TOPEKA – Eight new cases of the United Kingdom, or UK, variant known as B.1.1.7, have been identified in Sedgwick County. These cases were identified in individuals all living in the same household and do not appear to be connected to earlier cases in Kansas. A case investigation is being conducted and close contacts notified. Further details concerning the patients, including demographics, will not be released.
The total of UK-identified variants in Kansas is now at 10. The first case was identified in February in Ellis County, followed by the second case in Sedgwick County. The initial two cases are believed to have been exposed through separate, out-of-state travel.
The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing (WGS) conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to, once the supply is sufficient.”
“In addition to following these healthy behaviors, this finding also shows the importance of getting tested for COVID-19,” Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Director, adds.
Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit: www.gogettested.com/kansas This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December 2020.
Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Category Archives: Kansas
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 26, 2021
Committee Work
All of the senate work was in committees last week. It was the last week that committees meet before turnaround, the half-way point of session. There were some good, bad, and ugly results for the week.
The Good
The Senate Tax Committee passed out several bills but most notably was Senate Bill (SB) 46 that would exempt your retirement accounts from state income tax. The estimated decrease in taxes is $213 million. The opponents will argue the state cannot afford such a large tax cut. What they neglect to tell you is the state has collected $168.7 million over estimates since July 2020 (the start of Fiscal Year FY2021). In 6 months, taxes collected are above estimates by almost $170 million so Kansas can afford it – we just have to make it a priority.
The Bad
The bad was some of the bills that passed out of committee or other bills that were stalled in committee. One that was stalled is SB 213 that would block employers from mandating vaccinations. The testimony during the hearing was compelling but the chairman decided not to work the bill. Because the committee is non-exempt, the bill is basically dead for the year unless it is removed from Commerce and put in an exempt committee such as Federal & State Affairs.
The Ugly
There are too many ugly things to write about but one that stands out is the unemployment system. Legislative Post-Audit, a non-partisan research group, reported an estimate of $600 million paid in fraudulent unemployment claims. The Governor had reported over $300 million (which is the number I had in my update last week). It is appalling that criminals are stealing the money, while Kansans who need the money cannot get it. And to make matters worse, many Kansans have had their identity stolen and are getting 1099 forms saying they owe income tax on unemployment money they never received.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
High Electricity Bill Help Available
Governor Kelly Encourages Kansans to Apply for Low Income Energy Assistance Program Funding Available to Help Pay High Electricity Bills
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly encouraged Kansans to apply for funds available through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) to help pay high electricity bills caused by extremely cold temperatures. Due to extreme cold, Kansans may see higher than usual utility costs.
“My administration is considering every tool at our disposal to ensure Kansans and communities are protected from price surges caused by the extreme weather,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “While LIEAP assistance is available to Kansans experiencing higher than usual utility costs, we continue to communicate with our local and federal partners to address this problem.”
LIEAP is a federally-funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per-year benefit. The 2021 LIEAP application period is from Monday, January 4, 2021, through Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Applications must be received before 5:00 PM, March 31, 2021. To find additional information about the LIEAP program and applications, please click here.
In addition to promoting LIEAP assistance, the following actions are currently being taken to address higher than usual utility costs for Kansans:
- The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has instructed utilities under its jurisdiction (Evergy, Liberty, Southern Pioneer, Kansas Gas Service, Black Hills, Atmos, and the City of Eskridge) to defer the extraordinary costs associated with cold weather.
- Utility companies regulated by the KCC are now required to submit what costs they incurred because of the storm, along with a plan detailing what steps they are taking to mitigate the cost to consumers.
- KCC is working on a plan to spread extra costs out over several months or more to soften the impact on customers.
- Governor Kelly and the KCC asked the Federal Regulatory Commission to investigate the events that led to a utility shortage and aid the state in protecting consumers from high costs.
The following additional resources are available for Kansans who may struggle to pay their utility bills:
- All KCC regulated utilities are offering payment plans to help customers spread out costs. Kansans should contact their utility provider to explore available options.
- Kansans can find a complete list of agencies and organizations providing assistance in their area here.
- Kansans with questions can contact the KCC’s Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140.
Hearing For Proposed Conservation Regulation
MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, to consider the revision of a regulation related to conservation practices. Due to public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing proceedings will be held via a video conferencing system to provide the opportunity for virtual participation online.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation is proposing a revision to K.A.R. 11-9-5 which will provide for a one-time early payout of existing long-term state incentive contracts for landowners already enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program conservation practices under the Kansas Water Quality Buffer Initiative.
A copy of the proposed regulation, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register and be provided with a video link. Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, attn. Ronda Hutton, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502.
Any individual with a disability may request accommodations in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].
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WHAT: Public hearing on proposed conservation regulation
WHEN: 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2021
WHERE: Virtual hearing via
State Announces Art Contest Geared Toward Suicide Prevention
TOPEKA – The state of Kansas announces the launch of a new art contest geared towards Kansas youth. The Youth Suicide Prevention Art Contest is for artists, musicians, painters, writers, sculptors, poets, singers and photographers in grades 6 to 12. The contest, hosted by Kansas Partners in Empowering Youth for Suicide Prevention, will help state agencies shape suicide prevention messages and health promotion campaigns.
In 2019, 521 Kansans died by suicide including six under the age of 15 and 83 individuals between the ages of 15 and 24.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Kansans age 15 to 24 and is a leading cause of death for youth ages 5 to 14 – this is unacceptable,” Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said. “Every one of us has a role to play, whether you’re a friend, parent, community member or school employee. We need to come together to help our youth.”
The Kansas Partners for Empowering Youth for Suicide Prevention is comprised of the following agencies: KDHE, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Suicide Prevention Headquarters along with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.
This group believes that every young person deserves to be safe from suicide and that the best way to reach youth in Kansas is to provide opportunities for youth to reach out to their peers, thus creation of the Youth Suicide Prevention Art Contest.
The goals of the contest are to raise awareness of the possibility of hope and healing while working to provide enough support to Kansas youth so that no one ever walks alone in crisis. The submissions will reach other youth to reduce stigma around mental health and experiencing thoughts of suicide. Preventing suicide is a community effort and youth are extremely important. So, the partners ask eligible Kansas youth to pull out your pen and paper, reach for your guitar and mic, or grab your favorite art supplies to let your voices be heard!
All submissions to the Youth Suicide Prevention Art Contest are due by April 4, 2021, 10 p.m. For more information and to submit a project, please visit https://www.ksphq.org/artcontest/.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (or 800-273-TALK).
Evergy Directed to Eliminate Controversial Demand Charge
Kansas Corporation Commission directs Evergy to put distributed generation customers back on a two-part residential electric rate
TOPEKA — This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued an Order directing Evergy to put its residential distributed generation (DG) customers back on a two-part standard residential rate design eliminating a controversial demand charge. DG customers produce their own energy, primarily using solar panels, and connect to Evergy’s grid for additional power if needed.
The Commission originally approved the current three-part rate design for residential DG customers in September 2018 as part of a Westar (now Evergy) rate case. The Sierra Club and Vote Solar, who were parties to the docket, filed an appeal. In April of last year, the Kansas Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the Court of Appeals and the Commission, calling the three-part design price discriminatory and sending the matter back to the KCC for further proceedings.
In issuing today’s Order, the Commission rejected two alternate proposals from Evergy to recoup DG customer costs that the Company claims are not captured in the standard residential rate. The first proposal called for the implementation of a grid access fee of $3.00 per kW of installed DG capacity. The alternative called for a $35 minimum monthly bill for all residential customers. As a result of today’s Commission action, rates for standard residential and DG residential customers will be identical, at least until Evergy’s next scheduled rate case in 2023.
“Many states, including Kansas, are struggling to appropriately value residential DG resources, while ensuring those customers pay their fair share to support the grid. Evergy’s proposals weren’t the right way to address these concerns under current law, but the issue won’t go away. We need to look for new solutions,” said KCC Chairperson Andrew French.
The Commission encouraged Evergy to explore modern rate designs that address the DG subsidization issue in future rate cases. The Commission also encouraged all stakeholders that participated in the proceeding to explore legislative changes to modernize Kansas’ net metering laws and other statutes.
Today’s order can be viewed at http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=dbf0d78a-209e-4c08-82a9-8a58810d3cef
PPP Update to Aid Kansas Recovery From Pandemic
Governor Laura Kelly Provides Update on PPP Program to Aid Kansas’ Economic Recovery
~ Changes will increase access and relief for Kansas small businesses ~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly shared details regarding changes in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that will increase access and relief to businesses with under 20 employees and other business owners who previously had limited access to the program. For the next 14 days, only businesses with fewer than 20 employees will be able to apply for PPP support.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Kansas communities and I am committed to using every tool to ensure they prosper now and into the future,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This targeted PPP support will make a huge difference to strengthen our small business community and economy statewide as we recover from COVID-19.”
The White House also made the following changes that will increase equitable access to the program:
- Revising the loan calculation and setting aside $1 billion to support sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals;
- Removing the restriction where any owner with 20% or more of the business must not have had a felony within the past year (excluding financial abuse fraud felonies or owners who are currently incarcerated);
- Removing the restriction where any owner with 20% of more of the business must not be delinquent on student loans.
Kansas is already seeing the results of the 2021 available funding. As of January, over 17,000 Kansan small business owners have already been approved for over $800M in loans. Applications are still open through the end of March, and businesses can be eligible even if they received 2020 funding through PPP.
“I hope every small business in Kansas that needs support will consider applying to the Paycheck Protection Program. Kansas small businesses have shown great resilience throughout this pandemic and we hope this program will ease some of their burden,” said Lieutenant Governor David Toland.
Nation-wide, compared to the first round of PPP funding in 2020, the share of funding to small businesses with fewer than 10 employees increased by almost 60% and the share of funding to businesses in rural areas increased by nearly 30%.
For more information on the administrative changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, please visit the White House Fact Sheet here.
For information on the program overall and how to search for nearby lenders, please visit the Small Business Association Website here.
For general questions about Economic Development programs in Kansas, please visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccinators Authorized
Governor Kelly Allows Temporary Authorization for Additional Vaccinators in Kansas
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly issued an executive order allowing temporary authorization for additional vaccinators during Kansas’ state of disaster emergency.
Executive Order #21-06 allows state healthcare professionals such as pharmacy students, dentists, paramedics and others who may administer injections or inoculations within their scope of practice to administer a coronavirus vaccine that is approved or authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration.
“We must use every tool in our arsenal to vaccinate Kansans as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While there is still a vaccine shortage, this order will increase the number of vaccinators in our state so we can achieve our vaccination goals as soon as supply allows.”
Kansas Unemployment Update
Kansas Department of Labor Releases Unemployment Fraud Attempts, Fraud Payments
~KDOL has referred more than 50,000 cases to law enforcement through fraud crackdown strategy~
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) today issued data on the number of fraud attempts, the estimated amount of fraud payments the agency has paid, as well as law enforcement referrals.
Following an in-depth analysis and IRS Form 1099-G reconciliation, KDOL has determined that from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020, about $140 million in fraudulent claim payments were made from the Kansas regular unemployment insurance program. Additionally, more than $150 million in fraudulent payments are attributed to federal benefits programs, for a total of $290 million.
USDOL-OIG estimates that unemployment fraud has cost taxpayers roughly $36 billion nationwide since the start of the pandemic. The total amount of potential fraud is roughly eleven percent of total unemployment insurance payouts since the start of the pandemic. Other states to have publicly shared their fraud numbers include:
“Fraud is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It’s stealing from taxpayers at the worst possible time and all attempts at fraud will be referred in the strongest possible manner to law enforcement,” Governor Kelly said. “All 50 states have been overrun with coordinated, sophisticated criminal fraud attempts, and that’s why I wrote a letter with fellow Governors, calling on Congress to provide funding to secure and modernize our systems.”
As part of a robust anti-fraud effort the agency has referred over 50,300 cases of alleged fraud to federal law enforcement partners for investigation and possible criminal prosecution, and is actively working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG) and the U.S. Attorney’s office to hold fraudsters to account.
“Congress opened the door for this historic level of fraud when they created multiple new pandemic-related unemployment programs, and at the same time prohibited states from asking basic verification questions,” Department of Labor Acting Secretary Shultz said. “It was not until the Continued Assistance Act was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020 that states were able to take more aggressive action to verify claimant information in the federal programs.”
In early February, KDOL implemented a new fraud mitigation software solution that has drastically reduced the number of fraudulent claims that have been filed. Since its launch, this system has stopped more than 4.8 million bot attacks and fraudulent login attempts. As a result, KDOL’s fraud team has been able to focus their efforts on more sophisticated cases and investigations.
Since the beginning of 2020, KDOL stopped approximately 500,000 fraudulent claims that were the result of identity theft and other unemployment related fraud that could have cost more than $22 billion. These stopped claims are the result of many hours of effort from the KDOL fraud team who have worked tirelessly to combat sophisticated criminal rings, which have targeted the state’s unemployment system. The number also includes identity theft cases that have been reported by individuals and businesses.
Since March 15, 2020, KDOL has paid out over 4 million weekly claims totaling over $2.7 billion between regular unemployment and the federal pandemic programs. For more information, or to apply for unemployment benefits, go to www.GetKansasBenefits.gov.
Virtual Job Fair Feb. 23-25
Governor Laura Kelly Announces KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair Begins Today
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the next KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair will begin today, Feb. 23. The fair will continue through Thursday, Feb. 25.
The virtual fair will allow job seekers to easily live chat with employers from across the state through computers and mobile devices.
Click here to register for the Virtual Job Fair.
“The Virtual Job Fair is a safe and efficient way to help Kansans find work,” Governor Kelly said. “The team at KANSASWORKS has created a reliable system to connect Kansans with jobs that work for them, while assisting my administration’s efforts to keep Kansans safe, keep businesses open, and get kids back to school as quickly as possible.”
The Department of Commerce, in partnership with Local Workforce Development Boards, moved its statewide job fairs online in 2020 to eliminate public health risks associated with mass gatherings, and to continue providing job opportunities and maintaining a ready workforce for Kansas businesses.
Registration is now required for each virtual event. If job seekers have previously attended a Virtual Job Fair, they are required to re-register for this event with the link provided above.
“So many people have benefitted from the Virtual Statewide Job Fair system, and we will continue to provide this valuable workforce service to Kansans,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Until it’s safe to hold in-person job fairs, this virtual system is the best possible way to protect everyone’s health while helping Kansans find meaningful careers and helping businesses fill vital positions. If you need a job or are looking to find the next important contributor to your team, this is the best way to get it done in Kansas.”
As concerns for Kansans’ health and safety remain high due to COVID-19, the Department of Commerce will maintain the Virtual Job Fair system for the foreseeable future. The next virtual fair is scheduled for March 23 through 25.
Job seekers can now upload their most recent resume to their Virtual Job Fair account. If you require assistance, please contact your local workforce center at (877) 509-6757 to schedule an appointment.
About KANSASWORKS
KANSASWORKS is a web-based job-matching and labor market information system. KANSASWORKS provides job seekers, employers, and training providers with easy-to-use tools that support a wide range of activities. As a service of the public workforce system, KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at kansasworks.com.
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.
Kansas Business COVID-19 Recovery Effort Announced
Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Effort to Support Kansas Businesses in COVID-19 Recovery
~Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency Fund has been converted from loans to grants~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that funding provided to Kansas’ hospitality industry through the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) Fund has been converted from bridge loans to grants.
Originally established as a working capital loan program through NetWork Kansas, these funds will no longer need to be paid back. Businesses that have made repayments will be reimbursed.
“There’s nothing more important my administration can do than give Kansas businesses the long-term, continued support they need to not only recover from the pandemic but prosper now and into the future,” Governor Kelly said. “In communities of all sizes, hospitality businesses provide a source of shared space and shared identity. This action allows the loan dollars we delivered at the beginning of the pandemic to no longer need to be paid back, helping businesses maintain operations as we work to recover from the challenges brought about by COVID-19.”
Governor Kelly joined Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland today at Jenny Dawn Cellars in Wichita for the announcement.
“Hospitality businesses like restaurants, bars, lodging facilities, conference centers and event spaces were among the businesses hit hardest by closures, cancellations and social distancing requirements,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary Toland said. “Working with our wonderful partners at NetWork Kansas, we moved quickly to roll out a working capital loan program that delivered millions of dollars to hundreds of hospitality businesses in communities statewide. Today, we’re announcing an important step forward in helping these businesses get back on their feet and recover from a very difficult situation.”
The HIRE Fund was established in March of 2020 to provide immediate relief to Kansas hospitality businesses faced with revenue losses due to COVID-19. In total, $5 million was delivered to 344 businesses in communities statewide.
“We were happy to play a small role in assisting Governor Kelly and the Department of Commerce during the HIRE fund process,” said Erik Pedersen, Vice President of Entrepreneurship for NetWork Kansas. “NetWork Kansas values and respects all of the hospitality-industry businesses, as well as all other Kansas businesses as they navigate these difficult times.”
All HIRE recipients will receive an email with details on the process and timeframes involved with this conversion. The Department of Commerce will notify the partners/organizations that are assisting with collections to stop collections and forward all funds to NetWork Kansas for reconciliation.
Businesses can expect the process of issuing repayment and other paperwork to be completed in the next 30 days.
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.
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 19, 2021
Foster Care
The foster care system in Kansas is broken. Senate Bill (SB) 85 is another effort to fix it. It would require notifications by foster care contractors to the Department for Children and Families (DCF) when a foster child is missing or spends the night in a location that is not licensed. There is a $500 fee per day the incident is not reported. The bill passed 38 to 0.
Unemployment System
Many of you have experienced the flaws in the Kansas unemployment system, be it as someone trying to file for payment, someone who had a fraudulent claim filed in your name, or a business with false claims filed against. The problems are too numerous to list. It is devastating and it didn’t happen overnight. Documentation presented in committee, stated that millions of dollars have been appropriated to upgrade and improve the system but those upgrades did not occur. A Legislative Post Audit in 2007 speaks to fraud and flaws in the system and still those problems have multiplied over the years. On top of this, approximately $1 billion in the unemployment fund has been depleted in less than one year. It is estimated over $300 million has been paid in fraudulent claims.
In an effort to address the problems, there are two bills being worked, one in the House and SB 177 in the Senate. Legislators are working hard to address these issues but ultimately it is the responsibility of the Governor. There’s plenty of blame for governors past and present. Let’s get it fixed.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn