2024 SENATE SCENE WEEK 10 March 18, 2024

It may seem hard to believe, but the legislature is now fully ten weeks into its session and has just two weeks remaining prior to “first adjournment.”&nbsp; We will adjourn briefly before returning to wrap up the regular part of the session with veto session beginning April 29 and the target date to end May 2 which is 90 legislative days.&nbsp; This session calendar is very fluid with date changes announced by leadership during Senate and House action.&nbsp;

This week, the Senate took the first major step in finalizing the budget for FY 2025 by passing&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb514/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for SB 514</a>.&nbsp; FY 2024 - The bill adjusts total state expenditures to $25.3 billion, including $9.9 billion SGF, in FY 2024.&nbsp; FY 2025 - the bill included expenditures totaling $25.1 billion, including $10.2 billion SGF, for FY 2025.&nbsp;

Major additions to the FY 2024 budget include the following:

The bill also includes the following deletions and transfers:

Eventually, the House will also pass a budget, after which a conference committee will work out differences between the two chambers.&nbsp; The legislature has a constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced budget every session.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb514/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for SB 514</a>&nbsp;passed by a vote of 24-15.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

An overview of the budget can be viewed by going to:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/bill_exp_sb514_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/bill_exp_sb514_01_0000.pdf</a>

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb539/" target="_blank">SB 539</a>&nbsp;is the second attempt this session at a compromise tax plan after the first bill was vetoed by the governor and sustained by the House.&nbsp;

 A few highlights are listed below.&nbsp;

SB 539 passed with a bi-partisan supermajority of 29-11.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&nbsp;voted&nbsp;yes.&nbsp;

The Supplemental Note can be viewed by going to:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_sb539_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_sb539_02_0000.pdf</a>&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2036/" target="_blank">HB 2036</a>&nbsp;would create a sales tax exemption beginning January 1, 2023, for tangible personal property and services purchased by Kansas resident veterans who have been honorably discharged and have at least a 50 percent permanent disability rating sustained through military service.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 38-2.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb484/" target="_blank">SB 484</a>&nbsp;would exempt, beginning in tax year 2025, certain personal property from all property or ad valorem taxes levied under Kansas law, including snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorized bicycles, small trailers, and watercraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 29-11.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb376/" target="_blank">SB 376</a>&nbsp;as amended, would extend the income tax credit attributable to the retirement of indebtedness authorized by a single city port authority, currently scheduled to expire after tax year 2024, through tax year 2029.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 35-5.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb311/" target="_blank">SB 311</a>&nbsp;as amended, would prohibit the sale price at which a property sells in an Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 exchange, build-to-suit transaction, or a sale/leaseback arrangement from being considered an indicator of fair market value or used in arriving at fair market value for property tax purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 21-19.&nbsp; I&nbsp;voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb498/" target="_blank">SB 498</a>&nbsp;as amended, would amend the adoption tax credit, enact the Pregnancy Resource Act that would provide a tax credit and sales tax exemption for certain contributions to certain pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities.&nbsp; Under the bill, beginning in tax year 2024, the adoption tax credit would increase to 100 percent of the federal adoption tax credit.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 28-12.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a>I voted yes.</a>

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb307/" target="_blank">SB 307</a>&nbsp;would amend the Kansas Fights Addiction Act to include for-profit private entities in the definition of “qualified applicant.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed the Senate 39-1 and will be sent to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2587/" target="_blank">HB 2587</a>&nbsp;would authorize the board of directors of a drainage district within a county or city to meet in executive session in accordance with provisions of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.&nbsp; HB 2587 passed the Senate 40-0.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb500/" target="_blank">SB 500</a>&nbsp;would amend law pertaining to restricted driving privileges for certain individuals who violate the misdemeanor offense of failure to comply with a traffic citation.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 500 passed the Senate 38-2.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb480/" target="_blank">SB 480</a>&nbsp;would allow the State Board of Tax Appeals to conduct small claims and expedited hearings and appeals by teleconference or video conference as directed by the Chief Hearing Officer or a designee.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 39-1.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb482/" target="_blank">SB 482</a>&nbsp;as amended, would make several modifications to the revenue neutral rate notification and hearing process.&nbsp; Among the provisions, the bill would specify that county clerks are not required to send hearing notices to owners of property that is exempt from taxation and would also require the vote of a governing body to exceed the revenue neutral rate to take place on the same day as the commencement of the public hearing to exceed the rate.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 32-8.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb60/" target="_blank">SB 60</a>&nbsp;was the original sales tax exemption bill introduced last year which removes sales tax on the process of meat at our meat processing businesses and was supported by Kansas Farm Bureau and Livestock Association.&nbsp; It was amended in the Taxation and Assessment Committee and the Committee of the Whole by adding a school sales tax holiday, sales tax exemptions for diapers – both children and adult and children and menstrual supplies.&nbsp; It also includes purchases by Exploration Place and Kansas Children’s Discovery Center for their projects.&nbsp; It also includes sales tax exemptions for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau and Doorstep Inc. for the need of personal assistance with food, clothing, and short-term emergency needs.&nbsp;

Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp;

ADDITIONAL LINKS FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;– Here you can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings.

<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>&nbsp;– Here you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings, as well.

UPDATE FROM KANSAS INSURANCE COMMISSIONER VICKI SCHMIDT

If you or someone you know has an issue with their insurance, we are happy to help!&nbsp; We may not always like the answers we get, but we will do our best to get you an answer.&nbsp; Please use the contact information below to reach out to us if we can be of assistance.

Consumer Assistance Hotline: 1-800-432-2484

Consumer Complaint:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov">kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov</a>

Producer Licensing:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KID.Licensing@ks.gov">kid.licensing@ks.gov</a>

Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KID.Commissioner@ks.gov">KID.Commissioner@ks.gov</a>

Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SoDYgtD-dFj2steoGgFmoL8pLuf0NSmUSYwQCgp1HsxoadVCfwcm_95Am0jNUs0wFnhLh6WZZDNC0I3bvXKrYLcDAFEsmw8M0DoCWSkqIfiLrZCsRdIrP9T0QLWMfcrFnRn8KKAZuWRvenC77dA6Tw==&amp;c=_XGtk_g_SmaADwMA6e5Ys1lOAPiD2n0Y0WhdVf1Fcsl9xHGubVgxOA==&amp;ch=r3uWbCcKhRBHU_y3dsLIzaxpLTKaKBOHKjED-RjqskJBJwcemc8Blw==" target="_blank">Insurance.kansas.gov</a>

On March 14th, Machkenzie Dixon, Plainville; Savanah Slaubaugh, Hays; Maryann Walter and Maura Knappert both of Beloit, served as pages for the Kansas Senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;The pages spent their day with us at the Capitol running errands, working in my office, attending committee meetings, and taking a historical tour of the Capitol as well as the dome tour.

Several legislative townhalls have been conducted throughout the 36th&nbsp;Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks.&nbsp; On April 13, there is a legislative coffee scheduled in Concordia at 8:00 am at Jitters Coffee House with Representative Susan Concannon and Representative Bill Bloom sponsored by Farm Bureau.&nbsp; Representative Susan and I are scheduled to be in Beloit on April 20 with more details to follow at a later date.

Thank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas.&nbsp; I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp; You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.&nbsp; An email is the best at this point in the session.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785-296-7389 <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a> <a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas, which includes:

* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>2024 SENATE SCENE WEEK 10 March 18, 2024It may seem hard to believe, but the legislature is now fully ten weeks into its session and has just two weeks remaining prior to “first adjournment.”&nbsp; We will adjourn briefly before returning to wrap up the regular part of the session with veto session beginning April 29 and the target date to end May 2 which is 90 legislative days.&nbsp; This session calendar is very fluid with date changes announced by leadership during Senate and House action.&nbsp;SENATE FLOOR ACTIONThis week, the Senate took the first major step in finalizing the budget for FY 2025 by passing&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb514/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for SB 514</a>.&nbsp; FY 2024 - The bill adjusts total state expenditures to $25.3 billion, including $9.9 billion SGF, in FY 2024.&nbsp; FY 2025 - the bill included expenditures totaling $25.1 billion, including $10.2 billion SGF, for FY 2025.&nbsp;Major additions to the FY 2024 budget include the following:<ul>
 <li>The budget also allocates&nbsp;$78.7 million to increase Medicaid outpatient reimbursement rates to help raise Kansas Medicaid base rates, which currently stand at 27% of the average commercial rate at all Kansas hospitals.</li><li>$10.0 million SGF 9State General Fund for the Career Campus match for the Lansing Correctional Facility.</li><li>$20.7 million SGF to cover the shortfall in contract nursing staff costs at Larned State Hospital and Osawatomie State Hospital.</li><li>$20.0 million, all from the Kansas Highway Patrol Operations Fund, to construct a new Central Dispatch Facility and a firing range.</li><li>$10.8 million, including $10.2 million SGF, in FY 2024 and $1.0 million for FY 2025 to address the Pay Plan Shortfall in 2023 SB 25.</li><li>$7.0 million SGF for the centralized electronic credentials verification system required by 2023 SB 66.</li>
 </ul>The bill also includes the following deletions and transfers:<ul>
 <li>Transfer $41.0 million from the Legislature Employment Security Fund to the University of Kansas ($20.5 million) and Wichita State University ($20.5 million)</li><li>$15.7 million SGF for a Southwest border mission. The bill includes language directing expenditures be made to respond to a request for assistance from the State of Texas pursuant to the Emergency Management Compact and that the Adjutant General collaborate with the Governor to activate, mobilize, and deploy state resources to prevent drug and human trafficking and other crimes contributing to an emergency in FY 2024.</li><li>$75 million for a new cancer center at the University of Kansas Medical Center.</li>
 </ul>Eventually, the House will also pass a budget, after which a conference committee will work out differences between the two chambers.&nbsp; The legislature has a constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced budget every session.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb514/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for SB 514</a>&nbsp;passed by a vote of 24-15.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.An overview of the budget can be viewed by going to:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/bill_exp_sb514_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/bill_exp_sb514_01_0000.pdf</a>SENATE TAX BILL<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb539/" target="_blank">SB 539</a>&nbsp;is the second attempt this session at a compromise tax plan after the first bill was vetoed by the governor and sustained by the House.&nbsp; A few highlights are listed below.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Repeal of Income Tax on Social Security:&nbsp;Beginning in tax year 2024, the bill would exempt all Social Security benefits.&nbsp;</li><li>Property Tax Reductions:&nbsp;The bill would increase, beginning in tax year 2024, the amount of residential property exempt from the statewide uniform 20-mill levy to $100,000 of appraised value.&nbsp;</li><li>Standard Deduction Increased for Single Filers:&nbsp;The bill would, beginning in tax year 2024, increase the Kansas individual income tax standard deduction amount for single filers from $3,500 to $4,000.</li><li>Personal Exemptions.&nbsp;The bill increases the personal exemption. Currently, it stands at $2,250 for each person in a household. Under the bill, this would increase to $11,000 for single filers, $22,000 for married filers, plus an additional $3,000 for each dependent in the household to be annually increased by the cost-of-living adjustment determined under Section 1(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Financial Institutions Privilege Tax Rate Changes:&nbsp;The bill would reduce the privilege tax rates applied to financial institutions. For banks, the normal tax rate would be reduced to 1.94 percent for tax year 2025, and 1.63 percent for tax year 2026. For trust companies and savings and loan associations, the normal tax rate would be reduced from 2.25 percent to 1.93 percent for tax year 2025.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Single Rate.&nbsp; After personal exemptions and the standard deduction are calculated, the bill would establish a single rate of 5.7%, which would decrease by .5% annually through 2029, eventually reaching 5.45%.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>SB 539 passed with a bi-partisan supermajority of 29-11.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&nbsp;voted&nbsp;yes.&nbsp;The Supplemental Note can be viewed by going to:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_sb539_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_sb539_02_0000.pdf</a>&nbsp;OTHER SENATE FLOOR ACTION<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2036/" target="_blank">HB 2036</a>&nbsp;would create a sales tax exemption beginning January 1, 2023, for tangible personal property and services purchased by Kansas resident veterans who have been honorably discharged and have at least a 50 percent permanent disability rating sustained through military service.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 38-2.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb484/" target="_blank">SB 484</a>&nbsp;would exempt, beginning in tax year 2025, certain personal property from all property or ad valorem taxes levied under Kansas law, including snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorized bicycles, small trailers, and watercraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 29-11.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb376/" target="_blank">SB 376</a>&nbsp;as amended, would extend the income tax credit attributable to the retirement of indebtedness authorized by a single city port authority, currently scheduled to expire after tax year 2024, through tax year 2029.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 35-5.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb311/" target="_blank">SB 311</a>&nbsp;as amended, would prohibit the sale price at which a property sells in an Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 exchange, build-to-suit transaction, or a sale/leaseback arrangement from being considered an indicator of fair market value or used in arriving at fair market value for property tax purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 21-19.&nbsp; I&nbsp;voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb498/" target="_blank">SB 498</a>&nbsp;as amended, would amend the adoption tax credit, enact the Pregnancy Resource Act that would provide a tax credit and sales tax exemption for certain contributions to certain pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities.&nbsp; Under the bill, beginning in tax year 2024, the adoption tax credit would increase to 100 percent of the federal adoption tax credit.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 28-12.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a>I voted yes.</a><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb307/" target="_blank">SB 307</a>&nbsp;would amend the Kansas Fights Addiction Act to include for-profit private entities in the definition of “qualified applicant.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed the Senate 39-1 and will be sent to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2587/" target="_blank">HB 2587</a>&nbsp;would authorize the board of directors of a drainage district within a county or city to meet in executive session in accordance with provisions of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.&nbsp; HB 2587 passed the Senate 40-0.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb500/" target="_blank">SB 500</a>&nbsp;would amend law pertaining to restricted driving privileges for certain individuals who violate the misdemeanor offense of failure to comply with a traffic citation.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 500 passed the Senate 38-2.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb480/" target="_blank">SB 480</a>&nbsp;would allow the State Board of Tax Appeals to conduct small claims and expedited hearings and appeals by teleconference or video conference as directed by the Chief Hearing Officer or a designee.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 39-1.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb482/" target="_blank">SB 482</a>&nbsp;as amended, would make several modifications to the revenue neutral rate notification and hearing process.&nbsp; Among the provisions, the bill would specify that county clerks are not required to send hearing notices to owners of property that is exempt from taxation and would also require the vote of a governing body to exceed the revenue neutral rate to take place on the same day as the commencement of the public hearing to exceed the rate.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill passed 32-8.&nbsp; I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb60/" target="_blank">SB 60</a>&nbsp;was the original sales tax exemption bill introduced last year which removes sales tax on the process of meat at our meat processing businesses and was supported by Kansas Farm Bureau and Livestock Association.&nbsp; It was amended in the Taxation and Assessment Committee and the Committee of the Whole by adding a school sales tax holiday, sales tax exemptions for diapers – both children and adult and children and menstrual supplies.&nbsp; It also includes purchases by Exploration Place and Kansas Children’s Discovery Center for their projects.&nbsp; It also includes sales tax exemptions for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau and Doorstep Inc. for the need of personal assistance with food, clothing, and short-term emergency needs.&nbsp;Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp;ADDITIONAL LINKS FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;– Here you can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings.<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>&nbsp;– Here you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings, as well.UPDATE FROM KANSAS INSURANCE COMMISSIONER VICKI SCHMIDTIf you or someone you know has an issue with their insurance, we are happy to help!&nbsp; We may not always like the answers we get, but we will do our best to get you an answer.&nbsp; Please use the contact information below to reach out to us if we can be of assistance.Main Line: 785-296-3071Consumer Assistance Hotline: 1-800-432-2484Consumer Complaint:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov">kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov</a>Producer Licensing:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KID.Licensing@ks.gov">kid.licensing@ks.gov</a>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KID.Commissioner@ks.gov">KID.Commissioner@ks.gov</a>Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SoDYgtD-dFj2steoGgFmoL8pLuf0NSmUSYwQCgp1HsxoadVCfwcm_95Am0jNUs0wFnhLh6WZZDNC0I3bvXKrYLcDAFEsmw8M0DoCWSkqIfiLrZCsRdIrP9T0QLWMfcrFnRn8KKAZuWRvenC77dA6Tw==&amp;c=_XGtk_g_SmaADwMA6e5Ys1lOAPiD2n0Y0WhdVf1Fcsl9xHGubVgxOA==&amp;ch=r3uWbCcKhRBHU_y3dsLIzaxpLTKaKBOHKjED-RjqskJBJwcemc8Blw==" target="_blank">Insurance.kansas.gov</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710858175421.jpeg" alt="Savanah Slaubaugh, Mackenzie Dixon, Governor Laura Kelly, Senator Elaine Bowers, Maura Knappert, and Maryann Walter. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Savanah Slaubaugh, Mackenzie Dixon, Governor Laura Kelly, Senator Elaine Bowers, Maura Knappert, and Maryann Walter. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>PAGES FOR THE SENATE – March 14On March 14th, Machkenzie Dixon, Plainville; Savanah Slaubaugh, Hays; Maryann Walter and Maura Knappert both of Beloit, served as pages for the Kansas Senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;The pages spent their day with us at the Capitol running errands, working in my office, attending committee meetings, and taking a historical tour of the Capitol as well as the dome tour.LEGISLATIVE TOWNHALLSSeveral legislative townhalls have been conducted throughout the 36th&nbsp;Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks.&nbsp; On April 13, there is a legislative coffee scheduled in Concordia at 8:00 am at Jitters Coffee House with Representative Susan Concannon and Representative Bill Bloom sponsored by Farm Bureau.&nbsp; Representative Susan and I are scheduled to be in Beloit on April 20 with more details to follow at a later date.THANK YOU FOR ENGAGINGThank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas.&nbsp; I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp; You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.&nbsp; An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785-296-7389 <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a> <a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a> Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas, which includes:* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: Senate Scene Week 10; second attempt at compromise tax plan

This week the Senate debated SB514, the 2025 budget for over six hours. There were many amendments offered on the Senate bill with few being accepted. This is the first step in finalizing the budget for 2025. The House will pass their budget this week after which a conference committee will work out differences between the two chambers bills. The legislature has the constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced budget every session. The bill adjusts total state expenditures in fiscal year 2024 to $25.3B including $9.9B State General Fund (SGF). In this fiscal year 2025 the bill included expenditures totaling $25.1B, including $10.2B SGF.

Included in the fiscal year 2025 budget are some of the following:

*The budget would allocate $75M for the University of Kansas Medical Center to consolidate its cancer research at one facility in Kansas. Currently, the university carries out its cancer research in fifteen buildings at three different campus sites in the Kansas City area. The $75M from the state for this new research center will be matched by donations. The total cost of this project will be approximately $550M to $600M.

*The budget contains funding for a 5% statewide pay increases to help state employees. This does not include Kansas legislators.

*Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates. This increase allocates $78.7M to increase Medicaid outpatient reimbursement rates to help raise Kansas Medicaid base rates, which currently stands at 27% of the average commercial rate at all Kansas hospitals.

*The budget includes funding for the KBI of $6.9M that will fund eight new special agents, five forensic scientists, and replacement of the laboratory information system, which is used to process evidence. The information system is more than twenty years old. The Senate’s version for the KBI budget also includes $1.8M to create a children’s victim tax force in southeast Kansas to address internet crimes against children. This task force supports a task force in northeast Kansas in Topeka and western Kansas in Garden City. The budget adds millions of additional dollars to the KBI budget to fight the fentanyl crisis.

*The budget includes $15M for one time funding of childcare sustainability and workforce grants for existing childcare providers. 

*Includes $25M for a state match for Kansas State University ag innovation initiative which stems from the schools $280M initiative on global food and agriculture research and teaching.

*$15.4M will go to Fort Hays State University to expand their nursing program.

*Includes $20M to the Board of Regents to address deferred maintenance for university buildings.

*The budget will include the Kansas children’s cabinet funding for $5M to provide a public private partnership.

*There is also funding for the highway patrol to buy a new airplane, $7.8M.

*Small town infrastructure grants of $10M to provide technical support for drinking water and sewer system upgrades in small towns with population under 1,000.

*There is $28M for World Cup activities for security and transportation. The budget includes funding for the proposed Heartland Flyer passenger rail service for $5M.

*Funding for the Kansas Highway Patrol to construct a $20M new firing range and dispatch facility in Salina.

*Language was added for bonding authority totaling $377.6M to rebuild the Hutchinson Correction Facility and $40.2M for a new health building at the Topeka correctional facility.

I would like to congratulate the cities of Hays and Russell in receiving a infrastructure grant.

It has been an honor to represent the 40th Senate District of Kansas. I have been asked if I plan to run for reelection. Yes, I do plan to file for reelection for the 40th Senate district. I feel there are many issues I can still work on to make a better Kansas.

Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is senator of the 40th District which includes:

* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675701343257.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka March 17, 2024This week the Senate debated SB514, the 2025 budget for over six hours. There were many amendments offered on the Senate bill with few being accepted. This is the first step in finalizing the budget for 2025. The House will pass their budget this week after which a conference committee will work out differences between the two chambers bills. The legislature has the constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced budget every session. The bill adjusts total state expenditures in fiscal year 2024 to $25.3B including $9.9B State General Fund (SGF). In this fiscal year 2025 the bill included expenditures totaling $25.1B, including $10.2B SGF.Included in the fiscal year 2025 budget are some of the following: *The budget would allocate $75M for the University of Kansas Medical Center to consolidate its cancer research at one facility in Kansas. Currently, the university carries out its cancer research in fifteen buildings at three different campus sites in the Kansas City area. The $75M from the state for this new research center will be matched by donations. The total cost of this project will be approximately $550M to $600M. *The budget contains funding for a 5% statewide pay increases to help state employees. This does not include Kansas legislators. *Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates. This increase allocates $78.7M to increase Medicaid outpatient reimbursement rates to help raise Kansas Medicaid base rates, which currently stands at 27% of the average commercial rate at all Kansas hospitals. *The budget includes funding for the KBI of $6.9M that will fund eight new special agents, five forensic scientists, and replacement of the laboratory information system, which is used to process evidence. The information system is more than twenty years old. The Senate’s version for the KBI budget also includes $1.8M to create a children’s victim tax force in southeast Kansas to address internet crimes against children. This task force supports a task force in northeast Kansas in Topeka and western Kansas in Garden City. The budget adds millions of additional dollars to the KBI budget to fight the fentanyl crisis. *The budget includes $15M for one time funding of childcare sustainability and workforce grants for existing childcare providers. *Includes $25M for a state match for Kansas State University ag innovation initiative which stems from the schools $280M initiative on global food and agriculture research and teaching. *$15.4M will go to Fort Hays State University to expand their nursing program. *Includes $20M to the Board of Regents to address deferred maintenance for university buildings. *The budget will include the Kansas children’s cabinet funding for $5M to provide a public private partnership. *There is also funding for the highway patrol to buy a new airplane, $7.8M. *Small town infrastructure grants of $10M to provide technical support for drinking water and sewer system upgrades in small towns with population under 1,000. *There is $28M for World Cup activities for security and transportation. The budget includes funding for the proposed Heartland Flyer passenger rail service for $5M. *Funding for the Kansas Highway Patrol to construct a $20M new firing range and dispatch facility in Salina. *Language was added for bonding authority totaling $377.6M to rebuild the Hutchinson Correction Facility and $40.2M for a new health building at the Topeka correctional facility.I would like to congratulate the cities of Hays and Russell in receiving a infrastructure grant.It has been an honor to represent the 40th Senate District of Kansas. I have been asked if I plan to run for reelection. Yes, I do plan to file for reelection for the 40th Senate district. I feel there are many issues I can still work on to make a better Kansas.Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is senator of the 40th District which includes:* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update March 17; Senate passes budget bill

The Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter AO22 is looking forward to its 56th anniversary show "We Believe in Music" to be presented April 6 in the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University.

There will be two shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.&nbsp;

Show chairman this year is Roger Day and our chapter coach, Dr. Terry Brull, director of choral activities at Fort Hays State, will emcee the event.

Joining the Hays High Plains Chorus on stage will be the Tumbleweed Chorus from Colby and local chapter quartets.&nbsp;

The headlining quartet will be "After Hours," an American barbershop quartet that won the 2018 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Championship held in Orlando, Florida, with an overall score of 94.7 percent. They are the highest scoring quartet to win since the change in scoring in 1993. "After Hours" has performed for a variety of barbershop shows all across the United States and strives to simply bring joy to all types of audiences through their music.

The success of this annual show helps provide dollars to various schools, singing groups, and other organizations that help people with special needs, such as Hays-based Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Our chapter is thankful for the community support.

If you've never attended one of our shows or are one of our faithful fans, this is a "must see" event.

Tickets for the show may be purchased for $15 in advance from any chorus member or at the following locations:

• Walgreens, 2600 Vine, Hays • Cerv's, 2701 Vine and 2722 Hall, Hays • Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine, Hays • Couture for Men, 1109 Main, Hays • Klema Hometown Market, 51 S. Fossil, Russell • Encore Antiques &amp; Collectibles, 590 S. Fossil, Russell •Farmers Bank &amp; Trust, 108 S. Main, Bazine

Tickets are also available online at: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-believe-in-music-tickets-770316787247">https://rb.gy/8743sx</a>

For more information see: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Haysbarbershoppers/">www.facebook.com/groups/Haysbarbershoppers/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710360917054.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted The Hays High Plains Barbershop Chapter AO22 is looking forward to its 56th anniversary show "We Believe in Music" to be presented April 6 in the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University.There will be two shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.&nbsp;Show chairman this year is Roger Day and our chapter coach, Dr. Terry Brull, director of choral activities at Fort Hays State, will emcee the event.Joining the Hays High Plains Chorus on stage will be the Tumbleweed Chorus from Colby and local chapter quartets.&nbsp;The headlining quartet will be "After Hours," an American barbershop quartet that won the 2018 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Championship held in Orlando, Florida, with an overall score of 94.7 percent. They are the highest scoring quartet to win since the change in scoring in 1993. "After Hours" has performed for a variety of barbershop shows all across the United States and strives to simply bring joy to all types of audiences through their music.The success of this annual show helps provide dollars to various schools, singing groups, and other organizations that help people with special needs, such as Hays-based Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Our chapter is thankful for the community support.If you've never attended one of our shows or are one of our faithful fans, this is a "must see" event.Tickets for the show may be purchased for $15 in advance from any chorus member or at the following locations:• Walgreens, 2600 Vine, Hays • Cerv's, 2701 Vine and 2722 Hall, Hays • Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine, Hays • Couture for Men, 1109 Main, Hays • Klema Hometown Market, 51 S. Fossil, Russell • Encore Antiques &amp; Collectibles, 590 S. Fossil, Russell •Farmers Bank &amp; Trust, 108 S. Main, Bazine Tickets are also available online at: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-believe-in-music-tickets-770316787247">https://rb.gy/8743sx</a> For more information see: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Haysbarbershoppers/">www.facebook.com/groups/Haysbarbershoppers/</a>

Local barbershoppers prepare for 56th anniversary show

<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/2024/3/1710709841381.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

The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation is hosting "60's Delight: A Milestone Night Comedy Show and Benefit Auction" on Saturday, April 13. Activities will be held at Four Mile Field, one-half mile east of Frahm Farmland Headquarters.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with a buffet dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Comedian, teacher, and author&nbsp;<a href="https://chrisvoth.com/" target="_blank">Chris Voth</a>&nbsp;takes the stage at 7:30, and a limited live auction will follow.

60's Delight, which celebrates the college's 60th&nbsp;anniversary this year, is the Foundation's major fundraiser in 2024. Proceeds fund endowed scholarships that assist students pursuing their goals at CCC. The Foundation plans to return to its traditional auction in the spring of 2025.

"Get ready for laughter, great food, and unforgettable moments for a fantastic cause," said Institutional Advancement Director Melissa Rickford.

Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. For more information or to RSVP by April 5, contact the Foundation at 460-4682.

SubmittedThe Colby Community College Endowment Foundation is hosting "60's Delight: A Milestone Night Comedy Show and Benefit Auction" on Saturday, April 13. Activities will be held at Four Mile Field, one-half mile east of Frahm Farmland Headquarters.Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with a buffet dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Comedian, teacher, and author&nbsp;<a href="https://chrisvoth.com/" target="_blank">Chris Voth</a>&nbsp;takes the stage at 7:30, and a limited live auction will follow.60's Delight, which celebrates the college's 60th&nbsp;anniversary this year, is the Foundation's major fundraiser in 2024. Proceeds fund endowed scholarships that assist students pursuing their goals at CCC. The Foundation plans to return to its traditional auction in the spring of 2025."Get ready for laughter, great food, and unforgettable moments for a fantastic cause," said Institutional Advancement Director Melissa Rickford.Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. For more information or to RSVP by April 5, contact the Foundation at 460-4682.

CCC Endowment Fundraiser set for April 13

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

Kansas crude prices are down slightly after reaching their peak for the month last week.&nbsp; 

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $71.25 per barrel after dropping 25 cents Friday. That's up a dollar from the first of the month and more than $11 dollars higher that at the first of the year. The near-month contract for light sweet crude on the Nymex settled Friday over $81 per barrel for the second day in a row, and only the second time this year. Prices were up two percent by lunchtime Monday. Nymex crude was trading over $82 a barrel and London Brent was over $86.

The latest lease sale announced by the government under the Inflation Reduction Act will include parcels in northwestern Kansas. According to the announcement from the Bureau of Land Management, this sale includes 18 parcels in New Mexico and eight in Cheyenne County, Kansas. The 30-day public protest period to receive additional public input will close April 10, with the sale scheduled to follow on June 13.

Statewide well completions so far this year are running about half of the pace set last year. But the weekly report from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service shows more completions than in any week since before the pandemic. Operators completed 62 wells across Kansas in the week through March 14, the most since January of 2019.&nbsp; Out of 62 wells completed last week, just eight were dry holes. The last time operators filed that many completion reports, five years ago, the percentage of dry holes was much greater, 20 dry holes out of the 66 newly completed wells reported.

Kansas regulators okayed 15 new drilling locations last week, including one new permit in Barton County. That's 173 drilling permits so far this year, compared to 254 by this time last year.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes rose by seven rigs from a week earlier. The count in Louisiana was up five rigs, Texas was up three and New Mexico was up one. Oklahoma was down one rig. 

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service notes 18 active rigs in western Kansas, which is up three for the week. Drilling was underway or about to start on leases in Barton and Stafford counties.

U.S. operators exported a record 1.9 million barrels of propane per day in December. That's the largest such tally since 1973, when the government started keeping track. The Energy Information Administration reports the spike in exports stems mainly from the huge price spread between the U.S. Gulf Coast and from East Asia, the biggest spread in ten years.&nbsp; During the second half of last year, Saudi propane exports to Asia fell by 22%, while U.S. exports to Asia grew six percent.

Crude exports set a record last year, up 13% from the previous record set the year before. The government says exports for the year averaged over four million barrels per day.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says U.S. sales abroad have increased in every year since the ban on most exports was lifted in 2015.&nbsp; The new report from Energy Information Administration suggests record-high production is supporting the spike in exports. Many U.S. refineries are optimized to run heavy, sour crude, while much of the output here in the U.S. is light, sweet crude. The report suggests this creates export incentives.

The government says both crude imports and exports dropped last week.

U.S. crude oil imports averaged 5.5 million barrels per day last week, a decline of 1.7 million barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged about 6.4 million barrels per day. That's 183,000 barrels or nearly three percent higher than the same four-week average last year.

Crude-oil exports dropped last week by nearly 1.5 million barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration says operators shipped out of country 3,147,000 barrels per day in the week through March 8. The four-week average for crude exports drops to 4.3 million barrels per day, down about six percent from the four-week average a year ago.

Output from the U.S. oil patch slid back from recent record highs but remained above 13 million barrels per day for a seventh straight week. U.S. crude production dropped last week by more than 100,000 barrels per day from the week before, to 13,132,000 barrels per day. Current output beats the same week a year ago by 888,000 barrels per day. Average production over the last four weeks reached 13,225,000 barrels per day, which is up eight percent from a year ago.

Domestic crude inventories dropped by 1.5 million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 447 million barrels as of March 8.&nbsp; EIA said inventories are about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle CommunicationsKansas crude prices are down slightly after reaching their peak for the month last week.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $71.25 per barrel after dropping 25 cents Friday. That's up a dollar from the first of the month and more than $11 dollars higher that at the first of the year. The near-month contract for light sweet crude on the Nymex settled Friday over $81 per barrel for the second day in a row, and only the second time this year. Prices were up two percent by lunchtime Monday. Nymex crude was trading over $82 a barrel and London Brent was over $86.The latest lease sale announced by the government under the Inflation Reduction Act will include parcels in northwestern Kansas. According to the announcement from the Bureau of Land Management, this sale includes 18 parcels in New Mexico and eight in Cheyenne County, Kansas. The 30-day public protest period to receive additional public input will close April 10, with the sale scheduled to follow on June 13. Statewide well completions so far this year are running about half of the pace set last year. But the weekly report from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service shows more completions than in any week since before the pandemic. Operators completed 62 wells across Kansas in the week through March 14, the most since January of 2019.&nbsp; Out of 62 wells completed last week, just eight were dry holes. The last time operators filed that many completion reports, five years ago, the percentage of dry holes was much greater, 20 dry holes out of the 66 newly completed wells reported.Kansas regulators okayed 15 new drilling locations last week, including one new permit in Barton County. That's 173 drilling permits so far this year, compared to 254 by this time last year.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes rose by seven rigs from a week earlier. The count in Louisiana was up five rigs, Texas was up three and New Mexico was up one. Oklahoma was down one rig. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service notes 18 active rigs in western Kansas, which is up three for the week. Drilling was underway or about to start on leases in Barton and Stafford counties.U.S. operators exported a record 1.9 million barrels of propane per day in December. That's the largest such tally since 1973, when the government started keeping track. The Energy Information Administration reports the spike in exports stems mainly from the huge price spread between the U.S. Gulf Coast and from East Asia, the biggest spread in ten years.&nbsp; During the second half of last year, Saudi propane exports to Asia fell by 22%, while U.S. exports to Asia grew six percent.Crude exports set a record last year, up 13% from the previous record set the year before. The government says exports for the year averaged over four million barrels per day.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says U.S. sales abroad have increased in every year since the ban on most exports was lifted in 2015.&nbsp; The new report from Energy Information Administration suggests record-high production is supporting the spike in exports. Many U.S. refineries are optimized to run heavy, sour crude, while much of the output here in the U.S. is light, sweet crude. The report suggests this creates export incentives.The government says both crude imports and exports dropped last week.U.S. crude oil imports averaged 5.5 million barrels per day last week, a decline of 1.7 million barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged about 6.4 million barrels per day. That's 183,000 barrels or nearly three percent higher than the same four-week average last year.Crude-oil exports dropped last week by nearly 1.5 million barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration says operators shipped out of country 3,147,000 barrels per day in the week through March 8. The four-week average for crude exports drops to 4.3 million barrels per day, down about six percent from the four-week average a year ago.Output from the U.S. oil patch slid back from recent record highs but remained above 13 million barrels per day for a seventh straight week. U.S. crude production dropped last week by more than 100,000 barrels per day from the week before, to 13,132,000 barrels per day. Current output beats the same week a year ago by 888,000 barrels per day. Average production over the last four weeks reached 13,225,000 barrels per day, which is up eight percent from a year ago.Domestic crude inventories dropped by 1.5 million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of 447 million barrels as of March 8.&nbsp; EIA said inventories are about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

News from the Oil Patch: Crude exports set new record

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The governor and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle promised to reduce wait times for thousands of the state’s most vulnerable residents in need of health care.

But current funding proposals fall millions short of the amount needed to shrink the list of Kansans waiting for crucial state disabilities services.

Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, pointed to earlier statements from Republican leadership in the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/07/medicaid-expansion-continues-to-be-tied-to-disability-waitlist-in-legislative-debate/">announcing their commitment</a>&nbsp;to mitigating a problem 20 years in the making.

“That’s an incredible promise to make to people with disabilities who are suffering on the waiting list,” Nichols said. “Thus far, that version of the budget has not fulfilled that promise — nowhere close.”

Kansans with intellectual or developmental disabilities are eligible for Medicaid-funded support waivers that cover a variety of needed services, such as in-home care. Wait times can last more than 10 years, and more and more Kansans have been added to the slow-moving lists. The wait list for intellectual and developmental disabilities services is at 5,279 people, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kdads.ks.gov/docs/librariesprovider17/ltss/hcbs/waivers/participation-reports/2024/waiver-program-participation-report-2.15.24.pdf?sfvrsn=377fb6c3_3">February data</a>. The physical disability wait list is around 2,382 Kansans.

The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, which has characterized the wait times as “from bad to worse to utterly out of control” recommends reducing the waitlists by 20% in fiscal year 2025. To do so, lawmakers would need to fund 1,100 slots on the I/DD waiver and 500 slots on the PD waiver.

While the budget is far from being finalized, Senate lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/14/kansas-senate-cobbles-25b-budget-with-funds-for-border-security-world-cup-legislative-pay-raises/">state spending blueprint</a>&nbsp;Thursday that allocates $23 million to solve&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">long waiting lists for disability services</a>, dovetailing with Gov. Laura Kelly’s $23 million fiscal year 2025 budget recommendation for the lists. The funding would create an estimated 250 slots on both the I/DD and PD waiting lists.

If enrollment trends continue along the same lines as last year, when 561 new people enrolled in the intellectual disability wait list, the current recommendation wouldn’t be enough to stop the lists from growing — let alone reducing the number of people waiting for services.

“The waiting list is going to get worse, wait times are going to get longer under that,” Nichols said. “I’m hopeful that the legislators will realize that and add more money in the budget, which they can do at any point during the process.”

The Kansas Reflector previously examined how these long wait times hurt thousands of disabled Kansans and their families through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">a series of stories</a>.&nbsp; At the time,&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson said they were “laser focused on eliminating Medicaid waiting lists to ensure the truly needy get the services they so desperately need.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710788337050.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The governor and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle promised to reduce wait times for thousands of the state’s most vulnerable residents in need of health care.But current funding proposals fall millions short of the amount needed to shrink the list of Kansans waiting for crucial state disabilities services.Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, pointed to earlier statements from Republican leadership in the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/07/medicaid-expansion-continues-to-be-tied-to-disability-waitlist-in-legislative-debate/">announcing their commitment</a>&nbsp;to mitigating a problem 20 years in the making.“That’s an incredible promise to make to people with disabilities who are suffering on the waiting list,” Nichols said. “Thus far, that version of the budget has not fulfilled that promise — nowhere close.”Kansans with intellectual or developmental disabilities are eligible for Medicaid-funded support waivers that cover a variety of needed services, such as in-home care. Wait times can last more than 10 years, and more and more Kansans have been added to the slow-moving lists. The wait list for intellectual and developmental disabilities services is at 5,279 people, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kdads.ks.gov/docs/librariesprovider17/ltss/hcbs/waivers/participation-reports/2024/waiver-program-participation-report-2.15.24.pdf?sfvrsn=377fb6c3_3">February data</a>. The physical disability wait list is around 2,382 Kansans.The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, which has characterized the wait times as “from bad to worse to utterly out of control” recommends reducing the waitlists by 20% in fiscal year 2025. To do so, lawmakers would need to fund 1,100 slots on the I/DD waiver and 500 slots on the PD waiver.While the budget is far from being finalized, Senate lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/14/kansas-senate-cobbles-25b-budget-with-funds-for-border-security-world-cup-legislative-pay-raises/">state spending blueprint</a>&nbsp;Thursday that allocates $23 million to solve&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">long waiting lists for disability services</a>, dovetailing with Gov. Laura Kelly’s $23 million fiscal year 2025 budget recommendation for the lists. The funding would create an estimated 250 slots on both the I/DD and PD waiting lists.If enrollment trends continue along the same lines as last year, when 561 new people enrolled in the intellectual disability wait list, the current recommendation wouldn’t be enough to stop the lists from growing — let alone reducing the number of people waiting for services.“The waiting list is going to get worse, wait times are going to get longer under that,” Nichols said. “I’m hopeful that the legislators will realize that and add more money in the budget, which they can do at any point during the process.”The Kansas Reflector previously examined how these long wait times hurt thousands of disabled Kansans and their families through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">a series of stories</a>.&nbsp; At the time,&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson said they were “laser focused on eliminating Medicaid waiting lists to ensure the truly needy get the services they so desperately need.”

State budget blueprint leaves out Kansans who need state disability services

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 214 incidents March 10-16, 2024, according to the activity report.

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 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 214 incidents March 10-16, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activity report, March 10-16, 2024

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Ellis County Jail bookings, March 11-18, 2024

Fort Hays State University has named 1,646 students to the Deans’ Honor Roll for the fall 2023 semester.

The Deans’ Honor Roll includes undergraduate students only. To be eligible, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.60 for the semester. Full-time on-campus and FHSU Virtual College students are eligible.

The list does not include students who requested privacy. If a Hays address was given by the student as their primary home address, and no other hometown was designated, the student will be listed as a Hays student. Students are listed by county, city, and zip code.

Below are the Ellis County/Hays residents. <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2024/03/fort-hays-state-university-releases-fall-2023-deans-honor-roll#gsc.tab=0">Click here for a full list.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710774576708.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University has named 1,646 students to the Deans’ Honor Roll for the fall 2023 semester.The Deans’ Honor Roll includes undergraduate students only. To be eligible, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.60 for the semester. Full-time on-campus and FHSU Virtual College students are eligible.The list does not include students who requested privacy. If a Hays address was given by the student as their primary home address, and no other hometown was designated, the student will be listed as a Hays student. Students are listed by county, city, and zip code.Below are the Ellis County/Hays residents. <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2024/03/fort-hays-state-university-releases-fall-2023-deans-honor-roll#gsc.tab=0">Click here for a full list.</a>ELLISEllis (67601):Ryan FunaiEllis (67637):Macee AltmanClara CrawfordDaniel EckEmily EckGrace EckZachary EckTrinity KohlrusHaley SchmidtHays (67601):Cheyanne AdkinsSabrina AdkinsSierra AdkinsKyleigh AllenSophia AllenBraden AllphinJasmin Alvarado-MartinezSarah ArcherAnthony ArialLevi AushermanMichaela AustinLeah AyersSamuel AyersJulianna BaalmannRylie BaileyKayla Baumgartner&nbsp; Ivonne Barron-GomezWhitney BefortHarrison BensoudaAnna BerntsonSadie BiedenbenderRachel BirdStephen BlombergIsaac BohrerRachel BombaJessica BondEmma BorellWilliam BradleySam BrandtRylee BrettonBlaque BrinKaydee BrinHayden BrownMillicent BrownRhyann BrownMatteson BrownellAnna BrullElla BrummerKristine BuchholzZoe BuffingtonRylee BurdMicah BurkEaston BurtonAudrey CalebMalachi CarderHunter CarpenterMadelyn CarpenterJoanna Carrillo-MaldonadoLaurel CatesKayley ChartierSelene Chavez SaucedoRubi ChavezSaucedoChloe ChesneyLanden ClarkKendra ClaryElizabeth ClinganSpencer CoffmanJulian CokerGarrett ColeKeegan CraigAustin CramerHaley CranwellKatie CrawfordMaja CrawfordCara CriswellKira CrowJaycee CunninghamEvan DealyMariah DechantRyan DeiteringMarcell DelyBrooke DenningTim DeserDacia DevineyKallyn DeWittMontserrat DiazVanessa DiazMatthew DiercksJayme DietzAnnaka DigmannAndrea DinkelKenlie DinkelTyson DinkelKiley DoonanTaylor DreesElle DreilingMegan EarneyRylee EbertTiera EbyLevi EckEva ElderEmma ElliottLynsie ErbertNathan ErbertBrian EscobedoCade EvansYue FanHalie FeikertElizabeth FenderAlicia FeyerhermGrace FitzgeraldCarlee FlaxErin FlickingerLandon ForbesGracen FriessCallum FrogsonAlexa FryChance FuhrmanKrystal FulsaasStephen GabelAvalon GarlandSophia GarrisonMichael GarvertLiam GatschetBailasaan GhunaimIsabelle GibsonNoah GibsonAbigail GiesenEmily GoetzLucas Gonzalez RamirezMicah GoodmanAshlynn GoodwinJadyn GottschalkMary GreenwoodSydney GrindalAnthony GuerreroJuan Guzman-DuranLane HaldersonKatie HaleAshlyn HammerschmidtAbigail HeimermanCheryl HensleyAshton HernandezErnesto HernandezChristal Herrera AraizaAllison HillebrandSamuel HonasEmma HooverKaylee HornSokly HourKaitlyn HowlandMadelynn HullBrooke HylandConnor JacobsKelynn JacobsNathan JaegerSierra JellisonBreckyn JensenAvery JonesMegan JonesBjarni JonssonBrandon KarlinBrandon KennemerRiley KershnerLexi KinderknechtHannah KitzmannEthan KlausmeyerJaiden KoerperichAlaina KolbeckJacob KolbeckKate KupzykNyima LamaJason LambMacey LambYun LanGrace LangCallie LedfordTristan LegleiterNathan LeikerAlexis LemonsKinsey LindnerCameron LindseyKaitlin LindstromMcKenzie LinenbergerKale LinkHalle LohmeyerDayton LongJonathan LoweJessica LueddersAlexis LundahlShaden MahnkenYesenia MaldonadoKiana MartinLucy MartinMackenzy MartinMalea MartinezSokhna Khady MBACKENdeye Anta MbayeMcKena McBrideGrace McCordJessica McGuireQuinton McGuireBaylee McKennaLane McKennaBritnee McKinneyDawson McNealElizabeth MeersFiorella MendezAcevedoLuciana MendozaVargasAimee MerrillAlese MeyerFaith MolitorNikolette MorrisseyHope MuellerCorey MusilJordin MyersLincoln MyersMaggie NechAmy NguyenPeyton NiernbergerCarter NormandinSkyler ObergNoah ObornyJacob OlsonAshton OttleyHannah OverbeyFranklin OwensBenjamin PahlsEmma PalmerAspen PatrickMayan PazSeth PerrettRegan PerryRaven PetersonDemitria PfeiferJanessa PfeiferKiana PfeiferDanee PhillipsAlyssa PierceDrayton PletcherTori PoeGrace PopeCarter PopejoyRebekah PorterHaylee PriceMegan PriorEmily ReddingIsaac ReedMallory ReifRose ReillyCaden RiatRyan RichmeierMolly RickeEli RohrKarlyn RohrMadison RohrEmily RossBryson RuppGarret RymerMichelle SackElijah SalmansChristian SanchezAnders Teigland SandstøSummar SchaeferBraden ScheppBenjamin SchlatterBriar SchlosserAiden SchmidtDevin SchmidtbergerSuzanna SchneiderRyan SchuckmanEmily SchulteJoshua SchulteKatie SchulzBrenna SchwienHannah SeilerJaelynne SeirerHannah SelleKai ShafferJosie ShepardKyle SherwoodClaire ShippyMorgan ShorbAllison ShubertJackson SinselAustin SmithBrandon SmithJessie SmithKylah SmithAndressa SoaresAddison SpeierMacey SpeierMargaret SpenoConnor StaabRylee StahlMadison StantonEllie StearnsMcKynlee SteckleinInes Adria SteemanSeren SumayaChase SummersKaitlyn SuppesIbby SwordsCade ThomasAbigail ThorntonSarah TiffanyMaysyn TippyDrake Van ScoyocMegan VanceBrooklyn VasquezSamantha VesperAshley VilaysingIvan VillalbaMorgan VossElla VothMonica VrbasMadelyn WaddellLauren WagnerIvy WalkerSydney WalkerCasey WeiselGarrett WellbrockSavanna WellbrockShane WerthKale WheelerKynslee WhiteJaysa WichersTravis WiermanIan WillRyan WillDaniel WilliamsMegan WimanMaggie WindholzLa Aries WinzerlingLacey WiseChloe WoodsDalton WrightSoe (Eleanora) YadanarPerla ZamoranoAva ZergerAshlyn ZimmerPeyton ZimmermanSamantha ZimmermanRachael Zogleman&nbsp;&nbsp;Victoria (67671):&nbsp;&nbsp;Kacy DinkelLevi HuserMelany HuserKrista IveyElena JohnsonEmma PfannenstielDustin RajewskiMorgan Staab

Fort Hays State University releases fall 2023 Deans’ Honor Roll

<a>Residents affected by recent severe weather in Ellis County should contact the Kansas Department of Insurance if they have an issue with an insurance claim, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said today. The Department has been in contact with local authorities in Ellis County and urges residents affected by the storm to contact the Department if they need assistance.&nbsp;</a>

“Severe weather in Kansas often means storm damage and insurance claims,” Commissioner Schmidt said. “If you have any questions about your insurance coverage after the storm or have an issue with an insurance claim in the coming weeks, please contact the Department.”&nbsp;

If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division toll-free at 1-800-432-2484, by email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdoi.complaints@ks,gov">kdoi.complaints@ks,gov</a>&nbsp;or visit the Department online at&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/">insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;for any claims-related questions or concerns.&nbsp;

Kansas Department of Insurance<a>Residents affected by recent severe weather in Ellis County should contact the Kansas Department of Insurance if they have an issue with an insurance claim, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said today. The Department has been in contact with local authorities in Ellis County and urges residents affected by the storm to contact the Department if they need assistance.&nbsp;</a>“Severe weather in Kansas often means storm damage and insurance claims,” Commissioner Schmidt said. “If you have any questions about your insurance coverage after the storm or have an issue with an insurance claim in the coming weeks, please contact the Department.”&nbsp;If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division toll-free at 1-800-432-2484, by email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdoi.complaints@ks,gov">kdoi.complaints@ks,gov</a>&nbsp;or visit the Department online at&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/">insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;for any claims-related questions or concerns.&nbsp;

Kan. Insurance Commissioner releases statement on Ellis Co. storm damage

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Rural Ellis County voters may get a chance to decide if they
want their tax dollars to stay local in support of a local library system, instead
of the current model that sends funds to other libraries in the region.

The Ellis County Commission will consider a resolution this
week presented by Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines, calling for the
creation of a county library in Ellis County.

According to Hines, the Hays Public Library Board of
Directors approved the resolution on March 6. He presented the county
commission with information about the resolution last week.

Ellis County does not have a county public library and instead is a part of the Central Kansas Library System, which is based out of
Great Bend.

Hines said the Kansas Regional Library System was established in the 1960s. It collects taxes from residents who live in rural areas outside of the city limits, where city libraries already exist. There are seven
different regional library systems in Kansas. 

Both the Hays Public Library and the Ellis Public Library
were already established and are members of the regional library system but are
funded by taxpayers within the city limits of their respective cities.

The Central Kansas Regional Library System consists of 17 counties and serves 54 public
libraries and 32 school districts. 

The taxes collected from rural Ellis County residents are first sent to
the&nbsp;Central Kansas Regional Library System System and then distributed throughout the region. 

The region stretches from Phillipsburg County to Republic
County along the northern state line, south to Salina, and back west to Rush and
Pawnee County to the south.

Hines said in the areas outside of the city limits of Hays
and Ellis, there is a tax of a little more than 1.5 mills that is collected for
the library system. That accounts for about $300,000 per year.

They estimated that in 2020, Ellis County received about $103,000 in return, for a net loss of nearly $200,000. Ellis
County sent $293,000 to the system in 2023 and will send about $298,000
in 2024.

Hines said while the Hays Public Library Board has been
working for years on a way to reduce the disparity and is calling for the
creation of the new county library and taxing district, both Ellis and Hays
Public Libraries benefit from the system. 

“The Ellis Public Library receives automation and processing
and consulting from the regional library system,” Hines said. “So, if you get
on their computers at the library, or if you have the link to their catalogue,
they're the ones who maintain their catalog, it's a real service, it's a real
value to that library.”

Ellis also receives funding from the regional system.
According to Hines, Ellis received $12,700 this year. 

Hines said the Hays Public Library does not take advantage
of all of the services that are offered through the regional system because they do not believe it would be in the best interest of local library
patrons. 

“We don't want them to have to manage our system, and we
have many professionals in our system and we're very good at what we do,” Hines
said. “We feel it'd be a real disservice to hand that off to another entity.”

The Hays Public Library will get $87,000 in funding this
year from the regional library system, but Hines said that will be reduced to
$57,000 by 2027.

Both the Hays USD 489 and Ellis USD 388 are also members of
the library system and receive some benefits and funding. 

Hines said they estimate the gap between the amount of tax
revenue that Ellis County continues to send to the system and the amount of
funds returned will continue to widen.

He said the numbers also show that the Hays Public Library is
a large percentage of the overall circulation in the system.

Hines said over the 1.2 million items in the 17 counties the
Hays Public Library is responsible for almost 30%. He also said in 2022 $200,000
in physical items were circulated by the Hays Public Library.

Outside of the city of Hays, there are about 600
Victoria residents who have a Hays Public Library card and all of their taxes
are going to the library system. Another 700 Hays Public Library cardholders live in
Ellis, according to Hines.

Hines said, “The regional library system, again, we opted to
be members back in the 1960s. I don't believe if this county or the Hays Public
Library, we're given the option today we would even consider entering into this
deal.”

But he said it is a complicated process that comes with
extra regulations and statutes.

Among those are the creation of a two-year double taxation
put in place, a quarter mill, that has to be established before the county can
even petition to withdraw from the regional library system.

The State Library Board could overrule the vote by county
taxpayers saying the move would create “manifest harm” to the district.

The board could also require the library to turn over any
materials or systems purchased by the state or the system. That could include
everything dating back to the 1960’s. Although he does not believe that will happen.

Hines said the creation of the county library would not just
be selecting the Hays Public Library, or any other library. The county would
have to create a library.

“To be excluded from the regional library system, you have
got to create an actual library. You've got to establish it through a vote. You
have to levy a tax. You have to have a board,” Hines said. “So, it does take a
full actual library board and actual entity. You can't simply say yeah, this
is a great deal for us to contract with the existing libraries.”

Hines said their recommendation instead would be that the
county contract the Hays Public Library to serve as the county library, if
approved by voters. 

“You still have to offer the services, and what's happening
now is the Hays Public Library already is offering the services,” Hines said. “We
are serving the rural Ellis County area (and) we are serving Victoria and we'd
absolutely continue to do that.”

If approved by the voters, the commission would appoint a
library board and then the board would establish the library mill levy. They
would also be required to create and pass an annual budget. 

That county library board could then contract the Hays
Public Library to serve in the role of county public library.

Hines said even more complicated is how the Hays Public
Library is funded. He says they would not opt in to a part of the proposed taxing
district. 

“The Hays Public Library, even though our vision is that
this would be very good for the taxpayers of Ellis County (and) could benefit
the Hays Public Library, we can't figure out a scenario where the Hays Public
Library is actually a member of this taxing district.”

Currently in the City of Hays, six mills are distributed to
the Hays Public Library, from the general fund tax collection. 

Hines said the Hays Public Library would not ask county taxpayers
to fill that six mill void and the library would have to cut a large portion of
the services it offers if it took a reduction in funding. 

They instead would be in favor of being contracted by the county.

Hines also said they believe the city of Ellis would benefit
from opting into the county taxing district.

Ellis funds its library through a four mill tax
and an additional three-quarters mill, according to Hines. He said they believe
this move could lead to a reduction in taxes for both Ellis and rural Ellis
County voters.

“At the same time, the revenue would go up for the actual
library,” Hines said. “So, an increase in funding for libraries, the tax dollars
stay local and we can see tax rates fall for the entire county.”

Hines said the Hays Public Library would remain a member of
the Central Kansas Library System and it would still benefit from the Central Kansas Library System .

Both Ellis County Commissioners Neal Younger and Michael
Berges said many rural residents may not know that their tax money is going out
of county for the Central Kansas Library System .

“If you live in Victoria, that library tax is not coming to
the Hays library or the Ellis library, it's going first to CKLS and great band,”
Berges said. “Everybody that lives in those rural areas, the county areas, the
true county areas of Ellis, that 1.5 (mill) is going to Great Bend for all intents
and purposes first, and then they're supposed to allocate it back to our to our
libraries for the services.”

Hines said he has met with both the Ellis City Council and
Ellis City Library Board, and they are planning on having a joint meeting.

At the end of last week’s discussion, the commission plans
to bring forward a resolution this week that would put the ballot measure to a
vote for residents of rural Ellis County, Victoria and potentially Ellis to decide.


Berges said he supports the idea of going to the voters with
the resolution. 

“I think we can ask the county residents to participate and
decide again, where their library dollars are actually going,” Berges said. “I
don't know if we can stand here and tell the residents of Ellis what they can
do. They have to kind of make that decision on their own on whether they want
to be a part of the county library system and give up the Central Kansas Library System  or continue to be
their own and have the city fund it.”

The ballot question could be put to voters in August during
the primary election. 

The commission will consider the resolution this week.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostRural Ellis County voters may get a chance to decide if they
want their tax dollars to stay local in support of a local library system, instead
of the current model that sends funds to other libraries in the region.The Ellis County Commission will consider a resolution this
week presented by Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines, calling for the
creation of a county library in Ellis County.According to Hines, the Hays Public Library Board of
Directors approved the resolution on March 6. He presented the county
commission with information about the resolution last week.Ellis County does not have a county public library and instead is a part of the Central Kansas Library System, which is based out of
Great Bend.Hines said the Kansas Regional Library System was established in the 1960s. It collects taxes from residents who live in rural areas outside of the city limits, where city libraries already exist. There are seven
different regional library systems in Kansas. Both the Hays Public Library and the Ellis Public Library
were already established and are members of the regional library system but are
funded by taxpayers within the city limits of their respective cities.The Central Kansas Regional Library System consists of 17 counties and serves 54 public
libraries and 32 school districts. The taxes collected from rural Ellis County residents are first sent to
the&nbsp;Central Kansas Regional Library System System and then distributed throughout the region. The region stretches from Phillipsburg County to Republic
County along the northern state line, south to Salina, and back west to Rush and
Pawnee County to the south.Hines said in the areas outside of the city limits of Hays
and Ellis, there is a tax of a little more than 1.5 mills that is collected for
the library system. That accounts for about $300,000 per year.They estimated that in 2020, Ellis County received about $103,000 in return, for a net loss of nearly $200,000. Ellis
County sent $293,000 to the system in 2023 and will send about $298,000
in 2024.Hines said while the Hays Public Library Board has been
working for years on a way to reduce the disparity and is calling for the
creation of the new county library and taxing district, both Ellis and Hays
Public Libraries benefit from the system. “The Ellis Public Library receives automation and processing
and consulting from the regional library system,” Hines said. “So, if you get
on their computers at the library, or if you have the link to their catalogue,
they're the ones who maintain their catalog, it's a real service, it's a real
value to that library.”Ellis also receives funding from the regional system.
According to Hines, Ellis received $12,700 this year. Hines said the Hays Public Library does not take advantage
of all of the services that are offered through the regional system because they do not believe it would be in the best interest of local library
patrons. “We don't want them to have to manage our system, and we
have many professionals in our system and we're very good at what we do,” Hines
said. “We feel it'd be a real disservice to hand that off to another entity.”The Hays Public Library will get $87,000 in funding this
year from the regional library system, but Hines said that will be reduced to
$57,000 by 2027.Both the Hays USD 489 and Ellis USD 388 are also members of
the library system and receive some benefits and funding. Hines said they estimate the gap between the amount of tax
revenue that Ellis County continues to send to the system and the amount of
funds returned will continue to widen.He said the numbers also show that the Hays Public Library is
a large percentage of the overall circulation in the system.Hines said over the 1.2 million items in the 17 counties the
Hays Public Library is responsible for almost 30%. He also said in 2022 $200,000
in physical items were circulated by the Hays Public Library.Outside of the city of Hays, there are about 600
Victoria residents who have a Hays Public Library card and all of their taxes
are going to the library system. Another 700 Hays Public Library cardholders live in
Ellis, according to Hines.Hines said, “The regional library system, again, we opted to
be members back in the 1960s. I don't believe if this county or the Hays Public
Library, we're given the option today we would even consider entering into this
deal.”But he said it is a complicated process that comes with
extra regulations and statutes.Among those are the creation of a two-year double taxation
put in place, a quarter mill, that has to be established before the county can
even petition to withdraw from the regional library system.The State Library Board could overrule the vote by county
taxpayers saying the move would create “manifest harm” to the district.The board could also require the library to turn over any
materials or systems purchased by the state or the system. That could include
everything dating back to the 1960’s. Although he does not believe that will happen.Hines said the creation of the county library would not just
be selecting the Hays Public Library, or any other library. The county would
have to create a library.“To be excluded from the regional library system, you have
got to create an actual library. You've got to establish it through a vote. You
have to levy a tax. You have to have a board,” Hines said. “So, it does take a
full actual library board and actual entity. You can't simply say yeah, this
is a great deal for us to contract with the existing libraries.”Hines said their recommendation instead would be that the
county contract the Hays Public Library to serve as the county library, if
approved by voters. “You still have to offer the services, and what's happening
now is the Hays Public Library already is offering the services,” Hines said. “We
are serving the rural Ellis County area (and) we are serving Victoria and we'd
absolutely continue to do that.”If approved by the voters, the commission would appoint a
library board and then the board would establish the library mill levy. They
would also be required to create and pass an annual budget. That county library board could then contract the Hays
Public Library to serve in the role of county public library.Hines said even more complicated is how the Hays Public
Library is funded. He says they would not opt in to a part of the proposed taxing
district. “The Hays Public Library, even though our vision is that
this would be very good for the taxpayers of Ellis County (and) could benefit
the Hays Public Library, we can't figure out a scenario where the Hays Public
Library is actually a member of this taxing district.”Currently in the City of Hays, six mills are distributed to
the Hays Public Library, from the general fund tax collection. Hines said the Hays Public Library would not ask county taxpayers
to fill that six mill void and the library would have to cut a large portion of
the services it offers if it took a reduction in funding. They instead would be in favor of being contracted by the county.Hines also said they believe the city of Ellis would benefit
from opting into the county taxing district.Ellis funds its library through a four mill tax
and an additional three-quarters mill, according to Hines. He said they believe
this move could lead to a reduction in taxes for both Ellis and rural Ellis
County voters.“At the same time, the revenue would go up for the actual
library,” Hines said. “So, an increase in funding for libraries, the tax dollars
stay local and we can see tax rates fall for the entire county.”Hines said the Hays Public Library would remain a member of
the Central Kansas Library System and it would still benefit from the Central Kansas Library System .Both Ellis County Commissioners Neal Younger and Michael
Berges said many rural residents may not know that their tax money is going out
of county for the Central Kansas Library System .“If you live in Victoria, that library tax is not coming to
the Hays library or the Ellis library, it's going first to CKLS and great band,”
Berges said. “Everybody that lives in those rural areas, the county areas, the
true county areas of Ellis, that 1.5 (mill) is going to Great Bend for all intents
and purposes first, and then they're supposed to allocate it back to our to our
libraries for the services.”Hines said he has met with both the Ellis City Council and
Ellis City Library Board, and they are planning on having a joint meeting.At the end of last week’s discussion, the commission plans
to bring forward a resolution this week that would put the ballot measure to a
vote for residents of rural Ellis County, Victoria and potentially Ellis to decide.
Berges said he supports the idea of going to the voters with
the resolution. “I think we can ask the county residents to participate and
decide again, where their library dollars are actually going,” Berges said. “I
don't know if we can stand here and tell the residents of Ellis what they can
do. They have to kind of make that decision on their own on whether they want
to be a part of the county library system and give up the Central Kansas Library System or continue to be
their own and have the city fund it.”The ballot question could be put to voters in August during
the primary election. The commission will consider the resolution this week.

Ellis County Commission considers creation of county library; thousands going out of county now

A bridge replacement project will close a portion of U.S. 281 in Smith County starting Monday, April 1.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will replace the bridge over Lindley Creek, located 0.13 mile west of the Smith/Osborne County line near Portis. During construction, U.S. 281 will be closed to traffic at the bridge. Motorists should follow the signed detour using U.S. 281, U.S. 24, K-181 and U.S. 36.

KDOT expects the project to be completed by the end of October, conditions permitting.

L&amp;M Contractors of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the approximately $1.9 million project. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6200 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701368603184.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTA bridge replacement project will close a portion of U.S. 281 in Smith County starting Monday, April 1.The Kansas Department of Transportation will replace the bridge over Lindley Creek, located 0.13 mile west of the Smith/Osborne County line near Portis. During construction, U.S. 281 will be closed to traffic at the bridge. Motorists should follow the signed detour using U.S. 281, U.S. 24, K-181 and U.S. 36.KDOT expects the project to be completed by the end of October, conditions permitting.L&amp;M Contractors of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the approximately $1.9 million project. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Dan Moore at 785-302-6200 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daniel.moore@ks.gov">daniel.moore@ks.gov</a>.

Bridge replacement to close U.S. 281 in Smith County

Russell is on the verge of a major overhaul to its electric distribution system as the city gears up to launch a comprehensive reconstruction project. The project, led by the city electric department in collaboration with KMEA/Midstates and RMA Engineering, aims to bolster the reliability and efficiency of the local power infrastructure. The first construction phase is contracted to IES Electric, Holdredge, Nebraska. 

This comprehensive reconstruction project includes rebuilding more than twelve electric distribution circuits.

Originally authorized by the city council in February 2022, the electric distribution rebuild project is set to commence with the first phase: the East Residential 1 and 2 circuits, which cover State Street to Wichita

Avenue and N. Fossil Street to Copeland Street. This initial phase, expected to span up to twelve months, will encompass the replacement of power poles, power lines, and transformers within the designated areas.

Following the completion of the East Residential circuits, the project will transition to the next phase, which will be North Residential 1 and 2 circuits, followed by additional circuits each year until completion.

The City of Russell has secured significant funding for the forthcoming project phases. A federal BRIC grant of $2,039,000 has been awarded for the North Residential 1 and 2 portion, complemented by an additional $339,000 allocation from the State of Kansas’ Build Kansas Fund.

IES will diligently mobilize resources throughout the project to ensure timely execution and minimal disruption to residents. Short power outages may be necessary during specific tasks, but advanced notice will be provided to affected customers. Notices will be distributed via door hangers and the city's Notify Me system, offering a 24-hour lead time for planned outages.

Residents can stay informed about project developments and outage schedules by signing up for the Notify Me system at www.russellcity.org. For inquiries regarding the electric distribution rebuild project, please get in touch with Dave Sturgeon, Electric Utility Director, at 785.483.7112.

This initiative underscores the Russell City Council’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and providing a dependable power supply for its residents. With the collaborative efforts of the city electric department, KMEA/Midstates, RMA engineering, and IES, the project is poised to achieve its objectives efficiently and effectively.

City of RussellRussell is on the verge of a major overhaul to its electric distribution system as the city gears up to launch a comprehensive reconstruction project. The project, led by the city electric department in collaboration with KMEA/Midstates and RMA Engineering, aims to bolster the reliability and efficiency of the local power infrastructure. The first construction phase is contracted to IES Electric, Holdredge, Nebraska. This comprehensive reconstruction project includes rebuilding more than twelve electric distribution circuits.Originally authorized by the city council in February 2022, the electric distribution rebuild project is set to commence with the first phase: the East Residential 1 and 2 circuits, which cover State Street to WichitaAvenue and N. Fossil Street to Copeland Street. This initial phase, expected to span up to twelve months, will encompass the replacement of power poles, power lines, and transformers within the designated areas.Following the completion of the East Residential circuits, the project will transition to the next phase, which will be North Residential 1 and 2 circuits, followed by additional circuits each year until completion.The City of Russell has secured significant funding for the forthcoming project phases. A federal BRIC grant of $2,039,000 has been awarded for the North Residential 1 and 2 portion, complemented by an additional $339,000 allocation from the State of Kansas’ Build Kansas Fund.IES will diligently mobilize resources throughout the project to ensure timely execution and minimal disruption to residents. Short power outages may be necessary during specific tasks, but advanced notice will be provided to affected customers. Notices will be distributed via door hangers and the city's Notify Me system, offering a 24-hour lead time for planned outages.Residents can stay informed about project developments and outage schedules by signing up for the Notify Me system at www.russellcity.org. For inquiries regarding the electric distribution rebuild project, please get in touch with Dave Sturgeon, Electric Utility Director, at 785.483.7112.This initiative underscores the Russell City Council’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and providing a dependable power supply for its residents. With the collaborative efforts of the city electric department, KMEA/Midstates, RMA engineering, and IES, the project is poised to achieve its objectives efficiently and effectively.