Governor Laura Kelly Issues Executive Order Allowing Continued Delivery of COVID-19 Recovery Supplies
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced she has signed Executive Order #20-65, which extends temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations allowing them to quickly deliver supplies necessary to assist Kansas in its COVID-19 recovery efforts.
“I want to thank motor carriers across the nation who have been working diligently throughout the pandemic to make sure medical supplies, food shipments, and other critical items reach those who need them,” Governor Kelly said. “I will continue following the lead of our federal partners to decrease the burden on our motor carriers, and ensure these supplies reach their destinations as quickly as possible.”
Executive Order #20-65 extends temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations until rescinded, untilDecember 31,2020, or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier. It is an extension of measures put in place by Executive Order #20-62.
The order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments, and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response efforts.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces $500,000 Grant to Protect Historic Kansas Properties
~National Park Service awards $500,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant to the Kansas Historical Society~
TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly today announced a new program that will assist Kansans who own historic properties in communities with populations under 30,000. The National Park Service has awarded the $500,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant to the Kansas Historical Society. The Historical Society’s Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will develop this new sub-grant program, Kansas Rural Preservation.
“Kansas is home to many historical and cultural sites that tell the story of our state and our country’s past,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the National Park Service and the Kansas Historical Society, we can be assured that markers that are part of our history will be protected for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”
More details about the sub-grant program and applications will become available this winter at kshs.org/20430. Or contact Katrina Ringler, SHPO grants manager, at 785-272-8681, ext. 215; [email protected]; to be placed on a notification list for further details.
Kansas was among eight recipients to receive the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants this year. A total of $4.8 million was awarded in 2020 to support the preservation of historic buildings in rural communities across America. Now in its second year, the Paul Bruhn Historical Revitalization Grants are named for a former executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont.
Congress appropriates funding for various programs, including the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant, through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The HPF uses revenue from federal oil leases on the Outer Continental Shelf to assist preservation projects in all states, territories, and many tribal lands. For more information about the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant, find more at go.nps.gov/revitalization.
Agriculture Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board to Hold Virtual Meeting on September 17
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17. This is a regularly scheduled board meeting that will be held via virtual meeting or by utilizing a call-in option.
The mission of the KDA Agricultural Marketing, Advocacy and Outreach Team is to serve all Kansans through innovative programming and delivering solutions designed to create an environment that facilitates growth and expansion in agriculture while increasing pride in and awareness of the state’s largest industry — agriculture.
The meeting is open to the public. To request a copy of the agenda or directions on how to participate in the virtual meeting, please contact Kerry Wefald, agriculture marketing director, at 785-564-6758 or [email protected].
Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting.
Topeka– Phone and internet services are vital for online learning, applying for jobs, accessing healthcare, and calling for help in an emergency. The Lifeline program offers discounts to help eligible low-income and unemployed Kansans connect to those services. More than 10 million Americans, including 35,000 in Kansas, are currently enrolled in the program.
As part of National Lifeline Awareness Week, September 14-18, the Kansas Corporation Commission wants to make Kansans aware of this valuable resource. Depending on the services provided and your provider, residents may be eligible to receive up to $17.02 in monthly federal and state discounts. Subscribers living on tribal lands qualify for additional discounts.
This year, a new National Verifier program helps speed up the approval process for applicants enrolled in assistance programs by quickly confirming Lifeline eligibility. Residents enrolled in any of the following assistance programs may be eligible for the Lifeline program: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA), Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Head Start Tribal Programs (only those meeting its income qualifying standard), and the Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.
Those at 135% of the federal poverty level also qualify with income documentation. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the requirement of three months of income documentation was waived until November 30, 2020 to allow recently unemployed individuals to apply for the program by submitting an official document, including notice of unemployment benefits to confirm their income-based eligibility.
KDHE, Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness Announce Two New Council Members
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness are pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members, Jody Hoener with Bourbon County and Katherine (Kat) Wurzer, a junior at Wichita State University, for a three-year term starting in 2021.
“Our Council is comprised of a dedicated team of individuals committed to encouraging increased physical activity, healthy diets and tobacco use prevention by sharing information with Kansans and partnering with businesses, schools and individuals to promote healthy lifestyles,” Miranda Steele, Council Chair, said. “We are excited to channel Jody and Katherine’s talent, expertise and energy into furthering our mission.”
Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.
Jody Hoener
Jody Hoener is the Economic Development Director for Bourbon County and serves as the coordinator for the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s BCBS Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant. Jody has led efforts in addressing county health rankings through a policy, systems and environment approach with a focus to improve quality of life and encourage economic growth. Through her work she gained experience in community development, strategic planning and community outreach. This work has a broad impact through citizen engagement which Jody finds very fulfilling. She enjoys bringing people together, learning from others’ experiences and expertise and driving positive change.
Katherine (Kat) Wurzer
A student at Wichita State University studying Business Management, Katherine Wurzer is the founder of a pending non-profit, GetFIT, Inc., benefiting the health and wellness of at-risk youth and breaking down barriers of access and affordability. Through her GetFIT initiative, she has worked closely with YMCAs as a board member, advocacy committee member, piloting a program for at-risk youth, raising funds and coordinating events. She is an ambassador for the American Heart Association of Kansas and has participated in virtual initiatives for the Wichita Parks and Recreation. As a certified personal trainer and youth fitness specialist, Katherine strives to be at the forefront of developing healthy futures for Kansas youth.
2021 Council members are: Chair, Miranda Steele, MPA, MHSA, of Centene Corporation; Vice Chair, Christi Smith, MBA, of Family Preservation for Kansas City; Amy Penrod of Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services; Brandon Skidmore of Sunflower Foundation; Candice McField of Candice McField Fitness; Erik Sartorius, of League of Kansas Municipalities; Jeff A. Usher, of Kansas Health Foundation; Jennifer Bruning, of Kansas State Alliance of YMCAs; Joyce Ellis, PhD, of Fort Hays State University; Katie Schoenhoff, of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund; KDHE Secretary Lee Norman, MD; Mark Thompson, PhD, of Kansas Department of Education; Mary Tritsch, of AARP Kansas; Matt Messina, of Kansas Department of Transportation; and Wyatt Thompson, PLA, ASLA, CPSI, of Manhattan Parks and Recreation.
About the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness
The purpose of the Governor’s Council on Fitness is to advise the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices, prevention of tobacco use and to promote the improvement of the health of Kansans through the following:
Encourage the exchange of information about physical activity, healthy diets and tobacco use prevention and cessation.
Create private and public sector support for physical activity, good nutrition and tobacco use prevention.
Manage a statewide awards program to recognize communities and organizations demonstrating significant support for physical activity, good nutrition and tobacco use prevention.
Governor Laura Kelly Re-issues Executive Orders to Keep Kansans Safe, Healthy
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-64, which will re-issue and extend several previous orders set to expire next week. The orders allow Kansas to continue effectively responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, keep Kansans safe and healthy, and make sure our businesses can continue to recover from the virus’s economic impact.
E.O. #20-64 will be reviewed by the State Finance Council during its meeting at 10 a.m. Friday, September 11. If the Council votes Friday not to extend Governor Kelly’s current State of Disaster Emergency Declaration, the re-issued orders will expire September 15, along with the emergency declaration.
“The disaster declaration, along with these Executive Orders, are critical to ensuring Kansas has the tools and support it needs to continue responding to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Kelly said. “I urge members of the State Finance Council to extend the declaration, approve these orders, and ensure we can keep Kansans health, fed, and in their homes.”
Under E.O. #20-64, the following orders will be extended until rescinded, until January 26, 2021, or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier:
20-37 – Allowing certain deferred tax deadlines and payments during state of disaster emergency
20-39 – Extending professional and occupational licenses during state of disaster emergency
20-40 – Temporarily allowing notaries and witnesses to act via audio-video communication technology during state of disaster emergency
20-43 – Temporary relief from certain restrictions concerning shared work programs during state of disaster emergency
20-50 – Temporary relief from certain unemployment insurance requirements during state of disaster emergency
20-55 – Amended provisions related to drivers’ license and vehicle registration and regulation during state of disaster emergency
20-56 – Amended Licensure, Certification, and Registration for persons and Licensure of “Adult Care Homes” during state of disaster emergency
20-61 – Temporarily prohibiting certain foreclosures and evictions
In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, in recognition of Patriot Day, September 11, 2020, and in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff for the entire day on September 11.
“Nineteen years ago, today, our country experienced a tragedy that took the lives of so many of our fellow countrymen and women. My thoughts are with our friends, family members, and first responders who lost their lives on this infamous day,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Each year, we are reminded of the true bravery of those first responders and emergency workers who arrived at on the scenes of these terrorist attacks and gave everything to help others. We are reminded of the strength of our nation when we come together to support one another in times of crisis.”
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Efforts to Land Space Command Headquarters in Kansas
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her strong push to land the new U.S. Space Command headquarters in Kansas.
Four Kansas communities have submitted proposals to become home to the headquarters of the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), which is responsible for military operations in outer space. Derby, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, and Wichita have responded to requests for information from the federal government with proposed development sites in their communities.
“I have directed my Cabinet to use all resources necessary to support the selection of Kansas as the headquarters for the U.S. Space Command,” Governor Kelly said. “Our strong teams of state and local economic development professionals have the tools available for the attraction, growth, and retention of the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Kansas is the perfect place for this facility, and we are prepared to do the work to get it here. We look forward to further discussion with the U.S. Air Force as it works toward a decision on the U.S. Space Command headquarters’ location.”
The interested Kansas communities are in the National Security Crossroads, a bi-state region with unique national security assets and talent. This would allow U.S. Space Command to quickly leverage this critical national security infrastructure and skills in establishing its permanent headquarters in Kansas.
The four proposals address facility space requirements, workforce needs, proximity to a military installation, and other vital elements necessary for the successful operation of the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Each community has unique assets and attributes that would make it an attractive and practical location for the USSPACECOM headquarters, employees, and families.
“There’s no question Kansas is the best place in the nation for the U.S. Space Command headquarters,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our central location, talented and educated workforce, existing military infrastructure, the advanced network of higher education institutions across our state – the list of advantages is unmatched. I am confident that Kansas is the most strategic choice for the Space Command headquarters’ location, and we look forward to supporting these four outstanding Kansas cities throughout the process.”
Each proposed site in Kansas offers impressive assets, including an educated workforce, quality-of-life amenities, and robust infrastructure attractive to businesses and organizations. Along with its strong military and aviation presence, Kansas also boasts a longstanding record of enthusiastic support for military service members and their families – both active duty personnel and veterans as they transition from military to civilian life.
Kansas Department of Commerce now accepting Online Community Development Block Grant applications for Housing, Sewer and Water
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is announcing today that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program applications for Housing and Water and Sewer are now available online at kansascommerce.gov/cdbg.
The move to online-only applications is intended to simplify the process for applicant communities, as well as streamline the review and approval process for added efficiency. Applications for Housing and Water and Sewer are due September 25 and Community Facilities are due October 30.
The CDBG program supports communities by funding community development and infrastructure projects that meet one of three national objectives set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
The project benefits low- and moderate-income individuals
The project removes or prevents slum or blight condition
The project eliminates an urgent need created by a disaster when local funds are unavailable.
With the due dates for these three programs approaching, the Kansas Department of Commerce is presenting webinars to assist with this transition to the online-only application system.
State of Kansas Tax Collections $40.2 million Above Estimates
~Kansas total tax revenues show visible changes in consumer purchasing behaviors~
TOPEKA – Today Governor Laura Kelly announced that in its second month of Fiscal Year 2021, the State of Kansas continued to see total tax collections performing above estimates. Total tax collections for August were $543.5 million. That is $40.2 million, or 8.0%, more than the estimate. That is 9.3%, or $46.3 million, ahead of last August.
“While this news shows that the steps we have taken to protect our economy are working, we have to remain fiscally cautious,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The state of Kansas is still recovering from COVID-19 and we have to stay vigilant. That means all Kansans should wear a mask, practice social distancing and avoid mass gatherings so we can keep our schools and our businesses open.”
August’s individual income tax collections were 12.9%, or $31.0 million, more than the estimate with $271.0 million collected. Compared to the same month last fiscal year, that is a 17.2%, or $39.7 million in growth. Corporate income tax collections were 10.5% more than August of last fiscal year with $7.3 million collected. That is $2.3 million, or 46.9%, more than the estimate.
Retail sales tax collections were 2.5%, or $5.1 million, more than the estimate with $207.1 million collected. That is a $1.8 million growth compared to the same month of last fiscal year. Compensating use tax collections were $12.7 million, or 38.9%, more than last August with $45.3 million collected. That is $9.3 million more than estimated.
So far, the state has collected $95.7 million in compensating use taxes for the fiscal year; a $24.0 million, or 33.6%, increase compared to the same two months of last fiscal year.
“The year-over-year increase in compensating use tax collections demonstrates the importance of increasing the number of registrations by remote sellers,” Secretary Mark Burghart said. “By increasing the number of out-of-state retailer registrations, we create fairness between out-of-state online retailers and main street Kansas.”
The state is $35.6 million, or 2.4%, ahead of projections for the year with $1.5 billion in total tax collections for the fiscal year. When comparing total tax collections over the same timeframe to the previous fiscal year, the State of Kansas is $531.0 million, or 53.5%, ahead of Fiscal Year 2020.
Governor Kelly and DCF Announce Additional Child Care Benefit; Expand Hero Relief Program
Agency takes steps to address child care needs during delayed school openings
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department for Children and Families today announced an additional benefit in September for those receiving child care assistance to support families as they adapt to delayed school openings across the state.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our state, and many families and child care providers are in need of additional resources,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As parents and kids adjust to virtual, remote, and hybrid learning environments, DCF is providing the support Kansas families need right now.”
“We know a large number of districts have moved the beginning of the school year to September,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “This means many families are needing child care during a time when their kids would normally be in school.”
DCF is supplementing September child care plans to equal the benefit issued in August. In a typical year, the benefit would be reduced in September to account for children being in school. Those families eligible for the extra benefit include those with existing child care plans with DCF that have school-aged children. Additionally, families who apply by September 30, 2020 also will receive these additional September benefits, prorated based on the date of application.
DCF also is expanding eligibility criteria for its Hero Relief Program. The program expands DCF’s child care assistance subsidies for families by making them available to essential workers who financially qualify. Effective Sept. 1, school personnel will be added to the list of eligible workers.
The expansion will include:
Educators and select other school personnel including teachers, para-professionals and their substitutes
Workers providing bus or other transportation services, food services, and custodial services for public and private schools, including those employed by contractors
Workers providing other essential services within public and private schools may be determined eligible with the approval of regional administrators
To qualify, families must have countable gross income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. For an average family of four that equals a monthly income of $5,458. Families will receive the full DCF subsidy amount based on their family size, with no family-share deduction.
“We know teachers and other school personnel are dealing with difficult situations involving the care of their own children,” Howard said. “By expanding the Hero Relief Program, we hope to relieve some of the financial burden many of these families now face.”
For more information and for instructions on how to apply, visit ksherorelief.com.
A new Driver Education Reimbursement Grant Program has been established to provide financial assistance to driver’s education programs to help individuals who may not have been able to participate otherwise. The program is part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) passed by the Kansas Legislature this spring.
“Young drivers are overrepresented in traffic crashes,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “This new IKE program provides increased resources to driver education programs so they can train new Kansas drivers to navigate roadways in a safer manner.”
The driver education provider will be reimbursed up to $200 per eligible student who completes the program. Some of the eligibility requirements include – the provider must have an approved driver education program or driver training school, maintain records on students for at least five years and certify all students meet the guidelines.
Students must be between the age of 14 and 29 and a resident of Kansas, has not had their driving privilege suspended in any way, demonstrate financial need and can obtain a certificate of completion by the instructor.
“Driver’s education has changed a lot over the years, and it is important for young drivers to be able to get to work and other places safely,” said Senator Carolyn McGinn. “This program can help them gain driving experience and skills.”
The deadline for driver education program providers to apply for the program is Oct. 9. Interested individual or student participants should contact their driver education program instructor for additional details. For more details on the reimbursement grant program and an application, go to https://www.ksdot.org/burTrafficSaf/default.asp.
