Fort Scott Community College letter jackets are the first memorabilia to be placed in the Greyhound Football Legacy Center, 11 N. Main.
Supporters of football at Fort Scott Community College have filed for non-profit status from the State of Kansas and are in the process of setting up a Greyhound Football Legacy Center, Inc.
They have a board of directors, and set up by-laws.
“We just started the process of a 501 3c status,” Jack Milligan, president of the group, said. “We’ve hired an accountant firm.”
“We are setting up alumni chapters throughout Kansas and other states,” he said.
“We don’t have members, we have teammates,” Milligan said. “There is a lot of energy for it.”
“We are affiliated with the Fort Scott Community College Alumni Facebook page,” he said.
They have joined the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, because the group wants “to be a part of the community,” Milligan said.
They have also rented 11 N. Main from Eddie Townley for a Greyhound Football Legacy Center, which will be a gathering place for the group.
11 N. Main.
Milligan is president of the organization, Doug Ropp is vice president; Jerry Witt is vice-president at large; directors are Steve Bowers, Jim Barrows, Jim Chapman, Matt Glades, Kevin Gundy and Steve Williams.
“We have a great network of business experience and success on the board and will use that to regain the football program and many other things in the community,” Milligan said.
“We will staff the center with volunteers, local and otherwise,” he said.
The center will house old football uniforms and trophies, along with computers and furniture. Currently there is a large conference table and chairs in the building.
The group plans to launch into the community during Good Ol Days, the annual homecoming event of Fort Scott on June 3-4.
The group is hopeful of bringing football back to the community college, following the recent closing of the program.
“The FSCC Board of Trustees unanimously voted to end the historic Greyhound Football program in November 2021,” according the group’s website.
The group’s goal is to bring it back for the 2023 season.
The Bourbon County Farm Service Agency has a permanent full-time Program Technician position available. Salary ranges from $32,570 to $58,158 (CO-3 to CO-7), depending on experience/education.
Benefits include health, life, retirement, annual and sick leave.
Must be a US citizen.
High school graduate or GED.
See full vacancy announcement at: http://www.usajobs.gov (type Farm Service Agency in the “what” box and Kansas in the “where” box) for details and instructions to apply on-line or by fax.
Complete application packages must be submitted online or fax by 11:59 pm EDT, June 1, 2022.
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON “HOW TO APPLY” and “REQUIRED DOCUMENTS”!
Person selected will be subject to background investigation.
For questions, please call the Bourbon County FSA Office at 620-223-1880.
DCCCA is offering Kansas high school students an opportunity to expand their leadership skills at FREE regional workshops coming this September. Reserve your space at one of our five regional workshops. Students must be accompanied by at least one school representative sponsor. Sessions are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and lunch will be provided.
Since President Biden took office, we have seen record high prices for gas, food, rent and utilities. Inflation is wiping out the savings of Kansas families and hurting their ability to meet their most basic needs.
President Biden claims his policies “help, not hurt” inflation, however, Wednesday’s news regarding the Consumer Price Index report suggests otherwise. President Biden must change course and focus on real solutions like producing American energy and stopping unchecked government spending.
Celebrating All Schools Day
It was great to join folks in McPherson this week for the All Schools Day parade! All Schools Day is an annual event which started in 1914 to celebrate local graduates and has grown into a community-wide, week-long festival. Alumni from near and far come to McPherson in May to continue this century-long tradition. This year, I was able to bring my granddaughter, Paige, to participate in her first parade.
Many thanks to Joel Weide from Lindsborg for letting Paige and I, along with Kelsey and her husband Sean, join you on the parade route and to Kyler Jost for helping arrange our participation and for sharing your photos with us. This is an event I enjoy attending whenever I am afforded the opportunity, and I am always grateful to visit with Kansans who travel near and far to be in McPherson on this special day. Congratulations to all the graduates!
Conference Committee Meeting on China Competition Bill
On Thursday, I gave remarks at the first conference committee meeting on the bipartisan innovation and competition legislation. I spoke about the importance of the U.S. outcompeting adversarial nations, namely China, and how the conference committee can achieve this objective.
I emphasized the importance of investing in research and development in places like Kansas. Kansas is one of 26 states that has been identified as annually receiving little federal research funding, with coastal states receiving the vast majority of these dollars. This conference committee has the opportunity to rebalance this disparity, increasing funding to Kansas and ensuring that our intelligence and productivity is properly utilized in our competition for the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the conference committee to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to increase our country’s innovation and competitiveness.
Western Kansans in Washington
This week, the Western Kansas Delegation traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal officials. I enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces around the Capitol from the Great Bend, Hays, Dodge City, Liberal and Garden City areas. On Monday night, I joined the group for an event to discuss the importance of communities in rural Kansas working together to accomplish common goals – and how the Western Kansas Delegation is a prime example of this principle in action. Thank you to Great Bend Area Chamber of Commerce President Megan Barfield for working to organize the trip this year, as well as to Black Hills Energy for hosting everyone.
Hays
Prior to the event, I was pleased to meet with representatives from Hays and Ellis County. We discussed challenges that many communities in Kansas are facing, and I was pleased to hear about the work happening in Hays to solve issues related to childcare, workforce and infrastructure. In March, SkyWest Airlines announced they intend to end service to 29 Essential Air Service airports, including Hays, Liberal, Dodge City and Salina. I will continue to work with Hays and the Department of Transportation to ensure a positive outcome. Thank you to Mayor Mason Ruder, Vice Mayor Michael Berges, City Commissioner Reese Barrick, City Manager Toby Dougherty, Ellis County Commissioners Neal Younger and Darin Meyers, Chamber President Sarah Wasinger and Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams for travelling to our nation’s capital.
Liberal
I also met with local officials from Liberal to discuss improvements to broadband occurring in Liberal as a result of federal investments, the need for more housing and workforce shortages in the community, the impact of inflation, the importance of rural health care, including recruiting a new VA doctor to Liberal. Thank you to County Commissioner Nathan McCaffrey, Liberal Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Brad Carr and Chamber President Rozelle Webb for your time.
Garden City
Members of the Western Kansas Delegation from Garden City also stopped by the office to provide me with updates and share their priorities with me. I was pleased to learn about the progress of the expansion project at the Garden City Regional Airport, the work they are doing with the Bureau of Reclamation on their water project and the progress of their law enforcement training facility. They also shared challenges with me relating to housing, childcare and workforce, and I appreciate the good work happening in Garden City to resolve these issues. Thank you to City Commissioner Deb Oyler, Assistant City Manager Danielle Burke and Chamber President Myca Bunch for travelling to Washington, D.C. to visit with me.
Dodge City
On Tuesday, I met with Dodge City Commissioners and industry representatives from the community to discuss project updates and the pressing issues facing Western Kansas. Most essential is the development of the Hilmar Cheese Company’s new plant in Dodge City, which will bring a strong economic investment to the area and create approximately 250 high-paying jobs. Additionally, rural housing is a crucial aspect of allowing our rural communities to thrive, and I’m proud to have cosponsored legislation that would incentivize housing development projects while increasing access to affordable homes for low- and middle-income Kansans. We also talked about the importance of Community Block Development Grants, given the significant impact such funding assistance has on local infrastructure, as well as the need for more transparency into the actions of pharmacy benefit managers’ role in prescription drug prices.
Honoring Law Enforcement During National Police Week
Very little about being a law enforcement officer can be described as easy. They work around the clock and under difficult circumstances to keep our communities safe and often without the recognition that they deserve. This week, our nation observes National Police Week, a time when we pay tribute to our brave law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.
Over the course of the week, Americans came together to pay tribute to the 619 officers who gave their lives in the line of duty last year. Among them, six brave officers from Kansas were memorialized on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. I want to express my gratitude for Kansas officers who gave their all protecting the places we call home: Officer Stephen Evans of the Burns Police Department, Captain Clay Germany of the Wichita Police Department, Officer Freddie Castro of the Overland Park Police Department, Officer Theodor James “TJ” Ohlemeier of the Colwich Police Department and Sergeant Stacy Murrow of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
During this National Police Week and throughout the year, we must remember that law enforcement needs our support and not just during tough times. We must provide them the resources they need to do their jobs and strengthen the bonds of trust with those they serve. As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Department of Justice, I am committed to making certain our law enforcement officers have the resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. May God bless our law enforcement officers and protect them from harm as they faithfully perform their duties each and every day.
Speaking with Kansans in Washington, D.C.
Air Capital STEM
The Wichita area American Rocketry Challenge (TARC) Team stopped by my office while they were in our nation’s capital before competing at TARC nationals in Manassas, Virginia this week. The team was one of 100 teams from 27 states to qualify for nationals this year and the only team representing the Sunflower State. The students of the Wichita-area TARC team represent the future generation of skilled STEM professionals our country so desperately needs to thrive in a global economy. I was glad to wish the Wichita-area TARC team the best of luck at nationals but also express my appreciation for the students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math, and hear what aspirations they have for the future.
Eisenhower Group
I met with the Eisenhower Excellence in Public Service Series, a Kansas group that is a part of the National Excellence in Public Service Series. This organization is dedicated to encouraging, mentoring and preparing women leaders to seek new levels of involvement in government and politics. We had a great discussion on the most pressing issues facing our nation today, including inflation, abortion, immigration and workforce concerns in Kansas. My many thanks to Wendy Bingesser, Benne Hudson, Stephanie James, Jo Kuckelman, Marni Mills, Kim Quade, Becky Reimer, Julie Samaniego, Emily Wellman and Cynthia Yarnell for their leadership in Kansas and for taking time to meet with me this past week.
National Teachers Hall of Fame
I was pleased to meet with the 10 newest inductees to the National Teachers Hall of Fame, located in Emporia, this week while they were being recognized in Washington. These educators were chosen from across the country, and each have over 20 years of teaching experience. The teaching profession is one that carries immense value and importance for society. Our future well-being and prosperity depend on a strong foundational education that sets our young people up for success in life. I thank these teachers for meeting with me and for the passion which they have displayed throughout their careers. I also thank Carol Strickland, Director of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, for her work to honor these educators, along with others in their class. I was pleased to work with Carol on legislation, which was passed into law in 2018, to designate a National Memorial to Fallen Educators at the National Teachers Hall of Fame—Kansas’ first national memorial.
Kansas Society of Anesthesiologists
I also spoke with Dr. Mark Brady and Ty Townsend, a veteran and Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, regarding the National Standards of Practice being developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I have spoken to the American Society of Anesthesiologists as well as numerous other groups who share concerns about the VA’s efforts to establish National Standards of Practice for 49 health care occupations. I share concerns the new standards of practice could negatively impact the physician-led, team-based approach to care for our veterans. I appreciated my conversation with Dr. Brady and Ty and will continue encouraging the VA to listen to concerns of VA’s anesthesiologists before approving new practice standards.
Questioning Administration Officials
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack
Kansas farmers and ranchers have faced drought and wildfire in recent months, including fires that burned across 13 counties in Kansas last December. Congress approved funding to help with disasters that occurred in 2021, but since this fire occurred outside the “normal grazing period,” these producers are ineligible for certain federal disaster assistance. On Tuesday, I questioned Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on USDA’s recently-announced disaster assistance program, and specifically called on him to provide assistance to those producers affected by wildfires.
U.S. Army
On Tuesday, I heard testimony from Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville on the President’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request. They discussed the threats facing the U.S., which includes China as the pacing threat and Russia as a regional threat in Europe. They also discussed the Army’s modernization priorities, which includes robust funding to supply the Army with a wide range of new aircraft, long range precision fires, ground vehicles and missile defense systems. It remains critical to me that the U.S. defense industrial base can support the efforts to equip and field a modern army. My questions to Secretary Wormuth and General McConnville centered on the defense industrial base. Our competition with China and the war in Ukraine has increased the demand for robust and secure supply chains to deliver our servicemembers the tools they need to succeed in any mission. The Secretary and CSA agreed with me on the importance of strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base. I was also pleased that the entire Defense Appropriations Subcommittee agreed to my idea of holding a special, closed hearing to further discuss issues with our industrial base.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo
On Wednesday, Secretary Gina Raimondo testified before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Department of Commerce where I had the opportunity to question her on several issues. Last fall, I joined K-State Salina and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as they signed a memorandum of understanding to create an undergraduate program involving the two entities. The new undergraduate program will provide students with the science, technology, engineering and math skills to serve as officers and pilots within the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. I asked the Secretary of Commerce for an update on the progress of this important program and look forward to seeing it move forward.
The other issue I raised was how one small solar company has disrupted a $30 billion industry by using trade inquiries to gain a competitive advantage. Now, good-paying solar jobs in Kansas are at risk due to canceled projects and delayed imports. I questioned Sec. Raimondo about efforts to mitigate the economic impact of this anti-circumvention inquiry.
Discussing Global Hunger Needs with World Food Program Director Beasley
On Wednesday, the Appropriations Subcommittee for State and Foreign Operations held a hearing on global food insecurity. David Beasley, the Executive Director of the World Food Program, testified that nearly 300 million people around the world are “marching towards starvation.” Conflict, the pandemic and drought already created dire circumstances, but Russia’s war against Ukraine has severely worsened the food situation around the globe. I asked Mr. Beasley what can be done to keep countries from instituting protectionist measures to secure their own food supply at a time when the world must come together to supply what it can to those in need, and I also asked about the status of food assistance in Yemen, where the Iranian-backed Houthis control much of the population. The hearing made clear how dire food security is around the globe, and I appreciated the time to explore solutions.
Opposing Abortion Expansion
On Wednesday, the Senate voted on the most sweeping expansion of abortion access in our nation’s history in a desperate effort to create a federal protection for abortion. This legislation would have permitted unborn children to be terminated at any point for any reason. Additionally, this legislation would have eliminated conscience protections for health care providers who object to terminating human life and abolished state laws, such as waiting periods or requiring parental consent for minors to obtain an abortion. Not only is this legislation immoral, it is far outside the mainstream of American opinion and would have placed the United States alongside China and North Korea as outliers with the world’s most permissive abortion laws.
Meeting with U.S. Military Leadership
Ahead of next week’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing, I hosted U.S. military leadership who will testify regarding the President’s Budget Request for FY2023. I met with General Jay Raymond, Chief of Space Operations for Space Force, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Brown Jr., and I appreciated the opportunity to speak with these individuals prior to their hearings.
Secretary Kendall and General Brown outlined their priorities for the Air Force heading into a new fiscal year, namely, calling for greater investments in defending our air bases around the world, advancing operational space capabilities and bolstering our electronic warfare defenses. Kansas is home to McConnell Air Force Base – where I hosted Secretary Kendall in April – and Forbes Field, so it is my priority to ensure he understands these entities must be properly fitted with the aircraft necessary to rapidly deploy when our national security is at risk. I look forward to discussing these details at greater length when they both when they testify before the Defense Subcommittee.
I also discussed the appropriations priorities for the U.S. Space Force with General Raymond, as well as the role Kansas plays in our space defense. We also touched on the importance of building a robust satellite network in space to improve our missile tracking and warning capabilities as our adversaries like China and Russia continue to advance their technology and capabilities in space. The next space race is happening now, and it’s important for our national security that the U.S. remains competitive. As co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus, I appreciated hearing General Raymond’s perspective on how to continue developing the Space Force to maintain America’s leadership role in space, and I look forward to hearing more of his thoughts in front of the subcommittee.
Oversight on Quality of Care for Veterans
This week as the lead Republican on the Senate VA Committee, we held a hearing to examine the quality of care in VA and the private sector. I am concerned by a recent Inspector General report detailing examples of patient safety breakdowns and poor leadership culture. The VA has also failed to fully implement the MISSION Act’s quality standards directive. Our nation’s veterans deserve world class treatment when utilizing the VA for care, and it has been and will continue to be a top priority of mine to work with my colleagues to make certain that the VA system works for veterans and puts them first, not the other way around. Click here or below to watch my questioning.
Working to Reduce Red Tape for New Businesses
This week, I introduced the Supporting NEW BUSINESSES Act, legislation to make it easier to start and grow a new business, with Senator Cortez-Masto. This bipartisan bill will require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide annual awards that would encourage states and localities to reduce red tape and streamline the process for starting a new business. Celebrating cities and states that implement innovative solutions to cut red tape, reduce bureaucracy, and make it easier for entrepreneurs to build successful businesses will encourage communities to enact policies that promote economic growth. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to promote the creation and success of small businesses.
Vulcan Rocket Update from ULA
This week I met with Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA). He provided me with updates on the status of the Vulcan rocket, which is to be used primarily for the U.S. Government’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. As our adversaries, especially China, continue to advance their defense capabilities in the space domain, programs like the NSSL aim to keep America safe and competitive from interplanetary threats. When I welcomed Mr. Bruno and his team to Wichita, he quickly recognized the role that our state can play in this sector, and I will continue to leverage our capabilities so that Kansas is understood to be a catalyst for space manufacturing and development.
Welcoming Rudy Klopfer and Family to the Capitol
On Wednesday, I met Rudy Klopfer, his wife Lori and his children Spencer and Spencer and Mallori, in the Capitol Rotunda to welcome them to Washington. My staff and I regularly work with Rudy as the CEO of VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System. His role is important in making certain Kansas veterans are receiving quality health care, and he often welcomes me to tour VA facilities in Kansas. I appreciated the opportunity to offer him a tour of the U.S. Capitol.
Fort Riley Change of Command
On Wednesday, the First Infantry Division at Fort Riley held a Change of Command Ceremony. While I was unable to attend due to Senate business in Washington, D.C. I was pleased a member of my staff could be present. I value the important relationship I have with Fort Riley and look forward to working with the new Commanding General, Major General John V. Meyers III. Thank you to Commanding General Major General Douglas A. Sims II for his leadership at Fort Riley, and I wish him the best as he takes on his new role with the Joint Staff.
Welcoming Kansas Honor Flight Veterans
It’s always special to have the opportunity to welcome Kansas Honor Flight veterans to the memorials built in their honor. For many, it is their first time seeing the memorials. Tuesday morning, I expressed my gratitude to each of them for their service and sacrifice.
These Kansas veterans came from across our state, and I enjoyed hearing about their experience in our nation’s capital. It was also great to speak with WWII and Korean War veteran Max Manning from Topeka. Shortly after leaving the service, he became a minister and has preached for nearly 70 years, serving in his own community and around the world through ministry. Thank you to the Honor Flight team and volunteers who make these trips possible.
Happy Hospital Week
Last week we celebrated National Hospital Week as we thank our Kansas health care professionals who serve their communities day in and day out. From urban health systems to rural critical access hospitals, I have witnessed the dedication of Kansas health care workers. Their work is often taken for granted, especially in the midst of a public health emergency, but we thank them for their willingness to serve and steadfast compassion shown to patients.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Phillip Pavey, Fort Scott, celebrates service anniversary
The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in June. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2022, for a special board meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting.
The board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel. The board returned to open meeting and approved the following:
A. Employment of Destry Brown as Superintendent of Schools for the 2022-23 school year
B. Employment of Dr. Zach Johnson as the Fort Scott Middle School Principal for the 2022-23 school year
C. Transfer of Jennifer Herring, Winfield Scott cook, to high school cook for the 2022-23 school year
D. Base salary adjustment for Bryce Daly, district technology technician, effective July 2022
U234 Press Release to Announce Selection Destry Brown begins leadership of USD 234 Fort Scott on July 1. The USD 234 Board of Education has announced the selection of Destry Brown, as the new superintendent. Mr. Brown will take the reins on July 1, 2022, after the resignation of Ted Hessong at the end of the 2021-22 school year.
Destry Brown has broad educational experience, as a teacher, administrator and an educator of educators. He is currently serving as Superintendent of Clinton, Missouri schools. Mr. Brown has also served as superintendent of schools in Pittsburg, KS, Frontenac, KS and has been an elementary principal.
Students in our schools succeed because they are quality students focused on preparing for their future. We feel our staff and administration support student learning and educational opportunities that will ensure they are prepared for career or college.
“I am so excited to be the new superintendent in my hometown! I look forward to serving the students, teachers, the Board and the rest of the Tiger community.
The Fort Scott school system has a rich history and tradition of excellence. I am humbled to think that I will be a part of continuing this tradition. The district has amazing staff and students as well as a super supportive community. All of those things working together will make being the superintendent in Fort Scott a joy and a pleasure. I am excited for the opportunity to become reacquainted with the Fort Scott community and to become a part of the Tiger Family once again.”
Board President James Wood says that Destry Brown emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the School District.
“The Board is certain in our choice of Mr. Brown and confident that under his leadership USD 234 will again to be recognized as having a culture of student success, employee appreciation and community pride.”
James Wood, Board President, explained that community input, including the involvement of stakeholders was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process. The feedback provided from teachers and administrators, parents and community members, insured the board and stakeholders were on the same page. “The input from the community as a whole was very helpful to our process.”
The Board selected two finalists, who were interviewed by the Board.
As a board team we feel we made the right selection to serve our students and our community.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Making Key Investments to Improve State Services for Vulnerable Kansans
~~Legislation Enables State Universities to Hold Tuition Flat~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed bipartisan House Bill 2510, which makes key investments in education, economic development, mental health, senior services, and our veterans. HB 2510 also makes historic levels of funding to state universities, enabling them to freeze tuition and knock down barriers to higher education.
“This budget delivers on commitments I made in January to improve access to services for vulnerable Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am proud of our continued bipartisan work to restore and enhance vital state services – responsibly paid for through our strong economic growth.”
HB 2510 ensures funding for mental health initiatives like 9-8-8, the state’s new suicide prevention hotline; increases funding to grow and enhance the care provided by community mental health centers; and expands mental health services in regions like South-Central Kansas.
It also includes many initiatives that build upon the Kelly Administration’s strong record of improving the child welfare system and fully funds a veterans’ home in Northeast Kansas – making it possible for those who have served their country to receive long-term care closer to home.
“This budget will improve services for Kansans in a responsible way, building a sustainable foundation for years to come,” Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau, District 29, said. “I’m especially proud of the provision that requires the Department of Children and Families to use performance-based contracts, which will ensure that our child advocates are focused on providing satisfactory care for children and families in need, rather than increasing their intake loads. Because of this policy, Kansas children will receive the care they need and deserve, and our state will be able to hold providers accountable for their work.”
This bill also directs a portion of federal money to state universities, community colleges, and technical colleges, enabling them to freeze tuition and make higher education more affordable for students from a range of backgrounds.
“Our historic, $1 billion investment in higher education will make it possible for universities to freeze tuition, continuing the streak of low-to-no tuition growth under my Administration,” Governor Kelly said.
“Due to our state’s recent economic growth, we had a unique opportunity to make historic one-time investments to modernize our higher education system and this budget does that,” Senator Tom Hawk, Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said. “Funding for our whole education system, including higher education, should send a message to all prospective students, faculty, and the business community that Kansas stands ready to provide the educated workforce that our economy needs.”
“By investing in our community colleges, technical colleges, and universities, this budget will expand our workforce and economic development potential as a state.” Representative Kathy Wolfe-Moore, Ranking Minority on House Appropriations, said. “From Kansas City and Pittsburg to Garden City and Hays, we are updating our campuses and expanding our capacity to make sure our students are ready to step up to the plate when they graduate.”
Another portion will direct one-time funding toward housing and economic development projects.
“This budget not only provides funding for key economic development initiatives, it will also jumpstart housing development in communities that are ready to grow like my hometown of Salina.” Senator J.R. Claeys, Vice Chair of Senate Ways and Means, said. “As company after company announces expansions and new investment, it’s clear that Kansas is a great place to do business and raise a family, and our private housing developers and local stakeholders are ready to get to work to make sure communities across the state have the quality housing needed to attract young workers and their families.”
In addition, HB 2510 ensures all state public employees enjoy at least a 5% pay increase this year, following a previous recommendation from the Governor. It also restores multiple agencies to the across-the-board pay increase, including the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Board of Indigent Defense Services, and all employees at 24/7 facilities.
“As they do every year, Kansas state employees work hard to deliver exceptional service to the people of Kansas in some of the toughest jobs in the state,” Sarah LaFrenz, President of the Kansas Organization of State Employees, said. “We appreciate the Governor’s leadership and the Legislature’s bipartisan support of the base pay, differential, and market rate increases included in the budget this year for state employees. Funding these pay increases is such an essential step in helping curb the staffing crises at state facilities, compensating these workers for their hard and necessary work, and making our communities safer.”
Below please find the message from the Governor regarding House Bill 2510:
House Bill 2510 represents additional progress toward fulfilling many of the priorities that I set forth in January and that have been made possible only through our bipartisan work together over the past four years. Building on House Substitute for Substitute for Senate Bill 267, this bill provides additional investments in higher education, economic development, mental health, senior services, and veterans while leaving sufficient funding to provide over $1 billion in tax relief to Kansans through the legislation that I have signed to cut property taxes and axe the state’s sales tax on groceries.
Some of the key investments in this legislation include improved access to mental healthcare, increased funding for senior nutrition, expanded training opportunities to prevent child abuse, and measures that build on our successful work to reduce the number of children who enter the foster care system. This bill includes additional investments in our regional universities and community and technical colleges, which are critical to our efforts to expand our workforce in the state of Kansas. And this budget ensures that all state employees will receive a pay increase of at least 5% this year in recognition of their service to the state.
Finally, due to our strong economic growth and unprecedented ending balances, this budget will allow us to pay off over $1 billion in debt over the next year.
Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(b) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby return House Bill 2510 with my signature, except for the item enumerated below.
State Board of Regents—Proviso Allowing Universities to Raise Tuition
Section 36(b) has been vetoed in its entirety.
In my initial budget, I recommended $45.7 million in operating grant funding to higher education with the understanding that universities would freeze tuition. In addition to that, I allocated $23.9 million in funding for salaries. While the original operating grant funding has been reduced to an increase of $37.5 million in the final passed budget, overall, higher education in the state of Kansas is set to receive $1 billion this fiscal year. This is a historic investment that I am proud to support by approving the additional higher education funding included in HB 2510.
As a result of this significant infusion of new funding, I believe that the Regents institutions will be able to continue to hold tuition flat, making college more affordable for Kansans of all backgrounds. This is especially important if we, as a state, are going to provide the workforce needed to fully actualize the benefits and opportunities of our recent economic growth.
Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site invites you to join the park in placing the flags for the “Symbols of Sacrifice” Field of Honor Friday morning, May 27, beginning at 9 am. To ensure everyone can help, we will be scheduling shifts that begin each hour from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m., but you may help as long as you wish. To find out more and to become involved, please contact the park at 620-223-0310, email us at [email protected], or just come out and help. We welcome community members and organizations to participate.
Symbols of Sacrifice continues the entire Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 27 through, Monday, May 30, and the Field of Honor will be open throughout the weekend. There will be guided fort tours daily at 10 am and 1 pm. This is an all-weather event.
“The Field of Honor with its approximately 7,000 flags commemorate the ultimate sacrifice members of the United States Armed Forces have made to keep this country free,” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Nina Carlotta Morasch, age 78, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Ft. Scott. She was born January 6, 1944, in Queensland, Australia, the daughter of Philip Anthony Bertino and Lucille Muriel Dalby Bertino. Soon after Nina’s birth, the family moved to New York City. She grew up in New York and married Norman Gary Morasch on November 1, 1963, in New York City’s Greenwich Village. The couple soon moved to Kansas City. Nina later took a job with the Internal Revenue Service. She retired from the IRS as a senior auditor after twenty-one years of service. She enjoyed reading and going on QVC shopping sprees.
Survivors include two daughters, Rachel Morasch of Ft. Scott and Vivian Westpahl (Mark) of Overland Park, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Devon Morasch (Christina), Morgan Gordon (Ethan), Chelsea Goff (David), Amanda Ruby (Eric), Kori Hays (Stas), Erica Westphal and Grace Westphal and five great-grandchildren, Quinton, Delilah, Waylon, Dawson and Shepard.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, May 20th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
