Tag: Kansas Governor Laura Kelly

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed the bipartisan Good Samaritan Law, protecting individuals seeking or providing aid during drug-related medical emergencies from prosecution. The law aims to save lives and assist in recovery from substance use disorders. Additionally, other bills were signed, addressing fentanyl-related issues, penalties, evidentiary requirements, IT consolidation, and school enrollment.

Governor Laura Kelly joined higher education leaders to break ground on the new $302 million Wichita Biomedical Campus, heralding it as a game-changer for healthcare education in Wichita. The campus will house health care programs from various universities, positioning Wichita as a premier health care hub. The project is expected to bring significant economic and educational benefits to the city.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins urges Gov. Laura Kelly to sign bipartisan tax relief to avoid costly special session. Gov. Kelly vetoed a tax cuts package, proposing a less-costly alternative, but lawmakers passed a similar plan. The legislation aims to exempt Social Security income, increase standard deductions, reduce property taxes, and eliminate state sales tax on food.

The Kansas Legislature renewed its assault on transgender children, sparking a debate on banning gender-affirming care for under 18s. Despite the Senate's override attempt falling short, Rep. Concannon and Borjon flipped their votes to sustain the governor's veto. The bill's opponents emphasize the need for gender-affirming care, citing its positive impact on mental health.

Gov. Laura Kelly rejected a bipartisan tax cut package, citing concerns about long-term financial stability. She proposed an alternative plan to provide tax relief while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Lawmakers are divided, with the governor expressing worries about repeating past financial mistakes and the Legislature aiming to override her veto and implement the tax cuts.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 458, reforming the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act. The bill enhances due process for property owners, increases governmental accountability, and sets limits on federal assistance in asset forfeiture. The reforms aim to protect property owners' rights and bring transparency to law enforcement. Governor Kelly also signed several other bills addressing education, elevator safety, military justice, and open records exceptions.

Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 115 to establish the independent Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), granting access to children's welfare records. The OCA will be headed by an appointee of the Governor, promoting transparency and accountability in the child welfare system. The bill's passage is a significant milestone after years of effort.__JETPACK_AI_ERROR__

Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office have allocated $18 million to 34 municipalities and special districts for water-related projects in Kansas. The grants, made possible by bipartisan legislation, aim to address water issues in rural communities. The funding was well received, with a high volume of applications demonstrating the extreme need. Recipients include various towns and districts across the state.

Governor Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2536, creating the SOUL family legal permanency option for foster children over 16. This gives them a say in their future caregivers. Additional bipartisan bills were also signed, addressing various state issues, ranging from self-storage facilities to criminal penalties for hit-and-run incidents causing injury or death.

Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed bills banning gender-identity care for transgender youth and criminalizing abortion coercion. She criticized the bills as intrusive and medically unjustified. Legislators pledged to override the vetoes. The bills on gender-affirming care and abortion coercion were denounced as discriminatory and extremist by advocates and party leaders. Another vetoed bill aimed to expand the abortion survey, facing criticism for its invasive nature. Kelly emphasized Kansans' opposition to legislative interference in private medical decisions.

Governor Laura Kelly requested a federal disaster declaration from President Joe Biden via FEMA due to damages from a winter storm in multiple Kansas counties. The request includes Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Public Assistance for 16 counties, aiming to provide resources for repairs and help communities recover from the storm's impact.

Kansas received $8.2 million to implement the Digital Equity Plan, aiming to improve internet access and digital opportunity statewide. The plan includes training, affordable service plans, and access to broadband-ready devices. This approval marks progress toward universal online access for education, employment, healthcare, and social services, aligning with the broader five-year action plan.

The Kansas Legislature approved a new $1.57 billion tax plan after rejecting an earlier version proposed by the governor. The plan aims to reduce property, sales, and income taxes, utilizing a $4 billion revenue surplus. It includes changes to income tax brackets and deductions, as well as alterations to property tax and school funding.

The Kansas House sent a $1.4 billion tax cut back for negotiation, defying the governor and House Speaker. Senate approved the bill, featuring income, property, and sales tax cuts. The compromise aims to benefit various constituencies. The Kansas tax debate focused on resolving differences and leveraging a $4 billion surplus. Both sides compromised for the best outcome.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 360, granting flexibility to taxpayers contributing to 529, ABLE, and first-time home savings accounts. They can now choose the timing of their tax deductions, aligning with tax filing deadlines. The bill also establishes an advisory committee for the 529 program. Additionally, several bipartisan bills were signed, addressing various statutory updates and amendments.

The Kansas Legislature is working on tax relief plans using the state's significant revenue surplus. Negotiators are aiming to pass a tax overhaul bill and additional bills with smaller tax changes. With all seats up for election soon, reaching a consensus before the legislative session ends is crucial. Governor Kelly has proposed a bipartisan plan for sustainable tax relief. Both the House and Senate have approved comprehensive tax bills, but differences remain over the details. Discussions are ongoing, and some contentious issues, such as the flat tax, have been set aside for now. The Legislature is working towards reaching an agreement before the session ends.

The Kansas National Guard's Company A and Company D, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment will be honored at a departure ceremony on April 7, 2024, at 4 p.m. The soldiers will deploy to support aviation operations in the National Capital Region. Governor Laura Kelly praised their dedication and pledged support for their families during deployment.

Governor Laura Kelly announced that March tax collections were $760.4 million, 0.9% higher than the estimate. The bipartisan tax cut plan aims for fiscal sustainability, eliminating state income tax on Social Security benefits and providing $100 million in annual property tax relief. Individual income tax collections increased by 8.9%, while corporate income tax collections decreased by 9.3%. Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts fell below the estimate by 3.2%. The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will review the fall estimate on April 19, 2024.

Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed April 1-7, 2024 as National Public Health Week in Kansas to honor public health workers' contributions to the state's well-being. The event aims to highlight current efforts and future initiatives for improving public health. Daily themes include civic engagement, climate change, and reproductive and sexual health. The American Public Health Association has organized this annual event for over 25 years. For more information, visit NPHW.org.

Marvin, a premium windows and doors manufacturer, is investing $76.5 million to build a new facility in Kansas City, Kansas. The expansion is expected to create approximately 100 jobs initially, with plans to employ a 600-person workforce by 2028. The decision is based on the area's strong workforce and commitment to education. Governor Kelly sees this as validation of the state's business-friendly approach.

Governor Laura Kelly announced H&T Recharge's $110 million investment and 180 new jobs in De Soto. The company, selected by Panasonic Energy for its new EV battery facility, is known for precision cylindrical battery components. H&T's decision underscores Kansas' appeal to global companies. The state's skilled workforce and central location were key factors in H&T's choice.

Governor Laura Kelly announced GAF's $300 million investment in a new shingle plant in Newton, creating 130 high-skilled jobs. GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, chose Kansas for its first location in the state due to the skilled workforce and strategic location. Construction begins in June 2024, with full production expected by mid-2029.

Kansas House lawmakers advanced a bill to ban gender-affirming medical care for trans children, despite opposition from LGBTQ lawmakers and health care organizations. The bill prohibits surgery, puberty blockers, and social transitioning for minors. Rep. Ron Bryce disregarded medical practices, while Rep. Susan Ruiz highlighted the unethical nature of denying care to transgender youth facing high suicide risks.

Governor Laura Kelly announced $14.3 million for 58 airport improvement projects in Kansas, benefiting local economies and air ambulance accessibility. With local matching funds, the total project value exceeds $34 million. The projects focus on pavement preservation, safety, and infrastructure. These enhancements aimed at fostering growth and prosperity statewide.

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation at 10:23 a.m. today due to increased fire weather conditions beginning today and...

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that nearly $16.5 million will go toward 17 short line rail expansion and rehabilitation projects. These investments, made through...

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund today announced the creation of 458 new child care slots with the investment...

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) has awarded all available funds, and the program is no...

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a $4.75 million initiative to improve the digital skills of Kansans not yet able to maximize the power...

by Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector December 29, 2023 TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said the next scheduled reduction in the state’s sales tax on groceries...