|
Category Archives: Kansas
2023 Kansas State of the State Address
~~Governor Kelly Calls on Kansas Legislators to “Meet Her In the Middle” to Continue State’s Success~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly tonight delivered her 2023 State of the State Address during a joint session of the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives.
The video stream, provided by Smokey Hills PBS, is available at https://www.youtube.com/
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
January 13, 2023
And they’re off! The Kansas Legislature 2023 session began 1/9/23 with new House members and new Senators taking an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Constitution. It is a good reminder for us all.
Committee Work Kansas operates on a two-year bill cycle. Bills that did not become law last year died and so we start over in odd years. There have been several bill introductions which include those I requested, such as removing state income tax on Social Security and increasing standard deductions based on inflation (much like the federal income tax code). This session appears to be lining up to help the people of Kansas.
Property Tax Relief During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law. One change is a first step in a property tax freeze for low income seniors and disabled veterans. There are restrictions on property taxes in the KS Constitution and so the program is a rebate program administered by the KS Department of Revenue (KDOR). Applications can be found at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf. In order to qualify for the ‘freeze’ a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000. A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled. Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to KDOR for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze. Applications must be submitted by April 18, 2023. The legislature will take another look at the program this year in an attempt to allow more seniors to qualify.
Another property tax cut was a slight decrease for all homeowners on the K-12 20 mil obligation. That reduction increases every year based on inflation. There is no application required for this reduction.
In an attempt to help small storefront businesses shutdown or negatively impacted by the Governor’s shutdown during COVID, the legislature established a program to provide some property tax relief. Details of the program can be found at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxnotices/notice22-04.pdf. Applications can be found by going to the KDOR website www.ksrevenue.gov and scrolling down to the application link
| Kansas Department of Revenue Home Page
Official Website of the Kansas Department of Revenue |
(https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/Misc/PropTaxAssistance/StoreFront).
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Governor Kelly Announces Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
~~Budget Is Balanced, Responsibly Cuts Taxes, Fully Funds Schools~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her annual budget, outlining her common-sense, fiscally responsible plan to provide tax relief for Kansans, fully fund schools for the fifth year in a row, and make one-time investments that will pay off debts and expand healthcare.
“My budget reflects my plan to responsibly cut taxes, continue growing our economy, fully fund education, and strengthen our infrastructure and workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We’re building a better Kansas for working families and retirees — all while maintaining a balanced budget.”
The budget:
- Provides responsible tax relief: Governor Kelly’s “Axing Your Taxes” plan will save Kansans more than $500 million in tax cuts over the next three years. The plan includes a proposal to completely axe the state sales tax on groceries, diapers, and feminine hygiene products by April 1, 2023. The second proposal adds a four-day back-to-school sales tax holiday, and the third increases the exemption on Social Security income tax to provide tax relief for retirees.
“Let’s pass tax cuts that we can afford and help working families and seniors – while allowing us to continue the progress we’ve made on education,” said Governor Kelly.
- Fully funds schools for the fifth year in a row: The Governor’s budget fully funds K-12 schools for the fifth consecutive year and puts Kansas on the path to fully fund special education. The budget also invests nearly $110 million in higher education, allowing schools to continue the recent trend of low-to-no tuition increases and expand financial aid.
“The special education funding gap impacts every student because schools end up diverting funds away from other areas to provide these services,” said Governor Kelly. “I fully recognize that Congress hasn’t done its part to deliver the federal funding it promised for special education services, and I’ll continue to work with our congressional delegation to push the federal government to hold up it is end of the bargain. But in the meantime, Kansas families need solutions.”
- Prepares Kansas for the future: The Governor’s budget adds $500 million to the Rainy Day Fund, putting the balance at $1.5 billion. When Governor Kelly first came into office, the Rainy Day Fund was empty. Now Kansas is in a much better position to weather future storms.
- Invests in stronger infrastructure: The Governor’s Budget keeps the ‘Bank of KDOT’ closed for the second year in a row and adds $220 million to the state’s “Infrastructure Leveraging Fund” so that local communities can have the state and local matching funds they need to access federal funding for transportation, broadband, and water infrastructure upgrades.
- Saves taxpayers money by paying off debt: By paying off the remaining $53 million for reservoir debts at Milford and Perry Lakes, Governor Kelly’s budget will save taxpayers nearly $30 million in future interest payments. The budget also pays in cash for the state’s share of the proposed new veterans home in Topeka – saving close to $10 million in interest.
- Invests in Kansas workers: The Governor’s budget ramps up funding for the recently formed Office of Registered Apprenticeship and invests in a college internship program to encourage the next generation of Kansans to stay in the state post-graduation.
“As Kansas aims to continue shattering economic records, there’s one thing in our way: There aren’t enough skilled workers for all the jobs we’re creating. Our labor shortages are driving up prices and stunting our economic growth,” said Governor Kelly. “These investments will help create a strong pipeline of talent that has abundant educational and economic opportunities right here at home.”
- Continues to repair Kansas’ foster care system: The Governor’s budget invests over $5 million to increase placement rates for foster homes and support foster kids transitioning to adulthood.
- Expands mental and physical healthcare and saves Kansas hospitals: The Governor’s budget directs over $12 million to the current KanCare program to eliminate disparities in service for KanCare program recipients, enhances the ability to secure providers, and expands network capacity. The budget also shows why Kansas must expand Medicaid. Kansas will receive an estimated $370-$450 million in additional federal funding over the next two years when we expand Medicaid – which would cover the state’s share of expansion for eight years.
“By far, the most impactful thing we could do to improve Kansans’ health, keep our healthcare workers, and save rural hospitals is expand Medicaid and draw down billions of dollars – our own tax dollars – waiting for us in Washington, D.C.,” said Governor Kelly.
- Increases state employee pay by 5%: The Governor’s budget works to recruit and retain state workers by increasing pay and maintaining the Career Progression Plan for Kansas Highway Patrol officers that was provided in last year’s budget.
- Makes investments in housing and childcare: The Governor’s budget invests in early childhood education and care, giving local communities the ability to implement solutions tailored to their needs. It also provides $20 million to the Housing Revolving Loan Program to help expand housing stock across the state, especially in rural Kansas.
- Invests in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity: The Governor’s budget works to modernize and protect IT systems across state government and provide additional IT support and cybersecurity measures at state agencies.
View the Governor’s full budget recommendations here.
Governor Establishes Early Childhood Transition Task Force
Governor Kelly Signs First Executive Order of Second Term to Improve Early
Childhood Development
~~Establishes Task Force to Develop a Plan for a New Early Childhood-Focused State Agency~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed the first executive order of her second term, Executive Order 23-01, to establish the Early Childhood Transition Task Force. The Task Force is charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood programs and developing a roadmap for the creation of a new state, cabinet-level agency focused solely on supporting the success of our youngest Kansans.
“Yesterday, I laid out a vision for my next four years, to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family. Today we are taking a significant step forward in pursuit of that goal,” Governor Kelly said. “Giving Kansas kids the strongest start to life is the best possible investment we can make. This task force will determine how to make that investment most effectively.”
The task force will analyze the current early childhood system and how it is financed – focusing on gaps, inefficiencies, and redundancies. It will also conduct a series of stakeholder engagement opportunities and draft a transition plan for the new agency.
The task force will build on the Kelly Administration’s first term efforts around early childhood, which include investing more than $270 million to support child care providers and increasing access to reliable, affordable child care.
The task force will include representatives from state government, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, early childhood service providers, and advocacy organizations. Governor Kelly will also invite members of the Kansas Senate and the Kansas House of Representatives to be members of the task force.
The complete text of Executive Order #23-01 can be found here.
What they’re saying:
“Early childhood care and education is the cornerstone for a child’s well-being,” Secretary of the Department for Children and Families Laura Howard said. “I am excited to embark on this journey of collaboration, under the steady leadership of Governor Kelly, as we work to move early childhood policy forward to address the needs of Kansas families.”
“I applaud the Governor for having the vision to create this task force,” Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Janet Stanek said. “I look forward to collaborating with policy experts and others to align on early childhood policy development within a future agency that will bring greater efficiencies and eliminate structural barriers for families, communities, and businesses.”
“The work of this new task force represents a commitment to the transformational change needed to create an early childhood care and education system that works for all Kansas families,” Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, said. “The pandemic revealed the challenges in our current system, and we are excited to go to work developing an action plan to address barriers, gaps, and opportunities to serve our youngest Kansans more effectively.”
“Governor Kelly is a champion for Kansas children who understands that high-quality early learning opportunities and family support programs are among the best investments we can make as a state,” John Wilson, President of Kansas Action for Children, said. “The best policies and proposals are those that have been shaped by diverse stakeholders, which is why I am excited for the work of this task force. It will build upon the strong, collaborative work that’s been happening across state agencies to improve the health and well-being of children and families.”
Governor Laura Kelly Sworn Into Office for Second Term
~~In Inaugural Address, Gov. Kelly Calls for Civility and Unity in Politics and Shares Vision for Next Four Years~~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor David Toland were sworn into office in a ceremony outside the Kansas State Capitol. The Kelly Administration now begins its second term in office.
Governor Kelly first became the 48th governor of Kansas on January 14, 2019, pledging to rebuild Kansas by reaching across the aisle. Since then, she has worked with a bipartisan group of legislators to fully fund schools, axe the sales tax on food, close the Bank of KDOT, and recruit the largest economic development project in state history.
Governor Kelly began her second term by celebrating the Kansas spirit of “neighbor-helping-neighbor” and calling on the state’s elected leaders to embody the same civility and unity.
“We’re often told that there’s ‘a fork in the road’ and you have to make a choice – you can either go right or you can go left. I believe that’s a false choice. I believe the best choice is right down the middle of that road,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
“Because the middle of the road is where left and right come together; where well-intentioned people who hold different positions find common ground. Nobody gets everything they want, everyone gets something they want, and progress is made. That’s how life works. It’s how government should work too.”
Governor Kelly also shared her vision for her second term.
“Our North Star is this: To make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,” Governor Kelly said. “Where you can see opportunity for yourself, for your children, and for your grandchildren.”
Read a full copy of Governor Kelly’s remarks as prepared for delivery here.
KWP Commission Meets Jan. 12
Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission to Meet on Jan. 12 in Wichita
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will begin its next public meeting at noon on Jan. 12, 2023 at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E 29th St. N, Wichita. The meeting will begin with an introduction of Commissioners and guests, a review of agenda items, approval of past minutes, and public comment on items not listed on the agenda. No items will be voted on during the Commission’s Jan. 12 meeting.
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Secretary Brad Loveless will provide an agency and state fiscal status update, followed by a brief legislative update from KDWP’s chief legal counsel, and a General Discussion period covering:
- 2023 Commissioner Big Game Permit program update and drawing
- Proposed 2023-2024 webless migratory game bird bag limits and season dates
- Proposed 2023-2024 waterfowl season dates, and bag and possession limits
- Use of night vision during the coyote hunting season
- Hunting pressure on public lands
- Proposed 2023-2024 deer season dates for Kansas’ military installations
- Amount of fees charged for licenses and permits
Commissioners will then hear several Workshop Session items, which may be voted on at a future date, including:
- Antelope seasons, bag limits and permits. Staff will recommend a permanent season framework for antelope; discuss several approaches they’re considering to reduce hunter harvest (due to poor production); and, provide an update on proposed permit allocations.
- Elk seasons, bag limits and permits. Staff will recommend a permanent season framework for elk, as well as provide an update on units open to hunting and permit allocations.
- Big game permanent regulations, to include clarifying the regulation that pertains to acquiring pronghorn antelope permits or preference points, and proposed 2023-2024 deer season dates.
- Updates to the Public Lands reference document, to include designating select tracts of Cherokee Lowlands Wildlife Area as refuges; requiring electronic check-in on all public lands for hunting activity only; electronic check-in on select river access sites for non-motorized vessel use; and, reserving most Special Hunts for Kansas residents only.
- Annual camping permits. Staff will discuss increased camping occupancy, and changes that may be necessary for resolving capacity and RV storage issues.
Following the Workshop Session, time will again be set aside for public comment on items not listed on the agenda.
The public is welcome and encouraged to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Virtual participants may access login instructions HERE or watch live video/audio stream of the meeting HERE.
Click HERE to download the Jan. 12, 2023, meeting agenda and briefing book.
An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Commission secretary at (620) 672-0702.
The next Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting will take place March 9, 2023 at noon at the Ramada Convention Center, Topeka.
Building A Stronger Economy Grant Program Continues
Department of Commerce announces Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) 2.0 Grant Application
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced $50 million will fund a second round of projects under the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. BASE 2.0 will continue addressing infrastructure and economic development needs that were delayed or slowed due to COVID-19 in an effort to expand the state’s base of businesses and residents.
The additional funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.
Previous applicants that were not funded in round one will be considered for BASE 2.0 and do not need to reapply unless they would like to submit a new application. Awardees from the first round are not eligible for a BASE 2.0 award.
The Commerce Department received more than 440 applicants requesting more than $1 billion in identified projects during BASE 1.0 for the available $100 million funding. This new round will follow the same regulations established for the first round, including the requirement that awardees provide a 25% match.
County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders are eligible to apply. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded and required matching funds. Applications submitted are required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in economic conditions.
The BASE 2.0 grant application process opens at 2:00 p.m. today. The deadline for submissions will be 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, January 31.
An informational webinar on BASE 2.0 will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 6. Registration for the webinar and guidelines for the grant application can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/
Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.
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 in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
KS Tax Collections More Than Expected
|
Help For Heating Homes Available
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program to Continue Heating Homes this Winter
TOPEKA – Colder temperatures and winter weather has arrived in Kansas. The dropping temperatures and necessity of raising the thermostat are leaving some families vulnerable when it comes to covering their heating bills.
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), implemented in the state by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), allows peace of mind and financial assistance to families struggling to pay their heating bills during the cold winter months.
“LIEAP has helped our Kansas communities stay warm for many years,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “It is an important and valued support program provided to families during cold Kansas winters.”
Last year, $47 million aided approximately 40,000 households in covering winter heating bills, averaging $1,180 per home.
To receive assistance, applicants must apply on the DCF website, www.dcf.ks.gov, by clicking “Apply for Services” or in person and be eligible according to the qualifications. Find a DCF service center closest to you at www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/
The applications are available beginning Jan. 3, 2023, and must be received by 5 p.m., March 31. More information and FAQs on the LIEAP program is available at www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/
To qualify, households must have an adult at the address that is responsible for the heating costs of the home. Applicants must be able to prove a recent history of payments on the energy bill (within the past three months), along with being at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
The one-time assistance payment is determined by household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, and type of heating fuel. Income eligibility guidelines are as follows. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
|
Persons Living at the Address |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|
1 |
$1,699 |
|
2 |
$2,289 |
|
3 |
$2,879 |
|
4 |
$3,469 |
|
5 |
$4,059 |
|
6 |
$4,649 |
|
7 |
$5,239 |
|
8 |
$5,829 |
|
|
*Add $590 for each additional person |
###
Kansas Year in Review
Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2022 for Kansas
TOPEKA – As 2022 ends, the Kelly administration highlights promises made and kept over the past year.
“This year, we got Kansas back on track by working across the aisle to attract jobs, strengthen our roads and bridges, and fully fund education,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “2023 is looking bright!”
ECONOMY & WORKFORCE: Kansas attracted nearly $7.5 billion in capital investment in 2022 – doubling last year’s amount, which was a record.
INFRASTRUCTURE: In 2022, the Kelly administration made progress on 500 transportation projects totaling $1.7 billion in construction. This includes projects that will resurface nearly 1,500 miles of roadway and repair or replace more than 220 bridges.
BIPARTISANSHIP: During the 2022 session, Governor Kelly signed 96 bipartisan bills.
EDUCATION: In 2022, Governor Kelly signed legislation fully funding K-12 education for the fourth consecutive year and guaranteeing funding through the 2024 fiscal year. The legislation also funded historic investments in early childhood and K-12 education.
KS Dept. of Transportation Requests Comments on Improvement Program
|
|