Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly’s Year In Review

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Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2023 for Kansas

TOPEKA – As 2023 comes to an end, Governor Laura Kelly today highlighted some of the key successes from the first year of her second term.

“This year, I worked with the Legislature, members of my administration, and Kansans from across the state to continue building on the successes of our first term,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Heading into 2024, there is more work to be done to ensure Kansas remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Bipartisanship: In 2023, Governor Kelly signed 89 bipartisan bills into law, including significant legislation that:

Expanding Affordable Child Care:  The first executive order of Governor Kelly’s second term established the Early Childhood Transition Task Force. The task force was charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood programs and developing a roadmap to create a cabinet-level agency solely focused on supporting our youngest Kansans. Earlier this month, the task force presented Governor Kelly with its final report.

Throughout 2023, the Kelly administration has allocated more than $65 million to create nearly 6,000 new child care slots.

Economy and Workforce: In 2023 alone, the Kelly administration closed 256 economic development projects, totaling more than $3 billion in new business dollars invested into the state and creating or retaining more than 12,000 jobs.

In September, Governor Kelly celebrated the anniversary of establishing the Office of Registered Apprenticeship. Now, over 4,500 Kansans are active in a registered apprenticeship program, showing a nearly 55% increase in new registered apprentices and 18 new programs established in 2023.

Infrastructure: In 2023, Governor Kelly announced the final phase of the last two projects remaining from the T-WORKS program. These projects were only able to move forward through the Governor’s and Legislature’s bipartisan work to close the “Bank of KDOT” by the end of her first term.

High-Speed Internet: The collaboration of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Research and Education Network, and private providers brought $43 million in federal funding to strengthen the state’s high-speed internet infrastructure. Nearly 9,000 homes and businesses have been connected to high-speed internet in 2023.

Water: In partnership with the Legislature, Governor Kelly invested a record $35 million to protect vital water resources and fund projects to address high-priority dams and small-town water infrastructure through the passage of HB 2302. As she proposed in her budget, funding has also been dedicated to pay off debt for the Milford and Perry Reservoirs, saving Kansas taxpayers money in long-term interest payments.

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Government, Kansas

Governor: Kansans to See State Sales Tax Go Down on Food for Second Straight Year

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Governor Kelly Announces Grocery Shoppers Can Expect an Additional $150M in Tax Relief in 2024

~~Kansans to See State Sales Tax Go Down on Food for Second Straight Year~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that in 2024, consumers in the Sunflower State are projected to see an additional $150 million in savings because of the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022. According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, the reduction of the state sales tax on groceries from 4% to 2% will save shoppers $12.5 million per month in 2024.

“By taking a middle-of-the-road approach, we have been able to continue putting money back in the pockets of every Kansan,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This reduction is a step toward eliminating the state sales tax on groceries completely, which will happen in 2025.”

After working tirelessly to put the state on solid financial footing, in 2021 Governor Kelly called on the Kansas Legislature to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries as soon as possible. The legislature ultimately passed legislation that gradually reduced the state sales tax on groceries over three years.

In 2023, the state sales tax rate on groceries went down from 6.5% to 4%, saving consumers $187.7 million per year. By the end of 2024, it is projected that shoppers will have saved more than half a billion dollars in sales tax on groceries over the two years the reduction has been in place.

The state sales tax reduction applies to food, food ingredients, and certain prepared foods. When looking at a receipt, shoppers will see two tax rates, one for qualifying purchases and one for all other items.

The reduction to the 2% state sales tax on qualifying items goes into effect on January 1, 2024.

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Government, Kansas

There is a Resource for Residents Seeking Info on Legislative Matters

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Kansans encouraged to call, chat, or email the State Library’s Legislative Hotline

TOPEKA –As the beginning of the 2024 legislative draws near, the State Library of Kansas reminds Kansans of the dedicated Legislative Hotline, an ongoing resource for residents seeking information about state legislation or legislative matters. Staffed by experienced librarians, this hotline serves as a trustworthy point of contact.

Residents can inquire about various topics, such as:

  • Identifying their legislators
  • Accessing legislator contact information
  • Checking the status of specific bills
  • Understanding the legislative process
  • Locating historical information
  • Other inquiries related to Kansas government

“Finding timely and accurate information about state government can be challenging, yet is critical to ensuring that Kansans can engage with their elected officials on the issues that matter the most to them,” said State Librarian Ray Walling. “By reaching out to the legislative hotline, Kansans can get the information they need from trusted librarians.”

Kansans can connect with the Legislative Hotline by phone, chat or email:

Live assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Outside of these hours, messages left via voicemail or email are promptly returned on the next business day. Additionally, Kansans can engage in real-time conversations with librarians through the Ask a Librarian service at kslib.info/ask. TTY users can dial 711 for assistance.

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Exercise, Government, Kansas

Celebrate New Years Day With A Hike In The Park

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Kansas State Parks to Offer New Year’s Day Hikes

SHAWNEE – Celebrate the New Year with fun, fresh air, and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike at a Kansas State Park. These self-led and guided hikes are organized annually by parks staff to encourage individuals and families to start the year on the right foot – by getting outside and connecting with nature.

This year, more than 1,000 hikes will be available in state parks around the country, including 33 First Day Hike events hosted by Kansas State Parks. While the distance and rigor of the hikes will vary at each state park, all aim to create a fun experience for all. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural, and historical resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to continue taking advantage of these local treasures throughout calendar year 2024.

“This will be our 13th year to offer First Day Hikes in Kansas’ state parks and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. “Each year, these events grow more and more popular because they’re a fun and healthy way to start the New Year, they’re a great cure for cabin fever, and they’re held in some of the prettiest parts of our state.”

Where to Participate
For a complete list of First Day Hike events in Kansas on January 1, 2024, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Special-Events/First-Day-Hikes.

What To Expect
Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels including walks along lakes, exploring trails, and options best for wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. And, if hiking isn’t in your interest or ability, Kansas State Parks invite you to explore other fun offerings, from boating to fishing and horseback riding, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment from a park picnic table or bench.

What To Bring
Kansas State Park staff recommend coming prepared for a First Day Hike with the following, if possible:

  • Water
  • Snacks Weather appropriate clothing (hat, gloves, heavy coat)
  • Hiking shoes
  • Binoculars
  • Hiking stick
  • Camera

NOTE: LIMITED First Day Hike T-Shirts will be available for participants on a first-come, first-served basis. And, a vehicle permit may be required ($5.00 at the state park entrance).

First Day Hikes began more than three decades ago at the Blue Hills Reservation state park in Massachusetts in 1992. Since 2012, all 50 states have participated. America’s State Parks hopes to make 2024 a record-breaking year as the annual event approaches major milestones, including inching closer to 1 million miles hiked and 500,000 participants in the program’s history.

For information on First Day Hikes across the nation, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/. And don’t forget to share your January 1 hiking story on social media with #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark.

Click HERE to find a Kansas State Park nearest you.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tops Nation in Economic Growth Over Fall 2023 

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~~Kansas’ Economic Growth Was #1 in the Nation in the 3rd Quarter of 2023,
#2 in the Nation in the 2nd Quarter~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated that, according to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the Kansas economy grew by 9.7% in the 3rd quarter of 2023 — the fastest rate in the nation. This improves on an already impressive record of economic growth; in the 2nd quarter of 2023, Kansas’ economy grew at the second-fastest rate in the nation at 7.4%.

“This data shows that our efforts to support businesses, create a stable economy, and grow our workforce are paying off,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, Kansas is outstripping the entire nation in economic growth and attracting business investment. Last week, I announced Kansas surpassed $18 billion in business investment since I took office in 2019. It’s clear we have the momentum to continue this trajectory of economic success into 2024 and beyond.”

The Kelly Administration’s work to support the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries helped drive this economic growth. While those industries decreased nationally and in 33 other states, they were leading contributors to growth in Kansas.

Kansas also ranked third in the nation for growth in personal income, with personal income growing at 4.9% over the 3rd quarter of 2023. Farming, which decreased nationally and in 41 other states, was the leading contributor to the increased earnings in Kansas.

Kansas’ economic growth is measured by the change in its real gross domestic product (GDP), or the market value of goods and services produced in the state. The second quarter of 2023 included April through June; the third quarter included July through September.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Non-resident Turkey Permits Begin January 9

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Application Period for Non-resident Turkey Permits to Begin January 9

SHAWNEE – Non-resident hunters who wish to obtain a 2024 Kansas spring turkey permit may submit an application for the all-new lottery draw from January 9 through February 9, 2024. Non-resident hunters may apply for a permit – valid only in a single unit – in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6; a $10 application fee will apply. Similar to Kansas’ non-resident deer permit draw, any leftover non-resident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis shortly after the draw.

To apply for a 2024 non-resident turkey permit:

  1. Visit gooutdoorskansas.com between the dates of 01/09/24 – 02/09/24.
  2. Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits, & Tags”
  3. Login to your account
  4. Select “Limited Draw Applications”

NOTE: Hunters who qualify as a “resident” or “non-resident tenant” may still purchase a spring turkey permit in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 either over the counter or online beginning March 5.

The all-new lottery draw is part of a larger strategy by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest in Kansas in response to declining turkey populations nationwide.

Staff first recommended to Commissioners a lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits in August 2022, after which it remained a regular public meeting agenda item until voted on by the Commission on June 22, 2023 – the group’s sixth meeting to examine and discuss the recommendation.

For more on turkey hunting in Kansas ­– including season dates, other special draws, and how to obtain an electronic permit – click HERE.

Government, Kansas

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Comments Sought

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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.  In addition to the project list is Administrative Modification #2 for narrative updates in the STIP.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Jan. 3. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

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Government, Kansas

Expanding Medicaid in Kansas

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Governor Kelly Unveils Middle-of-the-Road Medicaid Expansion Legislation

~~Proposes Expanding Medicaid at No Additional Cost to Kansas Taxpayers~~ 

HOLTON – Today at Holton Hospital, Governor Laura Kelly unveiled the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act to expand Medicaid, a state and federal health insurance program, to an estimated 150,000 Kansans at no additional cost to state taxpayers. The commonsense legislative proposal builds on previous bipartisan Medicaid Expansion proposals to address Republican concerns, including by making the bill revenue-neutral.

The introduction of this legislation follows the months-long “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour in which the Governor rallied healthcare workers, farmers and ranchers, business leaders, faith leaders, and rural Kansans across the state in support of Medicaid Expansion. The bill would expand health coverage to working Kansans who currently make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but don’t receive health insurance through work or make too little to afford private health insurance.

“Each year I’ve been in office, I have introduced a bill to expand Medicaid with support from both sides of the aisle. The year, we’re going a step further to meet Republicans in the middle, putting forward a plan that would cut healthcare costs, create jobs, and grow our economy – all at no additional cost for Kansas taxpayers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We have taken such a bipartisan approach to incorporate what I’ve been hearing from Kansans during my tour and to reflect conversations we’ve had with Republican lawmakers. Now, there’s no excuse – at this point, every legislator standing in the way of Medicaid expansion is going against a commonsense, fiscally responsible proposal that benefits their constituents.

“As Governor Kelly’s ‘Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy’ tour highlighted, Medicaid expansion is an obvious solution to provide healthcare to hardworking Kansans and to support our hospitals,” said Ed O’Malley, President and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation. “We appreciate that, by putting forward this measured proposal, Governor Kelly is clearly working to bring Republicans to the table. That’s what’s needed to get Medicaid expanded in Kansas.”

Addressing key Republican concerns, the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act:

Comes at no additional cost to Kansas taxpayers. The federal government pays for 90% of the costs to expand Medicaid, while states pay 10%. Under this proposal, the state’s 10% share is completely covered by drug rebates, a hospital fee, savings from higher reimbursement rates for existing Medicaid recipients, and additional federal funding. This does not include expected additional revenue from Kansas businesses boosted by a healthier workforce or reduced state expenditures on incarceration and state services because of a healthier population.

“My goal is to ensure Kansans’ tax dollars never go to waste, which is why I support this approach to expanding Medicaid,” said Kansas Senator Carolyn McGinn. “Right now, Kansans’ federal tax dollars are going to support hospitals and jobs in states like New York, California and every state adjacent to us instead of being invested in the people of Kansas.”

“It makes no sense to me that, while 40 other states have expanded Medicaid, we have not. Our tax dollars are going to every one of our neighboring states, while healthcare costs rise and hospitals close here in Kansas,” said Kansas Representative Dave Younger. “By including a work requirement and making sure Kansas taxpayers won’t pay for Medicaid expansion, this proposal addresses many of the concerns my Republican colleagues have had. Now, those in leadership positions need to let this topic be debated and voted on.”

Grows the Kansas workforce. This compromise proposal goes a step further than Governor Kelly’s other Medicaid Expansion proposals by including a work requirement for Medicaid enrollees to ensure Kansas’ workforce remains strong. There will be exceptions to this requirement, including for full-time students, full-time caretakers, veterans, and Kansans with medical conditions.

The bill will also reduce uncompensated care costs – the costs healthcare providers take on when uninsured patients can’t afford to pay a medical bill — which will allow providers to compete for healthcare workers in an environment in which all the states surrounding Kansas have now expanded Medicaid.

“This proposal addresses a lot of the concerns I’ve heard from Republican colleagues by including a work requirement and multiple funding streams to ensure Kansas taxpayers won’t foot the bill for Medicaid expansion,” said Kansas Senator John Doll. “I urge my Republican colleagues to join me in supporting this bill to ensure our rural hospitals stay open, to cut healthcare costs and lower taxes, and to get affordable healthcare to more working Kansans.”

Improves public safety. For too long, prisons and jails have been shouldering the burden of providing medical care to uninsured inmates at their own expense. Governor Kelly worked with the law enforcement community to include this provision so that law enforcement can redirect those resources to focus on keeping Kansans safe. This would also reduce pressure on local governments to increase property taxes for correctional healthcare costs.

“This bill provides relief for county jails like the Sedgwick County Jail, which have been burdened with covering the high costs of health care for uninsured inmates,” said Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffrey Easter. “If this part of the expansion proposal were to pass, it would cut down on expenses for local taxpayers and ease up resources so our law enforcement can focus on public safety.”

 ”I support expanding Medicaid with this provision to include health coverage for recently admitted inmates,” said Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister. “We have seen benefits and cost savings in working with local providers for having health care rates that match Medicaid. Doing so takes the financial and administrative burden of providing that care off counties and keeps our attention focused on our top priority: public safety.”

Language for the proposed Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansas Act is available here.

Background information about the proposed Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act is available here.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Avian Influenza Identified in McPherson and Rice Counties

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA–APHIS), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two egg layer facilities — one in McPherson County and one in Rice County. This marks five cases of HPAI in Kansas this fall; since the start of the outbreak in 2022 there have been 21 cases of HPAI in Kansas.

KDA is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response at the affected premises in the two affected counties. According to KDA’s animal health officials, the facilities both increased their biosecurity upon the initial HPAI outbreak in 2022 and have been continuously monitoring their flock. Upon noticing clinical signs of HPAI in their birds, they immediately contacted KDA. The affected premises were placed under quarantine and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner to prevent the spread of the disease.

In addition, KDA will be establishing a 20-km surveillance zone around the infected premises, and other farms or properties with poultry that fall within that zone will not be allowed to move birds or poultry products on or off their property without permission from KDA. The animal health team is working to locate all poultry owners in the area to ensure they know the symptoms of HPAI and are taking critical steps to protect their birds. If you own poultry and live in McPherson or Rice counties, please contact KDA at 833-765-2006 or [email protected]. You can also self-report your birds at https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html.

This outbreak of HPAI is primarily spread by migrating wild waterfowl, so a critical part of protecting your flock is to establish separation between your domestic birds and wild birds as they migrate through your region. 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.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Poultry owners should 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 or a food safety concern.  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.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states and 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.

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Government, Kansas

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program opens two weeks early this winter.

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TOPEKA – With temperatures dropping, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced today that Kansans needing financial assistance to keep their heat on this winter can apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) earlier this year than in past years.

“Kansas winters can be brutal and no Kansas family should be cold,” said Laura Howard, DCF Secretary. “We are accepting LIEAP applications beginning Dec. 18, rather than the beginning of January as we have traditionally done.”

LIEAP helps Kansans restore or maintain energy services that heat their home. This includes electricity, natural gas, propane and other home heating fuels.

“We understand that applying for benefits can be complicated,” Howard said. “Beginning Dec. 18 through the end of March, DCF and partnering energy companies will be available to help Kansans gather information and submit their LIEAP applications.”

To attend an in-person LIEAP application event near you, visit LIEAP one-on-one support page.  Kansans should have with them their identification, proof of income for all adult household members and current utility bills. Partnering energy companies, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Evergy, Kansas Gas Services and Midwest Energy, will be in attendance at most events in the areas that they provide energy services to Kansans.

Applications are accepted on-line at www.dcf.ks.gov, click “Apply for Services,” until 5 p.m., March 29. To qualify, households must have an adult at the address that is responsible for the heating costs of the home. Applicants be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

2024 Income Eligibility Guidelines

Persons Living at the Address

Maximum Gross  Monthly Income

1

$1,823

2

$2,465

3

$3,108

4​

$3,750

​5

$4,393

6​

$5,035

7​

$5,678

8​

$6,320

9​

$6,963

10​

$7,605

11​

$8,248

12​​

$8,890

+1    $643 for each additional person

Discover more information about LIEAP in Kansas including frequently asked questions, other community resources, and the complete list of LIEAP application events scheduled. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

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The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) mission to protect children, strengthen families and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offers a wide range of support services including food, utility, and child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF works in partnership with organizations, communities and other agencies to support families, children and vulnerable adults connecting them with resources, supports and networks in their home communities.

Government, Kansas, Youth

KS Early Childhood Transition Task Force Final Report Presented

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Governor Kelly Announces Release of
Early Childhood Transition Task Force
Final Report

~~Report Analyzes Current Early Childhood Care and Education System, Recommends Unification of Kansas’ Early Childhood Services~~

TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Early Childhood Transition Task Force (ECTTF), established by Governor Laura Kelly through the first executive order of her second term, presented its final report outlining how the State of Kansas can better serve children and families. The purpose of the Task Force was to examine Kansas’ early childhood system and identify steps the state can take to reduce burdens placed on families, increase accountability for early childhood programs, and eliminate inefficiencies and gaps in service.

“A key component of making Kansas the best state to raise a family is giving our children the strongest possible start to life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thank you to the Early Childhood Transition Task Force members for their hard work, for listening to Kansans across the state this past summer, and for putting together a blueprint for action. Their final report will help me determine the best path forward to make early childhood services more accessible and affordable for all Kansas families.”

The Task Force’s final report, drawing from a series of public input sessions held across the state this past summer, highlights the need to consolidate services to reduce red tape and bureaucratic burdens on families navigating the system. Currently, four different state agencies are involved in providing early childhood services. The report recommends that Kansas unify its “early childhood care and education services into a single state entity.”

“I’m proud to have guided the Early Childhood Transition Task Force through its work this past year, said Sam Huenergardt, Co-Chair of the ECTTF. “Our final recommendation to consolidate Kansas’ early childhood care and education services into one entity would reduce the burden on children and families attempting to navigate the current system. Thank you to Governor Kelly and the Task Force for their dedication to Kansas families and future generations.”

Other recommendations include collecting and sharing data that could improve the provision and accountability of services and providing greater support for families and businesses looking to access or provide child care.

“It has been a true honor to serve as Co-Chair of the Early Childhood Transition Task Force,” said Cornelia Stevens, Co-Chair of the ECTTF. “The group’s commitment to improving systems and processes that will positively impact Kansas children and families was evident in every discussion. The recommendations provided were well thought out and will result in a more efficient and effective system for Kansas children and families.”

Governor Kelly will take the Task Force’s recommendations under advisement and now determine next steps for beginning the process of unifying Kansas’ early childhood services. The Task Force included representatives from business, government, advocacy, and early childhood sectors, as well as members of the Kansas Legislature. The Hunt Institute provided operational support and policy expertise to the Task Force’s efforts.

A full copy of the Task Force’s final report can be found here.

Government, Kansas

Vote On The New Kansas License Plate Design

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Governor Kelly Encourages Kansans to Vote on
New License Plate Design

~~Kansans Can Vote Among 5 Designs Adhering to Law Enforcement Needs through Friday, December 15~~  

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today shared how Kansans will be able to weigh in on the next State of Kansas license plate. Starting today, Kansans can go to KSPlates.kansas.gov to vote for their favorite plate among five designs created by Mammoth Creative Co., a Kansas-based marketing firm, in partnership with Kansas Tourism. Voting will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 15.

“Kansans have offered their thoughts on our state’s next license plate through social media and elsewhere, even sending potential designs to my office. Many of these designs were beautiful, but we’re moving forward with this voting process to ensure law enforcement can easily read the selected license plate and to get safer plates on the streets as soon as possible,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I encourage Kansans to make their voices heard and am looking forward to announcing the winner next week.”

The five options, while continuing to align with Kansas Tourism’s “To the Stars” branding and the already announced guidelines, incorporate previous public feedback such as a lighter blue on the original proposal, a State of Kansas outline, wheat, and sunflowers. The plate proposals were also chosen because they prioritize public safety. Clear, simple designs enable law enforcement officers and traffic systems to quickly and easily read the license plate number.

“It is critical that Kansans be able to quickly identify a vehicle by its license plate – whether that be when reporting erratic driving behaviors, crashes, or Amber Alerts to law enforcement,” Captain Candice Breshears, Kansas Highway Patrol, said. “Every second counts in an emergency, which is why we appreciate that the backgrounds of these license plates do not interfere with the plate combinations.”

“Legible and high-contrast license plates are important for the Kansas Turnpike and for Kansans when they drive on other toll roads,” Steve Hewitt, CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, said. “Having clear State of Kansas license plates will be crucial in keeping tolls low as we transition to cashless tolling in mid-2024.”

Kansans can vote on their favorite design as many times as they would like until voting closes on Friday. Votes will gauge support for a specific design, though minor aspects of the winning design may change to ensure compliance with production protocols. The selected plate will be announced on Monday, December 18, 2023.

The State of Kansas incurred no additional costs for designing the new license plate options or the voting website; both were covered by existing contracts with Kansas-based firms. The timeline for distributing the new plates will be altered due to the preproduction processes needing to be performed after the new design is selected.

In the meantime, with the help of county treasurer offices, the Kansas Department of Revenue will continue its license plate modernization project as originally scheduled, transitioning embossed plates to the digitally produced license plate process introduced in 2018. The delay of the new design does not halt this process; all plates will continue to be printed with the current design until the new one is selected and printing systems adjusted.

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