Lansing Correctional Facility
Declared a Contained Site by
Kansas Department of Health and Environment 

 

TOPEKA, Kansas – Today, Secretary Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), expressed his thanks for the service of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas National Guardsmen at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) in support of KDOC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

As of June 1, 2020, KDHE confirmed the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus at LCF as contained. As a result, the Guardsmen who have supported logistics, food and medical services at the facility concluded their mission on June 4.

 

“The Kansas National Guard is full of highly trained, professional public servants who are ready at a moment’s notice to serve their fellow Kansans,” Zmuda said. “We were extremely impressed with their willingness and ability to adapt to their new surroundings and face each task with strength and dignity. On behalf of the department, I want to sincerely thank them for their work.”

 

The first four Kansas National Guard members arrived at Lansing on April 15 and grew to more than 40 in support of LCF’s COVID-19 response. The Guardsmen were instrumental in monitoring residents for symptoms, carrying out mass testing for the virus and conducting twice-daily health checks. Additional members also provided support in food service, as residents who normally prepare meals were unable to do so while they were quarantined and assisted with the move to the new buildings at the reconstructed facility. Their contributions allowed Lansing employees to remain focused on safety and security tasks with confidence that these services were continuing.

 

KDHE began assisting KDOC with their COVID-19 preparations in early March and when the situation at LCF escalated, they dedicated a full-time staff member to assist with ensuring the health and safety of the residents. As the agency moves into a new phase of response, the two agencies will continue to partner to determine what additional steps may need to be taken in the future.

 

“Secretary Lee Norman and Phil Griffin, Director of the Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention at KDHE, have been amazing partners to our agency,” Zmuda said. “They have brought the health expertise that we needed to make sure that our staff received the most up-to-date information on the virus and how to keep the men, women and youth in our care safe.”

 

With the virus contained, residents, staff and contractors at the facility are moving forward with the resumption of many activities. This includes residents returning to their jobs in food service, laundry and maintenance activities as well as essential private industry jobs. In addition, the contracted medical provider will continue providing all services under the terms of their contract. Activities that expose residents to the community, including visitation, volunteers, mentors, and non-essential private industry jobs will not be resumed at this time.

 

“While we are resuming many activities, we fully recognize that this virus will still be present for the foreseeable future, so we plan to maintain the mitigation strategies that have been implemented at each of our facilities,” Zmuda said. “This resumption of activities is a first step to normalizing operations at Lansing, but one we will do with an abundance of caution and care.”

 

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus. For information on the KDOC’s response to COVID-19, visit https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-coronavirus-updates.

SPARK Taskforce Executive & Steering Committees Hold Joint Meeting on CARES Act Funding Distribution

 

Today, Governor Laura Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce held the first joint meeting between Executive and Steering Committees to create the framework for the distribution of up to $525 million for Kansans, businesses, and communities to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.

 

“Kansans have been through so much these past few months,” Governor Kelly said. “I’m proud of my administration’s efforts to work with our local and federal partners to ensure Kansas families and businesses get the resources they need to recover from the economic damage of COVID-19. We will swiftly disperse these funds, so Kansans can get back to work and to support community preparedness in the event cases begin to rise again.”

 

This will be the 2^nd distribution proposal for the $1,034,052,049 of federal funds Kansas received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Last week, the Executive Committee approved a proposal to distribute an initial round of $400 million in funding to local governments to help address the health and economic challenges inflicted by COVID-19.

 

“We need to leverage these dollars to benefit Kansans now and, in the future,” Cheryl Harrison-Lee, SPARK executive director, said. “To do that, we need to seek the best ideas from both the public and private sectors for how to make investments that will improve health and economic outcomes across our state. As a former city administrator, I’ve seen first-hand how partnerships with the public and private sectors can deliver projects expediently and generate lasting economic growth.”

 

The CARES Act requires these funds to be spent by December 30, 2020, which will require entities to work quickly to be eligible for funding.

 

Committee members spent the bulk of the meeting developing potential investment criteria focused around four sectors: health, infrastructure, education and economic development.

 

“I appreciate the thoughtfulness and ingenuity our committee members brought to our discussions about investment priorities,” Lyle Butler, SPARK executive committee chair, said. “I’m confident we’ll be able to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit of Kansans to make strategic investments that not only accelerate our economic recovery but also generate new opportunities for growth.”

 

 

 

Governor Laura Kelly on June 8 signed the bipartisan COVID-19 response bill, House Bill 2016 into law.

 

“From day one, my administration has worked keeping Kansans healthy, and protecting the economic future of Kansas’ businesses and communities,” Governor Kelly said. “That means reaching across the aisle to get things done. This bill contains essential provisions that will allow us to continue to deliver critical health and economic services to communities and businesses throughout the state during this pandemic.”

 

The bill addresses the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and its effects, both economic and health-related. It provides the Legislature with the ability to more effectively engage in oversight while the Legislature is not in session while Governor Kelly retains the emergency authority to act as needed during the pandemic.

 

Though there are a number of COVID-19 response measures contained in the bill, the key provision extends the current emergency declaration through September 15, 2020, providing stability and certainty for the state’s ongoing emergency response efforts. Beyond September 15, the State Finance Council may extend the declaration by a vote of 6 legislative members.

 

The bill also contains the provisions of a number of executive orders that the Governor has issued during the pandemic, including allowing for expanded telemedicine, temporary licensure of out-of-state medical providers, electronic notarization of documents and certain liquor sales.

 

While the bill does provide some liability protection for medical providers and businesses, these elements are written very narrowly to apply to certain aspects of the COVID-19 response, and for most businesses the liability protection only applies when the business acts within the scope of public health requirements.

 

House Bill 2016 becomes effective upon publication in an emergency edition the Kansas Register to be published tomorrow.

 

Governor Laura Kelly Recommends Communities Move into Phase 3 of “Ad Astra” Plan

 

TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly announced that her administration, as well as officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend that most local communities consider moving into Phase 3 of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” Monday, June 8, as scheduled.

 

“I know that many Kansans are anxious to return to many of the summer activities they love, and I’m pleased that we continue to make progress that will allow them to do so safely,” Governor Kelly said.

 

“Because of Kansans’ hard work – and after careful consideration, Secretary Norman’s team at KDHE have found that COVID-19 disease spread and hospitalizations across Kansas have generally continued to trend downward – and testing capacity has increased,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Therefore, we feel comfortable recommending that most local communities consider moving into phase three.”

 

The new emergency disaster declaration issued by the Governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties moving into Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.

 

“Our recommendation to move into Phase 3 does not mean the threat of COVID-19 is over,” Governor Kelly said. “Please remember: this virus remains highly transmissible, it has a long incubation period, and cases are frequently asymptomatic. Please continue using proper safety precautions.”

 

Key Phase 3 highlights for communities:

 

• Mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals are not recommended;

 

• All education, activities, venues and establishments may operate and are recommended to follow all public health guidelines;

 

• On-site staffing has no recommended restrictions;

 

• Nonessential travel may resume, provided travelers follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas.

 

As always, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

 

• Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;

 

• Remaining home when sick or running a fever;

 

• Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;

 

• Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;

 

“Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” is available in full at covid.ks.gov, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

Survey area in blue

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin a field survey at the First Cow Creek drainage bridge on U.S. 69 at Frontenac on Monday, June 8.

 

The bridge is 2¼ miles north of the north junction of U.S. 69/U.S. 69A.

 

The field survey covers .6 miles on the existing alignment. Survey crew members will gather information for the detailed design of a proposed improvement to replace the bridge.

 

KDOT expects the survey work to last four weeks. Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor.

 

A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.

 

Robert Ubben of Affinis Corporation will manage this survey for KDOT.

 

Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

 

Offices reopening based on county COVID-19 data; some offices will remain closed

 

Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard announced today a select number of DCF offices will reopen to the public beginning Monday, June 8.

 

“Based on Governor Laura Kelly’s Ad Astra plan for reopening and county data, I feel it is appropriate to slowly begin to open our service centers,” Howard said. “Our reopening plan is based on data and will be done in a safe and measured fashion.”

 

The agency recently opened some service centers to test its readiness and ensure the safety of both clients and employees. Clients can expect to see several safety measures inside the service centers.

Those include:

• Limiting lobby capacity to ensure social distancing
• Asking COVID-19 screening questions upon entry
• Encouraging clients to wear masks
• Asking clients to limit the number of people they bring to the service center
• Making phone interviews available
• Plexiglass partitions
• Designating “phone stations” for clients

Service centers included in this initial round of openings include:

 

• Atchison
• Chanute
• Colby
• Columbus
• Concordia
• El Dorado 6/10
• Fort Scott
• Goodland
• Hays
• Hiawatha
• Independence
• Junction City
• Lawrence
• McPherson
• Manhattan
• Marysville
• Osawatomie
• Ottawa
• Parsons
• Phillipsburg
• Pittsburg
• Pratt
• Salina
• Topeka
• Winfield 6/10

 

 

Other ways to connect with DCF

 

DCF also offers other ways for clients to connect with the agency if they are concerned about entering public spaces.

 

Clients with general questions about assistance programs can use the agency’s statewide customer service line at 1-888-369-4777.

 

Kansans who have case specific questions or need to provide information or documents can email those to their local service center at DCF.(city)[email protected] (Example: DCF.TopekaEES.ks.gov).

 

Clients who have questions about their Kansas Benefits Card can call 1-800-997-6666.

 

If you need to report suspect abuse or neglect call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.

 

“We know the pandemic has caused additional stress to the well-being of Kansas families,” Howard said. “Our goal is to be available no matter how someone contacts the agency because we know access to our programs can provide a measure of security during these difficult times.”

 

DCF will make additional announcements as more offices reopen.

 

 

The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the passage of HB 2016 through the Kansas House and the Senate:  

 

“Today’s bipartisan passage of the COVID-19 response bill is a victory for Kansans. Our communities have faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and I am proud of the compassion and resiliency they have shown during this difficult time.

 

“While there are parts of this legislation that I oppose, HB 2016 provides the tools and resources for Kansas families, communities, and businesses to begin the path to economic recovery. I will sign this legislation when it comes to my desk, and will continue to honor my commitment to work across the aisle and move our state forward.”

 

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Governor applauds Kansas House of Representatives swift action on bipartisan COVID-19 bill

Urges the Kansas Senate to take swift action

 

The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the Kansas House of Representatives’ passage of HB 2016: 

 

“I appreciate the Kansas House of Representatives’ bipartisan and transparent efforts on the passage of the COVID-19 response bill. Today, in spite of their disagreements, they put the interests of Kansans ahead of politics.

 

“I urge the Senate to swiftly follow their lead, so that we can get Kansas families, businesses and communities the resources they need.”

Governor Kelly Announces Support For Bipartisan Agreement to Advance the Economic Recovery

 

Below is a statement from Governor Kelly on the bipartisan agreement reached ahead of the special legislative session: 

 

“Kansas has faced unprecedented challenges over the last three months because of Covid-19. I’m proud of the efforts my administration has taken working with our local and federal partners to prioritize the health and safety of Kansans, while also creating a decisive and transparent process for our economic recovery. 

 

“Last week, I vetoed legislation sent to me by the Legislature because it would have undermined my ability to honor the promises I made to Kansans about how we would govern during this crisis. It was rushed, written without bipartisan discussion, and passed unconstitutionally. 

 

“I will support this bipartisan bill that was created with input from Republicans, Democrats, and stakeholders that I believe will provide the framework our state needs as we continue on the path to recovery. To be clear, there are parts of this bill that I do not support. However, my priority is and will always be the interests of Kansans first. I believe that the majority of this legislation accomplishes that and upholds my commitment to work across the aisle to move our state forward.”

SPARK Taskforce Executive Committee approves proposal of $400 million to local governments for COVID-19 expenses

Commits to delivering resources swiftly and thoroughly to Kansas communities

 

Today, Governor Laura Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce Executive Committee reviewed and approved a proposal to distribute $400 million to local governments to help address the health and economic challenges inflicted by COVID-19.

 

“Over the last few months Kansans have faced unprecedented challenges because of COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “Through it all, they have shown resiliency and compassion that has served as a strong reminder that we are all in this together.

 

“Every region of our State has been impacted by the health and economic crisis of this pandemic. We need to provide local governments with all the resources we can to mitigate the virus and revitalize our economy. We want to make these funds available, so communities can address current challenges and jumpstart our economic recovery,” Kelly said.

 

This is the first action of the SPARK Taskforce, which is charged with distributing over a billion dollars in federal funds Kansas received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

 

“This fair, impactful and timely distribution of funds to county governments will strengthen our health, speed the reopening of our economy and help our state remain open for business,” Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Executive Director of the Recovery Office, said. “I’m grateful to the Executive Committee members for the swift action they took today and look forward to collaborating with them and the Steering Committee to put the remaining funds to work.”

 

Harrison-Lee proposed a three-phased approach to allocating the funds. The first round will focus on providing relief to county governments which had not already received funding under the CARES Act. Johnson and Sedgwick Counties have already received funds because they have populations over 500,000.

 

Under the SPARK proposal, each county would receive funds based on the following formula:

 

• Population: All counties are guaranteed to receive at least $194 per person. This is the same amount awarded to Johnson and Sedgwick residents previously.

 

• Impact Fund: Counties will receive additional dollars based on their COVID-19 case rates and unemployment rates. The purpose of the Impact Fund is to provide additional dollars to those counties hit hardest by the virus. Johnson and Sedgwick counties will receive funds through this fund as well.

Fifty percent of each county’s share will be for reimbursement of COVID-19 related expenses and the remaining 50 percent will be direct aid for eligible expenditures under the CARES Act.

 

To receive funds, counties will be required to pass a resolution affirming they will allocate the funding consistent with the CARES Act and to share and allocate funds to educational and municipal entities within their counties.

 

Under this proposal, there will be two additional funding rounds later this year. Public and private entities will be eligible for funding in the later rounds, which will focus on strategic investments and revitalizing the State’s economy.

 

“While our initial focus is on strengthening health, the second round will target short-term and long-term opportunities to generate economic growth for all Kansans,” Lyle Butler, SPARK Executive Committee Chair, said.  “I’m so pleased at the talent we’ve assembled both on our Executive and Steering Committees – we’re going to need it to make sound, inclusive investments that serve rural and urban Kansas now and in the future.”

 

To find the full presentation, please find it here: https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/SPARK-Process_6.2_FINAL_Presentation.pdf