Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Personal Protection Equipment For Adult Care Homes

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KDADS Launches Online Portal for Adult Care Homes to Order Personal Protective Equipment

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and Secretary Laura Howard announced today that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services has partnered with a Minnesota-based supply company to launch an online order portal available to adult care homes across the state to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control supplies during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

 

“Our state’s adult care homes have been working diligently throughout the pandemic to control the spread of COVID-19 and keep residents and caregivers safe, but these safety measures become more difficult to implement without the proper protective equipment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I want to thank the SPARK Taskforce and the State Finance Council for making this new partnership possible, and for assisting my administration’s commitment to distributing critical resources to the facilities across Kansas that need them most.”

 

“We have heard from many facilities over the last eight months that finding the necessary PPE supplies to operate safely and efficiently has been one of the ongoing challenges during the pandemic,” Secretary Howard said. “The funds allocated to us from Governor Kelly’s SPARK committee allowed us to take what we hope will be a giant step forward in alleviating this challenge for our dedicated Kansas caregivers.”

 

KDADS received $10 million on October 1 from the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Committee and approved by the State Finance Council to help provide PPE and infection control supplies to adult care homes that are not federally regulated for participation in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Title 18 or Title 19 program. Adult care homes in Kansas that qualify for this earmarked SPARK funding include:

 

  • Adult Day Care (ADC)
  • Assisted Living (ALF)
  • Boarding Care Home (BCH)
  • Home Plus (HP)
  • Intermediate Care Facility / Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (ICF/IDD)
  • Residential Health Care Facilities
  • Nursing Facilities who do not participate in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Title 18 or Title 19 program

 

KDADS entered an agreement with SOURCE 309 Powered by American Solutions for Business, to connect adult care homes with suppliers of PPE through a dedicated KDADS portal focused on critical supplies and rapid fulfillment of orders to adult care homes. SOURCE 309 assembled a list of selected PPE supplies that meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) safety recommendations. The products available can be found at https://online.fliphtml5.com/hldlw/axug/.

 

KDADS has assigned a budget of approximately $575 per qualified bed per facility to each adult care home with qualifying beds. Facilities can use the budget to purchase PPE supplies through the portal and do not need to provide any additional funds. KDADS will review incoming orders and may make changes to orders to fit within a facility’s budget and to ensure SPARK funds are allocated to purchase PPE.

 

SOURCE 309 will combine group incoming orders to drive down prices and make individual orders cost effective for members of this program. The target is to ship individual PPE orders 7 to 20 business days after an order has been submitted. Due to demand and market volatility, some items in an order may arrive faster than others and, if market conditions change, some hard-to-get items like nitrile gloves and N95 masks could see extended delivery dates. PPE supplies in the portal may also change based on availability.

 

If a facility has an emergency need for supplies, they should continue to reach out to their local emergency management officials.

 

KDADS’ expectation is that adult care homes will also be able to use the State of Kansas master contract (state use contract) to purchase PPE and other COVID-19 related supplies using their own resources. Approved vendors can be found at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-and-contracts/additional-files-for-procurement-contracts/personalprotectiveequipmentrelatedsuppliescontracts.

 

These two mechanisms help KDADS meet the requirement in HB 2016 passed by the 2020 Legislature to “provide personal protective equipment to adult care homes in Kansas.”  KDADS was authorized $38.4 million for Skilled Nursing Facilities from SPARK and approved by the State Finance Council. In all, 309 Nursing Facilities have agreed to accountability mechanisms for SPARK funding and $33.8 million has been sent to nursing facilities. Facilities can use those resources to meet COVID-19 needs and expenses, including acquiring PPE or other supplies from their suppliers or the Department of Administration website.  The $10 million related to qualifying facilities for PPE purchases are in addition to the other resources nursing facilities have received to help with costs related to COVID-19.

 

If facilities have problems or questions regarding the KDADS process for ordering PPE, contact [email protected].

Advertisements, Elections, Government, Kansas

AD: Bill Meyer for KS Representative District 4

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Bill Meyer. Submitted photo.

Bill Meyer for Kansas House of Representatives
District 4

If you want a Representative who stands for:

 

Maintaining full funding for our public schools;

Expanding Medicaid to cover 150,000 low-income Kansans while bringing $700 million per year into the Kansas economy;

Expanding broadband internet into our rural areas as the # 1 necessity for attracting new business and keeping the ones we have, enabling our farmers and ranchers to access current market conditions, providing opportunities for offsite virtual learning, and expanding telemedicine into medically underserved areas;

Respecting and listening to the opinions of others;

 

Vote for Bill Meyer on November 3

Government, Kansas

Kansas Establishes Broadband Development Office

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Governor Laura Kelly Establishes Office of Broadband Development, Announces Nearly $50 Million in Grants for Broadband Access Expansion

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Order #20-67 to establish the Office of Broadband Development and announced the distribution of nearly $50 million in Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) funds to underserved communities across Kansas.

 

By expanding access to broadband, Governor Kelly’s administration will support economic development opportunities, increase access to health care and education, and promote network affordability for Kansans statewide.

 

“Broadband access has been an overlooked problem in Kansas and across the country for years, particularly in our rural and vulnerable communities,” Governor Kelly said. “Today’s announcements mark a significant step forward in my administration’s commitment to achieving the universal broadband coverage that will make our state’s communities competitive economically, healthier, and improve educational access.”

 

The Office of Broadband Development will be housed in the Kansas Department of Commerce and led by Stanley Adams, current Director of Broadband Initiatives for the Department of Commerce.

 

“Broadband is one of our state’s greatest economic development tools,” Stanley Adams, Director of the Office of Broadband Development, said. “With the Office of Broadband Development, we will take on the critical work of helping unserved and underserved communities with technical assistance and funding expertise necessary to get them online.”

 

“With an enhanced focus from the Office of Broadband Development, we will greatly improve critical access to business, education, and healthcare connectivity needed statewide,” Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Broadband truly is a critical building block to a brighter future. With today’s announcement from Governor Kelly, the moment has come to further power the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that are hallmarks of our great state.”

 

The Office of Broadband Development will:

 

  • Evaluate and report annually on the extent, quality, and affordability of broadband offerings in Kansas;
  • Develop strategies to facilitate construction of broadband infrastructure necessary to achieve functionally universal broadband access for Kansas homes and businesses;
  • And develop and advocate for policies that make high-quality broadband service more accessible, affordable, and reliable in underserved and vulnerable communities.

 

Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers joined in the announcement Thursday to highlight its importance for Kansas’ rural and agricultural communities.

 

“Ag technology is continuously changing to allow farmers and producers to increase efficiency and output,” Lt. Governor Rogers said. “Without broadband, Kansas’ hardworking farmers – and our rural communities as a whole – are being left behind. I am very excited to partner with the Office of Broadband Development and the Departments of Commerce and Transportation to strengthen our broadband infrastructure in every corner of our state.”

 

E.O. #20-67 is effective immediately and shall remain in force until rescinded.

 

Governor Kelly also announced Thursday that 67 projects were awarded a share of nearly $50 million for broadband infrastructure improvements. The projects are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act and are part of the connectivity program approved by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce and the State Finance Council.

 

“Kansans are best served when state government partners with communities and businesses to offer more options and solve problems. Today’s announcement will allow us to do all those things,” Julie Lorenz, KDOT Secretary and Office of Recovery Executive Director, said. “I want to thank our SPARK taskforce, legislators, and Kansans – without their input and support this would not have been possible.”

 

View Executive Order No. 20-67 here.

 

View the complete list of CERG awardees here.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove Aruba. Aruba was previously added September 24; however, its rates have decreased over the last two weeks.

 

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together 500 or more persons in a single room or space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs and festivals. Mass gatherings does not include normal operations of airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 500 or more persons may be in transit. It also does not include typical office environments, schools, restaurants, factories or retail/grocery stores where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes.

 

“If you are choosing to travel or attend mass gathering events, please know that there are inherent risks,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Be sure to wear masks, practice social distancing and use proper hand hygiene. And, if you’re not feeling well, stay home!”

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Halloween Guidelines In A Pandemic

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KS Dept. of Health and Environment Guidance for Celebrating Halloween, September 2020

This document outlines guidance and considerations for celebrating Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic. As typical Halloween celebrations do not allow for minimizing contact with non-household members, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives. Refer also to any specific city or county guidance in your community which may be more restrictive than what is outlined below.

Halloween Activities Not Recommended

• Gatherings, events, or parties with non-household members
• Carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions
• Door to door trick or treating – It is very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors, ensure everyone (trick or treaters and residents of homes being visited) are properly wearing face coverings, and because food sharing is risky.
• “Trunk or treating” – It is difficult to avoid crowding and sharing food at such events.
• Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19.

Recommended

• Online parties or contests (e.g., costume contests, pumpkin carving)
• Car parades
o Drive by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate vehicles and drive by judges that are appropriately physically distanced
o Drive through events where individuals remain in vehicles and drive through an area with Halloween displays
o Drive in events where individuals receive a treat bag (with commercially packaged, non-perishable treats) or take away item from an organizer while the participants remain in their vehicle
• Halloween movie nights at drive in theaters
• Halloween themed meals at outdoor restaurants, complying with restaurant protocol
• Halloween themed art installations at an outdoor museum, complying with museum protocol
• Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween themed decorations

Personal Protection Measures

Regardless of how you celebrate, there are important recommendations for how to keep yourself and your household members safe.

• Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home and around others who are not part of your household.
• Avoid confined spaces, including indoor spaces that don’t allow for easy distancing of at least 6-feet between you and others.
• Practice physical distancing – place at least 6-feet between yourself and other people who are not part of your household.
• Practice routine hand hygiene – wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean frequently touched items regularly.
Safer Trick or Treating and “Trunk or Treating”
Although KDHE does not recommend trick or treating or “Trunk or Treat” events as ways to celebrate Halloween, there are some recommendations and guidance to consider if you make these choices for yourself or members of your household.
• Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home.
o Incorporate face coverings into costumes.
o Face coverings should not be worn by children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing, and anyone who is otherwise unable to remove their cloth face covering without assistance.
• Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use at regular intervals while outside your home.
• Consider carrying sanitizing wipes to disinfect candy or other items accepted from homes. Or, sanitize items individually when you get home before consumption. Remember to also examine treats for choking hazards or tampering before eating them.
• Accept only commercially packaged, non-perishable items.
• Practice physical distancing.
o Always leave at least 6-feet of space between yourself and people not in your household.
o Do not crowd sidewalks, driveways, or porches.
o Wait until a porch or doorway is empty before approaching a home.
o Move aside on sidewalks and driveways to allow space between yourself and other trick or treaters.
o Keep a safe distance from cars – do not walk in the street.
• For “Trunk or Treat” events, follow all guidelines above while also considering:
o Maintain at least 6-feet of distance between yourself and other attendees as you walk around.
o Wait for others to depart a car/trunk before approaching. Do not congregate at a car/trunk with other attendees unless they are members of your household.

Guidance for Homes Accepting Trick or Treaters

• When answering the door or coming into contact with trick or treaters, correctly wear a cloth face covering.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at regular intervals; hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be substituted if soap and water are not available.
• Regularly clean and sanitize frequently touched items such as door handles, door bells, and door knockers. Consider having sanitizing wipes by the door for quick access between trick or treaters.
• Distribute only commercially produced, non-perishable items to trick or treaters.
• Do not use “grab bowls”, where trick or treaters reach into a communal bowl to retrieve candy.
• Practice one-way trick or treating
o Consider spacing items 6-feet apart on your porch, in your yard or on a table in your driveway with a sign advising trick or treaters to “Take 1”. Watch from a safe distance and replenish items as needed.
o Alternatively, make individual goodie bags for trick or treaters to pick up as they walk by. If your home has a fence, consider hanging individual goodie bags on the fence for trick or treaters to take as they walk by.

• For “Trunk or Treat” events, also consider:
o Participating cars should be parked at least 6-feet apart.
o Make individual goodie bags and place them in your trunk so they are not touching. Maintain a distance of at least 6-feet from other attendees and replenish bags or items as needed.
o Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use at regular intervals.
o Sanitize high-touch areas at regular intervals. Consider having sanitizing wipes on hand.
Halloween Parties
Although KDHE does not recommend hosting or attending parties as a way to celebrate Halloween, there are some recommendations and guidance to consider if you make this choice for yourself or members of your household.
• Remind potential guests who are sick or waiting on results of a COVID-19 test to stay home.
• Host activities with only people from your local area as much as possible.
• Correctly wear a cloth face covering around others who are not part of your household.
• Practice routine hand hygiene – wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Consider only hosting or attending parties hosted in large, outdoor spaces that allow for physical distancing of at least 6-feet between attendees. If an event must be hosted indoors, make sure the space is well-ventilated (for example, open windows and doors).
• Maintain at least 6-feet between yourself and people who are not members of your household, especially when cloth face coverings are removed for eating and drinking.

• When setting up tables and chairs, create individual seating areas of various sizes spaced 6-feet apart to be utilized by individual family or household units. Encourage guests to sit only with those who are members of their household, especially for eating and drinking when cloth face coverings will be removed.
• Avoid activities that require guests to be in close contact or to share items, such as games or food.
• Encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
• Limit people going in and out of areas where food is being prepared, such as kitchens or grills.
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between use when feasible.

General Halloween Health and Safety Tips

In addition to modifications to Halloween activities to reduce the spread of COVID-19, remember the following general Halloween health and safety tips to keep you and members of your household safe.
• Avoid trick or treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
• Hold a flashlight while trick or treating to help you see and others see you.
• Walk, don’t run, from house to house.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks whenever possible.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Avoid walking in streets and roadways. If there is no sidewalk, walk along the far edge of the road facing traffic in order to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting costumes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Eat only commercially produced, non-perishable treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Do not enter homes unless you are with a trusted adult.
• Only visit well-lit homes.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Never walk near candles or luminaries. Wear flame-resistant costumes.
References
1. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Guidance for Celebrating Halloween. Retrieved September 2020 from http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/community/GuidanceHalloween.pdf.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Halloween Health and Safety Tips. Retrieved September 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/index.htm.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Personal and Social Activities. Retrieved September 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html#gatherings.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Holiday Celebrations. Retrieved September 2020 from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.

Government, Kansas

Energy Efficiency Education Program Offered K-12

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The Kansas Corporation Commission promotes a new K-12 education program as the state observes Energy Efficiency Day on October 7
Wednesday, October 7 is Kansas Energy Efficiency Day. Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation joining hundreds of state and local governments in a national day of awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency.
In conjunction with Energy Efficiency Day, the Kansas Corporation Commission is promoting a new K-12 education program that teaches students the necessary data collecting and analytical skills to help their schools lower energy costs.
Nationwide, schools spend billions of dollars each year on energy. It is the second largest budget item after personnel costs. The new K-12 Benchmarking program offers teachers an all-inclusive energy efficiency curriculum that includes professional equipment and guidance from energy experts – all at no cost to the school. The curriculum meets Next Generation Science Standards and can be adapted for students of various grade levels.
The KCC is collaborating with Kansas State University Engineering Extension to implement the program. Funding is provided by a U.S. Department of Energy grant.
Participating schools will form an energy team to benchmark and understand the school’s energy use. The next step is to conduct an energy efficiency treasure hunt using professional energy auditing equipment to look for ways to reduce energy loss and save money. Those findings lead to an energy efficiency campaign within the school followed by measuring cost reductions.
More information, including a video explaining the program, is available on the KCC’s website at https://kcc.ks.gov/energy-education/teachers.
 
Area News, Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Bourbon County: 14 Active COVID-19 Cases

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

October 5, 2020

Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases.

Allen County

Current Active Cases 25
Total Hospitalizations 5-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 71
Total Cases Since Testing 97
Deaths 1

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 83
Total Cases Since Testing 86
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 14
Total Hospitalizations 10- 0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 195
Total Cases Since Testing 212
Deaths 3

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 21
Total Cases Since Testing 24
Deaths 0
Advertisements, Elections, Government, Kansas

Ad: Bill Meyer For KS Representative District 4

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Bill Meyer. Submitted photo.

Bill Meyer for Kansas House of Representatives
District 4

If you want a Representative who stands for:

Maintaining full funding for our public schools;

Expanding Medicaid to cover 150,000 near-poor Kansans while bringing $700 million per year into the Kansas economy;

Expanding broadband internet into our rural areas as the # 1 necessity for attracting new business and keeping the ones we have, enabling our farmers and ranchers to access current market conditions, providing opportunities for offsite virtual learning, and expanding telemedicine into medically underserved areas;

Respecting and listening to the opinions of others;

 

Vote for Bill Meyer on November 3

Government, Kansas

Claim Eco Impact Payment By Oct. 15

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Governor Kelly Urges Kansas Non-Filers to Claim Economic Impact Payment

~IRS mails special letter to nearly 70,000 Kansans, urging them to claim Economic Impact Payment by October 15 at IRS.gov/eip~

 

TOPEKA – An Internal Revenue Service news release issued on September 17, 2020 announced that a special mailing has been sent to individuals who are not typically required to file a tax return and have not yet registered to receive the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) available under The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

 

Information from the IRS indicates that the nearly 70,000 Kansans who may qualify will or already have received a letter encouraging them to register for the payment by October 15, using the special Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Tool available at IRS.gov/eip.

 

To help address fraud concerns, the IRS has posted a copy of the letter on the IRS website at www.IRS.gov. Kansans who receive the letter are encouraged to register to determine their eligibility for the EIP of up to $1,200 for individuals and up to $2,400 for married couples. People with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child.

 

According to the IRS website, the Non-Filers tool is designed for people not required to file a tax return and may include:

  • individuals who do not meet the income threshold to file a return
  • individuals experiencing homelessness
  • recipients of certain federal benefits such as Social Security, Supplemental Security, Veterans Affairs benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits.

              

After October 15, the only way to claim the EIP will be to file a federal tax return.

 

For assistance, representatives are available on the IRS hotline at 800-919-9835.

Government, Kansas

Half-Staff Flags For Fallen Firefighters

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Governor Kelly to Honor National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

Governor directs flags to be lowered, will sign official proclamation

 

In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, and in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day on Sunday, October 4, 2020, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on October 4.

 

“Let us honor all those who respond to the call and put their lives on the line to protect people, property, and communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As the western United States grapples with the devastating wildfires, we are thankful for the Kansas firefighters who have stepped up to help their fellow countrymen and women on the frontlines.”

 

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

 

Government, Kansas

KS Receives More Taxes Than Estimated

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas $108.4 Million Ahead of First-Quarter Projections

~State Receives $72.8 Million More Than Estimated in Total Tax Collections for September~

 

TOPEKA – Closing out the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2021, Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the State of Kansas is $108.4 million ahead of its estimate, with $2.3 billion in total tax collections for the fiscal year. That is $515.7 million, or 29.7%, more than the same time last fiscal year quarter.

 

The increase is due in part to the change in the filing deadline for income taxes, and the increased revenue seen in compensating use tax collections.

 

“Since I took office, my administration has returned to responsible fiscal practices that have allowed Kansas to successfully remain financially healthy, even as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While there is optimism with these projections, we must remain committed to fiscal steadiness, public health, and support our core services like education, infrastructure, and economic development which will enable Kansas to remain on the path to recovery.”

 

September’s total tax collections were $728.9 million; a $72.8 million increase over the estimate. That is a 2%, or $15.2 million, decrease from the same month of the last fiscal year. 

 

Individual income tax and corporate income tax collections performed better than expected. The state saw a $23.6 million, or 7%, increase in individual income tax collections with $358.6 collected. This increase could be due, in part, to estimated tax payments and economic optimism. Corporate income tax collections were $89.7 million, an increase of $29.7 million, or 49.5%, more than the estimate.

 

Retail sales tax collections were 1.2%, or $2.4 million, less than the estimate, with $195.6 collected. The decline in retail sales tax collections could be due to some temporary change in consumer habits as the school year started. However, compensating use tax collections continue the trajectory of growth as those collections were $11.6 million, or 34.1%, more than estimated with $45.6 collected. This trend is the effect of changing consumer purchasing habits and increased registrations of out-of-state retailers to collect and remit taxes to the state.

 

“The impact that the pandemic will have on the economy during the fall and winter months is uncertain at best,” Secretary Mark Burghart said. “That same uncertainty carries over to the anticipated sales and use tax receipts associated with purchases that will be made during the upcoming holiday season.”

 

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will be meeting to evaluate the stability of the Kansas economy and look at the estimates for the rest of the fiscal year. This group is composed of representatives of the Division of the Budget, Department of Revenue, Legislative Research Department, and one consulting economist each from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University.

 

Government, Kansas

Remote Learning Grants For School Children Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces $40 million in Grant Funding Now Available to Support Remote Learning Programs for School-age Children

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that applications are now open for newly available grant funds and additional resources to support remote learning for school-age children. The Remote Learning Grant program will help address learning and supervision needs of school-age children who are not able to attend in-person school due to the pandemic.

 

“Providing a safe place to learn is not only essential for a child’s development, but it will also play a critical role in strengthening our economy by allowing Kansas parents to continue working while kids are learning from home,” Governor Kelly said. “I strongly encourage eligible entities to get their applications in quickly so we can make these services available to Kansans as soon as possible.”

 

The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund will be responsible for administering the funds, which will be awarded on an ongoing basis. Eligible applicants include school-age programs, KDHE-licensed child care providers, and those with demonstrated experience and success developing and delivering quality, safe, out-of-home care and education services/programs for school-age children.

 

Applications are available at http://allinforkansaskids.org/.