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Category Archives: Kansas
KDOT Debt Paid Off Early
Kelly Administration Pays Off Transportation Debt Early, Saving Taxpayers $22.2M
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that for the first time ever, debt issued by the Kansas Department of Transportation has been paid off early, resulting in a savings of $22.2 million in interest payments. The Kelly Administration was able to pay off the debt due to strong state revenues and its work to close the Bank of KDOT.
“Kansas taxpayers continue to see the benefits of our fiscal responsibility,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “By closing the Bank of KDOT and balancing the state budget, my administration has saved taxpayers millions of dollars – all without compromising the quality of our state infrastructure.”
The now-retired C Series bonds issued to KDOT in 2012 initially had a principal of $200 million. This summer, KDOT was able to pay off the remaining $97.8 million in principal of the 20-year bond, thus saving $22.2 million in interest. The bond was retired with current cash flow and without negatively impacting existing programs or construction projects as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). Under the Kelly Administration, KDOT has increased construction lettings by 300 percent across the state.
From 2014 through 2018, under the Brownback Administration, the state transferred more than $1.7 billion from KDOT to other parts of the state budget – a practice known as raiding the “Bank of KDOT.” The state budget for fiscal year 2023, as approved by the Kansas Legislature and signed by Governor Kelly last April, did not include a transfer out of the agency and effectively closed the Bank of KDOT.
“We are always mindful that this not KDOT’s money; it’s the taxpayers’ money and we have responsibility to manage it in a way that generates the most benefit for Kansans now and in the future,” said Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Saving Kansans $22 million and delivering IKE projects as promised is testament of that and I want to thank all our KDOT workers who worked hard to make this happen.”
KDOT has had the authority to issue debt to ensure necessary cash flow since 1992. On a 20-year bond, refinancing or full payment can take place at the 10-year mark. This was the first time the agency was able to pay off a highway bond early. To date, KDOT has not issued bonds during the IKE program.
“KDOT focuses on making sound financial and investment decisions that allow the agency to be good stewards of state resources,” said Pam Anderson, Interim Director of Fiscal and Asset Management. “Saving money and spending wisely go hand in hand to make every dollar count.”
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Top 7 Ways YOU Can Help Prevent Suicide
Throughout the United States, September is observed as Suicide Prevention Awareness Prevention Month. And, while it may seem pretty apparent that suicide is a national problem, it may feel like it’s a problem only for the mental health community to solve. However, that’s not true at all. Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center therapists have a few tips for helping someone who may be considering suicide or is in a mental health crisis leading them toward hurting themselves.
- Be Proactive. Having a conversation with someone about their mental health will probably be uncomfortable. However, it can make a HUGE difference. Instead of waiting for someone you see struggling to ask for help (which they may never do), ask them some questions and start up the conversation.
- Exhibit genuine interest and ask questions. Questions might include:
- “It seems like you’re not yourself today. Do you want to talk about what’s wrong?”
- “I’ve noticed you’re a little down. Can we talk about how you’re feeling?”
- “You look like something might be bothering you. What’s on your mind?”
- Encourage them to keep talking and offer support. As the conversation gets started, really listen to your friend or family member. Hear what they have to say. Express concern about their worries and empathize with them. Offer support. Statements could be:
- “I can imagine how tough this must be for you.”
- “I’m so glad you’re telling me about what’s going on and how you’re feeling. Thank you for sharing with me.”
- “I’m right here with you. Nothing changes how I feel about you.”
- “Wow – this situation sounds difficult. How can I help you get through this?”
- Be direct with questions about suicide. Trust your instincts if you get the feeling someone is considering harming themselves or committing suicide. Research indicates saying “suicide” will NOT push someone to action or put the idea in their head. Do NOT pass judgment. Examples are:
- “Are you thinking of doing something to end your life?”
- “Does it sometimes get so tough you are thinking of killing yourself?”
- “Do you have plans to hurt yourself?”
- Talk it through. Even though it’s scary to think your friend or family member is mentally preparing to take their own life, it’s up to you provide a calm voice. Stay with them. Help them remove lethal means. Encourage them to seek help. Assist them in finding resources.
- Don’t assume they’re talking to others. It’s a mistake to think they’re sharing their situation with others. You might be the only person your friend or family member has confided in. Take their words seriously and never discount their concerns. Help them create a safety plan. Assist them in putting together a list of people they can talk to for help, including mental health professionals and loved ones who can offer support and love.
- Be patient. It’s hard for someone to talk to you about their problems. They may need encouragement and patience along the way as they share their emotions. Many people experience shame, anxiety and despair as they share their suicide thoughts with others. You may not have the right words – or even know what to say at all when they share their thoughts. Sometimes, it’s enough to just sit and be with someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis that is making them consider suicide.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs of ending their life, encourage them to reach out for help. One resource is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.
About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.
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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
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Kansas Small Business Grant Program Starts
Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Small Business Research & Development Grant Program
TOPEKA – Today Governor Laura Kelly announced a new program that will help Kansas small businesses innovate, bring new products and services to market, and compete at a global level. The Small Business Research & Development Acceleration Grants, which were approved by the 2022 Legislature and signed into law by Governor Kelly, are being made available through the Kansas Department of Commerce.
“These grants enable small businesses to enter new markets and stay ahead in our rapidly changing economy,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My focus since Day One has been to strengthen the Kansas economy. By spurring innovation, we’re helping Kansas companies reach new levels of growth and prosperity.”
The Small Business Research & Development Acceleration Grants are designed to assist Kansas small businesses in advancing a product or service to commercialization; modifying a product or service to enter a new market; or gaining a new client by leveraging higher education facilities, equipment, and expertise.
Prospective grant recipients will work with a Kansas public higher education institution to conduct research and development and receive a 50/50 matching grant up to $25,000.
“Coupling the research and development power of the Kansas higher education system with individual companies will prove transformational in our state’s already strong business climate,” said Lt. Governor David Toland. “This is a classic example of how good public policy can positively influence economic development.”
The grant program is open to Kansas registered businesses headquartered in Kansas with 50 or fewer full-time employees with at least 60 percent of its workforce, including contracted staff, in Kansas. For every dollar received from the Small Business Research & Development Acceleration Grant, the company must contribute a dollar of its own resources. Up to 50 percent of the match may be an in-kind contribution if it is provided by a public higher education institution and approved by the Kansas Department of Commerce. Approved projects must be completed within one year.
The fall 2022 application window is open now through October 17 and grants will be announced in November. For more information and to complete an application, please go to: https://www.kansascommerce.
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Kansas Water Photo Contest & Student Research Poster Submissions Being Accepted
Photos and Student Posters Featured at Water Conference
Kansas is home to an abundance of beautiful natural resources, and Kansans are encouraged to capture the most vital of these: water. The Kansas Water Office (KWO) is accepting photos to be featured in conjunction with the 2022 Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas in November. The photos need to pertain to water or water use in Kansas. Examples include all bodies of water, irrigation, agriculture, recreation and fun, or other water infrastructure.
The top winning photo from each category will be featured at the 2022 Governor’s Water Conference. The winners also be featured in several of the KWO publications throughout the year. October 28 is the deadline to submit photos at [email protected].
Student research will also continue to be a feature during the conference. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit abstracts on their water-related research to be presented as posters. Any research that involves water quantity, quality or water education is eligible and cash awards are available. The submission deadline is November 2.
For more information about both contests as well as tentative conference agenda and speakers, please select Governor’s Water Conference at kwo.ks.gov under the News & Events section. Conference registration is required.
Kansas Hits 10 Straight Months of Record-Low Unemployment
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly celebrated that for the past ten months, Kansas’ unemployment rate has been below 2.9% — the previous historic low last reached in August 1978. For each of those months, Kansas’ unemployment rate was over a full percentage point below the nation’s unemployment rate.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas has the 8th lowest unemployment rate in the country.
“We have been tireless about prioritizing job creation, business investment, and workforce development – and it’s clear our efforts are paying off,” said Governor Kelly. “For ten straight months, Kansas has far outstripped the nation as a whole when it comes to ensuring people have the high-quality employment they need to provide for their families and contribute to their communities.”
This month, Governor Kelly announced that Kansas has surpassed 50,000 jobs created and retained since the start of her administration.
Kansas began keeping records of monthly unemployment rates in January 1976.
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
Sept 19, 2022
Even though the Legislature is not in session, there have been some interim committee meetings and several people have asked that I write an update.
COVID Money
Last week, a Legislative Post-Audit (LPA) report on federal COVID-19 money distributions and spending was presented. Kansas governments (state, counties, cities, schools…) received over $34 billion of the $5.2 trillion from six major federal COVID relief programs in 2020 and 2021. The $34 billion doesn’t include federal money sent directly to Kansas non-profits, businesses, and individuals through other programs, like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Keep in mind state spending in 2014 (before the two massive tax increases that I did not support) was under $6 billion State General Funds and $15 billion All Funds. In 2022 it is estimated to be $8.5 billion and $22.3 billion, so the federal government dumped more money on Kansas governments than the state spends in one year. With the federal government handing out this amount of money it is no wonder we are experiencing inflation.
Out of the $34 billion, LPA reviewed a sampling of 78 CARES Act purchases, projects, and grants totaling just under $18 million. Approximately $4.3 million of the $18 million reviewed had possible issues and a portion “appeared to be wasteful or of concern”. “For example, one county spent almost $225,000 to add showers to a community emergency shelter… [another community] spent $20,000 to help put on a local festival… another county spent funds on donuts, pastries, and coffee for meetings”. The report is posted online at https://www.kslpa.org/audit-report-library/covid-relief-funding-distribution/. Such waste in the $18 million makes one question how much of the $34 billion was wasted? And what the total waste was of the trillions of dollars given away by the federal government?
Unemployment Fraud
The Unemployment Council also met to review an independent audit. The audit estimated over $400 million was paid out in fraudulent unemployment claims and over 200 security vulnerabilities were found within the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) unemployment system. The $400 million is a considerable drop from estimates of over $700 million presented by LPA earlier this year. Neither number is good news. To put it into perspective, our neighbors to the west, Colorado with a population of almost double Kansas, reported $73 million in fraudulent payments.
On a positive note, many property taxpayers will not see as high of increases because of the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) transparency. Several counties and other local governments, including a school district in Leavenworth County, chose not to increase property taxes this year.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Governor: Kansas Welfare System Improves
First Report Shows Kansas Child Welfare System Making Significant Progress
McIntyre settlement agreement requires yearly reports from neutral party
TOPEKA – Kansas foster children have stable placements and are experiencing fewer moves while in care, according to the first report from the Neutral Third Party in the McIntyre class action lawsuit settlement.
“My administration inherited a broken child welfare system that had an unacceptable number of children in care, a lack of placement stability, and limited prevention services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Under my Administration, we now have 1,300 fewer children in the system, and the Neutral Report shows we have made substantial progress in making sure kids are in stable placements and experience fewer moves. There’s more work to be done, but this report shows we are headed in the right direction.”
The McIntyre class action lawsuit was filed in 2018 under the Colyer Administration by Kansas Appleseed, Children’s Rights, and the National Center for Youth Law against the Governor, Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The Governor was later dismissed from the case.
The parties agreed to a settlement in 2020. The settlement was structured to ensure Kansas would achieve substantial progress and compliance in key performance areas over a multi-year period. Performance areas include accountability, reporting and implementation, practice improvements and outcomes. The settlement recognizes that the outcomes and practice improvements will not all be accomplished in one year. Outcome goals were set for a three-to-four-year period.
Judith Meltzer, President of the Center for the Study of Social Policy serves as the Neutral Third Party responsible for assessing the State’s first year progress. This first report covers calendar year 2021.
“Reforming a child welfare system is a complex and multi-year endeavor,” Meltzer said. “During this first year, Kansas has made considerable progress in addressing some fundamental problems and has started down a path that we anticipate will lead to further improvements in the years ahead and to sustainable and meaningful improvements for Kansas children and families.”
Kansas made significant progress in placement stability. The Neutral validated that Kansas achieved its first-year benchmarks for placement stability and placement moves. Children in care experienced a rate of 5.84 moves per 1,000 days – more than meeting the benchmark of seven moves per 1,000 days. The report also shows that 86% of Kansas kids were in stable placements during CY 21, surpassing the benchmark of 80%.
“The report affirms our commitment to Kansas children by continuing efforts to build an effective child welfare system,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “Using tools like kinship placements, partnerships with community agencies to provide trauma-informed support to foster parents and prioritizing families over facilities, these have all had a positive impact on this issue.”
The state does have more work to do in both temporary overnight placements and night-to-night or short-term placements. Children who experience a failure to place often have complex developmental, medical, behavioral or safety needs.
DCF is working to build capacity through several new initiatives. The agency has created the Failure to Place Prevention Network with the goal of creating stand-by service beds and other ways for family foster home to serve one child at a time. DCF also is addressing gaps with the addition of Therapeutic Foster Homes that launched in 2022.
The report also shows Kansas achieved several accountability benchmarks mandated by the agreement. Those include:
- Amending case management provider contracts to clarify responsibilities arising from the settlement
- Creating an independent advisory group to inform planning and program improvement
- Collecting and reporting data on Class Members placed in a jail, correctional or detention facility
State agencies also are making significant progress in mental health practice improvements and outcomes despite not reaching the CY 21 benchmarks.
- DCF approved a contract with Beacon Health Options to create the Mobile Family Crisis Helpline which launched in Oct. of 2021.
- Unvalidated period 2 data shows significant improvement in addressing mental and behavioral health needs with nearly 80% of Class Members having their needs met.
“Addressing mental and behavioral health needs is vital if we are to have a strong child and family well-being system,” Howard said. “We know there is more work to do to strengthen the timely and consistent access to mental health assessments and reviews.”
DCF and its partner agencies will continue to collaborate with the Center for the Study of Social Policy to ensure valid data and look forward to showing more progress in the Period 2 report in 2023.
Those interested in the full CY 21 report can access it via the Center for the Study of Social Policy website.
Evergy Asked to Explain Increase
Kansas Corporation Commission requires Evergy
to explain increase in capital spending plan
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has ordered Evergy to explain a $1.2 billion increase in the company’s capital spending plan filed this year compared to projections shared when the company presented its Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) last year. Today’s order requires that a workshop to discuss the matter be scheduled by September 28 and take place before December 1, 2022.
During the workshop, which can be viewed by the public on the KCC YouTube channel, Evergy will have the opportunity to explain the necessity and impact of the proposed capital spending and answer questions from Commissioners, Commission Staff, and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB). Prior to the workshop, Evergy is required to file updated and comprehensive financial modeling showing expected retail rate changes resulting from the continued increases in projected capital expenditures.
Evergy is required to file a Capital Investment Plan with the KCC annually. A report filed by Commission Staff in response to the 2022 report expressed concern that the expenditures outlined exceeded those reported in the STP by 21.82%. The 2022 five-year Capital Investment plan was $1 billion higher than the 2021 five-year plan, and this increased spending projection was on top of a previously announced $1 billion increase between Evergy’s 2020 and 2021 five-year plan.
The Commission echoed the Staff’s concerns regarding the dramatic capital expenditure increases projections and whether that trend will undermine the goal of achieving regionally competitive rates and reliable electric service, especially with rising inflation.
The Order states, “Evergy’s Capital Improvement Plan affects the majority of Kansans and thus requires public scrutiny.”
Today’s order is available here.
A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.
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Do You Know A Health Champion?
The Governor’s Council on Fitness is seeking nominations for its annual Health Champion Award program. This recognizes those community champions across the state who work hard to improve the health and wellness of your community.
“We are seeking individuals AND organizations that go above and beyond for the health and well-being of communities, residents or worksites,” Jody Hoener, said. “Please consider nominating today!”
Hoener was appointed by the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to serve on the Governor’s Council on Fitness board.
“This year I am the chair for the awards committee,” she said. “I am a previous honoree of this award as well.”
What does this champion look like?
Any Organization or Business: Anything from a company that takes pride in its robust workplace wellness program to a city municipality that prioritizes complete streets and active infrastructure. We want to hear about that non-profit who feeds the hungry, or the school who implements a vaping prevention program.
Anyone: A public official, a community leader, a concerned citizen, a health or human serve worker, or a volunteer who works hard to improve the quality of life for residents.
Community First: Whether it’s an organization or an individual, these champions think of the greater good first; they’re committed to making things better for everyone.
Candidates will be selected based on their exemplary work to promote the health and wellness of Kansans. Individual and organizational awards will be presented at the Community Health Promotion Summit held on January 26, 2023, in Wichita, KS.
There is a champion in all of us, nominate an individual or an organization today! Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2022.
For easier access to the form, here is a direct link: http://www.getactivekansas.org/Documents/Health_Champion_Nomination_Form_2023.pdf
or visit http://www.getactivekansas.org/gcof.html or contact Alyssa Nava at [email protected].
or contact Jody Hoener
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.
President and CEO
104 North National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
1-620-215-2892 Mobile
[email protected]
HBCAT.org
Heart of FCE Award: Doris Ericson
Heart of FCE Award
Doris Ericson, rural Hiattville, has been notified that she is the State winner of the Heart of FCE Award for 2021.
She was nominated by the Starlite FCE (Family and
Community Education) and represented Bourbon County.
After winning the District level, Doris was then declared winner at the State level. She will receive the state award for the
Heart of FCE at the October KAFCE State Conference in Newton, Kansas, October 3-5, 2022.
Doris Ericson has lived in Bourbon County since 1957. In 1962 she and her late husband Henry bought a farm, Cloverdale Angus, at Hiattville. Doris and Henry have six children who were members of the Hiattville 4-H Club. The first one entered 4-H in 1964
with the last child entering in 1980. 4-H was a major part of the children’s upbringing.
Their projects were livestock, cooking and sewing. Mom and dad were involved supporters of the 4-H program. Doris was a sheep leader for many years. If there was a 4-H event in the county the Ericson family was represented.
In 1990 Doris and Henry were inducted into the Kansas Master Farmer Homemaker group for their Extension, Agriculture and Community involvement.
In 2007 the Ericsons were awarded the title of “4-H Family of the Year”, in the State of Kansas.
Whatever happens in Hiattville, Doris is always ready to help. Building a fire station was one of the biggest projects. They provided food and labor. Doris and Henry were honored for their community service by being selected to be parade marshals for
the Hiattville Homecoming.
Doris joined the Bourbon County Garden Club after she became a Master Gardener. She says she has weeded, watered, and planted all around the pool of Fort Scott. She has helped beautify Heritage Park and downtown Fort Scott, filling planters and hanging baskets and taking her turn at weeding and deadheading the plants to make
sure they stayed healthy.
Doris volunteered to manage the dining room at the Bourbon County Fair. She bought supplies and ran errands. Cooking, making the early coffee and setting out things for the 4-H club that had breakfast duty; she was always busy. She held this
position for over 20 years. As a member of the Starlite FCE, Doris helps to clean and set up before the Fair. She has worked in the Prepared Foods Division for over 30 years,
entering exhibits and assisting the judge. She represents the FCE at the baked goods sale. This money funds the County FCE scholarship. For over 40 years Doris has taken entries to the Bourbon County Fair. She has collected many top ribbons and awards.
When the Fair closes Doris can be found helping to clean and put things up for next year.
Doris joined the Hiatville EHU in 1967. She was President and Secretary and then back to President when it dissolved in 1981. Joining The Starlite FCE in Fort Scott, she has been president twice , and in her words, “treasurer forever.” She is currently the
County Council representative and treasurer. For more than 45 years she has presented a lesson at the meetings. Doris takes an active part in the projects and meetings of the Starlite FCE donating her time and talents. She never misses an FCE gathering and
especially enjoys attending the Fall Follies and Spring Tea.
Doris is a member of the Friends Home Lutheran Church of Savonburg. She has served on the church board two times, and belongs to the womens’ organization,
Doris is an active member and helps make quilt tops and tie quilts for the Lutheran World Relief. Her group of 4 women made and sent 15-20 quilts last year.
I am proud to present Doris Ericson, my neighbor of 53 years, for the Heart of FCE Award. She is a full time mother, farmer’s wife, and helper to anyone in need. She has done house and farm chores, raised children, and worked livestock, worked in the fields,
and then fed the harvest crews. Doris is always working. She is dedicated to her church ,family and community. She is a woman worthy of the Heart of FCE Award.
Submitted by :
Glenda Miller
President
Starlite FCE
1236 Fern Rd.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
[email protected]
620-547-2401