will be open annually, with a maximum of $100,000 award per community. Communities are allowed to use the funding to help save more than one building if needed. Matching funds (1:1) are required.

Submitted projects must show that recent damage has caused an urgent need for immediate repair or the building could be lost. In addition, the community has one year to repair the building and identify a tenant.

Once stabilized, Emergency HEAL grants help bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:

  • Businesses (existing or new)
  • Housing
  • Arts and culture
  • Childcare
  • Entrepreneurship or innovation

The application period will open February 9 and close June 1, or until funding is exhausted. A new round will open July 1, 2024, and close June 1, 2025.

A virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8. Registration is required. Interested organizations and building owners can register here.

For additional information about Emergency HEAL, the online application or the webinar, 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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Online Portal For Property Value Information

Kansas Department of Revenue Announces Launch of Online Portal for Property Value Information

TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), in partnership with Tyler Technologies, announced the launch of Assessment Connect, a new application  that will allow KDOR’s Property Valuation Division to access statewide property appraisal data and provide improved analytical tools for county appraisers. In addition, the project will feature the Kansas Property Valuation Division Data Portal, an open data, public facing website with up-to-date and easily accessible property value information.

The launch of Assessment Connect is part of the KDOR’s ongoing efforts to streamline the property appraisal process and increase transparency and accountability. By making this data available to the public, KDOR hopes to empower citizens to make informed decisions about their property and their community.

“We’re excited to launch this new site and provide Kansans with easy access to important property valuation data, said David Harper, KDOR Property Valuation Division Director. “We believe that transparency is key to building trust between government and citizens, and this site is an important step in that direction.”

The open data portal of Assessment Connect will feature appraised value data on all property types from every county in Kansas. Kansans will be able to view the most up-to-date data in easily readable charts and graphs.

Assessment Connect was funded by a grant from the Information Network of Kansas (INK).

The site is available to the public free of charge and can be viewed at https://ksopendata.ksrevenue.gov/

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KDA Announces Specialty Crop Grant Opportunity

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds for the program are awarded to the agency by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

The grant funds are in turn granted to projects and organizations to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops; expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.”

Applications will be evaluated by a team of external reviewers. The team will rate proposals on their ability to successfully enhance the competitiveness of the specialty crop industry in Kansas and make a positive impact on the Kansas economy. Those recommendations will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final awards.

Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 15, 2024. For more information, please download and carefully read the 2024 Kansas Request for Applications document from the KDA website: agriculture.ks.gov/specialtycrop.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding from USDA–AMS is awarded to states based on recent value and acreage of specialty crops in the state. In 2024, Kansas will receive approximately $330,000.

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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Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

January 26, 2024

 

Tax relief was vetoed by the Governor.  A bipartisan vote sent CCR 2284 to the Governor’s desk. The Governor vetoed the legislation the same day it was put on her desk – blocking major tax cuts that would:

 

  • Eliminate state income taxes for over 340,000 low income tax filers
  • Eliminate state income tax on Social Security
  • Increase standard deductions to offset inflation
  • Increase personal income tax exemptions to offset inflation
  • Increase personal exemption increase for Veterans with 100% disability to offset inflation
  • Provide property tax relief to over one million residents – increased each year to offset inflation
  • Eliminate the state sales tax on groceries in April 1, 2024, instead of 2025

 

It is disappointing the Governor has given over $1 billion in tax breaks to one foreign company, but she vetoes tax bills that will help Kansans.  In 2021, she vetoed a tax bill saying it was reckless and would break the state.  The legislature overrode the veto and there is still over $3 billion in the state coffers.  She favors major corporations over Kansans struggling to pay their bills.  Last year she vetoed two tax bills that she said would “break the state” or “had too many provisions” – her words.  Yet she signed tax bills with more provisions into law and gave billions in tax breaks to corporations.  Her actions speak volumes.

 

You would think there would be a sure path to a veto override.  We will find out where legislators stand on this important issue.  The Governor says she will not sign a bill with a flat tax and that it only helps the rich.  How can eliminating state income tax for over 340,000 low income Kansans be helping the rich?  Also, it is not a flat tax even though people are using that terminology.  Check the facts.

 

Committee work is the main focus early in session.  It is an important part of the legislative process.  Hearings are held.  Legislators listen and ask questions before debating and voting on bills.  All bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org.

 

Protect the Border there is legislation being worked on to send the Kansas National Guard to Texas to help secure the border and build the wall.  A few of us are working to secure funds to support Texas in their efforts and a resolution is also being drafted.  There is also legislation being written to model Texas which would say you cannot reside in Kansas if you entered this country illegally.  It is controversial, but we must stop this border crisis and I am doing what I can as a state legislator.

 

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

Caryn

 

KS Marketing Campaign Launched

Kansas Tourism celebrates Kansas Day by Launching 2024 Marketing Campaign

TOPEKA — To commemorate Kansas Day, Kansas Tourism has released a new video inviting audiences to reclaim their vacation in Kansas. The video kicks off Kansas Tourism’s 2024 marketing campaign that focuses on the true meaning of a vacation and how Kansas is the perfect vacation destination.

To watch the video, click here. Kansans and non-Kansans alike are encouraged to join the movement by sharing the video on social media and making their plans to vacation in Kansas at the Tourism website here.

“Too many trips leave us drained instead of refreshed, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Instead of counting vacation days, we want visitors to make their vacation days count in Kansas.”

The concept of a vacation was first popularized in the 1860s and was intended to encourage people to “vacate their homes” to experience the wilderness and reconnect through rest and relaxation, essential to living a healthy life. But nowadays, vacations are often stress-inducing, jam-packed and expensive.

“Let’s get back to the heart of what a vacation is meant to be,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “We know that you can find it in Kansas.”

Kansas Tourism provides valuable free resources to help plan a Kansas trip, including a free travel guide available to be mailed or immediately downloaded. The TravelKS.com website features an entire Plan Your Trip section.

“Visitors worldwide should plan a Kansas vacation in 2024 because Kansas is filled with outdoor adventure, inspirational history, world-class attractions, and exceptional arts and entertainment,” Jobe said.

Kansas Day, January 29, provides the perfect opportunity for Kansans to come together and honor the unique history that has shaped the Sunflower State and to kick-off the 2024 tourism marketing campaign. On this day in 1861, Kansas officially entered the Union as the 34th state, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. This celebration provides the opportunity to acknowledge contributions of Kansans throughout the years, from the pioneers who settled the prairies to the modern-day innovators driving the state’s progress.

Follow Kansas Tourism on:

Facebook – / travelks 

Instagram – / kansastourism 

#VacationinKansas

#ToTheStarsKS

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.

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 Broadband Grants Available

Broadband Acceleration Grant Makes $10M Available

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $10 million is available to enhance broadband infrastructure statewide through the Broadband Acceleration Grant program. Grants funded through this program are designed to offset the capital expenses needed to deploy in unserved areas.

In its fourth year through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities, and areas of compelling need.

“Empowering communities through broadband infrastructure buildout allows Kansas to lean into our innovative spirit as we grow businesses, keep talent here, and pursue new opportunities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The IKE program is a great example of how state agencies, local communities and the private sector provide high speed internet to all Kansans.”

During the first three years of this program, high-speed internet has been delivered to 8,000 homes and businesses in 25 counties. The cumulative $15 million generated another $17.5 million in matching funds.

“The IKE Program is founded on strong partnerships to leverage investments in critical infrastructure sectors, like broadband,” Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “I’m proud KDOT investments support Kansas communities to meet the needs of businesses and citizens now and in the future.”

The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is action-oriented to connect all Kansans. Through this ongoing infrastructure investment, Kansas aspires to be a top 10 state for broadband, improving the lives of Kansans and fostering economic growth for all.

“It is important to focus taxpayer resources on projects that provide sustainable economic benefits that help to grow our state and will encourage people to live and do business in Kansas,” Senate President Ty Masterson said. “The IKE program and the Broadband Acceleration Grant accomplishes that by providing high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing the areas that need it the most.”

“Expanding access to quality broadband services not only helps to develop our Kansas workforce but provides more tools for small businesses as well, which is why we included it in the IKE Transportation program,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins said. “After four years of this program, I’m looking forward to seeing the difference these grants make in our underserved communities.”

Key highlights for the fourth round of the Broadband Acceleration Grant program include:

  • Maximum grant funding request of $1 million
  • Qualifying program speed of 100/20 Megabits Per Second (Mbps)
  • Requirement of 50% matching funds for the project, including the possibility of an in-kind match of up to 50% of the required match
  • Co-investment required by sources other than the applicant

“Building digital infrastructure enables KOBD to serve underserved and unserved Kansans, supporting buildout in previously neglected areas,” Office of Broadband Development Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “The Broadband Acceleration Program allows KOBD to strategically align with our Five-Year Action Plan, working towards the goal of bringing affordable broadband to every corner of the state.”

The application period runs from January 29 to March 11. The Office of Broadband Development will have a kickoff webinar from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 29. For more information about the program, register for the webinar, or to apply for the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Local Food Producer Workshops Offered from the KS Department of Agriculture

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will offer four regional Local Food Producer Workshops to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers.

Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy. In 2023, more than 100 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.

“It’s part of our mission to provide education to Kansas farmers’ markets and agricultural businesses to help them grow,” said Russell Plaschka, KDA marketing director. “These workshops will support them in their endeavors to provide safe and abundant food to Kansas communities.”

Workshop topics will vary slightly by location. Highlighted topics include:

  • Marketing
  • SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks
  • Food Safety
  • Regulations on Selling Meat, Eggs and Poultry
  • Sales Tax for Vendors

KDA’s weights and measures program will also offer free scale certification at the workshops for attendees.

Dates and locations for the Local Food Producer Workshops are as follows:

Friday, Feb. 9 Olathe: K-State Olathe

Saturday, Feb. 10 — Hutchinson: Hutchinson Community College

Friday, Feb. 23 — Parsons: Southeast Research–Extension Center

Friday, March 1 — Hays: K-State Agricultural Research Center

Registration for the workshops is now open and is $20 per participant. Registration forms can be found at FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMworkshop or at local extension offices.

For more information, contact Robin Dolby, KDA’s From the Land of Kansas marketing coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or [email protected]. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and sponsored by KSRE and KDA.

KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy has identified training for small companies via workshops as a key growth outcome for the specialty crop sector. The Local Food Producer Workshops will provide education through partnerships to help make Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses more successful.

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Learn About Radon Risks

Get Ready for Kansas Radon Action Month in January

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in partnership with the Kansas Radon Program, encourages Kansans to take action this January by learning about radon and how its risks can be lowered.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind cigarette smoking. 1 in 4 homes in Kansas test high for radon. It is a radioactive gas from the breakdown of naturally occurring uranium in the soil. Radon can’t be seen, heard or smelled, so the only way to know if a home has high levels of radon is to test.

The risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure increases dramatically in people who smoke. People who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke and are exposed to radon have a ten times greater risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure compared with people who do not smoke and are exposed to the same radon levels.

The Cancer Burden Report of 2021 states, on average, each year, more than 1,900 lung cancers are diagnosed among Kansas residents, and more than 70% of them (about 1,350 cases) are diagnosed in late stage. In addition, about 1,500 Kansans die from the disease annually.

There are several ways to lower the risk of lung cancer. The best thing to prevent lung cancer is never to start smoking or to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible. No matter how long an individual has used tobacco, quitting can reduce their risk for cancer and other chronic diseases. Homes can also be tested for high radon levels and fixed if the radon levels are too high.

Learn more about what Kansas is doing to reduce the risk of cancer among Kansans by reading the 2022-2027 Kansas Cancer Prevention and Control Plan.

Get a low-cost, short-term radon test kit at your local K-State Extension office.

Learn more about the relationship between tobacco and radon here.

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