KS Unemployment Insurance Modernization
Governor Laura Kelly Administration Formally Kicks Off Unemployment Insurance
System Modernization
~~Governor Kelly Sends Letter Urging U.S. Labor Secretary
to Provide Additional Federal Funding for Modernization~~
TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) formally kicked off a $48 million, 26-month-long effort to modernize the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) system. Governor Laura Kelly also built on her previous support for the project by sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh urging him to provide additional funding previously allocated by the U.S. Congress for modernization.
“My administration is working quickly to update our antiquated computer systems so Kansans who need unemployment benefits don’t experience the same problems they faced during the pandemic,” Governor Kelly said. “Congress promised to help states modernize their unemployment insurance systems and allocated the resources to get them started. Kansas upheld its end of the deal by investing millions of dollars in a new system. It’s now time for the U.S. Department of Labor to release these modernization funds to the states as Congress directed. It’s the only way to ensure we are prepared for the next economic downturn.”
Kansas’ current mainframe system used to process UI benefits was created in the 1970s. The last major push to modernize began under Governor Sebelius in 2005 but was subsequently abandoned in 2011 by the Brownback administration. That shortsighted decision directly led to the systemic inefficiencies and vulnerabilities that occurred within the state’s unemployment system during the pandemic. The effort to bring Kansas’ UI system into the 21st century will be led by information technology experts Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
“We have been looking forward to this day and to bringing everyone together to begin the formal process of developing a new, modernized unemployment system,” said Kansas Labor Secretary Amber Shultz. “TCS is a capable partner for KDOL to set a path for technology and process transformation that will enable the delivery of software that will be responsive to the future needs of the state.”
Upon completion, the KDOL’s new system will improve the experiences of unemployed Kansans and businesses that interact with the UI systems by:
- Modernizing technology: Replace the agency’s antiquated IT legacy system that supports unemployment insurance taxes, payment of unemployment insurance benefits, and delivery of employment services.
- Enhancing customer experience: Deliver improved services such as online self-service, automation, access to data, and integration with partners.
- Transforming business processes: Provide improved efficiencies in business processes, offer new tools for KDOL employees, and support more effective service delivery to Kansans.
- Improving data security: Better anticipate and respond to security threats and prevent unemployment insurance fraud.
- Providing expandable technology: Deliver a system capable of supporting new programs and functionality, as well as connections to other systems like workforce tools.
A page has been created on the KDOL website to keep the public updated on the modernization project’s progress. For the most recent information, visit www.dol.ks.gov/ui-
See a copy of Governor Kelly’s letter here.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 2
Starlite FCE Minutes June 2022
The May meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fair Grounds. Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order and led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Nine members were in attendance and reported one hundred and twelve hours of volunteering and that they had recycled ninety pounds of paper.
Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report, Deb Lust moved that we accept the report, Terri Williams seconded the motion, motion carried. Karen Peery reported that the Council had met prior to the Regional Recognition Day. It was announced at the Recognition Day that Doris Ericson was selected as the Regional Heart of FCE and was now in the running for the State Heart of FCE. Joyce Allen announced the May birthdays which were LeAnna Taylor and herself.
New Business consisted of Deb Lust making the motion that the club enter the hay bale decorating contest and the Scarecrow contest at the fair, Deb Wood seconded the motion, motion carried. Joyce Allen announced that the library was looking for volunteers to provide snacks and to read stories. It was moved and seconded that we help the library. Joyce gave us the phone number to call to volunteer. Deb Woods was going to get an updated list for Glenda.
Deb Lust announced that she would let us know when the Poppy sales would be and that May 31st the American Legion would be helping with the Memorial Day Service at the National Cemetery. The VFW will be open after the Ceremony for people to gather. Deb also invited us to help in setting up the flags on the Avenue of Flags
It was moved and seconded that the club make a donation to the Allen Warren memorial. Joyce Allen asked that the members bring snacks for the VFW and rest homes in June.
Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Del Parks seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
Claudia Wheeler presented the program on Helpful hints to the members while they enjoyed refreshments of chocolate chip cookie bar, jello fruit dessert, juice and water
Prepared by
Terri Williams
Bo Co Coalition Minutes of June 1
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2022
- Welcome: Eleven members representing nine agencies attended. Billie Jo noted the following greetings from those unable to attend in person:
- Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Program, has openings for the new grant year for families with children prenatal through age 6.
- Christine Abbott, Youth Career Advisor for SEKWorks, will be working in Independence on Wednesdays while they hire and orient a new Career Advisor for that area.
- Sandra Haggard, RSVP, did not have anything new to report but was unable to attend due to the weather.
- Jackie Sellers, Senior Citizens, reported that she has Farmers’ Market vouchers available for those who qualify. She also wanted members to be aware that the transportation service will run until 9:00 p.m. during Good ‘Ol Days. Due to the rise in cost for gasoline, taxi prices have been increased to $6.00; senior citizens and low income price is $5.00.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, reviewed all the services that are available through his program. He also noted that the fan distribution funded by Evergy and managed by Salvation Army is now in progress.
- Holly Fritter, SEK Multi-County Health Department, reminded members of the Community Baby Shower to be held at Buck Run Community Center, June 23, from 10a.m. until noon.
- Shelly Kelley, SEK Mental Health, was welcomed as a first-time attendee.
- Lisa and Erin Thurston, Bourbon County Angels, also first-time attendees, gave a quick synopsis of their services. They are located at 111 West Third Street. Agency hours are 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. They can be reached through the Facebook page or 620-644-8291. They would welcome volunteers.
- Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE (Community Organization to Promote Equity), noted that CHC is looking for drivers for their transportation program.
- Patty Simpson shared that all 190 units in the Fort Scott Housing Authority are currently full; she does maintain waiting lists.
- Elizabeth Schafer, CASA, noted they are still in need of volunteers.
- Program: April Jackson: Narcan Training. Due to unforeseen circumstances, April was not able to attend; we will plan this program for a later date.
- Open Forum:
- Billie Jo announced that the Community Christian Church will serve the Monday Feeding Families meals beginning June 6 and serve through August 29. There will, however, be no meal served on July 4.
- Billie Jo also shared that the Coalition Board had approved 27 family passes to the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
- Elizabeth and Billie Jo informed members that the Next Steps program has been dissolved due to Covid and the lack of participants willing to commit to the class requirements.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be August 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
KS Tax Collections Exceed $900 Million
Governor Laura Kelly Announces May Total Tax Collections Exceed $900 Million
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections for May were $910.1 million – $239.5 million, or 35.7%, higher than the estimate for the month.
“Our tax collection receipts continue to show the state’s fiscal health and the work my Administration has done to ensure Kansas is on solid financial footing,” Governor Kelly said. “We will continue our work to be fiscally responsible while providing tax cuts and fully funding schools, law enforcement, and roads.”
Individual income tax collections were $518.4 million. That is $198.4 million, or 62.0%, above the estimate. Corporate income tax collections were $51.4 million –$33.4 million, or 185.6%, more than the estimate.
Retail sales tax collections were $240.8 million – $13.8 million, or 6.1%, over the estimate and 5.7% over May 2021 sales tax receipts. Compensating use tax collections were $64.8 million, which is $2.2 million below the estimate but 19.1% greater than May 2021.
“May receipts reflect strong performances by the individual and corporate income tax types. Income tax receipts were not influenced by extensions of tax filing deadlines as had been the case in May 2020 and 2021,” Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said. “Retail sales and compensating use tax receipts also continue to reflect the stability they have shown for the past 10 months.”
The spreadsheet for May tax collections can be found here.
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Newsletter
Train Show and Quilt Auction at Museum of Creativity
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Good Ol’ Days This Weekend
The theme of the Good Ol’ Days Festival this year in “Remembering Forty One-Derful Years.”
The kick-off is this Friday, June 3 with the 6 p.m. parade.
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A Chicken Mary’s chicken dinner will be for sale downtown.
“You can purchase tickets for the chicken dinner for $8 at the Chamber of Commerce Office, 231 E. Wall,” Shawn O’Brien, chairman of the Good Ol’Days Stearing Committee, said. “The dinner includes a two-piece chicken, German potato salad, creamy slaw, bread, and water.”
Friday Night Free Music Concert
A live music concert by the Diamond Empire Band will be a 7 p.m. Friday at Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Street.
“Bring your lawn chairs and come enjoy live music!” O’Brien said.
Saturday Activities
“Saturday we have lots of free activities for kids and adults,” he said. “Tye die t-shirts have been donated by Key Industries for the first 300 people, starting at 9AM until gone. They will be located at 2nd and Main.”
Free bounce houses are available again this year, located in the parking lot east of Oak Street and National Ave. Face paint is not allowed on the inflatables, so plan accordingly.
“We are always excited to see the large turnout for these,” he said.
There is a car and bike show this year at the Riverfront Park on North National Avenue.
“We are excited that Old 54 Cycle has teamed up to offer this amazing car and bike show,” O’Brien said.
New this year is a Care to Share Children’s Cove.
“They will be located on Skubitz Plaza and have lots of kids activities for $5. They will be open 10 AM – 2 PM (Saturday). We are excited for their new fundraising efforts. We look forward to them coming to the Good Ol’ Days.”
The stearing committee is comprised of O’Brien -Chairman, Kayla Hall – Secretary, Melissa Wise – Treasurer, Charlotte Thompson – Logistics, Cheryl VanHoecke – Vendor relations, Tim VanHoecke, Shay Clements, Angel Wilson, and Carl Brenner – Fort Representative.
“We have tons of fun activities planned, come down and celebrate 41-derful years! Located downtown Fort Scott, starts at 3rd and Main and runs north to the Fort (Fort Scott National Historic Site) and west to National Avenue.”
History of the Event
Good Ol’ Days began as a festival when founding member Anne Emerson arrived in the community from the eastern U.S., over four decades ago.
“She had been to a street festival and was excited to bring the same type to Fort Scott,” O’Brien said. “The first year they had activities all over Fort Scott, such as the pool, the stadium, Gunn Park, and many more places. They realized that they were stretched out too far and made it the downtown street festival.”
“We stick to the same ideas with a main event each year, Blane Howard is the main event this year,” he said. “Of course we have crafts, food, family, friends and tons of fun every year!!!”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 1
Walk The Yellow Brick Road: Story Stroll On Main Street
The Fort Scott Public Library staff have created a new program, and will begin registering participants for it today.
The following describes the program and invites readers to sign up.
Submitted by Valetta Cannon
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott Public Library
WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!
Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to walk the Yellow Brick Road with us! Introducing a walking contest for all ages & fitness levels.
• Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone
• Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
• Earn a free pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up (while supplies last)
• Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may earn coupons or gift cards from local businesses
• Reception & book club meeting after the contest ends for all participants
• A Story Stroll along Main Street, with story panels in the shop windows will provide extra motivation to walk & read
Register here: https://forms.gle/
The contest begins June 15! Open to everyone & free. If you need help using the technology, come to the library for help or send an email to [email protected].
Bronson residents can sign up at Bronson Public Library and receive their t-shirt & pedometer there. Hedgehog.INK! will also provide registration forms.
Sponsors include Hare & Crow Barbershop & Mercantile and After Affect Salon. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System.
Chamber Coffee at Skubitz Plaza on June 2
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