It was an intense week in the Kansas Legislature, ending on April Fool’s Day. It turned out the joke was on legislators who had worked diligently just to be shut down. Friday around 1:30 am, the House Majority Leader made a motion to adjourn until April 25th at 11 am. – leaving several items to be addressed in Veto Session, including removing state sales tax on food, K-12 funding, and other issues. The Senate President worked diligently to complete our work in regular session and not leave it to do in Veto Session. I applaud his efforts and did what I could to support taxpayers in producing some great tax relief for Kansans.
Tax bills that passed either chamber could be worked in the Tax Conference Committee. It was difficult this year because the House did not debate one tax bill on the House floor. Conference committees are about negotiating to find common ground with the other chamber on bills that have passed both chambers in different forms. It’s difficult to negotiate when the House hasn’t voted on these items. However, the House was willing to accept a majority of Senate positions and we negotiated some tax relief policy for Kansans.
There were three tax Conference Committee Reports (CCRs) negotiated. The first, CCR 2239, had several provisions: a property tax freeze via an income tax rebate for low-income seniors and disabled veterans; up to $250 tax credit for teachers who purchased school supplies with their own money; over $40 million in property tax relief – presently there is a $20,000 exemption on the valuation of the 20 mil of property taxes for K-12, this legislation would increase the exemption to $40,000 and increase it each year based on inflation – it hasn’t been increased since 1997; removing state sales tax on delivery and postage costs; exempting sales tax on fencing materials for agriculture; allowing county commissioners an option to abate property taxes on property destroyed by a natural disaster; creating a tax credit program for donors to technical and community colleges, capped at $5 million a year; making the sales tax exemption on vehicle manufacturer rebates permanent; and many other tax provisions. The House would not accept all of this good tax policy unless a provision to create a taxing authority in Shawnee County for the Zoo, Gage Park, and Discovery Center was included. The Senate accepted the offer since it would be voted on by the people of Shawnee County. We didn’t want to lose all of the good Senate tax positions and good tax policy for Kansans. It passed the Senate unanimously and the House 103 to 10. Hopefully, the Governor will not veto the CCR. If she does, it appears we have the votes to override a veto.
The other two tax CCRs, 2106 and 2597, are still in play and will hopefully be passed in Veto Session. CCR 2106 would remove state sales tax on groceries within three years. Starting January 1, it would decrease from 6.5% to 4%, in 2024 it would drop to 2%, and in 2025 it would go to 0%. Groceries means that prepared foods would not be included. Beginning January 1st would provide time for vendors to implement the sales tax reduction. You may think it is simple to implement, but an example is rotisserie chicken at the grocery store is cooked and ready to eat, so you would think it is prepared food and not exempt. However, according to the Department of Revenue, it would be exempt unless utensils to eat the chicken were provided. It would have been simpler to remove state sales tax from all edible items, but a majority of legislators would not support that effort. Another tax bill negotiated but delayed until veto session was CCR 2597. It had several tax cuts to help Kansans. There are too many to name but a few items included are: gradually removing all state income tax on Social Security and decreasing it on other retirement accounts, increasing standard deductions, and removing state sales tax on commercial electric and other utilities, matching the residential exemption.
As chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I was able to develop and work with others to pass tax cuts – including property tax relief for homeowners. There is still work to do in lowering income taxes and removing sales tax on food.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Transition to COVID-19 Endemic Response
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced their continued efforts to shift to the next chapter of the COVID-19 response, pivoting from emergency pandemic response to endemic normalcy. On April 1, KDHE will make changes to continue the transition from emergency response to our ‘new normal,’ which includes life with COVID-19—similar to how we deal with other recurring diseases like the flu. Using the lessons learned over the past two years, KDHE will continue to ensure the State is prepared for potential surges or other needs that might arise in the future.
“Kansas is continuing the transition to a new phase of understanding and living with COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We know the pandemic is not over, however we now have the tools and knowledge obtained over the past two years to prevent or reduce the spread of the virus. We are normalizing our COVID-19 response and incorporating these lessons into our larger efforts at improving health outcomes for all Kansans, which includes work on multiple diseases and an awareness of differing risk factors.”
This decision comes as current COVID-19 metrics are moving in the right direction. Over the last two years, KDHE has made significant progress in keeping Kansas communities safe with the help of partners throughout the State: over 7 million tests have been given, over 4 million vaccines have been administered, and over 78% of eligible Kansans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.
“In our new normal, we will continue to ensure that Kansans have equitable access to life-saving vaccines, tests, and treatments. This shift does not mean that COVID is over, but rather we are working to manage the disease in a way that allows us to maintain a more normal life that is once again filled with friends, families and other loved ones,” said KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek.
Working with Local Health Departments (LHDs) and stakeholders, KDHE’s endemic plan addresses six key areas that are designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Kansans:
Intervention: KDHE will continue to provide comprehensive guidance, while continuing to offer additional assistance to underserved and/or vulnerable populations.
Vaccination: KDHE will focus on making sure vulnerable populations have access to the COVID-19 vaccine while existing vaccine providers, including health care providers, pharmacists, hospitals, and LHDs, will continue to serve the broader population.
Treatment: KDHE will continue to ensure Kansans will be able to receive COVID-19 treatment across the State, as treatment distribution shifts away from public health entities and back to local health care providers.
Testing: KDHE will continue to support access to free testing across the state through community testing sites, LHDs, and K-12 schools as long as federal funding is available. In addition, the federal government provides direct testing support to Federally Qualified Health Centers and pharmacies around the state. To find a free testing location near you, go to knowbeforeyougoKS.com. KDHE testing support for Long Term Care Facilities will be phased out on May 15, 2022, and testing support for employers ends on June 30, 2022.
Monitoring: KDHE will continue to monitor data as reported by organizations and facilities across the state to understand the status of COVID-19 and proactively identify at-risk groups. Public reporting will be reduced to once a week.
Communications: KDHE will continue to provide essential and accessible COVID information to keep Kansans safe and aware of any subsequent changes to COVID-19 response efforts.
Across each of the above areas, KDHE will remain prepared to ramp up capacity to quickly respond to a surge and keep Kansans safe should the need arise.
DHE Announces Recipients of Waste Tire Product Grants 28 grants distributed to recipients across Kansas
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants. These annual waste tire grants are awarded to local municipalities and public and private schools K-12 across the state. The grants totaled $436,172.81 and were awarded to 28 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.
Cherokee County K-State Research and Extension, Cherokee County
City of Burden, Cowley County
City of Dighton, Lane County
City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County
City of Garnett, Anderson County
City of Geneseo, Rice County
City of Grenola, Elk County
City of Harveyville, Wabaunsee County
City of Herington, Dickinson County
City of Lebanon, Smith County
City of Williamsburg, Franklin County
Holy Trinity School, Miami County
Kansas State School for the Deaf, Johnson County
Manhattan Catholic Schools, Riley County
Marshall Middle School, Sedgwick County
Sacred Heart Elementary, Thomas County
Sedgwick County
Sedgwick County Extension Education Foundation, Inc., Sedgwick County
You may have heard the quote, “Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.” Well, that is what I did the last couple of weeks in an attempt to get tax relief for Kansans.
Tax Relief in Senate Substitute for House Bill (Sen Sub HB) 2239: Property tax freeze via an income tax rebate for low-income seniors and disabled veterans, known as the Golden Years, passed the Senate for at least the third year in a row. Hopefully our friends in the House will help this legislation become law. The bill had a few other provisions: it would increase the standard income tax deduction by 10%, providing real tax relief for all Kansans who pay income tax; it would provide an option for Kansas taxpayers on State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction who are limited by the federal $10,000 cap; it would allow taxpayers who got caught in the carry back carry forward conflict between federal and state statutes from 2018 to 2021 to subtract the loses and carry forward on their state income tax; it would allow exemptions for the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Employer Retention Credit programs; it would create a tax credit program for donors to technical and community colleges, capped at $7 million a year; and it would create a museum voluntary checkoff program so that individuals may donate to museums of their choosing when they file income tax returns. This tax bill passed 36 to 2. I voted Yes.
Small Business Property Tax Relief: For some reason a bill that came out of the Judiciary Committee had property tax language making changes to property law that had passed last year. The language would have had unintended consequences, so I worked with others to clean it up. Tax bills should be run thru the tax committee and not thru other committees like Judiciary. I also took the opportunity to amend the bill so that businesses that were shut down by the Governor in 2020 could apply for up to $7,500 to help pay for property taxes owed even though they could not conduct business. It was language that had passed the Senate and had been negotiated with the House. However, politics got in the way and the language was lost on the last day of session last year. This could be paid for with the hundreds of millions of dollars in federal SPARK money that are unspent and help businesses still feeling the pain of the 2020 Governor shutdown. Sen Sub HB 2416 passed 26 to 11. I voted Yes.
Early in session the Senate Tax Committee, that I chair, passed legislation to remove the state sales tax on food and allow local governments an option to remove local sales tax. That bill was never debated on the Senate floor. The House did not have one tax bill debated on the House floor this year. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the final days of session. I will continue to work diligently for Kansas taxpayers.
Last week the Senate worked over 50 bills on the Senate floor in less than three days. Senators would get a list of bills late in the evening and it would take most of the night to read them. It was difficult to get amendments because of the number of bills and the burdensome level of work for the lawyers writing the amendments and others involved in the process. Obviously, there were too many bills to cover in this update. The activity can be found at www.KSLegislature.org under the Senate journals.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends on Thursday, March 31. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills will be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements.
The Cold Weather Rule is in effect from November 1 through March 31 each year. It provides protection from disconnection to residential customers served by utilities regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission’s (KCC). When that protection ends on Thursday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.
The Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plans require an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months in addition to the regular monthly bill.
The KCC adopted the Cold Weather Rule in 1983 to protect customers during cold winter weather by providing a reasonable and organized method of paying past due and current bills. It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction
To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.
KDHE Announces Photo Voice Project for Healthy Kansans 2030
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Healthy Kansans 2030 (HK2030) project team are inviting photographers to submit photos to be considered for inclusion in a State Health Assessment Report being published later this spring.
“For many people, photographs are a vital way to convey important messages,” Jade Ramsdell, MBA, LSSGB, Performance Improvement Director at KDHE, said. “We are delighted to invite amateur and professional photographers across the state to help us explore and tell the story of the health of Kansas in a different and deeper way.”
The project is seeking photos to help visualize health in Kansas. Entries should answer one or both of the following questions
What does healthy living look like in your Kansas community?
What makes it easy or hard to stay healthy in your everyday environment?
Entries can be submitted until April 15. Winners will receive print credit in the report and will be notified of their selection by April 29. A panel of KDHE staff and the HK2030 project team will review and judge each entry.
Complete photo entry details, FAQs and supporting documents are available on the Healthy Kansans 2030 webpage, kdhe.ks.gov/201/. Questions about the project should be directed to [email protected].
Make a difference in your community and help the environment at the same time – join the Adopt-A-Highway program in Kansas.
Litter is unsightly and unsafe, and it has a negative impact on both residents and visitors to Kansas. But every section of highway right of way cleaned by participating groups adds up to many miles of nice-looking roadsides for everyone to enjoy. This helps to raise awareness on the negative effects of pollution and the positive aspects of a clean community.
Groups are asked to sign a two-year agreement with the program, and there is no cost to the group. The Kansas Department of Transportation, which sponsors the program, provides each group safety training, trash bags and orange vests. Groups have clean-ups three times a year at their convenience and are recognized for their efforts with signs marking their sections of highway.
Adopt-A-Highway groups are gearing up for the annual Clean Up Kansas Campaign, which takes place during the month of April. All Adopt-A-Highway groups are encouraged but not required to participate in the statewide event.
Any non-profit group that does not discriminate upon the basis of race, religion or gender can join. Members must be at least 11 years old and have adequate adult supervision. For more information, contact the KDOT office in your area (listed below).
To adopt a section of highway, KDOT phone numbers listed below
(Ask for the Adopt-A-Highway coordinator in the KDOT office located closest to you.)
More than $125 million in rental, utility assistance awarded
TOPEKA, Kan.— Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) funding remains available to support Kansans at risk of eviction. KERA provides rent, utility, and internet assistance to households that have experienced a financial hardship during the pandemic.
“More than a third of Kansans rent their homes, and many have struggled to cover rent and utility bills since the pandemic began,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), which administers the KERA program. “The financial repercussions are far from over for our most vulnerable families. This crucial assistance is still available to keep Kansans safely housed throughout our economic recovery.”
The KERA program has disbursed more than $125 million in rental, utility, and internet assistance to 17,633 eligible tenant households in Kansas. These funds have prevented 45,674 Kansans from experiencing evictions and utility disconnections and helped make 6,656 landlords whole.
One frontline worker described how KERA assistance kept her in stable housing during the pandemic. While on short-term work leave, she was unable to return to her health care job after twice contracting the virus. “I am beyond grateful for the rental and utility assistance provided by KERA while I recovered so I could get back to work,” she said.
The KERA program supports Kansas tenants and landlords experiencing financial hardship. Recent updates have made the program more inclusive, allowing the state to serve even more Kansans:
Households that have experienced financial hardship at any time duringthe pandemic may now qualify for assistance.
Eligible households may receive up to 18 months of assistance, an increase from the previous 15-month maximum.
Eligible households may receive a lump sum of $900 in past-due or future internet assistance, an increase from the previous $750 limit.
Previous applicants who have not hit the 18-month maximum are eligible to recertify for additional months of assistance.
A Topeka property manager witnessed how KERA funding has helped both the complex and her tenants thrive in hard times. “Since emergency rental assistance has been available, we have provided KERA documents and Shawnee County income guidelines to any tenant that receives an eviction notice,” she said. “I tell tenants, ‘It’s always worth a shot to apply.’”
Tenants and landlords can apply jointly online via the KERA application portal. Tenants must answer pre-screening questions to determine their eligibility before accessing the application. KERA applicants must meet income guidelines and must provide:
Proof of identification;
A signed lease or equivalent documentation;
Documentation or self-attestation of housing instability;
Documentation or self-attestation of financial hardship; and
Proof or self-attestation of household income.
Once an application has been submitted, households can track their application status and respond to communications by logging into their KERA dashboard. If applicants have additional questions, they can contact KERA customer service by emailing [email protected] or calling 785-217-2001, Option 1 for English; or Option 2 for Spanish.
KHRC launched the KERA program in March 2021 with funding provided by the Coronavirus Supplemental Relief Act of 2021. Continuing funding is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. The measures have provided a combined $23.4 billion in emergency rental assistance to rental households nationwide, with nearly two-thirds of those funds serving extremely low-income households.
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
For more information on Kansas rental statistics, visit the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s report, Out of Reach 2021.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has now identified two new counties which have confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as the disease outbreak continues in Kansas and nationwide. Samples from birds exhibiting HPAI symptoms in a non-commercial backyard mixed-species flock (poultry) in Dickinson County and also in a non-commercial backyard mixed-species flock (non-poultry) in rural Sedgwick County were confirmed today by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.
KDA is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response in both of the new locations. KDA officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on both properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.
Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza. Going forward, any additional confirmed cases will be shared directly with local communities and announced on the KDA Avian Influenza webpage, rather than through a statewide news release.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.
If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.
As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.
For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.
Governor Declares Drought Emergency, Warnings and Watches for Kansas Counties
The Governor’s Drought Team examines conditions; and recommends updates to the Governor
Today, Governor Kelly approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #22-03. This drought declaration places all 105 Kansas counties either in watch, warning or emergency status.
“The majority of the state of Kansas has experienced drought or abnormally dry conditions for the past several months,” said Governor Kelly. “Unfortunately, these conditions are forecast to persist or get worse, so I strongly encourage Kansans to be mindful of drought conditions and work to minimize the threat of fires across the state.”
The drought declaration placed 19 counties into an emergency status, 61 counties in a warning status and 25 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. Kansas has continued to experience drier than normal conditions all across the state. Most areas have a departure from normal precipitation of more than three inches over the last six months.
“We have watched drought conditions continue to get worse since this past fall or longer in some areas, causing concern with groundwater supplies, reservoirs, stream flow, crop production, elevated wildfire risk and more,” said Owen. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the situation and make recommendations to the Governor as necessary, as future outlooks call for drought conditions to persist as we enter spring.”
Through an interagency agreement between the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Kansas Division of Emergency Management, counties in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes. These counties also become eligible for water in some Federal reservoirs.
Individuals and communities need to contact the Kansas Water Office for a water supply request prior to any withdrawals from lakes. These requests will in turn be referred to the appropriate office to obtain necessary permits to withdraw requested water.
This Executive Order shall remain in effect for those counties so identified until rescinded by Executive Order or superseded by a subsequent Executive Order revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.
Effective immediately, Executive Order #22-03:
Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning or Drought Watch for the counties as identified below;
Authorizes and direct all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning or emergency level-drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.
The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the effects drought has on Kansans.
For more detailed information about current conditions, see the Kansas Climate Summary and Drought Report on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.
Senate Bill 282 started out as an Aviation Tax Credit bill. It passed out of the Tax Committee last year and was amended on the Senate floor last week. The bill would provide employers in aviation a tax credit beginning in tax year 2023 for tuition or certain program-specific course-fee reimbursements. There were several amendments that went on the bill: a housing development tax credits for suitable housing in communities that are in need of increased housing; up to $250 tax credit for teachers purchasing classroom supplies out of their own pocket; an income tax credit for any property tax increases for low income seniors and disabled veterans – basically freezing property taxes for qualifying Kansans; and increasing the $20,000 property tax subtraction on the K-12 20 mil to $65,000. The bill had some good and some not so good changes to the tax code, but overall it will help Kansas taxpayers so I voted Yes. It passed on a vote of 33 to 4.
Increased access to health care by expanding access to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Senate Substitute for House Bill (Sen Sub HB) 2279 removes the requirement that APRNs have to work with a physician and allows them to work independently. APRNs would be required to maintain malpractice insurance, as do doctors. The bill passed 30 to 7. I voted Yes to provide more access to healthcare in our rural communities.
Currently, Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) cannot be removed in Kansas. HB 2594 would allow the VIN plate for antique vehicles to be removed while restoring a vehicle. The bill passed unanimously.
Kansas Employment Retirement System (KPERS) funding has been and is still an issue. In order to pay some of the unfunded liability down, SB 523 would transfer $1 billion from the State General Fund to KPERS over a two year period. I voted Yes. We need to fix KPERS. The bill passed 28 to 12.
Foster care and adoption agencies issues have also plagued Kansas. In an attempt to address some of the problems, the Senate passed HB 2075 that would allow adoption proceedings to take place in a county where Department of Children and Families (DCF) or subcontractor has an office. This should help improve the adoption process and adoption of children in the foster care program. The bill passed 34 to 6. I voted Yes.
County election officers would be able to remove names from the registered voter list if a person has not voted in a four-calendar year period or does not respond to a confirmation notice sent by the county election officer. I vote Yes to clean up voter rolls. SB 439 passed the Senate 33 to 6.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
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Postal Reform Passes the Senate
Throughout my time representing Kansans in Congress, I have advocated for the preservation of rural post offices and sensible reforms that ensure the Postal Service’s stability. This week, the United States Senate passed H.R. 3076, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 to help improve and sustain the United States Postal Service (USPS).
For rural Kansans and older residents, the Postal Service is the glue that keeps them connected to the rest of the country. Kansans have always detailed to me the adverse impact the declining quality of USPS has on their lives and expressed the need for reforms to improve its efficiency. In 2015, I first introduced the Postal Service Reform Act and again introduced this legislation in 2018 and 2021. The Postal Service is an indispensable piece of infrastructure that can reach nearly every address in America, and I am pleased we are one step closer to getting this critical reform across the finish line. Click here or below to watch my remarks.
To read the Kansas City Star’s report on postal reform passing the Senate, click here.
Putin’s Unjust War with Ukraine
Russia’s war in Ukraine has raged on for nearly three weeks, and Russia’s brutality is on full display. There is evidence of maternity wards at hospitals being bombed, and hundreds of civilians have been killed. I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution that encourages investigations into war crimes by Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders responsible for these outrages. There are now 2.5 million Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict, with many more who are displaced from their homes within Ukraine. When the war first started, I called for humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians, and Congress passed more than $13 billion in aid to Ukraine, with $6.7 billion going specifically for humanitarian purposes. The United States will continue to support Ukrainians in their fight for freedom.
Responding to President Biden’s Announcement to Ban U.S. Purchase of Russian Oil
On Tuesday, President Biden announced a ban on the U.S. purchase of Russian oil. My colleagues and I made clear the United States cannot continue subsidizing Russia’s aggression by purchasing Russian oil. Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine must be a wake-up call to the Biden administration to maximize home-grown energy and not diminish American energy independence. We need an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence, and it can’t be accomplished without enabling our oil and gas producers to play a larger role.
Banning the purchase of Russian oil is a good first step, but now President Biden must immediately reinstate the Keystone pipeline, allow for new drilling leases on federal lands and waters, and retreat from proposals that would install burdensome regulations and tax increases on domestic oil and gas producers. Until we take these actions to unleash American energy, gas prices will continue to rise and we will remain reliant on our adversaries for energy production.
Ahead of the State of the Union, Sen. Marshall and I teamed up on a letter to President Biden calling for an embargo on Russian energy and introduced legislation that would ban the import of Russian oil. Read the full letter here.
Protecting and Supporting Kansas Law Enforcement
Securing Critical Resources in FY2022 Appropriations Package
This week, Congress passed its FY2022 Appropriations Package. As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I secured new resources for Kansas law enforcement in the FY2022 Appropriations Package, in addition to increased funding for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program and Community Oriented Policing Service Hiring Program.
At a time in which certain groups are calling to defund the police, in which the work and dedication of men and women in blue is questioned, I have and will continue to be an advocate for our law enforcement officers. After attempts to gut law enforcement programs, my committee was able to protect and increase vital resources for our men and women in blue. This includes new funding to make certain police officers receive the best training, the newest technology and the tools they need to protect our communities and keep our officers safe.
I appreciate the county sheriffs, chiefs of police, state troopers and officers who speak with me frequently about what their departments are facing on a daily basis and inform me of the resources they need to be successful in our communities. I stand with our law enforcement and will continue to do everything I can to support them in the United States Senate. Our police need to know that we care about them; we respect them; and we’ve got their six.
Kansas Congressional Delegation Honors Olathe East High School Heroes
This week, I joined Congresswoman Sharice Davids and members of the Kansas Delegation, including Sen. Marshall and Representatives Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, in recognizing the heroic actions of Olathe East High School School Resource Officer (SRO) Erik Clark and Assistant Principal Kaleb Stoppel on Friday, March 4, 2022.
The heroic actions and quick response of Officer Clark and Dr. Stoppel saved lives at Olathe East High School last Friday. The outpouring of support for the Olathe East community has been inspiring, and this resolution is one more way in which we can honor the actions they took to protect others and thank them for the love, care and sacrifice they showed towards their students and fellow educators. Full text of the resolution can be found here.
Investments to Advance U.S. Space Exploration
As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS), and Related Agencies, I was pleased to continue my strong support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) within the FY2022 Appropriations Package.
This bill reflects my commitment to accelerate NASA’s missions and cement America’s leadership in space exploration. Since the creation of the Artemis program, I have worked to lay the foundation to return American astronauts to the Moon, and I’m pleased this legislation advances this goal by supporting each key element of the Artemis program.
The legislation also continues to invest in NASA’s STEM education programs, critical science missions and aeronautic research. Thank you to Sen. Shaheen for her strong partnership in crafting a bipartisan bill that includes investments across multiple arenas and prioritizes the important work at NASA and their commercial partners.
Banking Committee Work
Speaking at the American Bankers Association Conference
On Wednesday, I spoke at the American Bankers Association’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. We discussed the consequences of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the disruptions to global financial markets and energy prices. Additionally, we discussed the Enhancing Credit Opportunities for Rural America (ECORA) Act, legislation I introduced to benefit borrowers of agricultural credit and rural home mortgages through lower interest rates and increased access to credit. With increasing inflation significantly affecting farmers and ranchers, Congress needs to do everything we can to help agricultural producers and our rural towns. Thank you to Kansas Bankers Association President Doug Wareham for moderating our conversation and to ABA for inviting me to participate.
Meeting with the Kansas Bankers Association
I also welcomed the Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) leadership team to Washington, D.C. this week. In order to support the credit needs of local families and businesses, community banks need tailored regulations which decrease the cost of credit. We discussed legislative efforts to bolster the competitiveness of rural and agriculture-focused banks and encourage growth. Another key issue we covered is the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR). In response to the large amount of deposits banks received through pandemic stimulus funds, I introduced legislation to allow small lenders greater regulatory flexibility in meeting the financing needs of their local communities. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will continue to advocate for the local lenders which are often the backbone of communities across Kansas.
Announcing Grant for Fort Hays State University to Recruit STEM Educators
This week, I announced a grant to Fort Hays State University to recruit and prepare STEM teachers to work in rural areas with a high need for STEM educators.
Effective and passionate teachers play an important role in inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM, and these fields are critical to American competitiveness on the global stage. This federal grant will increase the number of science teachers equipped to teach in Kansas’ rural school districts, while also contributing to national research on how to better train STEM educators to serve in rural America. I have a been a longtime supporter of STEM education, and this federal grant will contribute to making certain more of our next generation of engineers, scientists and technology professionals call rural Kansas home.
Good News for Kansas: NAIR-WSU Contract to Benefit Wichita
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University has been awarded the largest contract award in the school’s history.
Read more about my work to highlight Kansas’ strong aviation capabilities from the Wichita Business Journal here.
Veterans’ Affairs Committee Work
Meeting with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough
This week, I met with Secretary McDonough to discuss our collaborative work over the last year to deliver health care and benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service. The Senate unanimously approved my Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act last month which would enable Post-9/11, combat-deployed veterans to enroll in the VA health care system. This was the Senate’s first step in a multi-pronged approach to address this issue. The remaining steps we discussed are a bipartisan path forward on creating a framework for the secretary’s quicker decisions on toxic exposure presumptions, as well as establishing actual presumptions of service-connection for certain diseases which can now be linked to military service.
The secretary and I also covered the receipt of nominations from the administration to fill vacancies in the important positions of VA Under Secretary for Health, VA Under Secretary for Benefits and at the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. The secretary gave me a rundown on each nomination for these positions, which the Senate received on March 10. I wrote to President Biden last month on the need to fill these long-overdue vacancies so I was pleased the secretary was able to deliver this good news. I’m looking forward to learning more about the nominees during the upcoming confirmation process.
Finally, the secretary and I discussed his recommendations for review by the AIR Commission to be made public on March 14. His recommendations on facility realignments, openings and closures around the country will serve as the AIR Commission’s starting point in an effort that will modernize VA’s infrastructure to ensure veterans have access to world-class medical facilities for decades to come. I will be following this statutorily-mandated process closely, particularly as they impact Kansans.
Annual VSO Hearings
On Tuesday, the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees held our final joint hearing with testimony from the American Legion and several other veteran service organizations (VSOs). These hearings are an important feature of the committee’s work, affording us opportunities each year to hear directly from veteran advocates about their priorities and their work on behalf of their members. We discussed the Emporia American Legion Post’s ATLAS pod I announced last March, which will begin hosting VA clinical appointments by the end of this month. I am pleased that Kansas veterans in the area will now have better access to VA telehealth and I am grateful for the VA, American Legion and Philips partnership to reach veterans where they are with VA care.
As the Ranking Member of the Senate VA Committee, I also discussed the importance of caring for the health needs of toxic-exposed veterans without further delay. My legislation with Sen. Tester, the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, would get veterans in need of health care into the VA quicker than any other bill in Congress, and I urged my colleagues in the House to send it to the President’s desk for signature. I look forward to continuing to work with the VSO community, as well as across the aisle and across Capitol Hill, to craft the next phase of our approach to fix the system for toxic-exposed veterans.
Remembering Roger Kemp
This week, I spoke on the Senate Floor in memory of Roger Kemp, a passionate member of the Kansas City community and a staunch women’s advocate following the tragic murder of his daughter, Ali.
In 2002, Ali was murdered at the age of 19 while she was working as a pool life guard. Living through every parent’s worst nightmare, Roger channeled his grief into bringing his daughter’s murderer to account for his heinous crime. Roger demanded nothing less than absolute justice for his daughter. He worked tirelessly, including through a billboard advertisement campaign, to find Ali’s killer. This campaign not only worked to bring her killer to justice but led law enforcement—both locally and nationally—to adopt a similar strategy that has been credited with helping apprehend hundreds of other suspected killers.
Over the nearly 20 years since its founding, the Ali Kemp Educational Foundation and its T.A.K.E. Defense programs have trained more than 70,000 girls and women across the country, ranging in age from 12 to 90 – no doubt saving more than one life. He was a loving father and husband, a dedicated member of his community and a man who created good from the devastating loss of his daughter.
My prayers are with Kathy, Tyler and Drew, and all that knew and loved Roger in this time of sorrow. I’m honored to have considered him a friend, and it comforts me to think that he has reunited with Ali once more.
Meeting with Aviation Leaders I joined Harlow Aerostructures, Spirit AeroSystems and Honeywell this week to discuss their contributions to Sikorsky helicopters that carry out critical missions for our military. We discussed their work on the CH-53K Super Stallion, the Marine Corps’ heavy-lift helicopter, and the UH-60 Blackhawk, the Army’s aviation workhorse. As we look at the crisis in Ukraine and toward potential conflicts with China, we need the most capable and efficient helicopters to defend American assets. I am proud that these Kansas companies are partnering with the military to provide our servicemembers with the best technology that is available. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to support our suppliers and manufacturers who serve our military men and women.
Meeting with Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas
Executive Director Pat Jones and I met virtually this week to discuss the inspirational work being done by the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation in Wichita. Pat provided an update on the Timbers, a 100-unit, ADA accessible housing community located in northeast Wichita. The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas understood the need to support independent living options for individuals with disabilities and in response, created the Timbers apartment units. I appreciate the work Pat is doing to renovate the Timbers and look forward to following its success as the project expands.
Remembering George Nettels Jr. George learned from his father that life is a gift and the length of it was not guaranteed. He took that lesson to heart, making sure that while he was on this Earth, he bettered his hometown of Pittsburg, made countless memories with his family and friends, and was always ready for an adventure.
This week, I spoke on the Senate Floor in memory of George Nettels Jr. Robba and I extend our sympathies to his family and friends, and all those who knew and loved him.
Meeting with Dianne Macheers It was great to meet with Kansan Dianne Macheers in Washington, D.C. this week. We had the opportunity to discuss the future of assisted living homes as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dianne serves America’s senior citizens in her position as Vice President of Corporate Communication at the Ridge Senior Living and her expertise was appreciated as I continue working to ensure Kansas’ seniors receive quality care. Over the past year, I have continually advocated to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) emergency assistance to be directed to assisted living homes. HHS has been focused on sending PRF funding assistance to Medicare and Medicaid facilities, but it is essential to ensure assisted living homes are not left behind.
Visiting with Kansas Collegiate Leaders Visiting Donnelly College in KCK
Before heading to Washington on Monday morning, I visited Donnelly College to receive and update from President Monsignor Stuart Swetland and tour new buildings on campus. We also took time to discuss issues relevant to my role on the Senate Committee with jurisdiction over educational issues, such as federal Pell Grants, and steps they took to increase access to their nursing program. Training new nurses for the workforce is extremely important to all areas of our state but especially for our rural hospitals.
Special thanks to Monsignor Swetland for the tour and CCO Lisa Stoothoff, CFO Bernard Barry and Donnelly Board Member Maureen Mahoney for joining us.
Meeting with President Ben Schears of Northwest Kansas Technical College
I was pleased to meet virtually with President Ben Schears of Northwest Kansas Technical College (NWKTC) this week. President Schears updated me on the college’s interest in expanding educational offerings to further aid development of the high-skilled workforce Kansas employers and communities desperately need. We also discussed how federal resources can help support the college’s efforts to educate students in high-demand fields and prepare them for quick and successful entry into the workforce. I thank President Schears for his leadership and clear attention to the educational and workforce needs of our state.
Visiting with Members of the Truckers Convoy in Washington, D.C. This week, I met with Kansans who drove to our nation’s capital with the truckers convoy. Our conversation touched on the concerns with COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the negative impact these mandates have had on a variety of industries, including health care and transportation. We also discussed the need for the Biden administration to increase America’s domestic oil production. Our nation is safer when we are not reliant on volatile regions or hostile nations in order to support our nation’s energy needs. I’m grateful to have met with fellow Kansans who understand the importance of vocal engagement in public policy.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
