By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension

Many of my most recent home visits have been centered around tree health and subsequently around trees experiencing dieback or death from drought stress. 

The past several years has been very dry and it typically it takes a few years for a tree to show stress from an event. If you take a good look at your tree, you can begin to analyze the overall health and take steps to keep them healthy. 

To&nbsp;determine the health of your trees, looking at the amount of new growth each year will show you how healthy they are. Observe the tips of the branches that are exposed (not shaded). A tree that grows less than four inches from the previous year is likely under stress and considered unhealthy.

New growth is often identifiable by the color. The new twig emerging from the bud may be greener but the leaves are often a brighter shade as well. You'll notice the leaves attached directly to these new stems rather than lateral branches. New growth may also look more compressed than growth from previous years.&nbsp;

Though evaluating the amount of growth can help you determine if your tree is healthy, it does not tell you what may be the cause of an unhealthy tree. 

The effects of stress accumulate year after year. A drought two years ago can have an impact on growth of a recovering tree. The root growth may have been stunted and roots could struggle to take in enough water to support the tree as temperatures rise. 

When possible, ensure trees are receiving water to a depth of 12 inches every couple of weeks during the summer either from rain or supplemental watering.

One of the more common means of watering trees is the use of soaker hoses, but they are notorious for non-uniform watering. 

On small trees, circling the tree several times with the soaker hose will even out the amount of water applied but this isn't practical for larger trees. On larger trees, hooking both the beginning and the end of the soaker hose to a Y-adapter helps equalize the pressure and therefore provide a more uniform watering. The specific parts you need include the soaker hose, Y-adapter and female to female connector.&nbsp;

The soaker hose can circle the trunk at a distance within the dripline of the tree but at least ½ the distance to the dripline. The dripline of the tree is outermost reach of the branches.

Soil should be wet at least 12 inches deep as 80% of a tree’s roots are in the top foot of soil.&nbsp; Use a metal rod, wooden dowel, electric fence post or something similar to check depth. Dry soil is much harder to push through than wet and your probe will stop when it hits dry soil.&nbsp;

How long it takes water to reach a 12-inch depth varies depending on the rate of water flow and soil.&nbsp; Record the amount of time it takes to reach 12 inches the first time the tree is watered. After that, simply water for that same amount of time.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood ExtensionMany of my most recent home visits have been centered around tree health and subsequently around trees experiencing dieback or death from drought stress. The past several years has been very dry and it typically it takes a few years for a tree to show stress from an event. If you take a good look at your tree, you can begin to analyze the overall health and take steps to keep them healthy. To&nbsp;determine the health of your trees, looking at the amount of new growth each year will show you how healthy they are. Observe the tips of the branches that are exposed (not shaded). A tree that grows less than four inches from the previous year is likely under stress and considered unhealthy.New growth is often identifiable by the color. The new twig emerging from the bud may be greener but the leaves are often a brighter shade as well. You'll notice the leaves attached directly to these new stems rather than lateral branches. New growth may also look more compressed than growth from previous years.&nbsp;Though evaluating the amount of growth can help you determine if your tree is healthy, it does not tell you what may be the cause of an unhealthy tree. The effects of stress accumulate year after year. A drought two years ago can have an impact on growth of a recovering tree. The root growth may have been stunted and roots could struggle to take in enough water to support the tree as temperatures rise. When possible, ensure trees are receiving water to a depth of 12 inches every couple of weeks during the summer either from rain or supplemental watering.One of the more common means of watering trees is the use of soaker hoses, but they are notorious for non-uniform watering. On small trees, circling the tree several times with the soaker hose will even out the amount of water applied but this isn't practical for larger trees. On larger trees, hooking both the beginning and the end of the soaker hose to a Y-adapter helps equalize the pressure and therefore provide a more uniform watering. The specific parts you need include the soaker hose, Y-adapter and female to female connector.&nbsp;The soaker hose can circle the trunk at a distance within the dripline of the tree but at least ½ the distance to the dripline. The dripline of the tree is outermost reach of the branches.Soil should be wet at least 12 inches deep as 80% of a tree’s roots are in the top foot of soil.&nbsp; Use a metal rod, wooden dowel, electric fence post or something similar to check depth. Dry soil is much harder to push through than wet and your probe will stop when it hits dry soil.&nbsp;How long it takes water to reach a 12-inch depth varies depending on the rate of water flow and soil.&nbsp; Record the amount of time it takes to reach 12 inches the first time the tree is watered. After that, simply water for that same amount of time.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Tree health, drought stress

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748008145180.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Nabholz will accept sealed bids on behalf of Hays USD 489 School District for the Hays Middle School Renovations project.

Bid documents and submission are available through Building Connected.

Here is the link to the bid documents:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/560b8771bf6a170700342164/projects/680fc2498b2eaf0029d7b622">https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/560b8771bf6a170700342164/projects/680fc2498b2eaf0029d7b622</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748028737271.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nabholz will accept sealed bids on behalf of Hays USD 489 School District for the Hays Middle School Renovations project.Bid Day 5/29/25 at 12:30 p.m.Bid documents and submission are available through Building Connected.Here is the link to the bid documents:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/560b8771bf6a170700342164/projects/680fc2498b2eaf0029d7b622">https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/560b8771bf6a170700342164/projects/680fc2498b2eaf0029d7b622</a>

Fundraising begins for Chaplain Emil Kapaun statue at Kansas State Capitol

VICTORIA — In its triennial Chapter at St. Fidelis Friary, Victoria, Mar. 19-23, the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Conrad elected and installed a new slate of officers: Fr. David Songy, provincial minister; Fr. Sojan Parappilly, provincial vicar: Frs. Joseph Mary Elder, Frank Grinko, and Donald Rank, provincial councilors.

During the Chapter, the Province also voted to begin a new friary in the Diocese of Wichita, Kans., and discussed a new international friary which five friars from three Pan-American conferences will begin later this summer near the U.S.-Mexican border at Alamo, Tex.

Fr. William Kraus, representing the St. Conrad Province and the North American Pacific Conference will serve as guardian of the new community, and was commissioned as a missionary to the Alamo friary. Two friars from other U.S. provinces and friars from Mexico and Brazil will complete the new Capuchin border presence.

The St. Conrad Province, consisting of 56 priests, 12 solemnly professed lay friars and eight other young men in Capuchin formation, currently serve in the archdioceses of Denver, Kansas City in Kansas, and San Antonio, the dioceses of Colorado Springs, Salina, Kans., and Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., and the Capuchin Mission in Papua New Guinea.

Archbishop-emeritus Stephen Reichert of Madang, Papua New Guinea, and Archbishop-emeritus Charles Chaput of Philadelphia are also members&nbsp;of the St. Conrad Province.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748025584651.png" alt="Frs. Joseph Elder, Frank Grinko, Robert Williams (delegate from Rome), David Songy (provincial minister), Sojan Parappilly (provincial vicar), Donald Rank. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Frs. Joseph Elder, Frank Grinko, Robert Williams (delegate from Rome), David Songy (provincial minister), Sojan Parappilly (provincial vicar), Donald Rank. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedVICTORIA — In its triennial Chapter at St. Fidelis Friary, Victoria, Mar. 19-23, the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Conrad elected and installed a new slate of officers: Fr. David Songy, provincial minister; Fr. Sojan Parappilly, provincial vicar: Frs. Joseph Mary Elder, Frank Grinko, and Donald Rank, provincial councilors.During the Chapter, the Province also voted to begin a new friary in the Diocese of Wichita, Kans., and discussed a new international friary which five friars from three Pan-American conferences will begin later this summer near the U.S.-Mexican border at Alamo, Tex.Fr. William Kraus, representing the St. Conrad Province and the North American Pacific Conference will serve as guardian of the new community, and was commissioned as a missionary to the Alamo friary. Two friars from other U.S. provinces and friars from Mexico and Brazil will complete the new Capuchin border presence.The St. Conrad Province, consisting of 56 priests, 12 solemnly professed lay friars and eight other young men in Capuchin formation, currently serve in the archdioceses of Denver, Kansas City in Kansas, and San Antonio, the dioceses of Colorado Springs, Salina, Kans., and Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., and the Capuchin Mission in Papua New Guinea.Archbishop-emeritus Stephen Reichert of Madang, Papua New Guinea, and Archbishop-emeritus Charles Chaput of Philadelphia are also members&nbsp;of the St. Conrad Province.

Capuchins of Mid-America elect new superiors

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/21/trade-war-tremors-a-q-and-a-with-a-kansas-economist-about-tariffs-manufacturing-and-the-workforce/">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — The recent news that the U.S. and China had reached a 90-day tariff deal elevated the uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s trade war.

But at Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research, director Bekah Selby-Leach watches the trade war with the interest of an economist whose deep knowledge helps her interpret what’s happening.

She answered questions about tariffs, their impact, and what it would look like to strengthen the manufacturing economy.

“A tariff is a tax on the businesses that are bringing goods and services into the country,” Selby-Leach said. “It really is a tax levied against domestic businesses to encourage them to not import as much but rather produce locally.”

“Oftentimes, people who don’t understand tariffs think it’s going to be paid by the other country,” she added. “It might indirectly be paid through a reduced amount of purchasing from those countries, but in this case it really is trying to threaten them with reduced purchasing to get them to change their own policies.”

What is the goal of putting tariffs in place?

She said Trump administration policies could address trade imbalances.

“About one-third of goods and services are being produced out of the China region,” she said. “That puts them at a huge advantage in terms of their control of global markets, and the United States wants to reclaim some of that control. It is really just a strong arm move, I think. I don’t think they really want to damage the global economy. It doesn’t make sense for any governmental entity to put any country or the whole world into a recession.”

Selby-Leach and economists nationwide are seeing slow-downs indicative of an approaching recession. The short-term China trade deal led some analysts to reconsider but that news was quickly followed by a U.S. credit rating downgrade from Moody’s. That news caused mortgage rates to jump up near 7%. Yet inflation also increased at a lower-than-expected rate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank">the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported</a>.

Much depends on how Trump trade deals benefit the United States, Selby-Leach said.

“If it doesn’t go right, it could very well lead to a deepening recession. It is a risky move, but if it does pay off and advanced manufacturing does relocate to the United States, that could have long-term gains,” she said.

Have tariffs previously been put in place like they are now?

Current tariff policies in the United States are reminiscent of a similar situation from the past.

“The Smoot-Hawley Act, just after the Great Depression, was the closest version of this as a country,” Selby-Leach said. “It wasn’t worldwide, but it was a substantial number of tariffs that were levied. We do know from history what to expect from these types of policies.”

The act passed in June 1930, under President Herbert Hoover, and it increased U.S. tariffs on agricultural imports and thousands of imported goods. Many economists credit it with deepening the Great Depression because of retaliatory tariffs and causing decreased U.S. exports.

What effects do you typically see from tariffs?

“The economist in me knows very much how tariffs play out in terms of taxes — it almost always leads to inflation in prices. There’s really no case in which prices won’t change if these tariffs take effect,” Selby-Leach said.

Almost all goods the United States consumes have some portion of their supply chain that will be affected by tariffs, she said. For instance, the truck that transports products may have parts that are imported.

“That global connection has really helped us grow as a country,” Selby-Leach said. “Every step of the way, there’s an international component that’s going to increase the total cost.”

In terms of global economic power, Selby-Leach said, there is value in reclaiming and maintaining the country’s status. Global economic power has shifted toward China for some time, and pulling some of that back would add more democracy to the global markets, with less centralization in one country, she said.

“It also reduces risk, so if there’s something massive that happens in that one country, it won’t damage the entire world as much,” she said. “I can see the reasoning for it, but I don’t think the current actions are consistent with the reality of what it would take to shift that manufacturing back to the United States.”

Selby-Leach said consumers will “most certainly” see rising costs of items typically purchased from abroad, even if companies move manufacturing to the United States.

“Take, for example, a T-shirt produced in China. Their labor costs in China are considerably lower, so they’re able to produce that T-shirt at a remarkably low cost,” she said. “Whereas labor laws in the United States, as well as our history of higher-wage jobs, do mean that when that production happens it necessarily will increase in the labor cost to produce that thing.”

What does it look like to expand U.S. manufacturing and import fewer goods?

Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. isn’t as simple as it may appear to be, Selby-Leach said.

“Most countries start off predominantly agricultural,” she said. “On average, we typically see this movement from agricultural to industrial and manufacturing and then into the service industry, what we would typically think of as part of economic growth, a shift towards services as we become higher educated.”

“Manufacturing is then located in areas that are at that stage in their economic development,” she added.

Most of the richest countries in the world do not have a lot of production, Selby-Leach said.

“They offer an incredible amount of service, and that’s what economists would say is a natural progression. Whether it’s good or not good, that’s just the way it works,” she said. “Moving the opposite direction, I don’t know if a country’s ever done that without some sort of massive wartime event. During World War II, for example, we produced a lot of goods and services.”

High-tech manufacturing, though, can be considered its own new industry, which could complicate the understanding of what a shift toward manufacturing would mean for the United States. Selby-Leach said maybe it means delving into quantum computing or things as yet unknown.

Multiple factors influence how the United States would manage a return to manufacturing, Selby-Leach said. China has a head start, as the country has been working on advanced manufacturing for at least a decade.

Advanced manufacturing refers to the use of robotics, artificial intelligence, automation and other high-tech advances.

“They have a tremendous investment into high-tech manufacturing that a lot of Americans don’t even understand,” she said. “We often think of their manufacturing as traditional manufacturing but a lot is really high-tech, and they have a lot of investment that went into it. They have some production centers that have 500,000 workers. That’s the entire city of Wichita.”

How challenging are the workforce issues that plague many industries?

Selby-Leach said she’s not sure the U.S. could sustain large production centers. Low unemployment rates already create challenging workforce issues.

“You also have to develop the talent pool,” she said. “There aren’t people who know how to do those things in the United States because we haven’t done them for so long. So you’d have to go through a huge human training program to develop those skills. That will take at least a couple of years.”

Although there might be ways to train existing manufacturing workers and move them around to fill positions, there isn’t an available labor pool to reskill and place into newly created manufacturing jobs, Selby-Leach said.

Places like Wichita, with its highly skilled workforce in the aerospace industry and other advanced manufacturers, would have an advantage, she said.

“Fortunately, we have a big innovation with AI occurring simultaneously, and I think that can add efficiency into some of this, so that we can do more with fewer workers,” she said.

How does the uncertainty and complexity of all of this affect consumers?

“On the economic side of things, uncertainty has a very known effect and people tend to consume less and save more,” Selby-Leach said. “They tend to invest less and hold onto their money in what they consider to be more stable places, such as a savings account, or even cash and assets like that.”

Such individual decisions impact the economy, she said.

“The way we measure economic activity is through spending,” Selby-Leach said.

In her opinion, that’s the biggest concern right now — people are so uncertain that they’re just pulling back from economic activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748010496849.png" alt="Bekah Selby-Leach, director of the Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Business Research, considers the trade war and the future of U.S. manufacturing. Photo submitted" />
 <figcaption>Bekah Selby-Leach, director of the Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Business Research, considers the trade war and the future of U.S. manufacturing. Photo submitted</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/21/trade-war-tremors-a-q-and-a-with-a-kansas-economist-about-tariffs-manufacturing-and-the-workforce/">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — The recent news that the U.S. and China had reached a 90-day tariff deal elevated the uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s trade war.But at Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research, director Bekah Selby-Leach watches the trade war with the interest of an economist whose deep knowledge helps her interpret what’s happening.She answered questions about tariffs, their impact, and what it would look like to strengthen the manufacturing economy.<h2>What is a tariff?</h2>“A tariff is a tax on the businesses that are bringing goods and services into the country,” Selby-Leach said. “It really is a tax levied against domestic businesses to encourage them to not import as much but rather produce locally.”“Oftentimes, people who don’t understand tariffs think it’s going to be paid by the other country,” she added. “It might indirectly be paid through a reduced amount of purchasing from those countries, but in this case it really is trying to threaten them with reduced purchasing to get them to change their own policies.”<h2>What is the goal of putting tariffs in place?</h2>She said Trump administration policies could address trade imbalances.“About one-third of goods and services are being produced out of the China region,” she said. “That puts them at a huge advantage in terms of their control of global markets, and the United States wants to reclaim some of that control. It is really just a strong arm move, I think. I don’t think they really want to damage the global economy. It doesn’t make sense for any governmental entity to put any country or the whole world into a recession.”Selby-Leach and economists nationwide are seeing slow-downs indicative of an approaching recession. The short-term China trade deal led some analysts to reconsider but that news was quickly followed by a U.S. credit rating downgrade from Moody’s. That news caused mortgage rates to jump up near 7%. Yet inflation also increased at a lower-than-expected rate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank">the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported</a>.Much depends on how Trump trade deals benefit the United States, Selby-Leach said.“If it doesn’t go right, it could very well lead to a deepening recession. It is a risky move, but if it does pay off and advanced manufacturing does relocate to the United States, that could have long-term gains,” she said.<h2>Have tariffs previously been put in place like they are now?</h2>Current tariff policies in the United States are reminiscent of a similar situation from the past.“The Smoot-Hawley Act, just after the Great Depression, was the closest version of this as a country,” Selby-Leach said. “It wasn’t worldwide, but it was a substantial number of tariffs that were levied. We do know from history what to expect from these types of policies.”The act passed in June 1930, under President Herbert Hoover, and it increased U.S. tariffs on agricultural imports and thousands of imported goods. Many economists credit it with deepening the Great Depression because of retaliatory tariffs and causing decreased U.S. exports.<h2>What effects do you typically see from tariffs?</h2>“The economist in me knows very much how tariffs play out in terms of taxes — it almost always leads to inflation in prices. There’s really no case in which prices won’t change if these tariffs take effect,” Selby-Leach said.Almost all goods the United States consumes have some portion of their supply chain that will be affected by tariffs, she said. For instance, the truck that transports products may have parts that are imported.“That global connection has really helped us grow as a country,” Selby-Leach said. “Every step of the way, there’s an international component that’s going to increase the total cost.”In terms of global economic power, Selby-Leach said, there is value in reclaiming and maintaining the country’s status. Global economic power has shifted toward China for some time, and pulling some of that back would add more democracy to the global markets, with less centralization in one country, she said.“It also reduces risk, so if there’s something massive that happens in that one country, it won’t damage the entire world as much,” she said. “I can see the reasoning for it, but I don’t think the current actions are consistent with the reality of what it would take to shift that manufacturing back to the United States.”<h2>What does this mean for consumers?</h2>Selby-Leach said consumers will “most certainly” see rising costs of items typically purchased from abroad, even if companies move manufacturing to the United States.“Take, for example, a T-shirt produced in China. Their labor costs in China are considerably lower, so they’re able to produce that T-shirt at a remarkably low cost,” she said. “Whereas labor laws in the United States, as well as our history of higher-wage jobs, do mean that when that production happens it necessarily will increase in the labor cost to produce that thing.”<h2>What does it look like to expand U.S. manufacturing and import fewer goods?</h2>Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. isn’t as simple as it may appear to be, Selby-Leach said.“Most countries start off predominantly agricultural,” she said. “On average, we typically see this movement from agricultural to industrial and manufacturing and then into the service industry, what we would typically think of as part of economic growth, a shift towards services as we become higher educated.”“Manufacturing is then located in areas that are at that stage in their economic development,” she added.Most of the richest countries in the world do not have a lot of production, Selby-Leach said.“They offer an incredible amount of service, and that’s what economists would say is a natural progression. Whether it’s good or not good, that’s just the way it works,” she said. “Moving the opposite direction, I don’t know if a country’s ever done that without some sort of massive wartime event. During World War II, for example, we produced a lot of goods and services.”High-tech manufacturing, though, can be considered its own new industry, which could complicate the understanding of what a shift toward manufacturing would mean for the United States. Selby-Leach said maybe it means delving into quantum computing or things as yet unknown.<h2>Would this be a difficult shift?</h2>Multiple factors influence how the United States would manage a return to manufacturing, Selby-Leach said. China has a head start, as the country has been working on advanced manufacturing for at least a decade.Advanced manufacturing refers to the use of robotics, artificial intelligence, automation and other high-tech advances.“They have a tremendous investment into high-tech manufacturing that a lot of Americans don’t even understand,” she said. “We often think of their manufacturing as traditional manufacturing but a lot is really high-tech, and they have a lot of investment that went into it. They have some production centers that have 500,000 workers. That’s the entire city of Wichita.”<h2>How challenging are the workforce issues that plague many industries?</h2>Selby-Leach said she’s not sure the U.S. could sustain large production centers. Low unemployment rates already create challenging workforce issues.“You also have to develop the talent pool,” she said. “There aren’t people who know how to do those things in the United States because we haven’t done them for so long. So you’d have to go through a huge human training program to develop those skills. That will take at least a couple of years.”Although there might be ways to train existing manufacturing workers and move them around to fill positions, there isn’t an available labor pool to reskill and place into newly created manufacturing jobs, Selby-Leach said.Places like Wichita, with its highly skilled workforce in the aerospace industry and other advanced manufacturers, would have an advantage, she said.“Fortunately, we have a big innovation with AI occurring simultaneously, and I think that can add efficiency into some of this, so that we can do more with fewer workers,” she said.<h2>How does the uncertainty and complexity of all of this affect consumers?</h2>“On the economic side of things, uncertainty has a very known effect and people tend to consume less and save more,” Selby-Leach said. “They tend to invest less and hold onto their money in what they consider to be more stable places, such as a savings account, or even cash and assets like that.”Such individual decisions impact the economy, she said.“The way we measure economic activity is through spending,” Selby-Leach said.In her opinion, that’s the biggest concern right now — people are so uncertain that they’re just pulling back from economic activity.

Trade war tremors: A Q and A with a Kansas economist about tariffs, manufacturing and the workforce

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about tax incentives on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Williams will be answering questions from readers and listeners during the next Grow Hays interview at 8:45 a.m. Friday on the Morning Blend on KAYS, 1400 AM, 94.3 FM.

Please submit your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays - Tax Incentives" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=yz5zw-18b8a60-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about tax incentives on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.Williams will be answering questions from readers and listeners during the next Grow Hays interview at 8:45 a.m. Friday on the Morning Blend on KAYS, 1400 AM, 94.3 FM.Please submit your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams discusses tax incentives

Over the years I’ve had many encounters with those jaunty little stilt-legged birds known as Killdeers.

 As a midwestern farm kid I can’t count the number of times the little beggars ran ahead of the tractor in the middle of a field full of absolutely nothing but bare soil, never once hesitating to take on the big green behemoth invading their space. 

And that broken wings thing they do to lead you away from their nest; seriously? Occasionally I’d stop to chase one around and the minute I’d start to gain on it those wings that looked broken to the point of dragging uselessly in the dirt would miraculously heal and those tiny stick legs would propel it well out of reach again.

 I suppose Killdeer are named partly for the loud “KILL DEER” call they use, especially after they’ve fooled you again with the broken wing thing.

Killdeers migrate south for the winter, and are probably the first sign of spring each year, often arriving back in Kansas in mid-February. 

Killdeer are members of the plover family which includes several other cousins that also look a lot like Killdeers.

 I learned that baby birds are divided into two distinct groups.

 Birds that hatch blind, naked and helpless are known as altricial, (Greek for “wet nurse.”) This group includes robins, blue jays and most other backyard birds whose hatchlings lie helplessly in their nest utterly relying on the parents to bring them food and push it down their throats. It's two weeks or more before altricial hatchlings mature enough to leave the nest, and even then, they rely completely on the parents for food. 

The other group is known as precocial, (Latin for “ripened beforehand,”) and includes ducks, geese, pheasants, quail and killdeer. These hatchlings remain in the nest only long enough for their feathers to dry, then they are already out following their parents about, learning the ropes of life. Precocial birds remain in the egg twice as long as altricial birds to give them more time to develop. 

So, for example, a one-day old killdeer chick is at least two weeks older than a one-day old robin hatchling. And along with this, Killdeer eggs are twice as big as robin eggs to allow for more nourishment to be built into the egg to sustain the chick for its longer time “behind the shell;” yet another “God Thing” found in nature. 

Killdeers almost always lay four eggs but none of the eggs start to develop until the last egg is laid and the parent begins to sit on the nest. When the embryos feel the warmth of the adult Killdeer on the nest, they all start to develop at the same time, meaning that even though three of the eggs are older than the last one laid, all chicks will still be the same age when hatched; yup, you guessed it, another God Thing!

The thing about Killdeers that has always baffled me is why on earth they nest in the places they do. 

Although technically in the family known as shorebirds, their nests will usually be found about as far away from water as they can get; often in the middle of a plowed field or in the gravel of a busy parking lot; places with absolutely no cover whatsoever. As far as no-frill nests go, they rank right up there with turkey vultures. They’ll use a slight depression, if there happens to be one, to hold the eggs, but that’s about as fancy as it gets.&nbsp;

They make up for all this by laying eggs that blend in so well with their chosen locations, it’s a fortunate person indeed who ever actually spots a Killdeer nest and eggs in the wild. 

And from those humble nests hatch some of the cutest chicks there can be, looking for all the world like fuzzy little ping pong balls on toothpick legs. Killdeers are very tolerant of us humans; there are numerous examples of them nesting and hatching families along busy sidewalks or next to tennis courts.

Like I said, when I was a kid, I had dozens of encounters with those cute little birds with the stick legs known as Killdeers, but never once did I ever find a nest. In fact, I don’t think it ever occurred to me to search for one.&nbsp;The actor with the broken wing would drag its apparently poor dilapidated body out of my way and the tractor would steam past.

Now as I think about it, it kind of bothers me thinking about all the Killdeer nests I probably unknowingly disked under. 

To Killdeers everywhere, can you find it in your heart to forgive me? And maybe next time rethink the whole nest location thing. 

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Over the years I’ve had many encounters with those jaunty little stilt-legged birds known as Killdeers. As a midwestern farm kid I can’t count the number of times the little beggars ran ahead of the tractor in the middle of a field full of absolutely nothing but bare soil, never once hesitating to take on the big green behemoth invading their space. And that broken wings thing they do to lead you away from their nest; seriously? Occasionally I’d stop to chase one around and the minute I’d start to gain on it those wings that looked broken to the point of dragging uselessly in the dirt would miraculously heal and those tiny stick legs would propel it well out of reach again. I suppose Killdeer are named partly for the loud “KILL DEER” call they use, especially after they’ve fooled you again with the broken wing thing.Killdeers migrate south for the winter, and are probably the first sign of spring each year, often arriving back in Kansas in mid-February. Killdeer are members of the plover family which includes several other cousins that also look a lot like Killdeers. I learned that baby birds are divided into two distinct groups. Birds that hatch blind, naked and helpless are known as altricial, (Greek for “wet nurse.”) This group includes robins, blue jays and most other backyard birds whose hatchlings lie helplessly in their nest utterly relying on the parents to bring them food and push it down their throats. It's two weeks or more before altricial hatchlings mature enough to leave the nest, and even then, they rely completely on the parents for food. The other group is known as precocial, (Latin for “ripened beforehand,”) and includes ducks, geese, pheasants, quail and killdeer. These hatchlings remain in the nest only long enough for their feathers to dry, then they are already out following their parents about, learning the ropes of life. Precocial birds remain in the egg twice as long as altricial birds to give them more time to develop. So, for example, a one-day old killdeer chick is at least two weeks older than a one-day old robin hatchling. And along with this, Killdeer eggs are twice as big as robin eggs to allow for more nourishment to be built into the egg to sustain the chick for its longer time “behind the shell;” yet another “God Thing” found in nature. Killdeers almost always lay four eggs but none of the eggs start to develop until the last egg is laid and the parent begins to sit on the nest. When the embryos feel the warmth of the adult Killdeer on the nest, they all start to develop at the same time, meaning that even though three of the eggs are older than the last one laid, all chicks will still be the same age when hatched; yup, you guessed it, another God Thing!The thing about Killdeers that has always baffled me is why on earth they nest in the places they do. Although technically in the family known as shorebirds, their nests will usually be found about as far away from water as they can get; often in the middle of a plowed field or in the gravel of a busy parking lot; places with absolutely no cover whatsoever. As far as no-frill nests go, they rank right up there with turkey vultures. They’ll use a slight depression, if there happens to be one, to hold the eggs, but that’s about as fancy as it gets.&nbsp;They make up for all this by laying eggs that blend in so well with their chosen locations, it’s a fortunate person indeed who ever actually spots a Killdeer nest and eggs in the wild. And from those humble nests hatch some of the cutest chicks there can be, looking for all the world like fuzzy little ping pong balls on toothpick legs. Killdeers are very tolerant of us humans; there are numerous examples of them nesting and hatching families along busy sidewalks or next to tennis courts.Like I said, when I was a kid, I had dozens of encounters with those cute little birds with the stick legs known as Killdeers, but never once did I ever find a nest. In fact, I don’t think it ever occurred to me to search for one.&nbsp;The actor with the broken wing would drag its apparently poor dilapidated body out of my way and the tractor would steam past.Now as I think about it, it kind of bothers me thinking about all the Killdeer nests I probably unknowingly disked under. To Killdeers everywhere, can you find it in your heart to forgive me? And maybe next time rethink the whole nest location thing. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Killdeers and that broken wing thing

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Willow House, a seven-bed, long-term care facility, is celebrating 10 years in Hays.

The home-based facility also offers adult day care, Shayne Unsworth, RN and owner said.

Willow House provides a home atmosphere. It is in a home in a quiet neighborhood in north Hays. The care home is privately owned and accepts private pay clients.

Willow House is state-regulated instead of federally regulated.

"We have a lot more flexibility in being able to regulate personal choice for the residents and how they like to live this part of their lives," said Analiese Unsworth, Shayne's wife and Willow House co-owner.

&nbsp;Willow House encourages visits from family members and even pets.

The care home has fewer structured activities, but they encourage residents to participate in activities and hobbies they enjoy, such as games, watching sports on the big screen, music or gardening.

"In larger facilities, you feel like you're shuffled around and you have to do what's on their agenda,"&nbsp;Analiese said. "In here, you get to do what you like... A lot of people want to stay in their own home, and this is the next best thing to be in a home environment with 24-hour care."

The home has a large yard planted with flowers and vegetables, which the residents can enjoy. The backyard is accessible by a wheelchair ramp or the residents can watch birds and admire the flowers through large windows that look out onto the garden.

The home has three dual-occupancy rooms and one single-occupancy room. The house is handicap accessible. When the couple bought the home, they enlarged the doorways to facilitate maneuvering wheelchairs and walkers.

Because the care home is small, it can more easily cater to the individual needs and desires of its clients, Analiese said.

Shayne said with the small number of residents, people aren't having long waits for call lights. Staff members are usually just in the next room.

If someone wants to sleep in and eat their breakfast later in the morning, that is possible. Most of the meals are home-cooked, which allows the staff to prepare some of the residents' favorites, he said.

Shayne has previous experience working in a nursing home and home health. He has also worked as a traveling nurse and at the Larned State Hospital.

Willow House is required to have medical staff on site 24 hours a day. Shayne said staffing levels depend on the needs of the home's clients.&nbsp;

Willow House is equipped to offer assisted living through the end of life.&nbsp;

"The goal is that once they are here, they can stay in their house until they pass," Shayne said. "They don't have to move into any other facilities."

Many of the Willow House clients have memory issues. Shayne said those clients tend to do better in the home setting than in a large facility.

"They can get a routine without many people interfering with their routine," he said.

Low turnover also means the clients see the same faces every day, Shayne said.

Willow House does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. It does accept private pay, long-term care insurance and some veterans' benefits.

Willow House has openings. You can learn more about the facility on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063600362736">Facebook page</a>. You can call&nbsp;785-621-4959 or email&nbsp;willowsthouse@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747773993112.jpeg" alt="Willow House is a seven-bed, long-term care facility in Hays. The home is staffed 24/7, handicap accessible and offers flexible living for senior adults. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Willow House is a seven-bed, long-term care facility in Hays. The home is staffed 24/7, handicap accessible and offers flexible living for senior adults. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWillow House, a seven-bed, long-term care facility, is celebrating 10 years in Hays.The home-based facility also offers adult day care, Shayne Unsworth, RN and owner said.Willow House provides a home atmosphere. It is in a home in a quiet neighborhood in north Hays. The care home is privately owned and accepts private pay clients.Willow House is state-regulated instead of federally regulated.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ExP_JXUc6vs?si=w2ZG0DxxmT4ffhFz" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"We have a lot more flexibility in being able to regulate personal choice for the residents and how they like to live this part of their lives," said Analiese Unsworth, Shayne's wife and Willow House co-owner.&nbsp;Willow House encourages visits from family members and even pets.The care home has fewer structured activities, but they encourage residents to participate in activities and hobbies they enjoy, such as games, watching sports on the big screen, music or gardening."In larger facilities, you feel like you're shuffled around and you have to do what's on their agenda,"&nbsp;Analiese said. "In here, you get to do what you like... A lot of people want to stay in their own home, and this is the next best thing to be in a home environment with 24-hour care."The home has a large yard planted with flowers and vegetables, which the residents can enjoy. The backyard is accessible by a wheelchair ramp or the residents can watch birds and admire the flowers through large windows that look out onto the garden.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747774034827.jpeg" alt="Shayne Unsworth, co-owner of Willow House, in the care home's garden in Hays. Unsworth, an RN, opened Willow House 10 years ago after working in nursing homes and home health. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Shayne Unsworth, co-owner of Willow House, in the care home's garden in Hays. Unsworth, an RN, opened Willow House 10 years ago after working in nursing homes and home health. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The home has three dual-occupancy rooms and one single-occupancy room. The house is handicap accessible. When the couple bought the home, they enlarged the doorways to facilitate maneuvering wheelchairs and walkers.Because the care home is small, it can more easily cater to the individual needs and desires of its clients, Analiese said.Shayne said with the small number of residents, people aren't having long waits for call lights. Staff members are usually just in the next room.If someone wants to sleep in and eat their breakfast later in the morning, that is possible. Most of the meals are home-cooked, which allows the staff to prepare some of the residents' favorites, he said.Shayne has previous experience working in a nursing home and home health. He has also worked as a traveling nurse and at the Larned State Hospital.Willow House is required to have medical staff on site 24 hours a day. Shayne said staffing levels depend on the needs of the home's clients.&nbsp;Willow House is equipped to offer assisted living through the end of life.&nbsp;"The goal is that once they are here, they can stay in their house until they pass," Shayne said. "They don't have to move into any other facilities."Many of the Willow House clients have memory issues. Shayne said those clients tend to do better in the home setting than in a large facility."They can get a routine without many people interfering with their routine," he said.Low turnover also means the clients see the same faces every day, Shayne said.Willow House does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. It does accept private pay, long-term care insurance and some veterans' benefits.Willow House has openings. You can learn more about the facility on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063600362736">Facebook page</a>. You can call&nbsp;785-621-4959 or email&nbsp;willowsthouse@gmail.com.

Willow House in Hays offers long-term care in family atmosphere

Olivia and Liam are once again America's most popular baby names of the year. 2024 marks the sixth consecutive year that families chose to stick with both familiar names. Also, for the sixth consecutive year, Emma took the second slot for girls, and Noah for boys. The girls’ name Luna has dropped from its spot among the Top 10, replaced by Sofia which enters at number 10 for the first time.

Here are the top 10 boys’ and girls’ names for 2024:

For the full list, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/">www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames</a>.

Most parents apply for their child's Social Security number (SSN) at birth, during their hospital stay. Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano encourages families to take this vital step in ensuring valuable protection for any benefits their children may be eligible for in the future.

An SSN is needed to claim a child as a dependent for income tax purposes or to open a bank account in the child’s name and buy savings bonds. More information on getting a child’s SSN and card is provided in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf">Social Security Numbers for Children</a>.

Additional Baby Names Information:

Social Security began compiling the baby name list in 1997, with names dating back to 1880. At the time of a child's birth, parents supply the name to the agency when applying for a child's Social Security card, thus making Social Security America's source for the most popular baby names.

Each year, the list also reveals the names that increased the most in popularity. Among those rising in popularity for girls, Ailany, which means ‘chief’, topped the list. The boys’ name Truce, which means ‘peace’, rose an incredible 11,118 spots from last year’s position, cracking the top 1,000 at number 991 overall.

Here are the top five boys’ and girls’ names that increased the most in popularity in 2024:

For all the top baby names of 2024, and to see where your name ranks, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/">www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701289164756.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Social Security Press&nbsp;Olivia and Liam are once again America's most popular baby names of the year. 2024 marks the sixth consecutive year that families chose to stick with both familiar names. Also, for the sixth consecutive year, Emma took the second slot for girls, and Noah for boys. The girls’ name Luna has dropped from its spot among the Top 10, replaced by Sofia which enters at number 10 for the first time.Here are the top 10 boys’ and girls’ names for 2024:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747321324791.png" alt="Social Security Administration" />
 <figcaption>Social Security Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>For the full list, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/">www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames</a>.Most parents apply for their child's Social Security number (SSN) at birth, during their hospital stay. Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano encourages families to take this vital step in ensuring valuable protection for any benefits their children may be eligible for in the future.An SSN is needed to claim a child as a dependent for income tax purposes or to open a bank account in the child’s name and buy savings bonds. More information on getting a child’s SSN and card is provided in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf">Social Security Numbers for Children</a>.Additional Baby Names Information:Social Security began compiling the baby name list in 1997, with names dating back to 1880. At the time of a child's birth, parents supply the name to the agency when applying for a child's Social Security card, thus making Social Security America's source for the most popular baby names.Each year, the list also reveals the names that increased the most in popularity. Among those rising in popularity for girls, Ailany, which means ‘chief’, topped the list. The boys’ name Truce, which means ‘peace’, rose an incredible 11,118 spots from last year’s position, cracking the top 1,000 at number 991 overall.Here are the top five boys’ and girls’ names that increased the most in popularity in 2024:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747321538261.png" alt="Social Security Administration" />
 <figcaption>Social Security Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>For all the top baby names of 2024, and to see where your name ranks, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/">www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames</a>.

Olivia, Liam remain most popular baby names for 2024

Every day, courtrooms across the United States are filled with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders.&nbsp;Without treatment to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, many will continue to cycle in and out of the justice system, burdening law enforcement and at tremendous expense to taxpayers.

Treatment courts break this cycle by holding individuals accountable through a combination of treatment and rigorous supervision and returning them to the community as healthy, productive citizens. 

Today, approximately 4,000 treatment courts across the nation are now considered the most successful justice intervention in our nation’s history, proving that when one person, family, and community rises, we all rise. 

Kansas has 33 specialty courts serving 37 counties. 

Ellis County Recovery Court, formerly Ellis County Drug Court, has helped justice involved individuals with substance use disorder since 2018, graduating 65 community members to date. 

Approximately 65% of the U.S. prison population has a substance use disorder, and another 20% were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their crime. 

The largest and most comprehensive multi-site study ever conducted on treatment courts found reductions in crime averaging 58% and savings of more than $6,000 for every individual served. Further benefits include improved education, employment, housing, financial stability, and family reunification. 

Ellis County and the surrounding communities are very fortunate to have this program available. 

Treatment courts are our most effective approach to the devastation of addiction and justice involvement. Collaboration between corrections, court, treatment, mental health and law enforcement allow us to support those in addiction and help them manage their recovery while providing resources and tools for long term success. This leads to a stronger community of productive, law-abiding citizens. 

This National Treatment Court Month, The Ellis County Recovery Court thanks the community for its continued support of our efforts to make a difference in Ellis County and the 23rd Judicial District.&nbsp;

Ellis County Recovery Court Team&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Image by Pixabay&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Every day, courtrooms across the United States are filled with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders.&nbsp;Without treatment to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, many will continue to cycle in and out of the justice system, burdening law enforcement and at tremendous expense to taxpayers.Treatment courts break this cycle by holding individuals accountable through a combination of treatment and rigorous supervision and returning them to the community as healthy, productive citizens. Today, approximately 4,000 treatment courts across the nation are now considered the most successful justice intervention in our nation’s history, proving that when one person, family, and community rises, we all rise. Kansas has 33 specialty courts serving 37 counties. Ellis County Recovery Court, formerly Ellis County Drug Court, has helped justice involved individuals with substance use disorder since 2018, graduating 65 community members to date. Approximately 65% of the U.S. prison population has a substance use disorder, and another 20% were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their crime. The largest and most comprehensive multi-site study ever conducted on treatment courts found reductions in crime averaging 58% and savings of more than $6,000 for every individual served. Further benefits include improved education, employment, housing, financial stability, and family reunification. Ellis County and the surrounding communities are very fortunate to have this program available. Treatment courts are our most effective approach to the devastation of addiction and justice involvement. Collaboration between corrections, court, treatment, mental health and law enforcement allow us to support those in addiction and help them manage their recovery while providing resources and tools for long term success. This leads to a stronger community of productive, law-abiding citizens. This National Treatment Court Month, The Ellis County Recovery Court thanks the community for its continued support of our efforts to make a difference in Ellis County and the 23rd Judicial District.&nbsp;Ellis County Recovery Court Team&nbsp;

LETTER: May is National Treatment Court Month

It all seemed so easy back in January.

Delivering property tax relief and reform for Kansan homeowners was atop every Kansas legislator’s list as if Moses himself was delivering them on stone tablets from Mount Sinai.&nbsp;An expanded Republican supermajority riding high off November’s victory party rhetoric blustered that property taxes were job #1, #2, and #3.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/edwDjlQFHGw?si=uT38_mwTRaphZbQP">Senate President Ty Masterson</a>&nbsp;chiseled it to the very top of his GOP tablets daring Governor Kelly’s compliance. And when three property tax bills passed out of committee within the first weeks of the session, it appeared the mountain was moving to Moses just as promised.

Three months later, Moses came back down with broken tablets and a t-shirt, “I went to the mountain top and all I got were these crummy 1.5 mills.”&nbsp;So, what in the holy land happened?

·&nbsp; &nbsp; Lawmakers grossly oversold their agency.&nbsp;It shouldn’t be a big secret by now that the State can only be so transformative with property taxes. They controlled a miniscule one percent (1.5 mills) portion of your property tax bill for state and university building maintenance. In the end, it was the only unilateral thing they could play with and eliminated it to their credit. The fact it only saves $35 on a $200,000 house is a kick in the shins to vulnerable homeowners. Other bills like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2011/">HB 2011</a>&nbsp;and the Dems&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb217/">SB 217</a>&nbsp;targeted the other portion of your bill under State auspices - 20 mills for local schools – but the juice was not worth the squeeze.

·&nbsp; &nbsp;Dueling chambers&nbsp;– For some reason, the Senate revived the same 3% cap on property value increases the House rejected last year. House leaders rejected it again calling the constitutional amendment&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/25/kansas-property-tax-where-do-tax-cuts-stand-so-far/#:~:text=inbox%20%E2%80%94%20for%20free.-,Kansas%20Statehouse,exemptions%20from%20$75%2C000%20to%20$125%2C000.">gimmicky</a>&nbsp;given it doesn’t force cities to cut any property tax. Instead, the House deftly proposed an innovative $60 million fund to incentivize local governments to lower property taxes (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2396/">HB 2396/ASTRA fund</a>). One stick. One carrot. One philosophical logjam.

·&nbsp; &nbsp; The well is running dry&nbsp;– As time wore on, enough lawmakers realized they were either not willing, or unable, to cash checks they’d have to write for property tax relief. This session came on the heels of a massive signature $1.3 billion tax cut in 2024 including twice as much property tax relief. Don’t forget, for every dollar of property tax relief they had to backfill with an equal dollar of income/sales tax revenue so schools and public building maintenance didn’t’ suffer. With the specter of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2025/04/17/kansas-faces-budget-shortfall-after-cutting-taxes-while-spending-more/83140051007/">state coffers going red by 2028</a>, the well is drying up like an Ogallala aquifer.

·&nbsp; &nbsp; The flat tax “okey doke”.&nbsp;With everyone spellbound on property taxes, Republican leaders pulled a classic&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/ppHRs0qKw5U?si=H5ckHnvlS9iZLz5T">“okey doke” ball fake</a>&nbsp;very late in the session by slipping past a Kelly veto block to deliver a phased-in 4% flat income tax. Talk about deep fakes. Kelly proclaimed it the “<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/19/gov-laura-kelly-warns-of-undercutting-kansas-schools-judicial-independence-budget-stability/?emci=bb6f7748-3335-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=96fe52d4-5835-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=125005">kiss of death for the Kansas budget</a>” as it sucked the well even drier for property tax relief and unmasked conservatives true colors putting income tax cuts first.

In the end, there was no Promise Land. But maybe that’s the lesson. The State will not part the Red Sea meddling with mill rates. Not now. The real issue, and their real power, lies in property assessment reform which they control through Kansas statutes and the county appraisal system. That’s a talk they could walk.

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708024541249.jpeg" alt="Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>It all seemed so easy back in January.Delivering property tax relief and reform for Kansan homeowners was atop every Kansas legislator’s list as if Moses himself was delivering them on stone tablets from Mount Sinai.&nbsp;An expanded Republican supermajority riding high off November’s victory party rhetoric blustered that property taxes were job #1, #2, and #3.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/edwDjlQFHGw?si=uT38_mwTRaphZbQP">Senate President Ty Masterson</a>&nbsp;chiseled it to the very top of his GOP tablets daring Governor Kelly’s compliance. And when three property tax bills passed out of committee within the first weeks of the session, it appeared the mountain was moving to Moses just as promised.Three months later, Moses came back down with broken tablets and a t-shirt, “I went to the mountain top and all I got were these crummy 1.5 mills.”&nbsp;So, what in the holy land happened?·&nbsp; &nbsp; Lawmakers grossly oversold their agency.&nbsp;It shouldn’t be a big secret by now that the State can only be so transformative with property taxes. They controlled a miniscule one percent (1.5 mills) portion of your property tax bill for state and university building maintenance. In the end, it was the only unilateral thing they could play with and eliminated it to their credit. The fact it only saves $35 on a $200,000 house is a kick in the shins to vulnerable homeowners. Other bills like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2011/">HB 2011</a>&nbsp;and the Dems&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb217/">SB 217</a>&nbsp;targeted the other portion of your bill under State auspices - 20 mills for local schools – but the juice was not worth the squeeze.·&nbsp; &nbsp;Dueling chambers&nbsp;– For some reason, the Senate revived the same 3% cap on property value increases the House rejected last year. House leaders rejected it again calling the constitutional amendment&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/25/kansas-property-tax-where-do-tax-cuts-stand-so-far/#:~:text=inbox%20%E2%80%94%20for%20free.-,Kansas%20Statehouse,exemptions%20from%20$75%2C000%20to%20$125%2C000.">gimmicky</a>&nbsp;given it doesn’t force cities to cut any property tax. Instead, the House deftly proposed an innovative $60 million fund to incentivize local governments to lower property taxes (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2396/">HB 2396/ASTRA fund</a>). One stick. One carrot. One philosophical logjam.·&nbsp; &nbsp; The well is running dry&nbsp;– As time wore on, enough lawmakers realized they were either not willing, or unable, to cash checks they’d have to write for property tax relief. This session came on the heels of a massive signature $1.3 billion tax cut in 2024 including twice as much property tax relief. Don’t forget, for every dollar of property tax relief they had to backfill with an equal dollar of income/sales tax revenue so schools and public building maintenance didn’t’ suffer. With the specter of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2025/04/17/kansas-faces-budget-shortfall-after-cutting-taxes-while-spending-more/83140051007/">state coffers going red by 2028</a>, the well is drying up like an Ogallala aquifer.·&nbsp; &nbsp; The flat tax “okey doke”.&nbsp;With everyone spellbound on property taxes, Republican leaders pulled a classic&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/ppHRs0qKw5U?si=H5ckHnvlS9iZLz5T">“okey doke” ball fake</a>&nbsp;very late in the session by slipping past a Kelly veto block to deliver a phased-in 4% flat income tax. Talk about deep fakes. Kelly proclaimed it the “<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/19/gov-laura-kelly-warns-of-undercutting-kansas-schools-judicial-independence-budget-stability/?emci=bb6f7748-3335-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=96fe52d4-5835-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=125005">kiss of death for the Kansas budget</a>” as it sucked the well even drier for property tax relief and unmasked conservatives true colors putting income tax cuts first.In the end, there was no Promise Land. But maybe that’s the lesson. The State will not part the Red Sea meddling with mill rates. Not now. The real issue, and their real power, lies in property assessment reform which they control through Kansas statutes and the county appraisal system. That’s a talk they could walk.Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: What happened to property tax cuts? 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748008090981.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Federal lawmakers are considering big cuts to the health care program Medicaid. Some Kansans fear they’ll lose coverage or benefits.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/bek-shackelford">BEK SHACKELFORD-NWANGANGA</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2025-05-20/kansans-on-medicaid-and-health-care-providers-say-federal-funding-cuts-will-hurt">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE —&nbsp;Shelley Miles lives on a quaint, tree-lined street in Lawrence. She used to share her split-level home with her husband, Kirk. But then he was diagnosed with dementia. Miles said in 2021, Kirk’s memory issues progressed quickly.

“He was much more agitated, kind of confrontational. He was hallucinating,” she said.

Kirk started wandering away from the house late at night. She felt like she had to watch him day and night to keep him safe.

“We have six exits out of this house, so it was really difficult to keep an eye on him 24/7,” Miles said. “My kids were coming over from Kansas City and sleeping on the couch to help me because I was exhausted.”

Miles said Kirk’s doctors told her he needed to move to assisted living. It took time — Miles said it was difficult to find a facility that had space for her husband and could handle his memory issues. But eventually, she moved him to a facility about 25 minutes away from Lawrence in Baldwin City..

It took about a year to enroll her husband in Medicaid. She said she spent more than $70,000 before they were able to qualify — completely draining their savings and money they’d earned off the sale of Kirk’s family’s farm. Currently, with the help of Medicaid, Miles pays the facility about $1,595 per month.

But now, proposed federal cuts to Medicaid have Miles concerned. She’s afraid Kirk will lose coverage, raise her monthly costs or the cuts will cause the facility he lives in to close.

“I’m stressed every day that they’re going to make cuts to Medicaid and that extra help won’t be there,” she said. “I definitely will not be able to afford it and keep this home.”

Federal lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5306895-republicans-budget-committee-vote-trump-bill/" target="_blank">President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”</a>&nbsp;aimed at lowering spending and taxes. The proposed changes have divided Republicans.

Congressional lawmakers currently want to cut an estimated $715 billion over the next decade from Medicaid. The program covers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2f%3furl%3dhttps%253A%252F%252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fcontent.govdelivery.com%25252Fattachments%25252FKSOG%25252F2025%25252F05%25252F05%25252Ffile_attachments%25252F3250824%25252FCODEL_Letter_Mediciad_Cuts_5.5.25.pdf%252F1%252F01010196a111c469-8c071465-b4a9-4685-b936-17148ae4eab2-000000%252FSmISmIvEHSfTUoIdztb5klaRz_Cl8XCI5par5SnLb6k%253D403%26data%3d05%257C02%257CGrace.Hoge%2540ks.gov%257C2fec29de639d4e5e061008dd8be9bfe2%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638820558528035142%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3dEVbNUXSjsV389YCMthvKWXg%252BzOD9wr%252BTP3WOhUoIOLk%253D%26reserved%3d0&amp;____isexternal=true" target="_blank">more than 440,000 Kansans</a>&nbsp;who are older adults, have disabilities, are pregnant or are children.

Proponents of the cuts, like Republican Speaker of the U.S. House Mike Johnson, say they’re going after waste and fraud in the Medicaid system.

“The Democrats, as I noted this morning, have said that we are going to gut Medicaid. It is not true. We’re going to protect the benefits that everyone is legally entitled to,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-XS2yDfjgQ" target="_blank">Johnson told reporters last month</a>.

But Republicans aren’t all on the same page. Area politicians, like Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran and Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley have spoken against steep cuts to Medicaid.

Moran said the reduction in funds would harm health care systems in Kansas.

“It’s broader than just hospitals. It’s the hospital. It’s the nursing home. It’s the community pharmacist. It’s the physician. It's the nurse practitioner. It’s the chiropractor. It’s the optometrist,” Moran said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLueGobCkWw&amp;t=14s" target="_blank">during a speech on the Senate floor</a>.

<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-op-ed-dont-cut-medicaid/" target="_blank">In an op-ed published by the New York Times</a>, Sen. Hawley said cutting Medicaid is “morally wrong and politically suicidal.”

“We should cap prescription drug costs, as I have recently proposed. We should give every family in America with children a hefty tax cut,” Hawley said. “What we should not do is eliminate their health care.”

Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly also released a statement speaking against Medicaid cuts.

“Significant cuts to the Medicaid program will directly affect Kansans across the state, regardless of their political views. These cuts would be particularly detrimental to our rural hospitals and providers,” Kelly said in a letter to Kansas congressional members.

“We must stand up against these changes to ensure the hundreds of thousands of Kansans covered under Medicaid can continue to receive quality, affordable care,” Kelly said.

Kansas speaker of the House, Republican Dan Hawkins,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/06/kansas-governor-pleads-with-congressional-delegation-to-fight-against-medicaid-cuts/" target="_blank">responded to Kelly’s letter</a>. Hawkins accused Kelly of fear mongering.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748010025633.png" alt="Shelley Miles, a Lawrence resident, is concerned that cuts to Medicaid will cause her husband, Kirk, to lose access to assisted living. Kirk has dementia, and Miles said she couldn't afford his care without Medicaid. Photo by&nbsp;Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga/&nbsp;Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Shelley Miles, a Lawrence resident, is concerned that cuts to Medicaid will cause her husband, Kirk, to lose access to assisted living. Kirk has dementia, and Miles said she couldn't afford his care without Medicaid. Photo by&nbsp;Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga/&nbsp;Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Federal lawmakers are considering big cuts to the health care program Medicaid. Some Kansans fear they’ll lose coverage or benefits.</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/bek-shackelford">BEK SHACKELFORD-NWANGANGA</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2025-05-20/kansans-on-medicaid-and-health-care-providers-say-federal-funding-cuts-will-hurt">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE —&nbsp;Shelley Miles lives on a quaint, tree-lined street in Lawrence. She used to share her split-level home with her husband, Kirk. But then he was diagnosed with dementia. Miles said in 2021, Kirk’s memory issues progressed quickly.“He was much more agitated, kind of confrontational. He was hallucinating,” she said.Kirk started wandering away from the house late at night. She felt like she had to watch him day and night to keep him safe.“We have six exits out of this house, so it was really difficult to keep an eye on him 24/7,” Miles said. “My kids were coming over from Kansas City and sleeping on the couch to help me because I was exhausted.”Miles said Kirk’s doctors told her he needed to move to assisted living. It took time — Miles said it was difficult to find a facility that had space for her husband and could handle his memory issues. But eventually, she moved him to a facility about 25 minutes away from Lawrence in Baldwin City..It took about a year to enroll her husband in Medicaid. She said she spent more than $70,000 before they were able to qualify — completely draining their savings and money they’d earned off the sale of Kirk’s family’s farm. Currently, with the help of Medicaid, Miles pays the facility about $1,595 per month.But now, proposed federal cuts to Medicaid have Miles concerned. She’s afraid Kirk will lose coverage, raise her monthly costs or the cuts will cause the facility he lives in to close.“I’m stressed every day that they’re going to make cuts to Medicaid and that extra help won’t be there,” she said. “I definitely will not be able to afford it and keep this home.”Federal lawmakers are considering billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5306895-republicans-budget-committee-vote-trump-bill/" target="_blank">President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”</a>&nbsp;aimed at lowering spending and taxes. The proposed changes have divided Republicans.What politicians sayCongressional lawmakers currently want to cut an estimated $715 billion over the next decade from Medicaid. The program covers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/?splash=https%3a%2f%2fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2f%3furl%3dhttps%253A%252F%252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fcontent.govdelivery.com%25252Fattachments%25252FKSOG%25252F2025%25252F05%25252F05%25252Ffile_attachments%25252F3250824%25252FCODEL_Letter_Mediciad_Cuts_5.5.25.pdf%252F1%252F01010196a111c469-8c071465-b4a9-4685-b936-17148ae4eab2-000000%252FSmISmIvEHSfTUoIdztb5klaRz_Cl8XCI5par5SnLb6k%253D403%26data%3d05%257C02%257CGrace.Hoge%2540ks.gov%257C2fec29de639d4e5e061008dd8be9bfe2%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638820558528035142%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3dEVbNUXSjsV389YCMthvKWXg%252BzOD9wr%252BTP3WOhUoIOLk%253D%26reserved%3d0&amp;____isexternal=true" target="_blank">more than 440,000 Kansans</a>&nbsp;who are older adults, have disabilities, are pregnant or are children.Proponents of the cuts, like Republican Speaker of the U.S. House Mike Johnson, say they’re going after waste and fraud in the Medicaid system.“The Democrats, as I noted this morning, have said that we are going to gut Medicaid. It is not true. We’re going to protect the benefits that everyone is legally entitled to,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-XS2yDfjgQ" target="_blank">Johnson told reporters last month</a>.But Republicans aren’t all on the same page. Area politicians, like Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran and Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley have spoken against steep cuts to Medicaid.Moran said the reduction in funds would harm health care systems in Kansas.“It’s broader than just hospitals. It’s the hospital. It’s the nursing home. It’s the community pharmacist. It’s the physician. It's the nurse practitioner. It’s the chiropractor. It’s the optometrist,” Moran said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLueGobCkWw&amp;t=14s" target="_blank">during a speech on the Senate floor</a>.<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-op-ed-dont-cut-medicaid/" target="_blank">In an op-ed published by the New York Times</a>, Sen. Hawley said cutting Medicaid is “morally wrong and politically suicidal.”“We should cap prescription drug costs, as I have recently proposed. We should give every family in America with children a hefty tax cut,” Hawley said. “What we should not do is eliminate their health care.”Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly also released a statement speaking against Medicaid cuts.“Significant cuts to the Medicaid program will directly affect Kansans across the state, regardless of their political views. These cuts would be particularly detrimental to our rural hospitals and providers,” Kelly said in a letter to Kansas congressional members.“We must stand up against these changes to ensure the hundreds of thousands of Kansans covered under Medicaid can continue to receive quality, affordable care,” Kelly said.Kansas speaker of the House, Republican Dan Hawkins,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/06/kansas-governor-pleads-with-congressional-delegation-to-fight-against-medicaid-cuts/" target="_blank">responded to Kelly’s letter</a>. Hawkins accused Kelly of fear mongering.“For years, we have said that expanding Medicaid beyond those who truly need it will jeopardize the program and now here we are. Our country cannot continue spending money like drunken sailors,” said Hawkins.“While Governor Kelly would like to turn Medicaid into taxpayer-funded coverage for anyone who wants it, that’s simply not sustainable,” Hawkins said.Hawkins recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2025/05/13/dan-hawkins-is-first-candidate-to-file-for-insurance-commissioner/83600174007/" target="_blank">he’s running for state insurance commissioner</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748010120552.png" alt="Lawrence resident Shelley Miles holds an old photo of her and her husband, Kirk. Miles is worried federal cuts to Medicaid will cause Kirk, who has dementia, to lose access to important care he needs, like assisted living. Photo by Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga/ Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Lawrence resident Shelley Miles holds an old photo of her and her husband, Kirk. Miles is worried federal cuts to Medicaid will cause Kirk, who has dementia, to lose access to important care he needs, like assisted living. Photo by Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga/ Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>How might Kansans be impacted by Medicaid cuts?&nbsp;Lawmakers are still debating how to come up with billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid. But estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found as many as 7.6 million people could lose access to health insurance over the next 10 years.<a href="https://reachhealth.org/2025/04/30/new-report-from-kansas-health-philanthropies-examines-how-federal-medicaid-cuts-impacts-kansas/" target="_blank">A study funded by the REACH Healthcare Foundation and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund</a>&nbsp;analyzed what several proposed scenarios would look like for Kansas.The study was conducted by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.manatt.com/health" target="_blank">Manatt Health</a>, a company that offers consulting and legal services focused on health care. It found Kansas could lose millions of dollars over the first year.Cindy Mann, a partner at Manatt, said that’s subject to change as lawmakers continue to mark up the bill.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/17/medicaid-republicans-congress-trump/83627668007/" target="_blank">Currently, lawmakers are considering</a>&nbsp;things like restrictions to provider taxes, which states use to help pay their share of Medicaid, implementing work requirements and increased eligibility checks.But Mann said regardless of how the cuts are made, it will be up to individual states to balance the budget and navigate how to make up for less federal funds.Mann said historically, states target provider rates before cutting eligibility or benefits. But they also target the most costly Medicaid recipients, like people in nursing homes and long-term care.“I don't think states are jumping to do those kinds of things, but faced with a budget hole and a requirement for a balanced budget … they're going to have to make changes that will produce some quick savings,” Mann said.Mann said the restrictions lawmakers have proposed on provider taxes, if passed, would block states from being able to adjust provider tax rates, making it harder for states to keep up with inflation and rising costs. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/19/gop-led-kansas-house-passes-budget-repeatedly-circling-back-to-dire-health-of-rural-hospitals/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature voted to raise provider tax rates</a>&nbsp;from 3% to 6% last year, but that change hasn’t gone into effect yet.Benjamin Anderson is president and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, a safety net hospital that serves a lot of rural patients.“The potential cuts to the Medicaid system threaten not only the care to people who are covered by Medicaid but it threatens the entire health care delivery system,” he said.Anderson said at Hutchinson Regional, they’re operating at a 1% profit margin and more than half of their patients are covered by Medicaid or Medicare.His hospital isn’t alone — a lot of rural hospitals are facing similar situations.According to the Center for Health Care Quality and Payment Reform, Kansas has&nbsp;<a href="https://chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf" target="_blank">26 rural hospitals immediately at risk of closure</a>&nbsp;— more than in any other state.Anderson, who identifies himself as a conservative Republican, said he’s worried about the nation’s debt. But in his view, cutting Medicaid isn’t the way to solve it.“These cuts are best done with a scalpel and not a machete. And that requires precision and skill, thoughtfulness, preparation,” Anderson said.Caitlin Linscheid is a practicing OBGYN in Kansas City with experience in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kancare.ks.gov/data-policy/boards-committees/mcac/-folder-132#docfold_1925_574_1299_132" target="_blank">Medicaid policy</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/data?reg=99&amp;top=11&amp;stop=154&amp;lev=1&amp;slev=4&amp;obj=1&amp;sreg=20" target="_blank">According to the March of Dimes</a>, KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program, covered 31.8% of births in 2023.In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/27/kansas-expands-postpartum-medicaid-coverage-up-to-12-months/" target="_blank">the state expanded Medicaid to cover moms up to 12 months</a>&nbsp;after giving birth. Linscheid said one of her biggest concerns is that Medicaid cuts will cause the state to roll back progress like that.She said in Kansas, most maternal deaths happen in the 12-month period after a woman gives birth. Linscheid said a lot of women are seeing doctors regularly for the first time during pregnancy and doctors diagnose things like diabetes or even cancer during those visits.“I worry that if we lose Medicaid coverage during the postpartum period that many of those patients will lose the ability to get the ongoing care that they need to stay healthy,” she said.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2024-06-27/kansas-medicaid-will-soon-cover-doulas-research-shows-they-reduce-birth-complications" target="_blank">Kansas also recently started covering doula care</a>&nbsp;for pregnant Medicaid recipients. Linscheid said she’s concerned benefits like that could end, too.She said reduced funding would only add to Kansas’ shortage of birth workers and facilities.“I worry that with any sort of Medicaid cuts, whether that's to maternity care or to women's health care, or to obstetrics, or just globally, that these smaller rural hospitals won't have the resources they need to maintain labor and delivery units,” Linscheid said.Double impactBack in Lawrence, Miles is anxiously keeping an eye on the news and considering ways to prepare for if her husband loses coverage or access to assisted living.She said her husband’s decades-long career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided a decent retirement fund, but the fees for his care quickly ate that up. And her job in medical billing did not have retirement benefits. Miles said if the Medicaid cuts impact Kirk, she’ll have to move him home.Miles could be doubly impacted by Medicaid cuts. She's the legal guardian of her sister, and uses Medicaid to help pay for her living in a mental health facility.“So I may be bringing my sister here as well. I won't be able to afford it. She certainly can't afford it,” Miles said. “The cost of the facilities are so expensive, so I may have both of them here with me.”Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga reports on health care disparities and access for the Kansas News Service. You can email her at r.shackelford@kcur.org.The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.

Local