Governor Laura Kelly Announces Rural Kansans Eligible for Share of $42 Million in Federal Grants to Improve Connectivity

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that eligible Kansans can now apply for the for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Distance Learning and Telehealth (DLT) grants program.

The USDA has allocated $42.4 million in funding for 2021 DLT grants nationwide. The program aims to help rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.

“Ensuring all Kansans have access to quality, affordable broadband has always been one of my top priorities – but broadband access is just the first step to connectivity,” Governor Kelly said. “This grant is an incredible opportunity for rural Kansans to get funding for the telecommunications equipment and resources needed for telehealth services, virtual school, digital business activity, and more. I appreciate the USDA’s efforts to improve connectivity throughout the country.”

The program supports eligible rural communities with the costs associated with capital assets, instructional programming, and technical assistance. Program funds can be used on:

• Broadband facilities
• Audio, video and interactive video equipment
• Terminal and data terminal equipment
• Computer hardware, network components and software
• Inside wiring and similar infrastructure that further DLT services
• Instructional programming that is a capital asset
• Technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment

DLT Grants are available to rural areas with population of 20,000 or less. Eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications, including most state and local governmental entities, federally recognized tribes, non-profits, for-profit businesses, and consortia of eligible entitles. Potential applicants can learn more, check if they are eligible, and apply here.

“Lack of connectivity has been a huge challenge in education and healthcare for rural communities, and this grant program has the potential to make a real impact,” Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said. “We appreciate this partnership with USDA as we work to strengthen and improve the quality of life in rural Kansas.”

The Office of Recovery co-hosted a webinar on the USDA DLT program with the Office of Broadband Development, Office of Rural Prosperity, and Department of Agriculture. You can watch a recording of the webinar and learn more here.

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Executive Order Allowing for Return of License Renewal Deadlines, Return to Normal

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed an executive order that gives licensing agencies flexibility to start reimposing license renewal deadlines and fees, marking another step in Kansas’ continued return to normal life following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the pandemic began, my administration took steps right away to keep Kansans healthy and mitigate the spread of the virus by limiting the need for in-person contact to complete routine responsibilities like license renewal,” Governor Kelly said. “Through quick and efficient vaccine distribution, COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Kansas – and some of these measures are no longer needed. This executive order allowing for the reimposition of license renewal deadlines is another step in our return to normal.”

Executive Order #21-22 is effective immediately and remains in force until rescinded, or until May 28, 2021, whichever is earlier.

View E.O. #21-22 here.

 

April 23, 2021

 

 

Governor Vetoes Several Bills

The Governor vetoed a number of bills.  Several of these were good bills that needed to pass into law.  There will be an attempt to override the vetoes during Veto-Session, which starts May 3. A list of vetoed bills should be posted at

http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/year1/measures/reports/veto_fr/

 

Fairness in Women’s Sports

The Governor vetoed SB 55 that would have limited competition in women’s sports to biological females.  The Governor’s veto entitles transgender athletes at the expense of biological female athletes.  How can a talented high school woman athlete get a college scholarship competing against biological males?  The Governor said this bill, “would harm our ability to attract and retain businesses.”  Let’s be clear, she is talking about out-of-state multi-national corporations trying to force state policy that goes against Kansas values.  The Governor is cowering to them.  The legislature will try to override this veto but the votes will be close.

 

Protecting Elections

The Governor vetoed two election bills (HB 2183 and HB2332) that would strengthen the integrity of Kansas elections.  One of her excuses was, “hundreds of major companies across the nation have made it abundantly clear that this kind of legislation is wrong.”  Who does she represent? Definitely not Kansans when she is more worried about national corporations instead of the accuracy of Kansas elections.  Our Governor is talking the national Democrat propaganda, instead representing Kansas.  We will have the votes for a veto override on both of the bills if no legislator changes their vote.

 

2^nd Amendment

The Governor vetoed two 2^nd Amendment bills.  HB 2089 would allow local school boards options to offer gun safety education.  HB 2058 would lower the minimum age to conceal carry in Kansas  from 21 to 18 years old.  It also establishes reciprocity for persons 18 to  20 years of age that hold a concealed carry permit from another state.  Can you believe the veto override will be more difficult on the firearm education bill, HB 2089?  The Senate and House should have the votes on HB 2058.  The House needs 5 Representatives to change their vote on HB 2089 to override the Governor’s veto.

 

Basic Civics and Finance Education

The Governor vetoed HB 2039, requiring students pass an exam with 60 questions from the naturalization tests administered by the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services. It would enlighten our students on American civics. It would also require students in grades 10, 11, or 12 to pass a personal financial literacy course in order to graduate.  The bar for a veto override will be higher on this bill – the bill passed with 25 yes and 13 no votes in the Senate and 72 to 51 in the House.  The Senate needs 27 votes and the House 84 votes for a veto override.  Hopefully, legislators who voted No will realize how important it is that students have basic civics and financial knowledge.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12^th District State Senator.

Caryn

…

~ HB 2007 includes significant funding to support vulnerable Kansans ~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed House Bill 2007, the state budget for FY 2021 and FY 2022, which passed with bipartisan support. However, she line-item vetoed certain provisos resolved in existing legislation or that would be better addressed not in this budget but through better collaboration between agencies and stakeholders.

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her signing of HB 2007, and her line-item vetoes:

“I want to thank the legislature for working together thoughtfully and expeditiously to pass this budget, which includes many enhancements to the work we began before the pandemic to restore funding through fiscally responsible tax and budget policy. There is still more work to be done, however, this budget includes significant funding to support some of the most vulnerable Kansans, including those in long-term care and those with intellectual disabilities. It also increases access to newborn screening, preventive mental health, and crisis services.

“While I support the majority of the provisions in this budget, there are items that have either been resolved in existing legislation or that would be better addressed not in this budget but through better collaboration between agencies and stakeholders. Other provisions tie funding mandates or prohibitions to blanket policies that should either be more narrowly tailored or independently vetted on their own merits through the regular legislative process.

“I look forward to working with the legislature to address the critical funding measures that must be passed during Omnibus. These include our constitutional obligation to adequately and equitably fund our K-12 public schools, salary increases for state employees, and restored funding for state agencies whose budgets were reduced as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(b) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby return House Bill 2007 with my signature approving the bill, except for the items enumerated below.”

State Bank Commissioner—Per Diem Increase for Kansas Banking Board Members

Section 4(b) has been line-item vetoed in its entirety.

This section would increase the per diem for members of the state banking board from $35 to $100 for the 2021 fiscal year, which ends in less than 70 days. The legislature should study this issue over the interim and make recommendations applicable to all boards and commissions. These recommendations should consider the fiscal impact of potential increases.

Legislative Coordinating Council—Room 221-E

Sections 29(d) and 31(a) have been line-item vetoed in their entirety. Additionally, the following portion of section 30(a) has also been vetoed:

• Provided further, That notwithstanding the provisions of K.S.A. 75-3765a, and amendments thereto, or any other statute, expenditures shall be made by the above agency from the legislative coordinating council – operations account of the state general fund for fiscal year 2022 for the designation and identification of room 221-E of the state capitol building as a meditation room.

These sections would designate Room 221-E as the meditation room in the Statehouse. I support legislative efforts to provide a meditation space in one of the many rooms in the Capitol that remain unused for much of the year and are more convenient, more accessible, and closer to the public entrance.

Room 221-E, which is adjacent to the rest of the Governor’s Office and has been designated as part of the Governor’s Office space in the Statehouse, is currently being used by our constituent services team to provide critical assistance to Kansans on unemployment issues, proclamations, questions regarding legislative matters, and other inquiries.

Continue reading Governor Laura Kelly Signs Budget, Removes Certain Provisos →

For more information:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706
[email protected]

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2021 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds for the program are awarded to the agency by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

The funds are in turn granted to projects and organizations to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops; assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops; expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and addressing local, regional and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.”

Applications will be evaluated by a team of external reviewers. The team will rate proposals on their ability to successfully promote specialty crops in Kansas and make a positive impact on the Kansas economy. Those recommendations will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final awards. In 2021, Kansas has been allocated more than $338,000 for this program.

Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. CDT on May 21, 2021. For more information, including the Request for Application form and additional guidance about the grant program and the grant application process, go to the KDA website at: agriculture.ks.gov/specialtycrop.

The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.

Governor Laura Kelly Vetoes Divisive Voter Suppression Bills, Keeps Kansas Welcoming and Open for Business

~Governor Kelly also vetoes bills that would endanger children and deter families and businesses from moving to Kansas~

TOPEKA – Demonstrating her commitment to ensure that our state is welcoming to every Kansan and open for business, Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed the following:

House Bill 2183 and House Bill 2332

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her vetoes of House Bill 2183 and House Bill 2332:

“Although Kansans have cast millions of ballots over the last decade, there remains no evidence of significant voter fraud in Kansas. This bill is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. It is designed to disenfranchise Kansans, making it difficult for them to participate in the democratic process, not to stop voter fraud.

“We also know what happens when states enact restrictive voting legislation. Hundreds of major companies across the nation have made it abundantly clear that this kind of legislation is wrong. Antagonizing the very businesses Kansas is trying to recruit is not how we continue to grow our economy.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Substitute for House Bill 2183.”

House Bill 2058

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2058:

“Throughout my time in public office, I have been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and of Kansans’ right to own firearms.

“But we can respect and defend the rights of Kansas gun owners while also taking effective steps to keep our children and families safe. Legislation that allows more guns on campus is neither safe nor effective, and it will drive prospective students away from our schools.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2058.”

House Bill 2166

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2166:

“As long as I’m governor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Kansas remains welcoming and inclusive. The Gadsden flag has become, over time, a symbol of racism and divisiveness. By inserting the Gadsden provision into an otherwise positive piece of legislation, the Legislature ensured a veto.

“The Legislature can easily pass and send me the original bill. If they do, I will sign it.

“Under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2166.”

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Providing Low-Cost Loans to Families, Businesses Experiencing High Utility Bills

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Senate Bill 86, establishing the Kansas Extraordinary Utility Costs Loan Deposit Program to provide low-cost loans to Kansans experiencing increased utility bills due to the extreme cold temperatures in February 2021.

“Since extremely cold temperatures hit our state in February, my administration has worked with local and national partners to find solutions to provide relief to Kansas families and businesses experiencing surging utility costs,” Governor Kelly said. “This legislation is a critical step in our continued response – and I thank the Legislature and State Treasurer Lynn Rogers for their collaborative effort to get this bill to my desk.”

The loan program will be administered by the Kansas State Treasurer.

“I want to thank Governor Kelly for signing this bipartisan legislation into law today. This is critical and necessary for Kansas communities and businesses to fully recover from the extraordinary weather event in February as well as the pandemic we continue to endure,” State Treasurer Lynn Rogers said. “My staff and I are ready to move forward with rolling out the low-cost loan programs the first week of May.”

View SB 86 here.

Governor Kelly also signed the following pieces of bipartisan legislation into law:

House Bill 2208

House Bill 2208 enacts the Rural Emergency Hospital Act (Act) and creates a category of licensure to enable certain Kansas hospitals to receive federal health care reimbursement as rural emergency hospitals; establishes certification for certified community behavioral health clinics; authorizes licensed out-of-state physicians with telemedicine waivers to practice telemedicine in Kansas; and modifies licensure, temporary permit, and regulatory requirements on the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and its licensees.

House Bill 2401

House Bill 2401 authorizes the Secretary of Corrections (Secretary) to enter into agreements for public-private partnerships for projects for new or renovated buildings at correctional institutions.

Governor Laura Kelly Vetoes Divisive Transgender Sports Bill, Keeps Kansas Welcoming and Open for Business

~Governor Kelly also vetoes bills that would wrongly take away constitutionally-endowed curriculum authority from the State Board of Education~

TOPEKA – Demonstrating her commitment to ensure that our state is welcoming to every Kansan and open for business, Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed the following:

Senate Bill 55

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 55:

“This legislation sends a devastating message that Kansas is not welcoming to all children and their families, including those who are transgender – who are already at a higher risk of bullying, discrimination, and suicide.

“As Kansans, we should be focused on how to include all students in extracurricular activities rather than how to exclude those who may be different than us. Kansas is an inclusive state and our laws should reflect our values. This law does not do that.

“This bill would also undoubtedly harm our ability to attract and retain businesses. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation, than strategic, pro-growth lawmaking.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 55.”

House Bill 2089 and House Bill 2039

The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her vetoes of House Bill 2089 and House Bill 2039:

“The Kansas Constitution endows our state Board of Education with the authority to set the curriculum for our public schools. We should let the state Board of Education do that job, not the Legislature. This is legislative overreach. I encourage the Legislature to work with the State Board of Education to modify curriculum.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2089 and House Bill 2039.”

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Several Pieces of Bipartisan Legislation into Law

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed 26 pieces of bipartisan legislation into law.

“Today, I signed 26 bipartisan bills that will help everyone from Kansas veterans, to businesses, to farmers, to our infrastructure and our environment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is the kind of success that can be achieved when we work together – not as Republicans or Democrats – but as Kansans. I want to thank my colleagues in the legislature, on both sides of the aisle, for their efforts.”

House Bill 2021

HB 2021 authorizes the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA), on and after July 1, 2021, to issue bonds, not to exceed $10.5 million, for the purpose of financing the construction of a state veterans home facility located in northeast Kansas, including, but not limited to, in Douglas, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Shawnee, and Wyandotte counties.

House Bill 2074

Senate Sub. for HB 2074 enacts the Technology-enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Act (Act), which will be part of and supplemental to Chapter 9 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated (the Kansas Banking Code). On July 1, 2022, the bill requires the State Bank Commissioner issue a charter to The Beneficient Company and establish a fidfin fiduciary institution pilot program with an economic growth zone designated in Harvey County. The bill also establishes an income and privilege tax credit beginning in tax year 2021 for trust banks in an amount equal to such fiduciary financial institution’s qualified charitable distributions during such taxable year if the trust bank maintained such fiduciary financial institution’s principal office in an economic growth zone.

House Bill 2102

Senate Sub. for HB 2102 updates the Kansas Egg Law regarding repackaged eggs.

House Bill 2114

HB 2114 creates the Kansas Senior Care Task Force, creates and amends law regarding elder and dependent adult abuse multidisciplinary teams, and amends law regarding abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of adults.

House Bill 2143

HB 2143 modifies law related to sales tax.

House Bill 2201

Senate Sub. for HB 2201 modifies certain provisions related to the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (Eisenhower Program).

House Bill 2203

HB 2203 establishes the Asbestos Remediation Fund (Fund). The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Environment (Secretary) to remit all moneys received from the following sources to the State Treasurer, to be credited to the Fund:

• Permit and approval fees related to the Asbestos Control Program;
• Moneys recovered by the State under the provisions of the Asbestos Control Act (Act), including administrative expenses and moneys paid under any agreement stipulation, or settlement; and
• Interest attributable to investment of moneys in the Fund.

The bill requires moneys in the Fund to be expended only for the purpose of administering the Act, including funding of a technical and environmental compliance assistance program.

House Bill 2243

HB 2243 makes several changes to law governing the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS or the Retirement System) pertaining to a study performed by the KPERS Board of Trustees, authorization of the allotment for the KPERS Death and Disability Program and a moratorium on payments in FY 2021 by all employers, provisions in the Kansas Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) Act relating to participating members’ election and extension of their DROP periods, and administration of certain KPERS benefits and the application of certain federal Internal Revenue Code provisions on the Retirement System (“guidepost” section).

House Bill 2244

HB 2244 amends the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act (Act) to transfer registration and regulation of industrial hemp processors from the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) to the State Fire Marshal (Fire Marshal). The bill also amends law regarding the disposal of industrial hemp; the definition of “hemp products”; marketing, selling, or distributing hemp products unlawfully without registration or licensure; and an exception for transportation of industrial hemp between producers and processors.

House Bill 2254

HB 2254 increases the monetary cap on irrevocable prearranged funeral agreements, contracts, or plans, on and after July 1, 2021, to $10,000, which will increase in an amount equal to the average percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index each year. The bill also amends the documentation a licensed crematory operator or crematory operator in charge is required to receive, prior to the cremation of any dead human body, to only a completed and executed coroner’s permit to cremate, if required under the Uniform Vital Statistics Act (Act).

House Bill 2390

HB 2390 reviews, amends, and adds exceptions to the Kansas Opens Records Act (KORA) and creates and amends law regarding the filing of fraudulent liens.

House Bill 2391

HB 2391 amends law related to the Office of the Secretary of State. The bill revises and updates certain provisions pertaining to business and other related filings and repeals obsolete laws.

House Bill 2405

HB 2405 authorizes the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA) to issue bonds, in one or more series, in an amount not to exceed $500.0 million, plus all amounts required to pay the costs of issuance. Proceeds from those bonds must be applied to the unfunded actuarial pension liability (UAL) of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). The interest rate of those bonds may not exceed 4.3 percent. Bonds may not be issued without approval of the State Finance Council, which may give approval while the Legislature is in session. The bonds issued and interest owed would be an obligation of KDFA and not KPERS. The bonds issued would not be considered a debt or obligation of the State for purposes of the Kansas Constitution. The Department of Administration and the KDFA would be permitted to enter into contracts to implement the payment arrangements after the bonds are issued.

House Bill 2408

HB 2408 authorizes and directs the Executive Director of the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS), on behalf of the KSHS, to convey by quitclaim deed a 9.86 acre parcel of land in Doniphan County to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

Senate Bill 26

House Sub. for SB 26 updates statutes related to the regulatory authority of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) with regard to motor carriers.

Senate Bill 36

SB 36 amends procedures related to certain vehicle identification number (VIN) checks and transfer of ownership of certain salvage vehicles; prohibits a motor vehicle from being towed out of Kansas without the consent of the driver or owner of the vehicle; and makes technical changes, including changes to remove outdated language.

Senate Bill 38

SB 38 establishes a pesticide waste disposal program and adds and amends law regarding the roles of the Division of Conservation (Division) within the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the State Conservation Commission (Commission).

Senate Bill 67

SB 67 creates law regarding the right-of-way for funeral processions and for certain vehicles involved in utility repairs.

Senate Bill 95

SB 95 amends a requirement regarding odometer readings upon assignment of a vehicle title and amends the definitions for “all-terrain vehicle” (ATV) and “recreational offhighway vehicle” (ROV).

Senate Bill 103

SB 103 amends the Kansas Power of Attorney Act (Act) to state a power of attorney executed on or after July 1, 2021, is deemed sufficient if in substantial compliance with the form set forth by the Judicial Council, and the bill directs the Judicial Council to develop such form. The bill states the amendments made by the bill shall apply prospectively and shall not affect the validity of a power of attorney executed prior to July 1, 2021.

Senate Bill 106

SB 106 enacts the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) and repeals the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (ULONA), as well as other current laws regarding notaries. Throughout RULONA, some provisions from ULONA and other current law are continued, reorganized, or updated without substantive changes. The bill also updates references to ULONA in other areas of statute. This summary sets forth the RULONA structure and notes provisions containing substantive changes or additions to ULONA and other current law provisions.

Senate Bill 107

SB 107 enacts the Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act [UFIPA] and repeals the Uniform Principal and Income Act (1997) [UPIA]. Throughout the UFIPA, some provisions from UPIA are continued, reorganized, or updated without substantive changes. The bill also amends one statute within the Kansas Uniform Trust Code (UTC). This brief summarizes the UFIPA structure and notes provisions containing substantive changes or additions to UPIA provisions.

Senate Bill 122

SB 122 amends various sections within the Kansas Rules of Evidence (Rules).

Senate Bill 142

SB 142 requires an operator of any watercraft vessel to require every person on such vessel age 12 or younger to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while aboard or being towed by a vessel unless the person is below decks or in an enclosed cabin. The bill requires the Secretary of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to promulgate rules and regulations regarding required personal flotation devices. Currently, regulation of personal flotation devices is set in statute.

Senate Bill 143

SB 143 updates and rearranges definitions regarding grain and grain warehouses, clarifies when applications for licenses should be made, removes a reference regarding an independent public accountant, clarifies the fee for a functional unit license, increases the caps for storage fees, and increases the allowable examination period for grain warehouses.

Senate Bill 178

SB 178 amends provisions in the Kansas Banking Code governing organization and supervision to permit a national bank, federal savings association, or federal savings bank to convert to a state trust company. The bill also permits a trust company to convert its charter to one of the above-named financial institutions.

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Military Family Bill

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan measure to help keep veterans and their families living and working in Kansas.

House Bill 2066, the Occupational License Reciprocity bill, provides License Reciprocity – recognition of a license gained in one state by another, in this case Kansas – to military spouses and all Kansans. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kelly in a public ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

“This bill is a win-win for our veterans and military families and our continued economic recovery following COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By providing Occupational Licensing Reciprocity, this bipartisan legislation will benefit our state’s military community, help our employers who rely on licensing for hiring, and spur economic growth statewide.”

HB 2066 expands the existing law to make it easier for military spouses from other states to use their professional licenses in Kansas by expediting key elements of the licensing process.

Occupational Licensing has grown rapidly in the U.S., with nearly 25% of all Americans relying on a license for employment. As each state has developed its own set of guidelines for each license, transferability of licensing has become expensive and time consuming unless a reciprocity program is in place.

“Our state’s Framework for Growth is clear: Kansas is facing a significant working-age population decline,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Transferable occupational licensing and eased requirements on license reciprocity for military spouses represent a creative approach to making sure our state is able to accommodate as many professionals as possible. Kansas veterans are unmatched in their conviction and professionalism, and we should do everything we can to keep them and their families in our state. Thank you to Representative Croft, our other partners in the Legislature and Governor Kelly for making this happen.”

To read HB 2066, click here.

 

April 16, 2021

 

Governor Vetoes Tax RELIEF that would Slow Government Growth

It is not a surprise but disappointing the Governor vetoed Senate Bill (SB) 50.  The bill would provide some RELIEF for Kansas taxpayers by allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money.  There were several items in the bill.  There are too many to list but here are a few key items.  It would give Kansas taxpayers the option to itemize whether they itemize on their federal return or not.  The bill would also increase state standard deductions by $500 so individual deductions would increase to $3,500 and married filing jointly to $8,000.  It also would allow a deduction on money spent on business meals.  Additionally, it would allow net operating losses to be carried forward and would allow all to expense tangible property deductions, something corporations in Kansas can already do.  It would also extend the corporate filing deadline by 30 days past the IRS deadline.

 

The Governor called the bill “irresponsible”.  Since when is it irresponsible to lower the tax burden for Kansans, especially since taxes collected from July 2020 to March 2021 are up $232.8 million above estimates.  The Department of Revenue estimates that SB 50 will decrease taxes collect by $94 million.  The responsible action would be to make SB 50 the law decreasing taxpayers’ burden, especially with the hardships they have faced this past year.  There will be an attempt at a veto override in early May when the legislature returns to Topeka.

 

Unemployment

The Kansas unemployment system has been one of the largest mismanaged disasters in Kansas.  It did not happen overnight.  It has been building for years and when the Governor shut down most businesses last year, the system that had been a failure became a complete disaster.  Over the years the legislature has allocated money to update the system, but it was never completed.  Kansas had one of the highest numbers of known fraudulent unemployment applications in the nations.  The unemployment funds have been depleted and businesses that pay unemployment tax were looking at major increased payment obligations.

 

Senate Substitute for House Bill (Sen Sub HB) 2196 addresses all these issues.  Representative Sean Tarwater lead the effort and I was glad to help.  We spent many hours on this legislation.  It is unique because we were trying to mandate a new unemployment system.  The bill establishes an oversight council that is a major stakeholder in the project to help keep the system update on target.  The bill also changes the tax table for businesses and shores up funds with federal corona virus relief aid.  The bill passed both chambers unanimously.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12^th District State Senator.

Caryn