By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

The debate over implementing a flat income tax in Kansas appears to have reached its conclusion, at least in this legislative session. Earlier this year, Kansas Republicans proposed a single income tax rate of 5.25% for all Kansans earning more than $6,160 as an individual or $12,300 as a couple.&nbsp;

Republicans argued that a simple tax code with a single tax rate applied uniformly to all income levels could reduce the complexity and administrative burdens of our current system. Governor Kelly and Kansas Democrats countered that the cuts associated with a flat tax would be financially irresponsible and inherently regressive, disproportionately burdening low-income earners compared to high-income earners&nbsp;

As expected, Governor Kelly immediately vetoed the flat tax plan. Having failed to override Kelly’s veto, Republicans recently announced their support for a dual rate plan. This plan would exempt up to $7,000 in income from taxation. The state would then tax annual income up to $30,000 at a rate of 5.2% and annual income over $30,000 at a rate of 5.65%.&nbsp;

This new proposal is a departure from the current income tax policy, which taxes 3.10% on the first $15,000 of taxable income, 5.25% on the next $15,000, and 5.70% on all income above $30,000.&nbsp;

While Kelly has indicated her preference to provide tax relief while keep the current three-tier rate system, the introduction of the dual-rate plan proposal represents a new phase in tax discussions, where both sides have indicated that they want tax relief for Kansans.&nbsp;

All this discussion may lead Kansans to ask how their tax burden compares to residents of other states. Like many states, Kansas has a graduated or progressive income tax rate system. A graduated tax rate simply means that high income earners pay a higher tax rate than lower income works. Most of Kansas’ neighboring states also have a graduated systems with more than two tiers.&nbsp;

For example, Nebraska has four tiers in their state income tax program, with rates that range from 2.46% for Nebraska’s lowest earners to 6.64% for those making more than $35,730 annually. Similarly, Missouri and Oklahoma also have multi-tier graduated systems with rates ranging from 2% to 4.95% and 0% to 4.75%, respectively.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.55% for all taxable income, regardless of filing status or income level.&nbsp;

While the Kansas income tax plan is in line with neighboring states, Republicans are hoping their new plan will draw in additional legislative supporters, giving them the veto-proof majority needed to pass the plan with or without Kelly’s support.&nbsp;

It is important to remember that although no one particularly likes paying income taxes, they play a crucial role in funding essential government services, including support for public schools.&nbsp;

As Kansas continues to debate over its state income tax system, the path forward remains uncertain in the current political environment. Ultimately, the outcome of these discussions will shape the fiscal health of the state for years to come.&nbsp;

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375940173.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasThe debate over implementing a flat income tax in Kansas appears to have reached its conclusion, at least in this legislative session. Earlier this year, Kansas Republicans proposed a single income tax rate of 5.25% for all Kansans earning more than $6,160 as an individual or $12,300 as a couple.&nbsp;Republicans argued that a simple tax code with a single tax rate applied uniformly to all income levels could reduce the complexity and administrative burdens of our current system. Governor Kelly and Kansas Democrats countered that the cuts associated with a flat tax would be financially irresponsible and inherently regressive, disproportionately burdening low-income earners compared to high-income earners&nbsp;As expected, Governor Kelly immediately vetoed the flat tax plan. Having failed to override Kelly’s veto, Republicans recently announced their support for a dual rate plan. This plan would exempt up to $7,000 in income from taxation. The state would then tax annual income up to $30,000 at a rate of 5.2% and annual income over $30,000 at a rate of 5.65%.&nbsp;This new proposal is a departure from the current income tax policy, which taxes 3.10% on the first $15,000 of taxable income, 5.25% on the next $15,000, and 5.70% on all income above $30,000.&nbsp;While Kelly has indicated her preference to provide tax relief while keep the current three-tier rate system, the introduction of the dual-rate plan proposal represents a new phase in tax discussions, where both sides have indicated that they want tax relief for Kansans.&nbsp;All this discussion may lead Kansans to ask how their tax burden compares to residents of other states. Like many states, Kansas has a graduated or progressive income tax rate system. A graduated tax rate simply means that high income earners pay a higher tax rate than lower income works. Most of Kansas’ neighboring states also have a graduated systems with more than two tiers.&nbsp;For example, Nebraska has four tiers in their state income tax program, with rates that range from 2.46% for Nebraska’s lowest earners to 6.64% for those making more than $35,730 annually. Similarly, Missouri and Oklahoma also have multi-tier graduated systems with rates ranging from 2% to 4.95% and 0% to 4.75%, respectively.&nbsp;On the other hand, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.55% for all taxable income, regardless of filing status or income level.&nbsp;While the Kansas income tax plan is in line with neighboring states, Republicans are hoping their new plan will draw in additional legislative supporters, giving them the veto-proof majority needed to pass the plan with or without Kelly’s support.&nbsp;It is important to remember that although no one particularly likes paying income taxes, they play a crucial role in funding essential government services, including support for public schools.&nbsp;As Kansas continues to debate over its state income tax system, the path forward remains uncertain in the current political environment. Ultimately, the outcome of these discussions will shape the fiscal health of the state for years to come.&nbsp;Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas grapples with income tax dilemma 

The House debated several bills throughout the week. Here are some of the bills we debated on the floor:

● Senate Bill 359 would create a distinctive license plate for the Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City, Sedgwick County Zoo, Kansas City Royals, Topeka Zoo, and I offered an amendment to create a support the troops license plate with revenue supporting the American Legion and Kansas Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars. This bill passed the House, 103-20.

● Senate Bill 394 would require certain websites that contain potentially harmful information for minors, such as sexual material, to use an age verification software to ensure a person is eighteen years of age or older and allow parents to take private action against website owners and seek damages if violated. This bill passed the House, 92-31.

● Senate Bill 458, regarding civil forfeitures clarifies, that certain drug offenses would not arise to civil forfeiture, increases the burden of proof by requiring clear and convincing evidence, and requires courts to make determination of the excessiveness of the forfeiture. This bill passed the House, 123-0.

● House Substitute for Senate Bill 287 would require school health care professionals to receive parental consent before providing services such as administering medications, providing diagnostic tests, or conducting behavioral health treatments. Healthcare providers who violate the provisions in this bill would be subjected to discipline from the appropriate licensing agency. This bill passed the House 85-37.

● House Bill 2825 enacts the Consumer Protection Related to Hospital Price Transparency Act and would require hospitals to provide pricing information of its top three hundred procedures, provide patients with cost estimates for elective tests and procedures if requested, and provide patients with a written copy of their ability to receive this information. This bill would allow for the Attorney General’s Office to fine hospitals $250 a day if they are not in compliance.

● House Substitute for Senate Bill 387 is concerning appropriations for the State Department of Education for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 and would abolish or revise certain statutes concerning the education system. Including the prohibition of substantially revising curriculum standards until seventy-five percent of students achieve academic proficiency.

A Conference Committee will meet in the coming days to discuss the differences in the budget. Some differences between the House and Senate budgets are the House provides $2.2 million from the State General Fund for the Kansas Osteopathic Scholarship for FY 25 which will help rural healthcare, provides $47.7 million from the State General Fund to pay off state debt, $16.5 million for economic and housing development in the northwest Kansas region, $2.2 million to increase the number of Physical Disability waivers by 500, $6.7 million to increase the number of Intellectual and Developmental Disability waivers by 500 to reduce waiting lists, and $18.6 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement.

House Substitute for Senate Bill 300 was debated on the floor Tuesday regarding taxation. This bill would restructure the individual income tax bracket. For a married couple making $60,001 and above would be taxed at 5.65 percent. This bill would also phase out taxes on social security benefits through 2026 and by 2027 benefits will be exempt from Kansas income taxes. The bill would increase the standard deduction amounts by $240 for married filing jointly and will be further increased by the cost-of-living adjustment determined by the IRS. The privilege tax rates that are applied to financial institutions would be reduced by 2.25 percent.

House Substitute for SB 300 would also reinstate transfers from the State General Fund for fiscal year 2025 to Special City and County Highway Fund and abolish the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and County and City Revenue Sharing Fund. This&nbsp;bill would also increase the amount of residential property exemption from statewide uniform school finance levy to $100,000 of appraised value and in tax year 2024 reduce the uniform school finance levy from 20 mills to 18 mills.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at www.kslegislature.org.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me&nbsp; 785 -296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka March 29, 2024Bills Debated in the HouseThe House debated several bills throughout the week. Here are some of the bills we debated on the floor:● Senate Bill 359 would create a distinctive license plate for the Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City, Sedgwick County Zoo, Kansas City Royals, Topeka Zoo, and I offered an amendment to create a support the troops license plate with revenue supporting the American Legion and Kansas Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars. This bill passed the House, 103-20.● Senate Bill 394 would require certain websites that contain potentially harmful information for minors, such as sexual material, to use an age verification software to ensure a person is eighteen years of age or older and allow parents to take private action against website owners and seek damages if violated. This bill passed the House, 92-31.● Senate Bill 458, regarding civil forfeitures clarifies, that certain drug offenses would not arise to civil forfeiture, increases the burden of proof by requiring clear and convincing evidence, and requires courts to make determination of the excessiveness of the forfeiture. This bill passed the House, 123-0.● House Substitute for Senate Bill 287 would require school health care professionals to receive parental consent before providing services such as administering medications, providing diagnostic tests, or conducting behavioral health treatments. Healthcare providers who violate the provisions in this bill would be subjected to discipline from the appropriate licensing agency. This bill passed the House 85-37.● House Bill 2825 enacts the Consumer Protection Related to Hospital Price Transparency Act and would require hospitals to provide pricing information of its top three hundred procedures, provide patients with cost estimates for elective tests and procedures if requested, and provide patients with a written copy of their ability to receive this information. This bill would allow for the Attorney General’s Office to fine hospitals $250 a day if they are not in compliance.● House Substitute for Senate Bill 387 is concerning appropriations for the State Department of Education for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 and would abolish or revise certain statutes concerning the education system. Including the prohibition of substantially revising curriculum standards until seventy-five percent of students achieve academic proficiency.Conference CommitteeA Conference Committee will meet in the coming days to discuss the differences in the budget. Some differences between the House and Senate budgets are the House provides $2.2 million from the State General Fund for the Kansas Osteopathic Scholarship for FY 25 which will help rural healthcare, provides $47.7 million from the State General Fund to pay off state debt, $16.5 million for economic and housing development in the northwest Kansas region, $2.2 million to increase the number of Physical Disability waivers by 500, $6.7 million to increase the number of Intellectual and Developmental Disability waivers by 500 to reduce waiting lists, and $18.6 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement.Tax BillHouse Substitute for Senate Bill 300 was debated on the floor Tuesday regarding taxation. This bill would restructure the individual income tax bracket. For a married couple making $60,001 and above would be taxed at 5.65 percent. This bill would also phase out taxes on social security benefits through 2026 and by 2027 benefits will be exempt from Kansas income taxes. The bill would increase the standard deduction amounts by $240 for married filing jointly and will be further increased by the cost-of-living adjustment determined by the IRS. The privilege tax rates that are applied to financial institutions would be reduced by 2.25 percent.House Substitute for SB 300 would also reinstate transfers from the State General Fund for fiscal year 2025 to Special City and County Highway Fund and abolish the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and County and City Revenue Sharing Fund. This&nbsp;bill would also increase the amount of residential property exemption from statewide uniform school finance levy to $100,000 of appraised value and in tax year 2024 reduce the uniform school finance levy from 20 mills to 18 mills.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at www.kslegislature.org.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me&nbsp; 785 -296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, March 29; House & Senate budget bills

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Research at K-State and other regions continue to demonstrate that it is often possible to achieve high levels of foliar disease control with a single fungicide applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.

Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years. Early fungicide applications may result in small yield advantages due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development.

Many active ingredients have use restrictions, during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years).

Advantages and limitations of split applications -there is no additional cost for application if the fungicide is tank mixed with other products, such as liquid nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide. However, the optimal timing for an early fungicide application is not until after the wheat has jointed – with one or two joints present. This is usually sometime in mid-to-late March in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas. Top-dressed nitrogen and many postemergence herbicides should be applied before this stage to be most effective and, in many cases, to be within label restrictions, so the optimal timing of both applications may not match. A separate trip for an early fungicide application adds to the cost of production.

Provides suppression of early-season disease caused by tan spot, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf blotch that overwinter locally in Kansas. The benefits of fungicides applied at green-up are more sporadic for diseases like leaf rust and stripe rust, which are less likely to survive the winter in Kansas.

The limitations of early-season fungicide application include. Leaves not present at the time of application will not be well protected. Therefore, these applications will not control leaf rust or

stripe rust epidemics that come in from the south at later stages of growth. The early applications are most effective when combined with a second, later fungicide application.

Additional product costs may not pay off under some conditions, when the crop's yield potential may be limited by drought. Remember, the second application does the heavy lifting in the dual-application approach. If capital resources are limited because of low prices, investing your money where you are likely to see the largest yield response may be best.

The main conclusions from recent studies in Kansas and Oklahoma are:

· In K-State studies, the greatest average profit has come from the flag leaf application of fungicides. Fungicides applied prior to jointing are less likely to result in a positive profit.

· The likelihood of profit for an early-season fungicide application is greatest for susceptible varieties in continuous wheat systems with a high level of surface wheat residue.

· Fields with hot spots of tan spot, septoria leaf blotch, and stripe rust prior to flag leaf emergence are candidates for an early fungicide application, provided environmental conditions are conducive for further disease development and yield potential of the crop. These applications are often most effective when made around the jointing stages of growth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictResearch at K-State and other regions continue to demonstrate that it is often possible to achieve high levels of foliar disease control with a single fungicide applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years. Early fungicide applications may result in small yield advantages due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development.Many active ingredients have use restrictions, during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years).Advantages and limitations of split applications -there is no additional cost for application if the fungicide is tank mixed with other products, such as liquid nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide. However, the optimal timing for an early fungicide application is not until after the wheat has jointed – with one or two joints present. This is usually sometime in mid-to-late March in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas. Top-dressed nitrogen and many postemergence herbicides should be applied before this stage to be most effective and, in many cases, to be within label restrictions, so the optimal timing of both applications may not match. A separate trip for an early fungicide application adds to the cost of production.Provides suppression of early-season disease caused by tan spot, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf blotch that overwinter locally in Kansas. The benefits of fungicides applied at green-up are more sporadic for diseases like leaf rust and stripe rust, which are less likely to survive the winter in Kansas.The limitations of early-season fungicide application include. Leaves not present at the time of application will not be well protected. Therefore, these applications will not control leaf rust orstripe rust epidemics that come in from the south at later stages of growth. The early applications are most effective when combined with a second, later fungicide application.Additional product costs may not pay off under some conditions, when the crop's yield potential may be limited by drought. Remember, the second application does the heavy lifting in the dual-application approach. If capital resources are limited because of low prices, investing your money where you are likely to see the largest yield response may be best.The main conclusions from recent studies in Kansas and Oklahoma are:· In K-State studies, the greatest average profit has come from the flag leaf application of fungicides. Fungicides applied prior to jointing are less likely to result in a positive profit.· The likelihood of profit for an early-season fungicide application is greatest for susceptible varieties in continuous wheat systems with a high level of surface wheat residue.· Fields with hot spots of tan spot, septoria leaf blotch, and stripe rust prior to flag leaf emergence are candidates for an early fungicide application, provided environmental conditions are conducive for further disease development and yield potential of the crop. These applications are often most effective when made around the jointing stages of growth.

Campbell: Considerations for early fungicide applications on wheat

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

In January 2023, Fort Hays State University (FHSU), North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech), and Northwest Kansas Technical College (Northwest Tech) announced a new affiliation initiative to address demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas. This initiative is focusing on developing solutions in three key areas:

· Developing academic programs and integrated student services that meet the educational and professional needs of today's and tomorrow's students.

· Aligning and optimizing inter-institutional operations to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to student success.

· Creating a coalition with regional businesses, industries, and communities focused on increasing opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship, and meeting workforce development needs in rural Kansas.

The affiliation works in implementation teams consisting of faculty and staff from all three institutions and industry partners. One of the first teams to launch was on construction and construction management.

This team has embarked on a mission to construct bridges across educational institutions, ensuring the integration of construction and construction management disciplines. By placing the interests of students at its core, they have successfully navigated through the complexities of aligning the curriculum across three distinct educational institutions.

The challenge of maintaining harmony among different academic philosophies turned into an opportunity to build on individual strengths, as evidenced by their recent creation of a template for the FHSU/NCK second-year welding program.

The Construction Affiliation Implementation Team has identified several ambitious deliverables focused on creating seamless transitions between locations and programs. The goals are to reach 100% academic success and job placement rate for students, meet the regional workforce needs, and contribute to alleviating housing shortages.

The Applied Technology Fair of September 2023 stands as a testament to these collaborative efforts, catalyzing the first bonds among students and establishing connections with industry partners.

The visits by FHSU faculty to Beloit and Goodland campuses stirred enthusiasm among tech students and provided them a glimpse into educational pathways shaped by the Strategic Affiliation Initiative. This initiative is rapidly transforming our shared aspirations into real-world opportunities.

A notable accomplishment is the team's innovative curriculum pathway for reverse transfer, particularly the Second Year Carpentry to Associates of Applied Science degree in Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. This learning pathway allows students to smoothly transition from a one-year carpentry certificate at a technical college to a second-year construction management program at Fort Hays State University. Then, students can transfer

their construction management credits back to the technical college, culminating in an AAS degree, creating an employment exit point or transition pathway to a bachelor's degree.

This team also explored technical college credit transfer opportunities aimed at enriching FHSU's Construction Management program with specialized short courses including Heavy Equipment, Commercial Driver's License (CDL), and Survey Total Station. These courses, designed by industry experts, provide invaluable insights for students aiming for leadership roles in the construction field, filling essential gaps not typically covered in traditional four-year plans.

In their endeavor to nurture comprehensive academic tracks from various technical programs, this team has essentially charted paths from AAS degrees to BS degrees in Welding Technology, Engineering Technology (CAD), and Automotive Technology.

Peering into the future, the team envisions a landscape where more technical programs are closely aligned with existing FHSU content as part of a broader, seamless educational continuum. Alignment includes ensuring that programs exist for all technical certificates to lead to Associate, Bachelor's, and even master’s degrees, making the journey through higher education less linear and more adaptable.

At FHSU, summer internships, short courses, and on-the-job training initiatives are already paving the way for our students to fast-track their path to a Bachelor of Science in Technology Studies/Construction Management. The new pathways envisioned now will allow students to move from an AAS to a BS and then to an MS degree within a remarkably compressed timeframe.

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, so does the work of the Affiliation Implementation Team on Construction. Their resolve to dismantle administrative barriers and meet industry workforce needs is unwavering. With these developments and future dreams, they are not only challenging the status quo but also redefining what's possible in construction management education.

I am so proud of and energized by the work of the affiliation teams, as exemplified here by the team on construction and construction management. Their work heralds a new era of educational synergy among three very different higher education institutions. The dedication of the FHSU faculty and their collaborators provides a solid foundation for this visionary approach, ensuring that the Structural Affiliation Initiative not only dreams big but puts those dreams into tangible action.

Stay tuned for more affiliation updates highlighting visionary approaches and a steadfast dedication to collaboration that not only streamlines pathways for students but also paves the way for innovative curriculum developments and technical transfer opportunities. In their wake, our affiliation professionals will fundamentally change the learning landscape, where educational milestones are not merely reached but surpassed, where careers are not just started but ascended, and where dreams, once distant, are brought firmly within grasp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentIn January 2023, Fort Hays State University (FHSU), North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech), and Northwest Kansas Technical College (Northwest Tech) announced a new affiliation initiative to address demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas. This initiative is focusing on developing solutions in three key areas:· Developing academic programs and integrated student services that meet the educational and professional needs of today's and tomorrow's students.· Aligning and optimizing inter-institutional operations to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to student success.· Creating a coalition with regional businesses, industries, and communities focused on increasing opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship, and meeting workforce development needs in rural Kansas.The affiliation works in implementation teams consisting of faculty and staff from all three institutions and industry partners. One of the first teams to launch was on construction and construction management.This team has embarked on a mission to construct bridges across educational institutions, ensuring the integration of construction and construction management disciplines. By placing the interests of students at its core, they have successfully navigated through the complexities of aligning the curriculum across three distinct educational institutions.The challenge of maintaining harmony among different academic philosophies turned into an opportunity to build on individual strengths, as evidenced by their recent creation of a template for the FHSU/NCK second-year welding program.The Construction Affiliation Implementation Team has identified several ambitious deliverables focused on creating seamless transitions between locations and programs. The goals are to reach 100% academic success and job placement rate for students, meet the regional workforce needs, and contribute to alleviating housing shortages.The Applied Technology Fair of September 2023 stands as a testament to these collaborative efforts, catalyzing the first bonds among students and establishing connections with industry partners.The visits by FHSU faculty to Beloit and Goodland campuses stirred enthusiasm among tech students and provided them a glimpse into educational pathways shaped by the Strategic Affiliation Initiative. This initiative is rapidly transforming our shared aspirations into real-world opportunities.A notable accomplishment is the team's innovative curriculum pathway for reverse transfer, particularly the Second Year Carpentry to Associates of Applied Science degree in Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. This learning pathway allows students to smoothly transition from a one-year carpentry certificate at a technical college to a second-year construction management program at Fort Hays State University. Then, students can transfertheir construction management credits back to the technical college, culminating in an AAS degree, creating an employment exit point or transition pathway to a bachelor's degree.This team also explored technical college credit transfer opportunities aimed at enriching FHSU's Construction Management program with specialized short courses including Heavy Equipment, Commercial Driver's License (CDL), and Survey Total Station. These courses, designed by industry experts, provide invaluable insights for students aiming for leadership roles in the construction field, filling essential gaps not typically covered in traditional four-year plans.In their endeavor to nurture comprehensive academic tracks from various technical programs, this team has essentially charted paths from AAS degrees to BS degrees in Welding Technology, Engineering Technology (CAD), and Automotive Technology.Peering into the future, the team envisions a landscape where more technical programs are closely aligned with existing FHSU content as part of a broader, seamless educational continuum. Alignment includes ensuring that programs exist for all technical certificates to lead to Associate, Bachelor's, and even master’s degrees, making the journey through higher education less linear and more adaptable.At FHSU, summer internships, short courses, and on-the-job training initiatives are already paving the way for our students to fast-track their path to a Bachelor of Science in Technology Studies/Construction Management. The new pathways envisioned now will allow students to move from an AAS to a BS and then to an MS degree within a remarkably compressed timeframe.As the landscape of education continues to evolve, so does the work of the Affiliation Implementation Team on Construction. Their resolve to dismantle administrative barriers and meet industry workforce needs is unwavering. With these developments and future dreams, they are not only challenging the status quo but also redefining what's possible in construction management education.I am so proud of and energized by the work of the affiliation teams, as exemplified here by the team on construction and construction management. Their work heralds a new era of educational synergy among three very different higher education institutions. The dedication of the FHSU faculty and their collaborators provides a solid foundation for this visionary approach, ensuring that the Structural Affiliation Initiative not only dreams big but puts those dreams into tangible action.Stay tuned for more affiliation updates highlighting visionary approaches and a steadfast dedication to collaboration that not only streamlines pathways for students but also paves the way for innovative curriculum developments and technical transfer opportunities. In their wake, our affiliation professionals will fundamentally change the learning landscape, where educational milestones are not merely reached but surpassed, where careers are not just started but ascended, and where dreams, once distant, are brought firmly within grasp.

HEART OF A TIGER: Pioneering pathways through visionary approaches

Spring’s arrival triggered a memory of normally agreeable pooches squabbing shrilly on the back porch, inspiring my race to see what prompted the ruckus. Before opening the door, I heard our little terrier full-throttle scolding his Shitzu/sheepdog companion. Peeking out, I scoped the situation to find a snarling Jack Russell holding high ground from his armchair vantage. The larger white fur-ball edged close to his cohort’s perch, taunting Buster with dancing feints toward his highness’s throne. Once I announced my presence and called them inside, they called a truce long enough to come inside and eat side-by-side.

Once they licked their bowls clean, Buster scurried to reclaim his perch. Hackles raised, he growled any time fuzzy Dudley moved close. Once my husband returned, I told him about their brouhaha and the small dog’s ongoing threats. To prevent catastrophe, we supervised our feuding four-leggeds and puzzled as to why the younger dog landed on Grandpa Buster’s last nerve.

This low-grade rumble continued until bedtime, when the two yahoos bedded down in the house as usual. I figured our older dog’s arthritis had acted up and hoped warming temps would improve his mood.

Imagine my surprise when I awoke the next morning and wandered into the kitchen to hear my husband say, “We have a mystery, and it explains why the dogs got into it yesterday.” I hadn’t had a drop of coffee so my brain couldn’t process his message.

“What are you talking about?” I mumbled, heading for my mug.

“I think I know why the dogs got into it yesterday.”

Holding out two hands containing a wadded towel, he signaled me to peek. Oh, man, what a scary invite at our house! Such instructions have led to close encounters with anything from snakes to giant spiders.

Steadying yet-to-sip-a- drop-of-coffee nerves, I gingerly peeled back a terrycloth corner. Inside was a tiny but fully furred-out bunny! Buster must’ve found it in the yard and carried it to his overstuffed armchair where he used his pointy terrier schnozz to tuck it under a blanket. This blew the theory that moving to town meant we’d never again deal with wild critters dogs brought home.

This generated the worry that Buster now suffered doggy dementia because, at one time, anything looking remotely packrat-like experienced full-blown terrier treatment. For whatever reason, maybe because Dudley tried to steal Buster’s treasure, this bit of fluff escaped that sad fate. At least I now understood the surliness I’d observed the previous day.

Once I saw this critter, my mind recalled baby cottontails young daughters once bottle-fed. We sadly learned these little ones require bunny mommies. Despite our best efforts, we never kept one alive long enough to release it into the wild.

Due to past experience, my husband stealthily combed our yard, seeking this little guy’s fur-lined nursery, so he could return it. Buster watched intently out the window, pitifully whining, “He’s mine. Finders keepers.”

To our surprise, mama had tucked four additional babes into a downy nest in the flower bed next to the house. Here we thought moving to town ended bunny troubles. Instead, they laughed last as “wascally wabbits” lived closer to us than they ever had.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711139496495.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINSpring’s arrival triggered a memory of normally agreeable pooches squabbing shrilly on the back porch, inspiring my race to see what prompted the ruckus. Before opening the door, I heard our little terrier full-throttle scolding his Shitzu/sheepdog companion. Peeking out, I scoped the situation to find a snarling Jack Russell holding high ground from his armchair vantage. The larger white fur-ball edged close to his cohort’s perch, taunting Buster with dancing feints toward his highness’s throne. Once I announced my presence and called them inside, they called a truce long enough to come inside and eat side-by-side.Once they licked their bowls clean, Buster scurried to reclaim his perch. Hackles raised, he growled any time fuzzy Dudley moved close. Once my husband returned, I told him about their brouhaha and the small dog’s ongoing threats. To prevent catastrophe, we supervised our feuding four-leggeds and puzzled as to why the younger dog landed on Grandpa Buster’s last nerve.This low-grade rumble continued until bedtime, when the two yahoos bedded down in the house as usual. I figured our older dog’s arthritis had acted up and hoped warming temps would improve his mood.Imagine my surprise when I awoke the next morning and wandered into the kitchen to hear my husband say, “We have a mystery, and it explains why the dogs got into it yesterday.” I hadn’t had a drop of coffee so my brain couldn’t process his message.“What are you talking about?” I mumbled, heading for my mug.“I think I know why the dogs got into it yesterday.”“Okay, why?” I took the bait.Holding out two hands containing a wadded towel, he signaled me to peek. Oh, man, what a scary invite at our house! Such instructions have led to close encounters with anything from snakes to giant spiders.Steadying yet-to-sip-a- drop-of-coffee nerves, I gingerly peeled back a terrycloth corner. Inside was a tiny but fully furred-out bunny! Buster must’ve found it in the yard and carried it to his overstuffed armchair where he used his pointy terrier schnozz to tuck it under a blanket. This blew the theory that moving to town meant we’d never again deal with wild critters dogs brought home.This generated the worry that Buster now suffered doggy dementia because, at one time, anything looking remotely packrat-like experienced full-blown terrier treatment. For whatever reason, maybe because Dudley tried to steal Buster’s treasure, this bit of fluff escaped that sad fate. At least I now understood the surliness I’d observed the previous day.Once I saw this critter, my mind recalled baby cottontails young daughters once bottle-fed. We sadly learned these little ones require bunny mommies. Despite our best efforts, we never kept one alive long enough to release it into the wild.Due to past experience, my husband stealthily combed our yard, seeking this little guy’s fur-lined nursery, so he could return it. Buster watched intently out the window, pitifully whining, “He’s mine. Finders keepers.”To our surprise, mama had tucked four additional babes into a downy nest in the flower bed next to the house. Here we thought moving to town ended bunny troubles. Instead, they laughed last as “wascally wabbits” lived closer to us than they ever had.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.&nbsp;

MADORIN: Finders Keepers

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Sometimes cooking is a hassle. This is especially true if you are only feeding one or two people. Dining out or preparing a frozen meal can seem to be an easier option, but regularly eating convenience foods can take a toll on your physical health and waistline.

Fast food and TV dinners tend to be high in sodium, saturated fat, sugar, and calories. On the other hand, homemade meals are usually more nutritious and more affordable. When you cook, you are free to be creative! You can substitute ingredients to tailor your meal to your budget and taste. You can also take charge of your diet to improve your self-esteem and overall health.

Here are a few tips for cooking for one or two:

First, make a plan. One of the best ways to simplify the process is to create a menu and grocery list each week. When you menu plan, you take the guesswork out and you will be prepared with ingredients on hand for each meal you make.

Learn how to halve recipes. This may be a rather obvious tip, but most recipes are designed to feed a group of 4-6. Instead of eating leftovers all week long, divide the ingredient portions in half to cut down on food waste.

Cook your main protein once a week. For example, by roasting chicken on the weekend, you can use the leftover meat to quickly create different meals throughout the week. Add the meat to a soup or salad, slice it in sandwiches, use it in tacos, or create a stir-fry or pasta dish.

Use non-traditional protein sources. Think outside of the box by substituting for alternative protein sources. For example, black bean quesadillas or tofu stir-fry are nutritious options that don’t require preparing raw meat. Another option is to get creative with canned meats. Use a pouch of tuna to make tuna salad or a can of chicken to create buffalo chicken dip.

Utilize the freezer. It may be tough to get through an entire meal without it going bad. Dividing leftovers into single-serving portions can help you create healthy frozen meals for days you

don’t have time to cook. You can also freeze perishable foods like bread. Simply, slice, freeze, and take out one or two pieces as needed. Other convenient freezer foods are steamable vegetables and frozen fruits.

Cooking for one or two doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it doesn’t have to involve “cooking” at all! Be prepared with items on hand to create a variety of meals, and be open to trying new foods and recipes. You may realize that preparing simple meals can be nutritious, affordable, and quick.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictSometimes cooking is a hassle. This is especially true if you are only feeding one or two people. Dining out or preparing a frozen meal can seem to be an easier option, but regularly eating convenience foods can take a toll on your physical health and waistline.Fast food and TV dinners tend to be high in sodium, saturated fat, sugar, and calories. On the other hand, homemade meals are usually more nutritious and more affordable. When you cook, you are free to be creative! You can substitute ingredients to tailor your meal to your budget and taste. You can also take charge of your diet to improve your self-esteem and overall health.Here are a few tips for cooking for one or two:First, make a plan. One of the best ways to simplify the process is to create a menu and grocery list each week. When you menu plan, you take the guesswork out and you will be prepared with ingredients on hand for each meal you make.Learn how to halve recipes. This may be a rather obvious tip, but most recipes are designed to feed a group of 4-6. Instead of eating leftovers all week long, divide the ingredient portions in half to cut down on food waste.Cook your main protein once a week. For example, by roasting chicken on the weekend, you can use the leftover meat to quickly create different meals throughout the week. Add the meat to a soup or salad, slice it in sandwiches, use it in tacos, or create a stir-fry or pasta dish.Use non-traditional protein sources. Think outside of the box by substituting for alternative protein sources. For example, black bean quesadillas or tofu stir-fry are nutritious options that don’t require preparing raw meat. Another option is to get creative with canned meats. Use a pouch of tuna to make tuna salad or a can of chicken to create buffalo chicken dip.Utilize the freezer. It may be tough to get through an entire meal without it going bad. Dividing leftovers into single-serving portions can help you create healthy frozen meals for days youdon’t have time to cook. You can also freeze perishable foods like bread. Simply, slice, freeze, and take out one or two pieces as needed. Other convenient freezer foods are steamable vegetables and frozen fruits.Cooking for one or two doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it doesn’t have to involve “cooking” at all! Be prepared with items on hand to create a variety of meals, and be open to trying new foods and recipes. You may realize that preparing simple meals can be nutritious, affordable, and quick.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Cooking for one or two

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Easter ham is a prominent menu item for many Easter gatherings.

When buying a ham, estimate the size needed according to the number of servings the type of ham should yield:

· 1/4 – 1/3 lb. per serving of boneless ham

· 1/3 – 1/2 lb. of meat per serving of bone-in ham

Whether you are cooking a raw ham or preparing a ready-to eat ham product, follow these steps for a ham that is cooked to perfection.

· Ham that is not ready-to-eat but has the appearance of ready-to-eat products will bear a statement on the label indicating the product needs cooking.

· Ham that requires cooking before consumption or fresh, raw ham must reach an internal temperature of 145°F (with a three-minute rest time). Set the oven no lower than 325°F.

Cooked canned ham and cooked vacuum-packaged ham, both from federally inspected plants, can be eaten right out of the package. All of these along with spiral-cut cooked ham are safe to eat cold or can be warmed to an internal temperature of 145°F, as they are already fully cooked. For cooked hams that have been repackaged in any other location outside the processing plant, heat to an internal temperature of 165°F, measured with a food thermometer, before you serve it.

Store leftover ham in the refrigerator. Use or freeze leftover ham within 3-5 days. Frozen ham is best used within 1-2 months.

A handy chart is available to determine the temperature and cooking time for the type of ham purchased from the USDA Hams and Food Safety website.

Another popular food at the Easter table are eggs. Usually in the form of deviled eggs. And then, of course, there are dyed eggs that are hidden by the Easter bunny and found by little children Easter morning. We always hoped for good weather because the Easter Egg Hunt was way more fun outside than inside!

Easter is a great time to celebrate with family and friends. If you plan to have an Easter egg hunt with real eggs, here’s some food safety tips to keep in mind.

· Only use eggs that have been refrigerated, and discard eggs that are cracked or dirty.

· When cooking, place a single layer of eggs in a saucepan. Add water to at least one inch above the eggs. Cover the pan, bring the water to a boil, and carefully remove the pan from the heat. Let the eggs stand (18 minutes for extra large eggs, 15 minutes for large, 12 minutes for medium). Immediately run cold water over the eggs. When the eggs are cool enough to handle, place them in an uncovered container in the refrigerator where they can air-dry.

· When decorating, be sure to use food-grade dyes. It is safe to use commercial egg dyes, liquid food coloring, and fruit-drink powders. When handling eggs, be careful not to crack them. Otherwise, bacteria could enter the egg through the cracks in the shell.

· Keep hard-cooked Easter eggs chilled on a shelf inside the refrigerator, not in the refrigerator door.

· Hide the eggs in places that are protected from dirt, pets and other potential sources of bacteria.

· Remember the two hour rule, and make sure the “found” eggs are back in the refrigerator or consumed within two hours.

· Remember that hard-boiled eggs are only safe to eat for one week after cooking.

Have fun weekend and enjoy your Easter Dinner!

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictEaster ham is a prominent menu item for many Easter gatherings.When buying a ham, estimate the size needed according to the number of servings the type of ham should yield:· 1/4 – 1/3 lb. per serving of boneless ham· 1/3 – 1/2 lb. of meat per serving of bone-in hamWhether you are cooking a raw ham or preparing a ready-to eat ham product, follow these steps for a ham that is cooked to perfection.· Ham that is not ready-to-eat but has the appearance of ready-to-eat products will bear a statement on the label indicating the product needs cooking.· Ham that requires cooking before consumption or fresh, raw ham must reach an internal temperature of 145°F (with a three-minute rest time). Set the oven no lower than 325°F.Cooked canned ham and cooked vacuum-packaged ham, both from federally inspected plants, can be eaten right out of the package. All of these along with spiral-cut cooked ham are safe to eat cold or can be warmed to an internal temperature of 145°F, as they are already fully cooked. For cooked hams that have been repackaged in any other location outside the processing plant, heat to an internal temperature of 165°F, measured with a food thermometer, before you serve it.Store leftover ham in the refrigerator. Use or freeze leftover ham within 3-5 days. Frozen ham is best used within 1-2 months.A handy chart is available to determine the temperature and cooking time for the type of ham purchased from the USDA Hams and Food Safety website.Another popular food at the Easter table are eggs. Usually in the form of deviled eggs. And then, of course, there are dyed eggs that are hidden by the Easter bunny and found by little children Easter morning. We always hoped for good weather because the Easter Egg Hunt was way more fun outside than inside!Easter is a great time to celebrate with family and friends. If you plan to have an Easter egg hunt with real eggs, here’s some food safety tips to keep in mind.· Only use eggs that have been refrigerated, and discard eggs that are cracked or dirty.· When cooking, place a single layer of eggs in a saucepan. Add water to at least one inch above the eggs. Cover the pan, bring the water to a boil, and carefully remove the pan from the heat. Let the eggs stand (18 minutes for extra large eggs, 15 minutes for large, 12 minutes for medium). Immediately run cold water over the eggs. When the eggs are cool enough to handle, place them in an uncovered container in the refrigerator where they can air-dry.· When decorating, be sure to use food-grade dyes. It is safe to use commercial egg dyes, liquid food coloring, and fruit-drink powders. When handling eggs, be careful not to crack them. Otherwise, bacteria could enter the egg through the cracks in the shell.· Keep hard-cooked Easter eggs chilled on a shelf inside the refrigerator, not in the refrigerator door.· Hide the eggs in places that are protected from dirt, pets and other potential sources of bacteria.· Remember the two hour rule, and make sure the “found” eggs are back in the refrigerator or consumed within two hours.· Remember that hard-boiled eggs are only safe to eat for one week after cooking.Have fun weekend and enjoy your Easter Dinner!Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Ham It Up and Celebrate Easter with Egg-stra Care

The budget process continues to move forward. This coming Monday, March 25, we will call our first conference committee to get an overview and compare the differences in the House and Senate budget. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to call additional conferences on Monday.

This upcoming week will be spent on the Chamber floors debating the final bills for this session. All the committees with exception of a couple of exempt committees, which includes Appropriations and Ways and Means, Tax Committee and Federal and State committee will not meet again this year.

The Senate had an informational hearing on Medicaid Expansion last week. The House also had a hearing, and a motion was made to pass the Governors Medicaid Expansion bill out of committee which failed. The meeting was very civil and both sides had opportunities to present their case for and against expansion.

The Senate passed HB 2783 which would prohibit any state agency, city, or county from regulating or restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on the energy source used by the vehicle for propulsion or for powering other functions. This bill was necessary to ensure that this troubling trend occurring in other states which restricts the use of fossil fuels does not occur in Kansas.

HB 2562 passed out of the Senate and will create the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, which would, among other things, require a broker-dealer or investment adviser to promptly report to designated protective agencies instances in which the financial exploitation of an eligible adult may have occurred or has or is being attempted. The bill would also allow a broker-dealer or investment adviser to delay a transaction with or disbursement from an account of an eligible adult, including account beneficiaries, when financial exploitation is expected. In addition, the bill would amend the Kansas Uniform Securities Act (KUSA) to include within provisions governing grounds for discipline a knowing failure to make a report required under the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act.

SB 371 passed the Senate and will expand current provisions to permit the issuance of a silver alert for a missing person who is 18 years of age or older and has an intellectual disability and in other specific circumstances.

SB 493 would amend law concerning ignition interlock devices to require manufacturers of such devices to pay fees to the Kansas Highway Patrol for administration, oversight, and monitoring of the IID program. The bill would also establish the IID Fee Program Fund.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office&nbsp;number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675701343257.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka March 24, 2024 The budget process continues to move forward. This coming Monday, March 25, we will call our first conference committee to get an overview and compare the differences in the House and Senate budget. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to call additional conferences on Monday.This upcoming week will be spent on the Chamber floors debating the final bills for this session. All the committees with exception of a couple of exempt committees, which includes Appropriations and Ways and Means, Tax Committee and Federal and State committee will not meet again this year.The Senate had an informational hearing on Medicaid Expansion last week. The House also had a hearing, and a motion was made to pass the Governors Medicaid Expansion bill out of committee which failed. The meeting was very civil and both sides had opportunities to present their case for and against expansion.The Senate passed HB 2783 which would prohibit any state agency, city, or county from regulating or restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on the energy source used by the vehicle for propulsion or for powering other functions. This bill was necessary to ensure that this troubling trend occurring in other states which restricts the use of fossil fuels does not occur in Kansas.HB 2562 passed out of the Senate and will create the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, which would, among other things, require a broker-dealer or investment adviser to promptly report to designated protective agencies instances in which the financial exploitation of an eligible adult may have occurred or has or is being attempted. The bill would also allow a broker-dealer or investment adviser to delay a transaction with or disbursement from an account of an eligible adult, including account beneficiaries, when financial exploitation is expected. In addition, the bill would amend the Kansas Uniform Securities Act (KUSA) to include within provisions governing grounds for discipline a knowing failure to make a report required under the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act.SB 371 passed the Senate and will expand current provisions to permit the issuance of a silver alert for a missing person who is 18 years of age or older and has an intellectual disability and in other specific circumstances.SB 493 would amend law concerning ignition interlock devices to require manufacturers of such devices to pay fees to the Kansas Highway Patrol for administration, oversight, and monitoring of the IID program. The bill would also establish the IID Fee Program Fund.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office&nbsp;number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate Update, March 25; Budget process moves forward 

SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEW March 25, 2024

This week the Senate concluded committee meetings; there are a total of 16 standing committees in the Senate. Monday will start a four-day week to complete the regular part of the 2024 legislative session. After the conclusion of the regular session with conference committee action the next week, the legislature is scheduled to take a three-week break before returning for the veto session to wrap up in late April.

SENATE FLOOR ACTION HB 2790 transfers the registration, compliance oversight, and enforcement authority for professional employer organizations from the Commissioner of Insurance to the Secretary of State, effective January 1, 2025. The bill passed 39-0. I voted yes.

HB 2629 would amend provisions in law pertaining to the State Child Death Review Board. The bill would require a coroner to immediately notify the parent or legal guardian that an autopsy of their child had been completed and to provide information on how to obtain the autopsy results. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2498 would authorize issuance of a First City of Kansas distinctive license plate and would require the county of registration to be displayed on most license plates. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2745 would limit the application of the statute providing for reciprocal occupational licensing for military service members and military spouses to provide that such applicants would be exempt from all fees for applications for any such credential assessed by the licensing body. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2481 would designate two portions of K-96 highway and a bridge in Sumner County in honor of deceased service members from Kansas. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2760 would abolish (rename) the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office and create the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2562 would create the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, which would, among other things, require a broker-dealer or investment adviser to promptly report to designated protective agencies. The bill passed 38-2. I voted yes.

HB 2176 would create the Arkansas City Area Public Library District Act and the Udall Area Public Library District Act and to adopt resolutions submitting to voters the question of creating a library district and a proposed tax levy amount. The bill passed 36-4. I voted yes.

HB 2532 would amend provisions pertaining to certain financial reporting requirements on group-funded liability and group-funded workers compensation pools. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2557 would amend the definition of the term “peer support counseling session” within the Kansas Rules of Evidence. The bill passed 36-4. I voted yes.

SB 371 would expand current provisions to permit the issuance of a silver alert for a missing person who is 18 years of age or older and has an intellectual disability. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2531 would amend the effective date specified in the Insurance Code for the risk-based capital instructions promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for property and casualty companies and for life insurance companies. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 493 would amend law concerning ignition interlock devices to require manufacturers of such devices to pay fees to the Kansas Highway Patrol for administration, oversight, and monitoring of the IID program. The bill passed 28-12. I voted yes.

HB 2530 would amend the definition of “person” in law regarding violations of insurance law by removing references to automobile clubs under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Insurance. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2525 would direct the Secretary of Health and Environment to deposit several fees into the Water Program Management Fund. The bill passed 39-1. I voted yes.

HB 2561 would amend and enact law supplemental to the State Credit Union Code to authorize domestic credit unions to do business outside the state. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.

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

Several legislative townhalls have been conducted throughout the 36th Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks. On April 6, Senator Billinger, Representative Rahjes, and I will be in Stockton at 10:45 am at the Stockton City Building. Next, we will be in Phillipsburg at 12:30 p.m. at the Huck Boyd Community Center. On April 13, there is a Legislative Coffee scheduled in Concordia at 8:00 a.m. at Jitters Coffee House with Representative Susan Concannon and Representative Bill Bloom sponsored by Farm Bureau. Representative Concannon and I are scheduled to be in Beloit on April 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church.

Thank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300 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="State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEW March 25, 2024This week the Senate concluded committee meetings; there are a total of 16 standing committees in the Senate. Monday will start a four-day week to complete the regular part of the 2024 legislative session. After the conclusion of the regular session with conference committee action the next week, the legislature is scheduled to take a three-week break before returning for the veto session to wrap up in late April.SENATE FLOOR ACTION HB 2790 transfers the registration, compliance oversight, and enforcement authority for professional employer organizations from the Commissioner of Insurance to the Secretary of State, effective January 1, 2025. The bill passed 39-0. I voted yes.HB 2629 would amend provisions in law pertaining to the State Child Death Review Board. The bill would require a coroner to immediately notify the parent or legal guardian that an autopsy of their child had been completed and to provide information on how to obtain the autopsy results. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2498 would authorize issuance of a First City of Kansas distinctive license plate and would require the county of registration to be displayed on most license plates. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2745 would limit the application of the statute providing for reciprocal occupational licensing for military service members and military spouses to provide that such applicants would be exempt from all fees for applications for any such credential assessed by the licensing body. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2481 would designate two portions of K-96 highway and a bridge in Sumner County in honor of deceased service members from Kansas. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2760 would abolish (rename) the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office and create the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2562 would create the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, which would, among other things, require a broker-dealer or investment adviser to promptly report to designated protective agencies. The bill passed 38-2. I voted yes.HB 2176 would create the Arkansas City Area Public Library District Act and the Udall Area Public Library District Act and to adopt resolutions submitting to voters the question of creating a library district and a proposed tax levy amount. The bill passed 36-4. I voted yes.HB 2532 would amend provisions pertaining to certain financial reporting requirements on group-funded liability and group-funded workers compensation pools. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2557 would amend the definition of the term “peer support counseling session” within the Kansas Rules of Evidence. The bill passed 36-4. I voted yes.SB 371 would expand current provisions to permit the issuance of a silver alert for a missing person who is 18 years of age or older and has an intellectual disability. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2531 would amend the effective date specified in the Insurance Code for the risk-based capital instructions promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for property and casualty companies and for life insurance companies. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.SB 493 would amend law concerning ignition interlock devices to require manufacturers of such devices to pay fees to the Kansas Highway Patrol for administration, oversight, and monitoring of the IID program. The bill passed 28-12. I voted yes.HB 2530 would amend the definition of “person” in law regarding violations of insurance law by removing references to automobile clubs under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Insurance. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2525 would direct the Secretary of Health and Environment to deposit several fees into the Water Program Management Fund. The bill passed 39-1. I voted yes.HB 2561 would amend and enact law supplemental to the State Credit Union Code to authorize domestic credit unions to do business outside the state. The bill passed 40-0. I voted yes.Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.LEGISLATIVE TOWNHALLSSeveral legislative townhalls have been conducted throughout the 36th Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks. On April 6, Senator Billinger, Representative Rahjes, and I will be in Stockton at 10:45 am at the Stockton City Building. Next, we will be in Phillipsburg at 12:30 p.m. at the Huck Boyd Community Center. On April 13, there is a Legislative Coffee scheduled in Concordia at 8:00 a.m. at Jitters Coffee House with Representative Susan Concannon and Representative Bill Bloom sponsored by Farm Bureau. Representative Concannon and I are scheduled to be in Beloit on April 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church.THANK YOU FOR ENGAGINGThank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300 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: 2024 Senate Scene Week 11; Final regular part of session

Tuesday, March 19, I lead the debate on the House floor for the budget that is in House Substitute for House Bill 2273. The debate on the floor lasted nearly three hours after numerous amendments were offered.

The budget bill from the House is considerably different than the budget that was submitted by the governor. For fiscal year 2024, we reduced spending from the governor’s budget by approximately $450 million, all funds, and in fiscal year 2025, we reduced spending by $330 million from the governor’s recommendation with state general fund dollars, and an all funds decrease by $939 million.

The highlights of the budget bill are that in 2024, we will expedite the paying off of three bonds totaling $47.7 million; address the security breach that occurred last fall with the judicial branch; allocates to the University of Kansas and Wichita State University collaboration for a health science center $30 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies.

The highlights for fiscal year 2025 are increases to the Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals and physicians. The bill also stipulates that we will reduce the waiting list for the intellectually developmental disability waiver by 500 individuals and the same number for the physical disability waiver. We also included $23.4 million for Medicaid payments for our nursing care facilities.

Included in the budget are all the projects that we crafted to address economic development across the state of Kansas in fiscal year 2025. This includes $10 million for the World Cup event in Kansas City, and if the legislature approves of how the funds were utilized, another $18 million may be dispersed in 2026. An allocation of $16.9 million to northwest Kansas for retail and housing, $20 million for the Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, $6 million to address transportation needs when the Hilmar Plant is operational, and $4 million for three small communities in southwest Kansas that are losing their natural gas sources. All of these projects are funded with the remaining ARPA money or through a special revenue fund. None of these projects are funded with state general fund dollars.

The budget bill passed the House Floor, 91-32, now we begin conference committee with the Senate.

Since the budget was debated on the House Floor, the House Appropriations Committee only met on Wednesday and Thursday. During these meetings, we held informational hearings. Tuesday, we heard from the Kansas Lottery and they provided an update regarding the lottery, new lottery vending machines, casinos, and sports betting.&nbsp;

The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission gave us a briefing on the new Historical Horse Racing Machines facility that is being built in Park City.

Wednesday, we heard about the aviation initiatives from the Kansas Department of Transportation and the projects that were just announced. We also heard about the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul initiative in Wichita, Salina, and Topeka.

Tuesday, the House Federal and State Affairs committee had a hearing on House Bill 2653, a bill that provides for child support orders for unborn children from the date of conception. Wednesday, the committee had a hearing on Senate Bill 347, which abolishes the current Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission and creates a new commission with the requirement that the new commission is confirmed by the Senate.

The House Taxation Committee had a hearing on House Bill 2844 Wednesday regarding a new two-rate tax plan. This plan would also incorporate modifications to the personal standard deduction, increasing the property tax exemption and the amount taxed for social security, and the elimination of the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund.

Also on Wednesday, March 20, the House Health and Human Services Committee, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on Medicaid expansion. This hearing has been requested by many.

Thursday, the Higher Education Committee heard House Bill 2464, which increases the dollar amount of state scholarships for students attending a postsecondary educational institution with financial needs.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at-troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.

Rep. Troy Waymaster is the House Appropriations Committee chairman and representative of the Kansas House 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>March 22, 2024 TopekaBudget Bill Debated In the HouseTuesday, March 19, I lead the debate on the House floor for the budget that is in House Substitute for House Bill 2273. The debate on the floor lasted nearly three hours after numerous amendments were offered.The budget bill from the House is considerably different than the budget that was submitted by the governor. For fiscal year 2024, we reduced spending from the governor’s budget by approximately $450 million, all funds, and in fiscal year 2025, we reduced spending by $330 million from the governor’s recommendation with state general fund dollars, and an all funds decrease by $939 million.The highlights of the budget bill are that in 2024, we will expedite the paying off of three bonds totaling $47.7 million; address the security breach that occurred last fall with the judicial branch; allocates to the University of Kansas and Wichita State University collaboration for a health science center $30 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies.The highlights for fiscal year 2025 are increases to the Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals and physicians. The bill also stipulates that we will reduce the waiting list for the intellectually developmental disability waiver by 500 individuals and the same number for the physical disability waiver. We also included $23.4 million for Medicaid payments for our nursing care facilities.Included in the budget are all the projects that we crafted to address economic development across the state of Kansas in fiscal year 2025. This includes $10 million for the World Cup event in Kansas City, and if the legislature approves of how the funds were utilized, another $18 million may be dispersed in 2026. An allocation of $16.9 million to northwest Kansas for retail and housing, $20 million for the Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, $6 million to address transportation needs when the Hilmar Plant is operational, and $4 million for three small communities in southwest Kansas that are losing their natural gas sources. All of these projects are funded with the remaining ARPA money or through a special revenue fund. None of these projects are funded with state general fund dollars.The budget bill passed the House Floor, 91-32, now we begin conference committee with the Senate.Appropriations CommitteeSince the budget was debated on the House Floor, the House Appropriations Committee only met on Wednesday and Thursday. During these meetings, we held informational hearings. Tuesday, we heard from the Kansas Lottery and they provided an update regarding the lottery, new lottery vending machines, casinos, and sports betting.&nbsp;The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission gave us a briefing on the new Historical Horse Racing Machines facility that is being built in Park City.Wednesday, we heard about the aviation initiatives from the Kansas Department of Transportation and the projects that were just announced. We also heard about the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul initiative in Wichita, Salina, and Topeka.Bills In House CommitteesTuesday, the House Federal and State Affairs committee had a hearing on House Bill 2653, a bill that provides for child support orders for unborn children from the date of conception. Wednesday, the committee had a hearing on Senate Bill 347, which abolishes the current Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission and creates a new commission with the requirement that the new commission is confirmed by the Senate.The House Taxation Committee had a hearing on House Bill 2844 Wednesday regarding a new two-rate tax plan. This plan would also incorporate modifications to the personal standard deduction, increasing the property tax exemption and the amount taxed for social security, and the elimination of the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund.Also on Wednesday, March 20, the House Health and Human Services Committee, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on Medicaid expansion. This hearing has been requested by many.Thursday, the Higher Education Committee heard House Bill 2464, which increases the dollar amount of state scholarships for students attending a postsecondary educational institution with financial needs.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at-troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Rep. Troy Waymaster is the House Appropriations Committee chairman and representative of the Kansas House 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties.&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, March 22; budget bill debated in the House

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

When my wife and I went to vote last Tuesday, the polling station was nearly empty. One of the election workers told me it was the least busy election she’d ever seen, and as a political junkie, that did make me a little sad. Not sad enough to wish things had been entirely different, though.

Not that the results of the first state-wide presidential primary held in more than 30 years covered Kansas voters with glory. Overall, barely over 8% of all registered Democrats in the whole state participated, with the Republicans doing only slightly better, with not quite 11% turning out. Cleary, Kansas voters weren’t fired up by the choices available to them.

But then, no one expected them to be. President Biden and Donald Trump had already secured more than enough delegates to win their parties’ presidential nominations. So what substantive reason was there to participate, anyway? Why did my wife and I, along with thousands of others?

First, because the substantive results aren’t the whole story; sometimes, voters have symbolic goals in mind. Some Republicans wanted to run up Trump’s totals as show of support in the midst of all his legal penalties and controversies. (He received 75% of the Republican vote, which wasn’t a record.) And some Democrats cast protest votes as a way of communicating their disapproval of some of Biden’s policy choices. (About 10% of Democrats chose “None of these names”; Biden won 84%.) But second, there is also the civic value of the procedure itself.

True, the civic process of this primary election was pretty tame. Some, including Governor Laura Kelly, have talked wistfully about how they prefer the “energy and excitement” of the caucus system of selecting presidential delegates, with voters and activists and party leaders crowding into rooms at an appointed date and time, arguing and yelling, sometimes literally pulling on one another as supporters of different candidates line up and get counted.

I attended the Democratic presidential caucuses in Kansas in 2008 and 2016, and the Kansas Republican caucus in 2012, and I agree—the level of engagement on display there is appealing. But with blocks of voters shouting down their opponents, making the halls that parties rent out to handle the crush of voters who show up confusing and cacophonous, the process is alienating as well—and not good for those who are in the minority, yet still have a symbolic stand they wish to take.

In truth, caucuses emerged in the context of a more rural and spatially intact political environment; for all the direct democracy caucuses supposedly provide, in our more divided and urban social contexts, allowing for simple voting in a statewide primary makes more sense.

Except, of course, that if it comes down to just casting a ballot for a preferred candidate, you’re only going to get a large turnout if the results are expected to have an impact.

Moving the Kansas primary earlier in the election year calendar would make some difference; adding our state to the 16 others that vote on Super Tuesday, inching the country closer to an unofficial nation-wide presidential primary, might make even more.

Either way, though, I was glad for this primary, and I hope the legislature will organize it again in four years’ time. True, a straight-up primary vote isn’t an exciting, participatory democratic process, and this year was especially predictable. But giving citizens broadly the chance to democratically express themselves doesn’t have to be exciting; sometimes, it just needs to be.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687979607618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL FOX Insight KansasWhen my wife and I went to vote last Tuesday, the polling station was nearly empty. One of the election workers told me it was the least busy election she’d ever seen, and as a political junkie, that did make me a little sad. Not sad enough to wish things had been entirely different, though.Not that the results of the first state-wide presidential primary held in more than 30 years covered Kansas voters with glory. Overall, barely over 8% of all registered Democrats in the whole state participated, with the Republicans doing only slightly better, with not quite 11% turning out. Cleary, Kansas voters weren’t fired up by the choices available to them.But then, no one expected them to be. President Biden and Donald Trump had already secured more than enough delegates to win their parties’ presidential nominations. So what substantive reason was there to participate, anyway? Why did my wife and I, along with thousands of others?First, because the substantive results aren’t the whole story; sometimes, voters have symbolic goals in mind. Some Republicans wanted to run up Trump’s totals as show of support in the midst of all his legal penalties and controversies. (He received 75% of the Republican vote, which wasn’t a record.) And some Democrats cast protest votes as a way of communicating their disapproval of some of Biden’s policy choices. (About 10% of Democrats chose “None of these names”; Biden won 84%.) But second, there is also the civic value of the procedure itself.True, the civic process of this primary election was pretty tame. Some, including Governor Laura Kelly, have talked wistfully about how they prefer the “energy and excitement” of the caucus system of selecting presidential delegates, with voters and activists and party leaders crowding into rooms at an appointed date and time, arguing and yelling, sometimes literally pulling on one another as supporters of different candidates line up and get counted.I attended the Democratic presidential caucuses in Kansas in 2008 and 2016, and the Kansas Republican caucus in 2012, and I agree—the level of engagement on display there is appealing. But with blocks of voters shouting down their opponents, making the halls that parties rent out to handle the crush of voters who show up confusing and cacophonous, the process is alienating as well—and not good for those who are in the minority, yet still have a symbolic stand they wish to take.In truth, caucuses emerged in the context of a more rural and spatially intact political environment; for all the direct democracy caucuses supposedly provide, in our more divided and urban social contexts, allowing for simple voting in a statewide primary makes more sense.Except, of course, that if it comes down to just casting a ballot for a preferred candidate, you’re only going to get a large turnout if the results are expected to have an impact.Moving the Kansas primary earlier in the election year calendar would make some difference; adding our state to the 16 others that vote on Super Tuesday, inching the country closer to an unofficial nation-wide presidential primary, might make even more.Either way, though, I was glad for this primary, and I hope the legislature will organize it again in four years’ time. True, a straight-up primary vote isn’t an exciting, participatory democratic process, and this year was especially predictable. But giving citizens broadly the chance to democratically express themselves doesn’t have to be exciting; sometimes, it just needs to be.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Why even uneventful primaries are better than raucous caucuses

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Alfalfa weevil eggs are laid inside alfalfa stems in the fall and spring. Larvae feed on terminal and upper plant leaves early in the spring. Resulting in damage occurring before the first cutting.

Alfalfa weevil degree days are a great way to estimate what might be going on in the field and serve as a useful tool to know when to time scouting. Alfalfa weevil eggs begin hatching after 300 degree days have accumulated. Since we cannot determine if eggs present were laid the previous fall or the current spring, in Kansas, scouting should start after 180 degree days have accumulated starting from January 1.

Degree day accumulations for Kansas alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal for the entire state this year. A similar trend occurred in 2023. There were reports of treatable infestations in south-central Kansas during the last week of March, and in mid-April of 2023, fields were being treated, or close to being treated, in the central, southeast, and northeast regions of the state. It is recommended that scouting for weevil activity should be occurring now in all regions of the state, says Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.

Be aware of insecticide resistance - while warmer spring temperatures allow for faster alfalfa weevil development, be aware that dramatic temperature drops can slow down alfalfa growth, making the plants unable to keep up with feeding damage. Treatment may be warranted in shorter fields between 3 and 7 inches tall when feeding is evident on the top inch of growth and 1 to 2 larvae are present. If a field is treated, it is important to verify that the expected amount of control was achieved. In 2020, populations of alfalfa weevil resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II w/Zeon Tech) were verified in northwest and southwest Kansas and Oklahoma. While this resistance has not appeared to become a widespread problem for Kansas producers, a couple of fields reported in central Kansas last year where lambda-cyhalothrin had reduced efficacy. Oklahoma continues to have resistance statewide. Numerous products are available for alfalfa weevil control in Kansas. When making management decisions, it is important to rotate modes of action as this is an effective way to prevent the development of resistance.

One update to control options to be aware of for 2024 is the reversal of the EPA’s ruling to ban chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and others). On November 2, 2023, the Eighth Circuit issued a ruling vacating EPA’s final rule and sending the issue of chlorpyrifos tolerances back to EPA for further proceedings. Following that, the EPA issued a technical correction in which 11 special uses of chlorpyriphos were allowed. Among the 11 special uses pertinent to Kansas are alfalfa, cotton, soybean, and winter wheat.

For the most up-to-date alfalfa weevil degree day accumulations, visit the Kansas Mesonet Alfalfa Weevil Degree Day Calculator (https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/degreedays/). For a complete guide to alfalfa weevil management recommendations, please refer to the upcoming K-State Research &amp; Extension publication 2024 Alfalfa Insect Pest Management Guide that will be available online soon.

Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAlfalfa weevil eggs are laid inside alfalfa stems in the fall and spring. Larvae feed on terminal and upper plant leaves early in the spring. Resulting in damage occurring before the first cutting.Alfalfa weevil degree days are a great way to estimate what might be going on in the field and serve as a useful tool to know when to time scouting. Alfalfa weevil eggs begin hatching after 300 degree days have accumulated. Since we cannot determine if eggs present were laid the previous fall or the current spring, in Kansas, scouting should start after 180 degree days have accumulated starting from January 1.Degree day accumulations for Kansas alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal for the entire state this year. A similar trend occurred in 2023. There were reports of treatable infestations in south-central Kansas during the last week of March, and in mid-April of 2023, fields were being treated, or close to being treated, in the central, southeast, and northeast regions of the state. It is recommended that scouting for weevil activity should be occurring now in all regions of the state, says Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.Be aware of insecticide resistance - while warmer spring temperatures allow for faster alfalfa weevil development, be aware that dramatic temperature drops can slow down alfalfa growth, making the plants unable to keep up with feeding damage. Treatment may be warranted in shorter fields between 3 and 7 inches tall when feeding is evident on the top inch of growth and 1 to 2 larvae are present. If a field is treated, it is important to verify that the expected amount of control was achieved. In 2020, populations of alfalfa weevil resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II w/Zeon Tech) were verified in northwest and southwest Kansas and Oklahoma. While this resistance has not appeared to become a widespread problem for Kansas producers, a couple of fields reported in central Kansas last year where lambda-cyhalothrin had reduced efficacy. Oklahoma continues to have resistance statewide. Numerous products are available for alfalfa weevil control in Kansas. When making management decisions, it is important to rotate modes of action as this is an effective way to prevent the development of resistance.One update to control options to be aware of for 2024 is the reversal of the EPA’s ruling to ban chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and others). On November 2, 2023, the Eighth Circuit issued a ruling vacating EPA’s final rule and sending the issue of chlorpyrifos tolerances back to EPA for further proceedings. Following that, the EPA issued a technical correction in which 11 special uses of chlorpyriphos were allowed. Among the 11 special uses pertinent to Kansas are alfalfa, cotton, soybean, and winter wheat.For the most up-to-date alfalfa weevil degree day accumulations, visit the Kansas Mesonet Alfalfa Weevil Degree Day Calculator (https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/degreedays/). For a complete guide to alfalfa weevil management recommendations, please refer to the upcoming K-State Research &amp; Extension publication 2024 Alfalfa Insect Pest Management Guide that will be available online soon.Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

Campbell: Start monitoring alfalfa weevils using degree days and scouting

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

By any standards, the short-form video&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/en/">app TikTok</a>&nbsp;enjoys enormous influence:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/20/1198910435/1a-03-20-2024">170 million</a>&nbsp;Americans use it, while its addictive algorithm has both launched businesses and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/15/more-americans-are-getting-news-on-tiktok-bucking-the-trend-seen-on-most-other-social-media-sites/">brought news coverage</a>&nbsp;to those younger than 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711123980368.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>By any standards, the short-form video&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/en/">app TikTok</a>&nbsp;enjoys enormous influence:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/20/1198910435/1a-03-20-2024">170 million</a>&nbsp;Americans use it, while its addictive algorithm has both launched businesses and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/15/more-americans-are-getting-news-on-tiktok-bucking-the-trend-seen-on-most-other-social-media-sites/">brought news coverage</a>&nbsp;to those younger than 30.A success story, right? A win-win for folks addicted to their phones and those looking to deepen public conversation about vital issues.Not so fast.Every member of Kansas’ congressional delegation — representatives and senators, Republicans and Democrats — wants to end TikTok as we currently know it. In the House, Reps. Jake LaTurner, Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Sharice Davids&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2024/tiktok-ban-house-vote/">all voted</a>&nbsp;for a bill that would force TikTok’s Chinese-controlled parent company to divest the app.The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-house-vote-china-national-security-8fa7258fae1a4902d344c9d978d58a37">dubious claim</a>, repeated ceaselessly in Washington, D.C., is that China somehow has extracted useful data from U.S. users and propagandized them. China&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-house-vote-force-bytedance-divest-tiktok-or-face-ban-2024-03-13/">has denounced</a>&nbsp;the bill. Platform supporters call it a ban, given that owner ByteDance has no interest in selling.But let’s listen to what the Kansas congressional members have to say.Of the House members,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://laturner.house.gov/">LaTurner</a>&nbsp;took the hard line: “The Chinese Communist Party will stop at nothing to gain influence in the United States — including using TikTok to steal keystrokes and data from over 170 million Americans. It’s vital that TikTok cuts ties with the CCP to ensure Kansans are not being targeted, manipulated, and spied on by our nation’s greatest foreign adversary.”Goodness gracious!<a target="_blank" href="http://davids.house.gov/">Davids</a>&nbsp;spokesman Zac Donley tried a softer approach: “Rep. Davids understands the role that TikTok plays in the lives of many Kansans, including our small business owners, but also recognizes the potential negative impact the Chinese Communist Party could have on our youth and Kansans’ data security.”I reached out to the press operations of Estes and Mann but didn’t hear back.This all sounds concerning. So I opened TikTok on my phone to see what evil messages were being promoted by the (DA-DUM) Chinese Communist Party. Here are the first five videos I saw on my “For You Page” (the section full of algorithmically generated recommendations):<ul>
 <li>The voice actor of Disney’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Darkwing_Duck">Darkwing Duck</a>.</li><li>A skit about a psychiatrist working at a hospital.</li><li>A two-week old “Saturday Night Live” sketch.</li><li>The 1965 song “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrbv40ENU_o">So Long, Mom</a>” by comic Tom Lehrer.</li><li>A promo from the 1996 “Dana Carvey Show.”</li>
 </ul>I’m definitely not going to support&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-20/china-on-track-to-be-ready-for-taiwan-invasion-by-2027-us-says">Taiwanese independence</a>&nbsp;now!<h2>Take a breath</h2>Yes, I use TikTok. I enjoy it. Unlike most other social media platforms, it lifts my spirits. I follow a small group of people whose interests and experiences complement my own, and occasionally it recommends silly clips like the ones mentioned above.No, I don’t think it’s entirely benign.Tough questions about TikTok — how it gathers data, what it recommends, how it hooks users — should be asked. But they are the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/">exact same questions</a>&nbsp;that informed citizens should ask about every high-flown tech company that harvests information from the public.Google and Facebook and Apple have become so gargantuan and important because they reach into the lives of so many people. Indeed, Google&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-does-google-know-about-me-search-history-delete-2019-10">probably knows</a>&nbsp;more about you and me and our friends and relations than any other company in history of the republic. According to Business Insider, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://about.google/">California-based behemoth</a>&nbsp;can correctly infer your “age, gender, marital status, income bracket, and personal interests.”Does that make you feel warm and fuzzy and confident about the safety of your personal information?I fail to see how another country’s ownership of a social media platform truly threatens national security. Sure, the company’s overlords in Beijing could tweak the algorithm to surface certain results rather than others, but that’s what&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.404media.co/the-u-s-wants-to-ban-tiktok-for-the-sins-of-every-social-media-company/">social media does</a>. It serves up content that users want and demand. If it doesn’t, users (and advertisers)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/01/the-rise-and-fall-of-myspace/69444/">flee elsewhere</a>.Again, there may be abuse. There may be efforts to influence popular opinion. But none of that means that TikTok has seized control of innocent children’s minds,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/07/kansas-sues-tiktok-for-allegedly-hooking-minors-on-dopamine-spiking-filth-profanity/">lawsuit from</a>&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach notwithstanding.What we’re seeing here is a good, old-fashioned&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100208829">moral panic</a>. Generations past lost their collective minds about the introduction of television, rock and roll, and women wearing pants. Mothers and fathers fretted about Dungeons and Dragons games, dial-up internet, and music videos.Or as Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman put it,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/03/tiktok-ban-update-senate-house-bill-bytedance.html">according to Slate</a>: “I remember Mötley Crüe was dangerous with my parents, and they never took away my Mötley Crüe.”He still supports the divesture bill, though.<h2>On to the Senate</h2>Having passed the House&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2024/tiktok-ban-house-vote/?itid=lk_inline_manual_4">352-65</a>, the legislation now heads to the Senate.Opinions there differ sharply.Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-releases-statement-on-house-passed-tiktok-legislation/">released a statement</a>: “My number one job in the Senate is to provide for the safety and security of Kansas families. That is why, as long as the CCP owns it, TikTok needs to be banned. Americans always think the best of people, but we can’t underestimate China and its relentless war against America.”We certainly know where he stands now!Kansas Sen.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/tag/u-s-sen-jerry-moran/">Jerry Moran</a>&nbsp;took a decidedly more cautious tone: “Foreign adversaries are increasingly using products and services to collect information on American citizens, posing a threat to our national security. I introduced legislation that would equip the Department of Commerce with the authority to prevent our adversaries from controlling harmful technology products and services in the U.S. like social media apps. This legislation would apply to TikTok’s parent company ByteDance and any company that tries to infiltrate our information or communications systems.”Overall, senators seem to lean Moran’s way rather than Marshalls. Many say they want to take a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/03/21/tiktok-ban-senate-congress-democrats-republicans-gop/73055026007/">deliberate approach</a>.Here’s hoping they take a look at what people actually use TikTok for, how the app has allowed for widespread dissemination of news and opinion (including from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ksreflector">Kansas Reflector</a>) and what social media means for our civic health. Such conversation won’t just take time — they will demand a willingness to ask tough questions about how we&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://theweek.com/tech/1006180/is-big-tech-its-own-country-not-really">got here</a>&nbsp;and who’s really to blame.Hint: It’s not the Chinese Communist Party.Clay&nbsp;Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.