The other day,&nbsp;we&nbsp;passed a golf course, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;was amazed at the number of golfers&nbsp;already out chasing&nbsp;that little white ball around on what amounts to be nothing more than a huge lawn. It’s always puzzled me how that game can be considered a good workout when the most exorcize most golfers get is dragging their overweight carcasses in and out of the golf cart. Anyway, it all reminded me of my first and only brush with the game of golf.&nbsp;

Awhile back, in&nbsp;a valiant attempt&nbsp;to&nbsp;add a little culture to my otherwise mundane&nbsp;and culture-less&nbsp;existence, and to&nbsp;further stretch the boundaries of my comfort zone, (also known as&nbsp;free tickets) I attended&nbsp;a&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;major&nbsp;Golf Tournament&nbsp;at Prairie Dunes Country Club just outside of Hutchinson.&nbsp;Now understand, I&nbsp;don’t know a fairway from a flambé, or a bogey from a booger. To me, a driver is the person at the wheel of a&nbsp;vehicle, and&nbsp;putter is something we men do in lieu of something constructive. Yet&nbsp;there&nbsp;I was, reduced to&nbsp;being part of&nbsp;a gaggle of onlookers sittin’ in the hot sun&nbsp;called “the&nbsp;gallery.”&nbsp;Even though I tried my best to fit in,&nbsp;I’m pretty sure I looked at that&nbsp;entire experience slightly different than most other people there. Allow me&nbsp;to explain.&nbsp;

Every golf course is littered with various sized&nbsp;pits of sand known as sand traps. When I looked at the sand traps all around us,&nbsp;all I could think&nbsp;was what swell little ponds they could be. Large mouth bass and those big hybrid bluegills would love nice sandy bottom pools like those.&nbsp;Wild turkeys take regular dust baths to help keep bugs out of their feathers, and in doing so they carve out bowl shaped spots in the dirt called&nbsp;“wallows.” I’ll bet those nice sandy “traps”&nbsp;could&nbsp;draw every turkey for miles around; sort of like a communal bath.&nbsp;I’d also bet every female turtle in the county comes there to lay her eggs in that nice deep sand. Wouldn’t it be a hoot to&nbsp;watch&nbsp;a golfer swingin’ away at turtle eggs thinkin’ they were his golf ball!

Much&nbsp;of the hilly terrain between holes was thick with sand hill plum bushes. I imagine the&nbsp;refined&nbsp;eye of any golf connoisseur saw&nbsp;this as garnish; part of the&nbsp;overall presentation. I saw it&nbsp;as a never-ending supply of plum jelly. And just think how many gallons of plums those guys could put in all the pockets in those golf bags they cart around.&nbsp;And what about sand hill plum wine? You talk about an additional revenue stream!&nbsp;Lots of those guys are drinking anyway, so why not open a small&nbsp;micro brewery there in the pro shop and they could be drinking home grown plum wine brewed&nbsp;right there at the golf course.

The miles of neatly groomed footpaths amidst the roughs looked to me like great&nbsp;spots for coyote traps.&nbsp;I know from talking with golf course employees that coyotes love to roam golf courses no matter where the course is. Heck,&nbsp;I’ll bet most courses would even loan me one of their neat little golf carts to&nbsp;buzz around and check traps, just to keep the occasional coyote from scaring the&nbsp;dickens out of patrons. The&nbsp;trees bordering the course screamed deer hunting to me, and I had a few good tree-stand locations picked out&nbsp;before we’d left. And I hadn’t even thought about&nbsp;the turkey hunting yet!&nbsp;​

Anyway, as out-of-place as I felt, I began&nbsp;to see that this game called golf has a lot of similarities to deer and turkey hunting. For example, we’d been advised to find choice seats and wait for the players to come to us.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;there we&nbsp;sat awaiting&nbsp;our “quarry,”&nbsp;on hunter green&nbsp;colored bleachers at&nbsp;the 17th&nbsp;hole, a spot where we could see action all around us.&nbsp;Not much&nbsp;different I’d say than puttin’up&nbsp;our camouflage hunting blind near a “hot” deer trail or a known turkey roost and marking time in anticipation of a good shot. Speaking of shots, when&nbsp;one of us makes a nice shot and harvests&nbsp;a deer or turkey for the freezer, there are high-fives and handshakes all around. Those&nbsp;guys too! When one of them made&nbsp;an exceptional “shot” he’d dance a jig, shake everyone’s hand and even tip&nbsp;his&nbsp;hat to the crowd. They even had&nbsp;guys who raised&nbsp;their hands to keep everyone quiet while they shoot. (Now there’s something my&nbsp;wife and I would both benefit from&nbsp;when we hunt together!) I must say&nbsp;though&nbsp;that their marksmanship left a lot to be desired. Those guys all shot 64 or 65 times each day, and I didn’t see one of them carrying any dead critters&nbsp;to show for it!&nbsp;

Yes, my&nbsp;playing golf at Prairie Dunes&nbsp;(now there’s a mental picture) would probably be worthy of a movie. We could call it something like “the Clampetts Join the Country Club.”&nbsp;I’d have to have a special custom-made golf bag&nbsp;with an extra pouch on each side; one to hold a deer rifle with a scope, and the other to hold a shotgun. I’m pretty sure I could get a fishing rod&nbsp;and traps&nbsp;in there somewhere amongst the clubs. I seriously doubt they would allow me into the clubhouse or proshop though dressed in full camo and smellin’ like coyote bait or deer pee.&nbsp;Although, now that I think about it, after playing 18 holes, some of the guys comin’ off the course might not smell much better.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be&nbsp;contacted&nbsp;by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>The other day,&nbsp;we&nbsp;passed a golf course, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;was amazed at the number of golfers&nbsp;already out chasing&nbsp;that little white ball around on what amounts to be nothing more than a huge lawn. It’s always puzzled me how that game can be considered a good workout when the most exorcize most golfers get is dragging their overweight carcasses in and out of the golf cart. Anyway, it all reminded me of my first and only brush with the game of golf.&nbsp;Awhile back, in&nbsp;a valiant attempt&nbsp;to&nbsp;add a little culture to my otherwise mundane&nbsp;and culture-less&nbsp;existence, and to&nbsp;further stretch the boundaries of my comfort zone, (also known as&nbsp;free tickets) I attended&nbsp;a&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;major&nbsp;Golf Tournament&nbsp;at Prairie Dunes Country Club just outside of Hutchinson.&nbsp;Now understand, I&nbsp;don’t know a fairway from a flambé, or a bogey from a booger. To me, a driver is the person at the wheel of a&nbsp;vehicle, and&nbsp;putter is something we men do in lieu of something constructive. Yet&nbsp;there&nbsp;I was, reduced to&nbsp;being part of&nbsp;a gaggle of onlookers sittin’ in the hot sun&nbsp;called “the&nbsp;gallery.”&nbsp;Even though I tried my best to fit in,&nbsp;I’m pretty sure I looked at that&nbsp;entire experience slightly different than most other people there. Allow me&nbsp;to explain.&nbsp;Every golf course is littered with various sized&nbsp;pits of sand known as sand traps. When I looked at the sand traps all around us,&nbsp;all I could think&nbsp;was what swell little ponds they could be. Large mouth bass and those big hybrid bluegills would love nice sandy bottom pools like those.&nbsp;Wild turkeys take regular dust baths to help keep bugs out of their feathers, and in doing so they carve out bowl shaped spots in the dirt called&nbsp;“wallows.” I’ll bet those nice sandy “traps”&nbsp;could&nbsp;draw every turkey for miles around; sort of like a communal bath.&nbsp;I’d also bet every female turtle in the county comes there to lay her eggs in that nice deep sand. Wouldn’t it be a hoot to&nbsp;watch&nbsp;a golfer swingin’ away at turtle eggs thinkin’ they were his golf ball!Much&nbsp;of the hilly terrain between holes was thick with sand hill plum bushes. I imagine the&nbsp;refined&nbsp;eye of any golf connoisseur saw&nbsp;this as garnish; part of the&nbsp;overall presentation. I saw it&nbsp;as a never-ending supply of plum jelly. And just think how many gallons of plums those guys could put in all the pockets in those golf bags they cart around.&nbsp;And what about sand hill plum wine? You talk about an additional revenue stream!&nbsp;Lots of those guys are drinking anyway, so why not open a small&nbsp;micro brewery there in the pro shop and they could be drinking home grown plum wine brewed&nbsp;right there at the golf course.The miles of neatly groomed footpaths amidst the roughs looked to me like great&nbsp;spots for coyote traps.&nbsp;I know from talking with golf course employees that coyotes love to roam golf courses no matter where the course is. Heck,&nbsp;I’ll bet most courses would even loan me one of their neat little golf carts to&nbsp;buzz around and check traps, just to keep the occasional coyote from scaring the&nbsp;dickens out of patrons. The&nbsp;trees bordering the course screamed deer hunting to me, and I had a few good tree-stand locations picked out&nbsp;before we’d left. And I hadn’t even thought about&nbsp;the turkey hunting yet!&nbsp;​Anyway, as out-of-place as I felt, I began&nbsp;to see that this game called golf has a lot of similarities to deer and turkey hunting. For example, we’d been advised to find choice seats and wait for the players to come to us.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;there we&nbsp;sat awaiting&nbsp;our “quarry,”&nbsp;on hunter green&nbsp;colored bleachers at&nbsp;the 17th&nbsp;hole, a spot where we could see action all around us.&nbsp;Not much&nbsp;different I’d say than puttin’up&nbsp;our camouflage hunting blind near a “hot” deer trail or a known turkey roost and marking time in anticipation of a good shot. Speaking of shots, when&nbsp;one of us makes a nice shot and harvests&nbsp;a deer or turkey for the freezer, there are high-fives and handshakes all around. Those&nbsp;guys too! When one of them made&nbsp;an exceptional “shot” he’d dance a jig, shake everyone’s hand and even tip&nbsp;his&nbsp;hat to the crowd. They even had&nbsp;guys who raised&nbsp;their hands to keep everyone quiet while they shoot. (Now there’s something my&nbsp;wife and I would both benefit from&nbsp;when we hunt together!) I must say&nbsp;though&nbsp;that their marksmanship left a lot to be desired. Those guys all shot 64 or 65 times each day, and I didn’t see one of them carrying any dead critters&nbsp;to show for it!&nbsp;Yes, my&nbsp;playing golf at Prairie Dunes&nbsp;(now there’s a mental picture) would probably be worthy of a movie. We could call it something like “the Clampetts Join the Country Club.”&nbsp;I’d have to have a special custom-made golf bag&nbsp;with an extra pouch on each side; one to hold a deer rifle with a scope, and the other to hold a shotgun. I’m pretty sure I could get a fishing rod&nbsp;and traps&nbsp;in there somewhere amongst the clubs. I seriously doubt they would allow me into the clubhouse or proshop though dressed in full camo and smellin’ like coyote bait or deer pee.&nbsp;Although, now that I think about it, after playing 18 holes, some of the guys comin’ off the course might not smell much better.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be&nbsp;contacted&nbsp;by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Golf through the eyes of a hunter

I have always greatly appreciated the creative arts and am especially proud of the work our art and design department students produce. I am also a huge fan of all Fort Hays State sports.&nbsp;I’d like to share with you a story about an FHSU student who excels in two very different pursuits-volleyball and graphic design. While volleyball and graphic design have very little in common, both are pursuits where intense competition and open collaboration can be the keys to success. &nbsp;

Riley&nbsp;is a senior graphic design major from Basehor. At a relatively early age,&nbsp;Riley&nbsp;learned the importance of keeping life’s ups and downs in perspective. She’s learned the importance of finding&nbsp;a&nbsp;balance between all the demands on her time and attention.&nbsp;

Riley&nbsp;has always&nbsp;loved&nbsp;competing. She ran track and played basketball, softball, volleyball, and swam. While softball was her first love, she eventually gravitated to volleyball, joining a club team in 4th grade.

“I love the adrenaline rushes that are so much a part of volleyball. There are a lot of ups and downs, but I love that it is totally a team game,”&nbsp;Riley said.

As the years progressed, Riley began to settle on volleyball as her sports passion.&nbsp;Although she loved art, math was her academic area of greatest interest, that is, until her senior year of high school when she did a job shadow at a marketing agency called Global Prairie. Until stepping into their offices, Riley believed that a career in art would equate to a vow of poverty. Once she saw the possibilities of what a graphic designer could do in an agency, she knew that was what she wanted to study in college.

While&nbsp;Riley knew she wanted to study graphic design&nbsp;at&nbsp;Fort Hays State, she&nbsp;wasn’t willing to give up on the dream of playing college volleyball. She reached out to FHSU volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins but was told there wasn’t a spot on the roster for her. Then, late in the recruitment cycle, one of&nbsp;coach Wood-Atkins’&nbsp;seniors decided to forgo her&nbsp;final&nbsp;season of eligibility and left the team.&nbsp;Fortune unexpectantly smiled on Riley&nbsp;as&nbsp;she&nbsp;got&nbsp;her shot as a walk-on with the Tigers.

A steady passer, an aggressive server, and a smart and disciplined hitter, Riley quickly found her way to the starting lineup&nbsp;in her sophomore season. Last season, Riley led the squad in both kills and service aces. She has been recognized several times for her performance on and off the court, earning the All&nbsp;Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) honorable mention honors in 2021 and 2022&nbsp;and&nbsp;the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award and selection to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team in 2022.&nbsp;

Riley pours her heart and soul into Tiger Volleyball both during the fall NCAA season and in the spring, where the competition schedule is limited, but the training, weight-lifting, and conditioning regimes can be exhaustive.&nbsp;

“This is all I’ve ever done. I probably take things way too serious and too personally. I’m learning not to make it my identity when I do well or not,” Riley&nbsp;said.

When she’s not eating, sleeping, or fulfilling her volleyball responsibilities, Riley can usually be found in a studio&nbsp;with her classmates&nbsp;at the Schmidt&nbsp;Foundation&nbsp;Center for Art Design. When&nbsp;deciding&nbsp;to pursue graphic design,&nbsp;Riley&nbsp;was concerned that&nbsp;she wouldn’t&nbsp;fit in. Thankfully, she was wrong. Together,&nbsp;in the studio for countless hours, Riley and her fellow graphic design students quickly formed a strong bond.&nbsp;

“Sometimes, usually at around 2 am, when we’re all kind of exhausted and delusional, are the times when we make the best memories,” Riley&nbsp;said. &nbsp;

Each spring, junior and senior students in the graphic design program have&nbsp;the opportunity to participate in the Pencil Project&nbsp;portfolio&nbsp;competition. The competition is sponsored by Leo Burnett Worldwide, a Chicago-based advertising agency. The brainchild of former FHSU graphic design majors who found success&nbsp;working for&nbsp;the agency, the Pencil Project was created more than 25 years ago as a way for&nbsp;Leo Burnett&nbsp;to partner with FHSU to&nbsp;help shape future agency professionals.&nbsp;More than just a simple portfolio project, the Pencil Project is really about helping FHSU graphic design students develop the personal brand they will present to potential employers&nbsp;and the world. Riley calls it a test of everything she’s learned in the program.&nbsp;

As a junior&nbsp;last spring,&nbsp;Riley&nbsp;won the competition.&nbsp;She points to this&nbsp;experience&nbsp;as one that trulyhammered home the importance&nbsp;of&nbsp;each student designer’s role in&nbsp;maintaining the well-earned reputation of the graphic design program at FHSU.&nbsp;

“All of us knew that we were next in line to carry the torch for the legacy of our program,” Riley said,&nbsp;“maintaining that legacy was a shared responsibility,” and&nbsp;one that brought&nbsp;her and her colleagues&nbsp;closer.&nbsp;Even though&nbsp;the Pencil Project&nbsp;was an individual and not a team&nbsp;competition,&nbsp;Riley believes the best part was&nbsp;their shared commitment to collaboration. They really saw the greatest outcome&nbsp;was to see everyone succeed.&nbsp;

This summer, Riley plans to intern with several firms in the Kansas City area. She wants to learn as much as&nbsp;possible&nbsp;from these experiences so she can carefully choose the setting to launch her career. Riley will graduate in December of 2023, right after her final season with the Tiger Volleyball team&nbsp;comes to a close.&nbsp;In December of this year, she will graduate from FHSU with the ability to compete&nbsp;fiercely&nbsp;at the highest levels,&nbsp;but balanced by&nbsp;a personal commitment to being a compassionate and selfless&nbsp;friend and&nbsp;colleague.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>I have always greatly appreciated the creative arts and am especially proud of the work our art and design department students produce. I am also a huge fan of all Fort Hays State sports.&nbsp;I’d like to share with you a story about an FHSU student who excels in two very different pursuits-volleyball and graphic design. While volleyball and graphic design have very little in common, both are pursuits where intense competition and open collaboration can be the keys to success. &nbsp;Riley&nbsp;is a senior graphic design major from Basehor. At a relatively early age,&nbsp;Riley&nbsp;learned the importance of keeping life’s ups and downs in perspective. She’s learned the importance of finding&nbsp;a&nbsp;balance between all the demands on her time and attention.&nbsp;Riley&nbsp;has always&nbsp;loved&nbsp;competing. She ran track and played basketball, softball, volleyball, and swam. While softball was her first love, she eventually gravitated to volleyball, joining a club team in 4th grade.“I love the adrenaline rushes that are so much a part of volleyball. There are a lot of ups and downs, but I love that it is totally a team game,”&nbsp;Riley said.As the years progressed, Riley began to settle on volleyball as her sports passion.&nbsp;Although she loved art, math was her academic area of greatest interest, that is, until her senior year of high school when she did a job shadow at a marketing agency called Global Prairie. Until stepping into their offices, Riley believed that a career in art would equate to a vow of poverty. Once she saw the possibilities of what a graphic designer could do in an agency, she knew that was what she wanted to study in college.While&nbsp;Riley knew she wanted to study graphic design&nbsp;at&nbsp;Fort Hays State, she&nbsp;wasn’t willing to give up on the dream of playing college volleyball. She reached out to FHSU volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins but was told there wasn’t a spot on the roster for her. Then, late in the recruitment cycle, one of&nbsp;coach Wood-Atkins’&nbsp;seniors decided to forgo her&nbsp;final&nbsp;season of eligibility and left the team.&nbsp;Fortune unexpectantly smiled on Riley&nbsp;as&nbsp;she&nbsp;got&nbsp;her shot as a walk-on with the Tigers.A steady passer, an aggressive server, and a smart and disciplined hitter, Riley quickly found her way to the starting lineup&nbsp;in her sophomore season. Last season, Riley led the squad in both kills and service aces. She has been recognized several times for her performance on and off the court, earning the All&nbsp;Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) honorable mention honors in 2021 and 2022&nbsp;and&nbsp;the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award and selection to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team in 2022.&nbsp;Riley pours her heart and soul into Tiger Volleyball both during the fall NCAA season and in the spring, where the competition schedule is limited, but the training, weight-lifting, and conditioning regimes can be exhaustive.&nbsp;“This is all I’ve ever done. I probably take things way too serious and too personally. I’m learning not to make it my identity when I do well or not,” Riley&nbsp;said.When she’s not eating, sleeping, or fulfilling her volleyball responsibilities, Riley can usually be found in a studio&nbsp;with her classmates&nbsp;at the Schmidt&nbsp;Foundation&nbsp;Center for Art Design. When&nbsp;deciding&nbsp;to pursue graphic design,&nbsp;Riley&nbsp;was concerned that&nbsp;she wouldn’t&nbsp;fit in. Thankfully, she was wrong. Together,&nbsp;in the studio for countless hours, Riley and her fellow graphic design students quickly formed a strong bond.&nbsp;“Sometimes, usually at around 2 am, when we’re all kind of exhausted and delusional, are the times when we make the best memories,” Riley&nbsp;said. &nbsp;Each spring, junior and senior students in the graphic design program have&nbsp;the opportunity to participate in the Pencil Project&nbsp;portfolio&nbsp;competition. The competition is sponsored by Leo Burnett Worldwide, a Chicago-based advertising agency. The brainchild of former FHSU graphic design majors who found success&nbsp;working for&nbsp;the agency, the Pencil Project was created more than 25 years ago as a way for&nbsp;Leo Burnett&nbsp;to partner with FHSU to&nbsp;help shape future agency professionals.&nbsp;More than just a simple portfolio project, the Pencil Project is really about helping FHSU graphic design students develop the personal brand they will present to potential employers&nbsp;and the world. Riley calls it a test of everything she’s learned in the program.&nbsp;As a junior&nbsp;last spring,&nbsp;Riley&nbsp;won the competition.&nbsp;She points to this&nbsp;experience&nbsp;as one that trulyhammered home the importance&nbsp;of&nbsp;each student designer’s role in&nbsp;maintaining the well-earned reputation of the graphic design program at FHSU.&nbsp;“All of us knew that we were next in line to carry the torch for the legacy of our program,” Riley said,&nbsp;“maintaining that legacy was a shared responsibility,” and&nbsp;one that brought&nbsp;her and her colleagues&nbsp;closer.&nbsp;Even though&nbsp;the Pencil Project&nbsp;was an individual and not a team&nbsp;competition,&nbsp;Riley believes the best part was&nbsp;their shared commitment to collaboration. They really saw the greatest outcome&nbsp;was to see everyone succeed.&nbsp;This summer, Riley plans to intern with several firms in the Kansas City area. She wants to learn as much as&nbsp;possible&nbsp;from these experiences so she can carefully choose the setting to launch her career. Riley will graduate in December of 2023, right after her final season with the Tiger Volleyball team&nbsp;comes to a close.&nbsp;In December of this year, she will graduate from FHSU with the ability to compete&nbsp;fiercely&nbsp;at the highest levels,&nbsp;but balanced by&nbsp;a personal commitment to being a compassionate and selfless&nbsp;friend and&nbsp;colleague.

Heart of a Tiger: The value of competition and collaboration 

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Perhaps the biggest pastime in spring is watching the weather. I could be just searching for a nice Saturday to visit a park or checking to see if I need to carry an umbrella to the office. For farmers and ranchers, however, spring weather is high stakes and full of questions. Will there be enough rain to awaken the wheat crop and carry it through to maturity? If there is, will it be too much to prevent planting corn and soybeans? Will there be enough moisture to grow enough grass for cattle to graze? Unfortunately for more than three quarters of the state right now, the biggest question is when will the drought break? The northeast corner is the only portion of Kansas not experiencing a moisture deficiency currently. More than 40 counties are wholly or in part in an exceptional drought according to the most recent report. Most natural disasters are quick, but a drought is an open-ended catastrophe that grinds on day after day. Pictures and video do little to convey the effects the absence of water has on those who live through it. At least with a tornado or flood, you can start picking up the pieces relatively quickly. With a drought, you’re just left to endure until the rains return. We’re moving into the height of severe weather season in Kansas. Thanks to the drought, fire is also a potential hazard in addition to the usual thunderstorms and tornadoes. While we can’t prevent severe weather outbreaks, there’s plenty of steps to take in advance to be prepared. It starts with developing a good plan while hoping you never need to implement it. This can be as simple as a space in a basement with some bottled water, a battery-operated radio and some flashlights or candles for storms capable of producing tornados. Now’s a good time to check those batteries if they’ve been sitting in a stockpile for a while. For those who don’t have a basement, a windowless room is the next safest place to ride out a storm. If you’re outside, find a low-lying area, preferably away from trees, to lie flat and cover your head with your arms. In the event of a flashflood, immediately move to higher ground and don’t drive through flooded roadways. The current is capable of carrying away a vehicle, plus there’s all kinds of potential dangers obscured by the water. The second step is to be aware of current forecasts and know when there’s potential for severe weather in your area. The National Weather Service has a good track record of predicting when weather systems can go from normal to life threatening. A “watch” means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. It’s a reminder to be alert for worsening conditions. A “warning” is the signal to implement you plan as quickly as possible. If watching the weather isn’t already part of your spring routine, now’s a good time to add it to your to-do list so you’re prepared to act if it becomes necessary. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Perhaps the biggest pastime in spring is watching the weather. I could be just searching for a nice Saturday to visit a park or checking to see if I need to carry an umbrella to the office. For farmers and ranchers, however, spring weather is high stakes and full of questions. Will there be enough rain to awaken the wheat crop and carry it through to maturity? If there is, will it be too much to prevent planting corn and soybeans? Will there be enough moisture to grow enough grass for cattle to graze? Unfortunately for more than three quarters of the state right now, the biggest question is when will the drought break? The northeast corner is the only portion of Kansas not experiencing a moisture deficiency currently. More than 40 counties are wholly or in part in an exceptional drought according to the most recent report. Most natural disasters are quick, but a drought is an open-ended catastrophe that grinds on day after day. Pictures and video do little to convey the effects the absence of water has on those who live through it. At least with a tornado or flood, you can start picking up the pieces relatively quickly. With a drought, you’re just left to endure until the rains return. We’re moving into the height of severe weather season in Kansas. Thanks to the drought, fire is also a potential hazard in addition to the usual thunderstorms and tornadoes. While we can’t prevent severe weather outbreaks, there’s plenty of steps to take in advance to be prepared. It starts with developing a good plan while hoping you never need to implement it. This can be as simple as a space in a basement with some bottled water, a battery-operated radio and some flashlights or candles for storms capable of producing tornados. Now’s a good time to check those batteries if they’ve been sitting in a stockpile for a while. For those who don’t have a basement, a windowless room is the next safest place to ride out a storm. If you’re outside, find a low-lying area, preferably away from trees, to lie flat and cover your head with your arms. In the event of a flashflood, immediately move to higher ground and don’t drive through flooded roadways. The current is capable of carrying away a vehicle, plus there’s all kinds of potential dangers obscured by the water. The second step is to be aware of current forecasts and know when there’s potential for severe weather in your area. The National Weather Service has a good track record of predicting when weather systems can go from normal to life threatening. A “watch” means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. It’s a reminder to be alert for worsening conditions. A “warning” is the signal to implement you plan as quickly as possible. If watching the weather isn’t already part of your spring routine, now’s a good time to add it to your to-do list so you’re prepared to act if it becomes necessary. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Weather watching

March 27, 2023 Hello from Topeka.

A big thank you to all who came to the town halls we had throughout the district; great attendance and lots of issues were discussed. Glad to have State Senators Billinger and Bowers&nbsp;and State Representative Barb Wasinger at some of the stops. 

We are in the final two weeks before First&nbsp;Adjournment of the session. There are many things that we will vote on and some that did not make the&nbsp;cut, so they may be attempted next year.

Here are a few of the things that happened:

Comprehensive Tax Package - The House Tax Committee has spent months putting together a taxation&nbsp;package. Kansans in every corner of the state made their voices heard, and we listened. This taxation&nbsp;package is responsible, sustainable, and will not raise taxes on ANY Kansans.

Income Tax - This plan brings about a single-rate income tax of 5.25%. Establish a single-rate tax assists&nbsp;in keeping things simple as our state grows and adjustments are made, while making Kansas competitive&nbsp;with our neighbors. The Republican income tax plan focuses most relief on low-income Kansans, raising&nbsp;the starting point before taxes kick in by more than $4,000 for individuals and $7,300 for married filers.

The standard deduction for individuals is brought to $4,000, a number that will increase with inflation to&nbsp;provide flexibility in economic turmoil. This package accelerates reductions to taxes paid by businesses&nbsp;as they stay in Kansas. This helps us retain mature and loyal businesses who want to stay in Kansas. 

The&nbsp;Social Security Income Tax cliff has been great concern to many of our state’s retirees. This package&nbsp;eliminates that cliff and smooths out the tax rate when earning over $100,000 in Social Security income.&nbsp;This relief is much-needed for Kansas retirees. 

Property Taxes - The residential property tax deduction is increased from $40,000 to $65,000, placing&nbsp;about $60 million in tax relief directly to homeowners.

Sales Tax - This bill brings the elimination of sales tax on groceries to July 1st of this year, saving the&nbsp;average family hundreds of dollars that they would have previously had to wait much longer to see. The&nbsp;Senate has their own version of tax relief so we are a few steps away before something is finalized.&nbsp;

Education Budget - House Republicans have fully and constitutionally funded K-12 education again this year to the tune of $6.4 billion, $4.2 billion of which comes from state general funds. We fully support&nbsp;our K-12 schools and educators and are committed to providing them with the resources they need to&nbsp;be successful. SB 113 also allows students enrolled in nonpublic schools or home school programs to&nbsp;compete in KSHSAA activities. This increases competition and expands the opportunity to join peers in&nbsp;athletics and other activities to more students across Kansas. Additionally, parents will now be able to&nbsp;access a portal on district websites so they can view curricula for the year, increasing transparency and&nbsp;providing a resource to parents who want to reinforce schoolwork at home. SB 113 does not include&nbsp;special education funding.

Much like tax bills, education is not finished yet; there will still be&nbsp;negotiations with the Senate and we will have to see if the Governor vetoes these measures if they are&nbsp;agreed to by the legislative branch. 

ESG -&nbsp;The weaponization of ESG policies that we have seen seeks to eliminate the free market by neglecting&nbsp;fiduciary duty to investors. With HB 2436, House Republicans are taking care of the issue now, returning&nbsp;our investments to a free-market strategy that does not play games with the money we are responsible&nbsp;for. This bill has been carefully crafted over the course of many months to minimize any unintended&nbsp;consequences. The goal is simple: ensure that fiduciary responsibility takes precedence over ideological&nbsp;credit scores when making investments with state dollars.

Here’s what we have accomplished with HB&nbsp;2436: Proxy Voting:&nbsp;Now, we will use proxy voting organizations that do not follow ESG criteria, making&nbsp;sure that state-controlled money will not be used by investment firms to push their agenda upon&nbsp;companies.

Investments: There’s roughly $30 billion managed by our pension and pooled money&nbsp;boards. HB 2436 will make sure that money is not invested based on political ESG criteria, but with the&nbsp;goal of the greatest returns for Kansans.

Contracts: ESG will no longer be permitted as criteria for&nbsp;selection when the state is determining contracts. This affects all contracts, not just those with financial&nbsp;institutions.

Teacher Interstate Mobility Compact -&nbsp;Teacher shortages are impacting districts across Kansas and&nbsp;House Republicans are determined to tackle the issue from multiple angles. One solution we are&nbsp;discussing is SB 66, which creates a compact that assists in the mobility of teachers across member&nbsp;states. By streamlining licensure reciprocity, we can welcome new teachers from other states that we&nbsp;know are strong, well-qualified candidates to educate Kansas kids.

You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I am located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, email is:&nbsp;ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.

Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;

* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678110420754.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>March 27, 2023 Hello from Topeka. A big thank you to all who came to the town halls we had throughout the district; great attendance and lots of issues were discussed. Glad to have State Senators Billinger and Bowers&nbsp;and State Representative Barb Wasinger at some of the stops. We are in the final two weeks before First&nbsp;Adjournment of the session. There are many things that we will vote on and some that did not make the&nbsp;cut, so they may be attempted next year.Here are a few of the things that happened: Comprehensive Tax Package - The House Tax Committee has spent months putting together a taxation&nbsp;package. Kansans in every corner of the state made their voices heard, and we listened. This taxation&nbsp;package is responsible, sustainable, and will not raise taxes on ANY Kansans.&nbsp;Here are some highlights:&nbsp;Income Tax - This plan brings about a single-rate income tax of 5.25%. Establish a single-rate tax assists&nbsp;in keeping things simple as our state grows and adjustments are made, while making Kansas competitive&nbsp;with our neighbors. The Republican income tax plan focuses most relief on low-income Kansans, raising&nbsp;the starting point before taxes kick in by more than $4,000 for individuals and $7,300 for married filers. The standard deduction for individuals is brought to $4,000, a number that will increase with inflation to&nbsp;provide flexibility in economic turmoil. This package accelerates reductions to taxes paid by businesses&nbsp;as they stay in Kansas. This helps us retain mature and loyal businesses who want to stay in Kansas. The&nbsp;Social Security Income Tax cliff has been great concern to many of our state’s retirees. This package&nbsp;eliminates that cliff and smooths out the tax rate when earning over $100,000 in Social Security income.&nbsp;This relief is much-needed for Kansas retirees. Property Taxes - The residential property tax deduction is increased from $40,000 to $65,000, placing&nbsp;about $60 million in tax relief directly to homeowners.Sales Tax - This bill brings the elimination of sales tax on groceries to July 1st of this year, saving the&nbsp;average family hundreds of dollars that they would have previously had to wait much longer to see. The&nbsp;Senate has their own version of tax relief so we are a few steps away before something is finalized.&nbsp;Other issues:&nbsp;Education Budget - House Republicans have fully and constitutionally funded K-12 education again this year to the tune of $6.4 billion, $4.2 billion of which comes from state general funds. We fully support&nbsp;our K-12 schools and educators and are committed to providing them with the resources they need to&nbsp;be successful. SB 113 also allows students enrolled in nonpublic schools or home school programs to&nbsp;compete in KSHSAA activities. This increases competition and expands the opportunity to join peers in&nbsp;athletics and other activities to more students across Kansas. Additionally, parents will now be able to&nbsp;access a portal on district websites so they can view curricula for the year, increasing transparency and&nbsp;providing a resource to parents who want to reinforce schoolwork at home. SB 113 does not include&nbsp;special education funding. Much like tax bills, education is not finished yet; there will still be&nbsp;negotiations with the Senate and we will have to see if the Governor vetoes these measures if they are&nbsp;agreed to by the legislative branch. ESG -&nbsp;The weaponization of ESG policies that we have seen seeks to eliminate the free market by neglecting&nbsp;fiduciary duty to investors. With HB 2436, House Republicans are taking care of the issue now, returning&nbsp;our investments to a free-market strategy that does not play games with the money we are responsible&nbsp;for. This bill has been carefully crafted over the course of many months to minimize any unintended&nbsp;consequences. The goal is simple: ensure that fiduciary responsibility takes precedence over ideological&nbsp;credit scores when making investments with state dollars.Here’s what we have accomplished with HB&nbsp;2436: Proxy Voting:&nbsp;Now, we will use proxy voting organizations that do not follow ESG criteria, making&nbsp;sure that state-controlled money will not be used by investment firms to push their agenda upon&nbsp;companies. Investments: There’s roughly $30 billion managed by our pension and pooled money&nbsp;boards. HB 2436 will make sure that money is not invested based on political ESG criteria, but with the&nbsp;goal of the greatest returns for Kansans.Contracts: ESG will no longer be permitted as criteria for&nbsp;selection when the state is determining contracts. This affects all contracts, not just those with financial&nbsp;institutions.Teacher Interstate Mobility Compact -&nbsp;Teacher shortages are impacting districts across Kansas and&nbsp;House Republicans are determined to tackle the issue from multiple angles. One solution we are&nbsp;discussing is SB 66, which creates a compact that assists in the mobility of teachers across member&nbsp;states. By streamlining licensure reciprocity, we can welcome new teachers from other states that we&nbsp;know are strong, well-qualified candidates to educate Kansas kids.You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I am located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, email is:&nbsp;ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland&nbsp;

RAHJES REPORT: March 27, 2023

2023 SENATE SCENE WEEK 11 March 27, 2023

SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEW

This week the Senate concluded committee meetings; there are a total of 16 standing committees in the Senate.  Monday will start a three-day week to complete the regular part of the 2023 legislative session.  After the conclusion of the regular session with conference committee action the next week, the legislature is scheduled to take a two-week break before returning for the veto session to wrap up in late April.  

The Kansas Senate on Thursday confirmed three appointments recommended by the Governor - Kansas Air National Guard Commander: Jason Knobbe; Department of Administration Secretary: Adam Proffitt; and, the Kansas Historical Society Executive Director: Patrick Zollner.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb155/">SB 155 </a> – 2023 SENATE BUDGET&nbsp;

The budget vote is the first step of many in the annual budget process with the Ways &amp; Means Committee delaying action on several items to be reviewed at conference and some at omnibus.  The final budget will include appropriated monies for the final tax plans that are adopted as well as any new expenditures that may be passed, such as a presidential primary. One item of note that the committee delayed for review at omnibus, is an additional pay increase for state employees on top of the 5% that was passed last year. There is significant support for this item to ensure we’re taking care of our state employees, particularly with persistent inflation and costs of living, so it remains a viable point of discussion.  An amendment was added making a cut to agencies NOT INCLUDING health, safety, or K-12 education by just 3.25% to save $97 million. Another amendment was added transferring $1.8 million from idle funds (meaning they are currently unused) in the Department of Corrections to help bring the pay for Targeted Case Managers for those with Intellectual Development Disabilities to $75/hour.  The budget passed by a vote of 23-12.  I voted yes.  

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2344/">HB 2344</a> - Establishing child care licensing requirements relating to license capacity and staff-to-child ratios, eliminating certain license fees and training requirements, creating a process for day care&nbsp;facility licensees to apply for temporary waiver of certain statutory requirements and authorizing the secretary to develop and operate pilot programs to increase child care facility availability or capacity. HB 2344 passed 21-17. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1607/">SCR 1607</a> - Convention of States - serves as Kansas’ application to Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the U.S. Constitution, for the purpose of calling a convention of the states. The convention would be limited to proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for members of Congress and officials. SCR 1607 did win a majority support in the Senate, but the Kansas Constitution requires Article V matters to be approved by 2/3 of each chamber of the legislature. SCR 1607 was declared failed 22-16, as a result of two-thirds majority provision under the Kansas Constitution. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2197/">HB 2197</a> would amend provisions in the First-time Home Buyer Savings Account Act to clarify the process for the designation and determination of an account holder’s payable on death beneficiary. The bill would also enact law supplemental to the Act to authorize the State Treasurer to market the First-time Home Buyers Savings Account Program to account holders and financial institutions. HB 2187 passed 36-1. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2262/">HB 2262</a> would amend the educational requirements for embalmers, allowing for students to complete 6 months of a required 12-month apprenticeship before enrolling in a mortuary science school. HB 2262 passed 38-0. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2332/">HB 2332</a> would update the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) statutes to reflect Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) No. 48 that became effective on July 1, 2021. ERO No. 48 transferred the Division of Tourism and the Office of the Director of Tourism from KDWP to the Department of Commerce. The bill would also make technical amendments. HB 2332 passed 38-0. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2015/">HB 2015</a> would authorize the designee of an employing agency or entity to petition the court for an order requiring infectious disease testing, requiring such petition to contain a physician's statement that the test results sought are required for the exposed employee's medical treatment. HB 2015 passed 33-5. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2020/">HB 2020</a> would add to employment-related law that a requirement for or use of a motor carrier safety improvement will not affect or change the worker status of a driver. HB 2020 passed 35-1. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2065/">HB 2065</a> would modify law governing name changes during a divorce to allow the court to change a spouse’s name to a name other than the spouse’s former name at the request of the spouse and to give the court jurisdiction to make such a change at or after the time the decree of divorce becomes final. HB 2065 passed 36-2. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2089/">HB 2089</a> would modify requirements for reporting individuals who solicit memberships on behalf of prepaid service plans from semi-annually to annually. The bill would also discontinue payment of annual registration fees. HB 2089 passed 36-2. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2090/">HB 2090</a> would amend provisions in the Uniform Insurance Agents Licensure Act and the Public Adjusters Licensing Act to allow the Commissioner of Insurance to set fees in an amount lower than the maximum amount of the fees established in law. The bill would also amend fingerprinting criteria for resident agents. HB 2090 passed 36-2. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2042_02_0000.pdf">HB 2042</a> would add self-storage unit operators to the list of persons who may direct the towing of a vehicle and permit the operators to have motor vehicles, trailers, and watercraft towed when the occupant of the storage space is in default for a period of 60 days. HB 2042 passed 38-0. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2092/">HB 2092</a> would change the boundaries of member districts for the Washburn University board of regents appointees, from describing them using Topeka’s Senate districts to groupings of city council districts: The bill also would make technical amendments to reflect this change and clarify phrasing. HB 2092 passed 38-0. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2093/">HB 2093</a> would establish the Group-funded Pools Refund Fund and amend and repeal law to eliminate assessments paid by municipal group-funded liability pools and group-funded workers’ compensation pools in order to refund existing balances in two associated fee funds and wind down such funds. HB 2093 passed 38-0. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2094/">HB 2094</a> would amend law relating to the financial documentation demonstrating fiscal soundness that must be submitted by a health maintenance organization or a Medicare provider organization when applying for a certificate of authority to provide health care in the state. HB&nbsp;2094 passed 38-0. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2130/">HB 2130</a> would amend law in the Kansas Probate Code concerning certain dollar amount limits and thresholds referenced in the Code, transfer-on-death deeds, and publication of notice of probate hearings and sales of probate real estate. HB 2130 passed 38-0. I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2131/">HB 2131 </a>would provide that the mission of the Kansas Judicial Council is to study the administration of justice in Kansas and make recommendations for improvements therefor. HB&nbsp;2131 passed 38-0. 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="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

SAVING FOR COLLEGE: The new 529-to-Roth IRA transfer rule. From the <a href="https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2023/mar/saving-college-new-529-to-roth-irs-transfer-rule.html">Journal of Accountancy</a>: The most common argument against starting Sec. 529 college savings programs (529 plans) for young children is the uncertainty surrounding whether the child will even attend college and, if they do, whether they will need the funds in the event of qualifying for scholarships or other financial aid. Section 126 of the recently passed SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, P.L. 117-328) alleviates some of this concern by introducing a special rule allowing distributions from 529 plans to Roth IRAs. This essentially allows unused college savings to be transferred to a beneficiary's retirement savings without taxes or penalties. The new distribution rule takes effect in 2024.

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

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</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." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>2023 SENATE SCENE WEEK 11 March 27, 2023SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEWThis week the Senate concluded committee meetings; there are a total of 16 standing committees in the Senate. Monday will start a three-day week to complete the regular part of the 2023 legislative session. After the conclusion of the regular session with conference committee action the next week, the legislature is scheduled to take a two-week break before returning for the veto session to wrap up in late April. SENATE CONFIRMATIONThe Kansas Senate on Thursday confirmed three appointments recommended by the Governor - Kansas Air National Guard Commander: Jason Knobbe; Department of Administration Secretary: Adam Proffitt; and, the Kansas Historical Society Executive Director: Patrick Zollner.SENATE FLOOR ACTION<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb155/">SB 155 </a> – 2023 SENATE BUDGET&nbsp;The budget vote is the first step of many in the annual budget process with the Ways &amp; Means Committee delaying action on several items to be reviewed at conference and some at omnibus. The final budget will include appropriated monies for the final tax plans that are adopted as well as any new expenditures that may be passed, such as a presidential primary. One item of note that the committee delayed for review at omnibus, is an additional pay increase for state employees on top of the 5% that was passed last year. There is significant support for this item to ensure we’re taking care of our state employees, particularly with persistent inflation and costs of living, so it remains a viable point of discussion. An amendment was added making a cut to agencies NOT INCLUDING health, safety, or K-12 education by just 3.25% to save $97 million. Another amendment was added transferring $1.8 million from idle funds (meaning they are currently unused) in the Department of Corrections to help bring the pay for Targeted Case Managers for those with Intellectual Development Disabilities to $75/hour. The budget passed by a vote of 23-12. I voted yes. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2344/">HB 2344</a> - Establishing child care licensing requirements relating to license capacity and staff-to-child ratios, eliminating certain license fees and training requirements, creating a process for day care&nbsp;facility licensees to apply for temporary waiver of certain statutory requirements and authorizing the secretary to develop and operate pilot programs to increase child care facility availability or capacity. HB 2344 passed 21-17. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1607/">SCR 1607</a> - Convention of States - serves as Kansas’ application to Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the U.S. Constitution, for the purpose of calling a convention of the states. The convention would be limited to proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for members of Congress and officials. SCR 1607 did win a majority support in the Senate, but the Kansas Constitution requires Article V matters to be approved by 2/3 of each chamber of the legislature. SCR 1607 was declared failed 22-16, as a result of two-thirds majority provision under the Kansas Constitution. I voted yes. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2197/">HB 2197</a> would amend provisions in the First-time Home Buyer Savings Account Act to clarify the process for the designation and determination of an account holder’s payable on death beneficiary. The bill would also enact law supplemental to the Act to authorize the State Treasurer to market the First-time Home Buyers Savings Account Program to account holders and financial institutions. HB 2187 passed 36-1. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2262/">HB 2262</a> would amend the educational requirements for embalmers, allowing for students to complete 6 months of a required 12-month apprenticeship before enrolling in a mortuary science school. HB 2262 passed 38-0. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2332/">HB 2332</a> would update the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) statutes to reflect Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) No. 48 that became effective on July 1, 2021. ERO No. 48 transferred the Division of Tourism and the Office of the Director of Tourism from KDWP to the Department of Commerce. The bill would also make technical amendments. HB 2332 passed 38-0. I voted yes. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2015/">HB 2015</a> would authorize the designee of an employing agency or entity to petition the court for an order requiring infectious disease testing, requiring such petition to contain a physician's statement that the test results sought are required for the exposed employee's medical treatment. HB 2015 passed 33-5. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2020/">HB 2020</a> would add to employment-related law that a requirement for or use of a motor carrier safety improvement will not affect or change the worker status of a driver. HB 2020 passed 35-1. I voted yes. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2065/">HB 2065</a> would modify law governing name changes during a divorce to allow the court to change a spouse’s name to a name other than the spouse’s former name at the request of the spouse and to give the court jurisdiction to make such a change at or after the time the decree of divorce becomes final. HB 2065 passed 36-2. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2089/">HB 2089</a> would modify requirements for reporting individuals who solicit memberships on behalf of prepaid service plans from semi-annually to annually. The bill would also discontinue payment of annual registration fees. HB 2089 passed 36-2. I voted yes. <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2090/">HB 2090</a> would amend provisions in the Uniform Insurance Agents Licensure Act and the Public Adjusters Licensing Act to allow the Commissioner of Insurance to set fees in an amount lower than the maximum amount of the fees established in law. The bill would also amend fingerprinting criteria for resident agents. HB 2090 passed 36-2. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2042_02_0000.pdf">HB 2042</a> would add self-storage unit operators to the list of persons who may direct the towing of a vehicle and permit the operators to have motor vehicles, trailers, and watercraft towed when the occupant of the storage space is in default for a period of 60 days. HB 2042 passed 38-0. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2092/">HB 2092</a> would change the boundaries of member districts for the Washburn University board of regents appointees, from describing them using Topeka’s Senate districts to groupings of city council districts: The bill also would make technical amendments to reflect this change and clarify phrasing. HB 2092 passed 38-0. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2093/">HB 2093</a> would establish the Group-funded Pools Refund Fund and amend and repeal law to eliminate assessments paid by municipal group-funded liability pools and group-funded workers’ compensation pools in order to refund existing balances in two associated fee funds and wind down such funds. HB 2093 passed 38-0. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2094/">HB 2094</a> would amend law relating to the financial documentation demonstrating fiscal soundness that must be submitted by a health maintenance organization or a Medicare provider organization when applying for a certificate of authority to provide health care in the state. HB&nbsp;2094 passed 38-0. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2130/">HB 2130</a> would amend law in the Kansas Probate Code concerning certain dollar amount limits and thresholds referenced in the Code, transfer-on-death deeds, and publication of notice of probate hearings and sales of probate real estate. HB 2130 passed 38-0. I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2131/">HB 2131 </a>would provide that the mission of the Kansas Judicial Council is to study the administration of justice in Kansas and make recommendations for improvements therefor. HB&nbsp;2131 passed 38-0. 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="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.SAVING FOR COLLEGE: The new 529-to-Roth IRA transfer rule. From the <a href="https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2023/mar/saving-college-new-529-to-roth-irs-transfer-rule.html">Journal of Accountancy</a>: The most common argument against starting Sec. 529 college savings programs (529 plans) for young children is the uncertainty surrounding whether the child will even attend college and, if they do, whether they will need the funds in the event of qualifying for scholarships or other financial aid. Section 126 of the recently passed SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, P.L. 117-328) alleviates some of this concern by introducing a special rule allowing distributions from 529 plans to Roth IRAs. This essentially allows unused college savings to be transferred to a beneficiary's retirement savings without taxes or penalties. The new distribution rule takes effect in 2024.THANK YOU FOR ENGAGINGThank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas.&nbsp; I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp; You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.&nbsp; An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas, which includes:* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: Senate Scene Week 11

Kansas is officially a Home Rule state. It has been since 1961, when an amendment to the Kansas state constitution officially declared that Kansas cities are “empowered to determine their local affairs…except when” such actions are “limited or prohibited” by an act of the state legislature. That’s an important acknowledgement of local democracy—or at least potentially so.

In my observation over the years, though, our elected representatives in Topeka tend to pay far more attention to the “except when” clause, thus leading the principle of Home Rule to be observed more often in the breach than in fact.

That’s not unusual, unfortunately. If you research which states allow Home Rule, as opposed to those which adopt “Dillon’s Rule”—a 19th-century judicial ruling which stipulated that the residents of cities have no inherent democratic right to rule themselves, and possess the power of local government only so far as states grant it to them—you’ll find that most of those states significantly limit the authority of their cities.&nbsp;

In Kansas, the language of our Home Rule amendment presents a fairly easy limitation for the state legislature to make use of: simply impose some kind of broad, state-wide prohibition, even if the issue is an entirely local one, and suddenly cities may be forbidden from governing themselves in that area whatsoever. A bill being debated in Topeka is just another example of this practice.

The bill, House Resolution 2447, aims to take away from all Kansas cities the ability to ban or restrict within their borders the sale of any product that is otherwise legal elsewhere in the state. Pushed by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, its ostensible purpose is to prevent “disuniform business conditions across the state,” which is another way of saying that the people who live in some cities might be persuaded to regulate businesses in response to local problems in a way different from how other cities might. In reality, it’s not difficult to see this bill as reflecting an ideological disposition against giving power to those local residents—specifically, those in urban areas--who might prioritize certain social concerns over the interests of business owners.

The specific provenance of the bill is a pet store in Wichita, which sells dogs from breeders in a manner than many concerned about the size of the city’s population of abandoned and unhealthy pets wish to prevent. (Wichita’s citizen-run Animal Control Advisory Board has recommended action, but Wichita’s city council has as yet taken none, meaning this bill exists in response to a complete hypothetical.) In reality, a bill this broad could potentially prevent any Kansas city from imposing almost any regulation upon businesses within their borders. It also presents a sneaky return to the attempt to stop environmentally concerned Kansans who are pushing their cities to consider limitations on plastic bag use in grocery stores, an invasive bill which the Kansas Senate wisely killed last month.

In the face of criticism, promoters of HR 2447 have added qualifications, guaranteeing that the bill wouldn’t prevent Kansas cities from using their zoning power to regulate liquor stores, strip clubs, and the like. But in my view, that’s just putting Home Rule lipstick on a statist pig. John Doll, a state senator from Garden City, when voting down the aforementioned ban on local plastic bag bans, correctly expressed frustration at the legislature’s frequent “lack of respect” for “the ability of county and city governments” to determine what is best “for their particular communities.” Let’s hope a majority of Kansas legislators agree with Doll, and vote down this overreaching bill as well.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas is officially a Home Rule state. It has been since 1961, when an amendment to the Kansas state constitution officially declared that Kansas cities are “empowered to determine their local affairs…except when” such actions are “limited or prohibited” by an act of the state legislature. That’s an important acknowledgement of local democracy—or at least potentially so.In my observation over the years, though, our elected representatives in Topeka tend to pay far more attention to the “except when” clause, thus leading the principle of Home Rule to be observed more often in the breach than in fact.That’s not unusual, unfortunately. If you research which states allow Home Rule, as opposed to those which adopt “Dillon’s Rule”—a 19th-century judicial ruling which stipulated that the residents of cities have no inherent democratic right to rule themselves, and possess the power of local government only so far as states grant it to them—you’ll find that most of those states significantly limit the authority of their cities.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, the language of our Home Rule amendment presents a fairly easy limitation for the state legislature to make use of: simply impose some kind of broad, state-wide prohibition, even if the issue is an entirely local one, and suddenly cities may be forbidden from governing themselves in that area whatsoever. A bill being debated in Topeka is just another example of this practice.The bill, House Resolution 2447, aims to take away from all Kansas cities the ability to ban or restrict within their borders the sale of any product that is otherwise legal elsewhere in the state. Pushed by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, its ostensible purpose is to prevent “disuniform business conditions across the state,” which is another way of saying that the people who live in some cities might be persuaded to regulate businesses in response to local problems in a way different from how other cities might. In reality, it’s not difficult to see this bill as reflecting an ideological disposition against giving power to those local residents—specifically, those in urban areas--who might prioritize certain social concerns over the interests of business owners.The specific provenance of the bill is a pet store in Wichita, which sells dogs from breeders in a manner than many concerned about the size of the city’s population of abandoned and unhealthy pets wish to prevent. (Wichita’s citizen-run Animal Control Advisory Board has recommended action, but Wichita’s city council has as yet taken none, meaning this bill exists in response to a complete hypothetical.) In reality, a bill this broad could potentially prevent any Kansas city from imposing almost any regulation upon businesses within their borders. It also presents a sneaky return to the attempt to stop environmentally concerned Kansans who are pushing their cities to consider limitations on plastic bag use in grocery stores, an invasive bill which the Kansas Senate wisely killed last month.In the face of criticism, promoters of HR 2447 have added qualifications, guaranteeing that the bill wouldn’t prevent Kansas cities from using their zoning power to regulate liquor stores, strip clubs, and the like. But in my view, that’s just putting Home Rule lipstick on a statist pig. John Doll, a state senator from Garden City, when voting down the aforementioned ban on local plastic bag bans, correctly expressed frustration at the legislature’s frequent “lack of respect” for “the ability of county and city governments” to determine what is best “for their particular communities.” Let’s hope a majority of Kansas legislators agree with Doll, and vote down this overreaching bill as well.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Home rule once again on the voting block

​While&nbsp;Ellis and area communities experienced&nbsp;swift&nbsp;changes&nbsp;during previous years, 1885 and 86 offered&nbsp;some&nbsp;stability for&nbsp;this and other&nbsp;developing prairie communities.&nbsp;Take a moment to&nbsp;examine what changed and&nbsp;what remained the same in the Ellis education system&nbsp;during that time.

​1885 faculty numbers held steady at four with Professor Halleck, Mrs. Deutsch, Miss Dennis, and Miss Meade&nbsp;staffing the new building. Student enrollment remained steady&nbsp;with&nbsp;approximately 200 students filling the classroom&nbsp;seats&nbsp;in the new stone building on the south hill.&nbsp;

​While curriculum and practice proceeded as it had in past years, someone added fund raising to the&nbsp;school activities. Apparently,&nbsp;the mill levy&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;budget&nbsp;enough&nbsp;cash&nbsp;for&nbsp;desired equipment so teachers and students&nbsp;sponsored&nbsp;money-making events.

One of&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;mentioned&nbsp;involved&nbsp;a community sociable&nbsp;that&nbsp;showcased&nbsp;student recitations.&nbsp;Imagine residents putting on their best duds to attend&nbsp;and encourage their children.&nbsp;Funds earned&nbsp;at this program&nbsp;purchased books or apparatus for the school, according to the Ellis Headlight.

​Apparently,&nbsp;that first&nbsp;successful&nbsp;fundraiser spurred students and teachers to hold a second that&nbsp;same&nbsp;year&nbsp;to fund&nbsp;an organ for the school. They planned&nbsp;a school&nbsp;entertainment&nbsp;followed by&nbsp;supper for a crowd of 500.&nbsp;Each attendee paid&nbsp;admission of 35 cents (EWH 12-15-1885).&nbsp;Reading between the lines, it appears community members had&nbsp;enough&nbsp;liquid cash&nbsp;they could&nbsp;support these events.

​In 1886, the Headlight notes a Friday in-service. Students enjoyed a day out of school while teachers traveled to Hays to attend a&nbsp;day&nbsp;long&nbsp;county teacher association meeting. Topics included&nbsp;How to Teach English;&nbsp;Make the Children Talk;&nbsp;The Sciences—How Much, How Little; Need of Visible Illustration and the Proper Use of Apparatus;&nbsp;The Relation between Speling [sic], Reading, Writing, and Definition; What Are the Corect [sic] Habits of Study and How Can We Aid Pupils in Forming Them; and&nbsp;Adoption of a County Course of Study. There was no reference to how teachers traveled to and from this meeting.&nbsp;

​In addition to professional development during the school year, teachers also attended the county normal school held each summer in Hays. They&nbsp;studied&nbsp;such&nbsp;subjects as music, philosophy, geography, arithmetic, didactics (art or science of teaching), calisthenics, physiology, constitution, penmanship, history, orthography, grammar, and reading. All Ellis teachers attended the 1886 normal school (EWH 8-6-86).

​A year later in fall of 1887, Mr. Holcomb&nbsp;assumed&nbsp;principal&nbsp;duties, and the district hired&nbsp;another teacher. The school board directed the finishing of one room in the basement for an additional classroom. They&nbsp;also ordered additional desks and chairs out of Chicago (EWH 12-13-87). The growing enrollment reflected the expanding community.&nbsp;

The community&nbsp;must have puffed their chests with pride looking at&nbsp;its stone school house filled with new desks, books, equipment and apparatus, and a brand-new organ. The October 4 Headlight shares that Ellis hosted that year’s county teacher association organization meeting. The school board offered public thanks to Ellis citizens for their “hearty contribution” to the successful gathering.&nbsp;

​Modern readers&nbsp;can only&nbsp;envision&nbsp;that period’s&nbsp;growing business district and neighborhoods that drew more students to the Ellis school.&nbsp;Obviously,&nbsp;this&nbsp;thriving&nbsp;railroad town and&nbsp;its&nbsp;community members wanted&nbsp;the best education&nbsp;they could offer&nbsp;their offspring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679495427473.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN​While&nbsp;Ellis and area communities experienced&nbsp;swift&nbsp;changes&nbsp;during previous years, 1885 and 86 offered&nbsp;some&nbsp;stability for&nbsp;this and other&nbsp;developing prairie communities.&nbsp;Take a moment to&nbsp;examine what changed and&nbsp;what remained the same in the Ellis education system&nbsp;during that time.​1885 faculty numbers held steady at four with Professor Halleck, Mrs. Deutsch, Miss Dennis, and Miss Meade&nbsp;staffing the new building. Student enrollment remained steady&nbsp;with&nbsp;approximately 200 students filling the classroom&nbsp;seats&nbsp;in the new stone building on the south hill.&nbsp;​While curriculum and practice proceeded as it had in past years, someone added fund raising to the&nbsp;school activities. Apparently,&nbsp;the mill levy&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;budget&nbsp;enough&nbsp;cash&nbsp;for&nbsp;desired equipment so teachers and students&nbsp;sponsored&nbsp;money-making events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>One of&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;mentioned&nbsp;involved&nbsp;a community sociable&nbsp;that&nbsp;showcased&nbsp;student recitations.&nbsp;Imagine residents putting on their best duds to attend&nbsp;and encourage their children.&nbsp;Funds earned&nbsp;at this program&nbsp;purchased books or apparatus for the school, according to the Ellis Headlight.​Apparently,&nbsp;that first&nbsp;successful&nbsp;fundraiser spurred students and teachers to hold a second that&nbsp;same&nbsp;year&nbsp;to fund&nbsp;an organ for the school. They planned&nbsp;a school&nbsp;entertainment&nbsp;followed by&nbsp;supper for a crowd of 500.&nbsp;Each attendee paid&nbsp;admission of 35 cents (EWH 12-15-1885).&nbsp;Reading between the lines, it appears community members had&nbsp;enough&nbsp;liquid cash&nbsp;they could&nbsp;support these events.​In 1886, the Headlight notes a Friday in-service. Students enjoyed a day out of school while teachers traveled to Hays to attend a&nbsp;day&nbsp;long&nbsp;county teacher association meeting. Topics included&nbsp;How to Teach English;&nbsp;Make the Children Talk;&nbsp;The Sciences—How Much, How Little; Need of Visible Illustration and the Proper Use of Apparatus;&nbsp;The Relation between Speling [sic], Reading, Writing, and Definition; What Are the Corect [sic] Habits of Study and How Can We Aid Pupils in Forming Them; and&nbsp;Adoption of a County Course of Study. There was no reference to how teachers traveled to and from this meeting.&nbsp;​In addition to professional development during the school year, teachers also attended the county normal school held each summer in Hays. They&nbsp;studied&nbsp;such&nbsp;subjects as music, philosophy, geography, arithmetic, didactics (art or science of teaching), calisthenics, physiology, constitution, penmanship, history, orthography, grammar, and reading. All Ellis teachers attended the 1886 normal school (EWH 8-6-86).​A year later in fall of 1887, Mr. Holcomb&nbsp;assumed&nbsp;principal&nbsp;duties, and the district hired&nbsp;another teacher. The school board directed the finishing of one room in the basement for an additional classroom. They&nbsp;also ordered additional desks and chairs out of Chicago (EWH 12-13-87). The growing enrollment reflected the expanding community.&nbsp;The community&nbsp;must have puffed their chests with pride looking at&nbsp;its stone school house filled with new desks, books, equipment and apparatus, and a brand-new organ. The October 4 Headlight shares that Ellis hosted that year’s county teacher association organization meeting. The school board offered public thanks to Ellis citizens for their “hearty contribution” to the successful gathering.&nbsp;​Modern readers&nbsp;can only&nbsp;envision&nbsp;that period’s&nbsp;growing business district and neighborhoods that drew more students to the Ellis school.&nbsp;Obviously,&nbsp;this&nbsp;thriving&nbsp;railroad town and&nbsp;its&nbsp;community members wanted&nbsp;the best education&nbsp;they could offer&nbsp;their offspring.

MADORIN: Ellis schools — Fundraising, professional development

This week the Kansas House of Representatives debated twelve bills on the House Floor.

Here are the details for some of the bills we debated:

On Tuesday, we started with House Concurrent Resolution 5008, which would apply to the Congress of the United States to call for a Convention of States. This convention would call for the limited purpose of amending the US Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.

House Bill 2313 creates the born-alive infants protection act, which provides legal protections for infants who are born alive regardless of the intent of delivery.

Wednesday, we debated Senate Bill 133, which makes appropriations for K-12 education for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The State General Fund cost of Senate Bill 133 is around $6 billion.

House Bill 2436 enacts the Kansas Public Investments and Contracts Protection Act concerning Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). This would prohibit the state of Kansas and political subdivisions from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against companies based on ESG criteria.

Senate Bill 208, relates to the Governmental Ethics Commission’s authority to investigate and enforce the Campaign Finance Act.

Thursday, we began with Senate Bill 15&nbsp;which removes the requirement of a documented written demand for premiums as part of a prima facie case against agents or brokers who fail to pay premiums due.

Senate Bill 18 adds certain legal entities to the definition of “person,” thereby making such entities subject to penalties for violations of insurance law.

Senate Bill 28 discontinues payments to certain group-funded insurance pools and refunds existing balances.

Kansas Disaster Response and Recovery Bill

Tuesday of this week, I introduced House Bill 2468, which stipulates the response procedures for the state of Kansas regarding a severe weather event. During the Legislative break, I served on the Wildfire Task Force where we attempted to address how the state of Kansas could have responded better after the wildfire events of December 15, 2021. At that time, the state of Kansas did not have a formal response procedure and it was obviously evident. The state’s response was, in my opinion, slow, which was compounded with misinformation.

House Bill 2468, formalizes the process before, during, and after a severe weather event, like the Four-County Fire that occurred in the 109th Kansas House District. The bill also creates a Disaster Contingency Fund to assist with relief, especially smaller communities that may not qualify for Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) aid.

This week, the House Appropriations Committee completed our work on the Kansas State budget and also passed two other bills out of committee.

Tuesday, March 21, we started working on the Kanas House State Budget for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Many changes that were made in committee to the budget that the Governor sent to the Legislature at the start of session.

The committee removed or reduced numerous spending increases in the Governor’s submission. As an example, the Governor proposed $220 million for the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, in fiscal year 2024, in order to draw down federal dollars.&nbsp;

The committee changed the provisions by allotting only $50 million for four years. There were also many items that we needed to address regarding Federal dollars received by state agencies and departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to analyze if those programs would continue to be funded since the federal aid has stopped. We plan to debate the budget bill next week.

Thursday, we worked two bills derived from the interim committee that I chaired for State Employee Compensation and Benefits. House Bill 2418 abolishes certain boards and commissions that have not met for some length of time from the statute book. House Bill 2449 equalizes the compensation for board members that serve on boards and commissions to one flat amount, as opposed to varying amounts as is now.

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="http://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.

Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:

* Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith Counties

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>March 24, 2023This week the Kansas House of Representatives debated twelve bills on the House Floor.Here are the details for some of the bills we debated:On Tuesday, we started with House Concurrent Resolution 5008, which would apply to the Congress of the United States to call for a Convention of States. This convention would call for the limited purpose of amending the US Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.House Bill 2313 creates the born-alive infants protection act, which provides legal protections for infants who are born alive regardless of the intent of delivery.Wednesday, we debated Senate Bill 133, which makes appropriations for K-12 education for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The State General Fund cost of Senate Bill 133 is around $6 billion.House Bill 2436 enacts the Kansas Public Investments and Contracts Protection Act concerning Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). This would prohibit the state of Kansas and political subdivisions from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against companies based on ESG criteria.Senate Bill 208, relates to the Governmental Ethics Commission’s authority to investigate and enforce the Campaign Finance Act.Thursday, we began with Senate Bill 15&nbsp;which removes the requirement of a documented written demand for premiums as part of a prima facie case against agents or brokers who fail to pay premiums due.Senate Bill 18 adds certain legal entities to the definition of “person,” thereby making such entities subject to penalties for violations of insurance law.Senate Bill 28 discontinues payments to certain group-funded insurance pools and refunds existing balances.I voted “Yes” for all of the bills.Kansas Disaster Response and Recovery BillTuesday of this week, I introduced House Bill 2468, which stipulates the response procedures for the state of Kansas regarding a severe weather event. During the Legislative break, I served on the Wildfire Task Force where we attempted to address how the state of Kansas could have responded better after the wildfire events of December 15, 2021. At that time, the state of Kansas did not have a formal response procedure and it was obviously evident. The state’s response was, in my opinion, slow, which was compounded with misinformation.House Bill 2468, formalizes the process before, during, and after a severe weather event, like the Four-County Fire that occurred in the 109th Kansas House District. The bill also creates a Disaster Contingency Fund to assist with relief, especially smaller communities that may not qualify for Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) aid.House Appropriations CommitteeThis week, the House Appropriations Committee completed our work on the Kansas State budget and also passed two other bills out of committee.Tuesday, March 21, we started working on the Kanas House State Budget for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Many changes that were made in committee to the budget that the Governor sent to the Legislature at the start of session.The committee removed or reduced numerous spending increases in the Governor’s submission. As an example, the Governor proposed $220 million for the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, in fiscal year 2024, in order to draw down federal dollars.&nbsp;The committee changed the provisions by allotting only $50 million for four years. There were also many items that we needed to address regarding Federal dollars received by state agencies and departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to analyze if those programs would continue to be funded since the federal aid has stopped. We plan to debate the budget bill next week.Thursday, we worked two bills derived from the interim committee that I chaired for State Employee Compensation and Benefits. House Bill 2418 abolishes certain boards and commissions that have not met for some length of time from the statute book. House Bill 2449 equalizes the compensation for board members that serve on boards and commissions to one flat amount, as opposed to varying amounts as is now.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="http://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.Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:* Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith Counties

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, March 24, 2023

When it comes to the topic of Medicaid Expansion, proponents tend to point to the overwhelming public support – <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/15/a-daughter-asserted-kansas-failure-to-expand-medicaid-cut-her-mothers-life-short/">“72% to 78%”</a> in fact – or the benefits to rural hospitals. Those opposed point to budget concerns and act like this is socialized medicine.

As the Kansas Democratic Party’s Progressive Caucus chair, I want to remind you, Medicaid expansion is the moderate compromise.

Expanding Medicaid is the fiscally conservative and moderate policy action to take. The majority of states have been reaping the financial and health benefits for years, meanwhile Kansas has lost over $6 billion in healthcare dollars.

The Progressive Caucus of the Kansas Democratic Party stands by the call for healthcare for all and maintains that healthcare is a basic human right. 

National opinions on universal healthcare have been in the spotlight for several presidential cycles. 

<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/468401/majority-say-gov-ensure-healthcare.aspx">Gallup reported in January </a>that 57% of Americans support the government ensuring access to healthcare – and 72% of Democrats favor a single-payer system.

There are elected leaders in Kansas that don’t believe in healthcare for anyone. The progressive stance is healthcare for all, and it’s beyond time to meet in the middle and expand Kansas Medicaid. This is a rare opportunity to take bipartisan action on a policy that the vast majority of Kansans support, which means there’s little political risk to most all incumbents in the state on this issue. 

In a majority of the state of Kansas, there is a huge risk to your life if you are injured in a farm or motor vehicle accident, or have a medical emergency like a heart attack. In fact, your survival rates are so low in southeastern Kansas that we had an entire day of continuing education for healthcare providers last year on the topic. That’s how poor our healthcare infrastructure is in our state, and it’s from lacking resources that we deserve.&nbsp;

The Kansas GOP has also introduced a bill proposing a flat income tax structure. Critics say this could set state revenues back immensely, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/12/flat-tax-proposals-will-put-kansas-at-risk-my-home-is-worth-protecting-from-destructive-policy/">similar to the Brownback tax experiment</a>.

If the Republican leadership cared about fiscal responsibility, they’d stop trying to pass tax breaks for the rich and invest in Medicaid expansion. That healthcare access can save your life or that of someone you love.

Melinda Lavon is chair of the Kansas Democratic Party's Progressive Caucus and a midwife.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582642737344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>When it comes to the topic of Medicaid Expansion, proponents tend to point to the overwhelming public support – <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/15/a-daughter-asserted-kansas-failure-to-expand-medicaid-cut-her-mothers-life-short/">“72% to 78%”</a> in fact – or the benefits to rural hospitals. Those opposed point to budget concerns and act like this is socialized medicine. As the Kansas Democratic Party’s Progressive Caucus chair, I want to remind you, Medicaid expansion is the moderate compromise.Expanding Medicaid is the fiscally conservative and moderate policy action to take. The majority of states have been reaping the financial and health benefits for years, meanwhile Kansas has lost over $6 billion in healthcare dollars.The Progressive Caucus of the Kansas Democratic Party stands by the call for healthcare for all and maintains that healthcare is a basic human right. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National opinions on universal healthcare have been in the spotlight for several presidential cycles. <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/468401/majority-say-gov-ensure-healthcare.aspx">Gallup reported in January </a>that 57% of Americans support the government ensuring access to healthcare – and 72% of Democrats favor a single-payer system. There are elected leaders in Kansas that don’t believe in healthcare for anyone. The progressive stance is healthcare for all, and it’s beyond time to meet in the middle and expand Kansas Medicaid. This is a rare opportunity to take bipartisan action on a policy that the vast majority of Kansans support, which means there’s little political risk to most all incumbents in the state on this issue. In a majority of the state of Kansas, there is a huge risk to your life if you are injured in a farm or motor vehicle accident, or have a medical emergency like a heart attack. In fact, your survival rates are so low in southeastern Kansas that we had an entire day of continuing education for healthcare providers last year on the topic. That’s how poor our healthcare infrastructure is in our state, and it’s from lacking resources that we deserve.&nbsp;The Kansas GOP has also introduced a bill proposing a flat income tax structure. Critics say this could set state revenues back immensely, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/12/flat-tax-proposals-will-put-kansas-at-risk-my-home-is-worth-protecting-from-destructive-policy/">similar to the Brownback tax experiment</a>. If the Republican leadership cared about fiscal responsibility, they’d stop trying to pass tax breaks for the rich and invest in Medicaid expansion. That healthcare access can save your life or that of someone you love.Melinda Lavon is chair of the Kansas Democratic Party's Progressive Caucus and a midwife.

LETTER: Medicaid expansion is the compromise option

Rahjes Report March 20, 2023

A quick reminder, there will town hall meetings coming up on Saturday, March 25th throughout the district and they are in reverse order than we usually do. Here are the times and places: Graham County, 8:15 a.m.- 9:15 a.m. @ 305 E Main (Frontier State) Hill City; Norton County, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 112 S. Kansas (Heaton Building) Norton;&nbsp;Phillips County, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center) Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m. 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center) Palco; and Ellis County, 3:00- 3:45 p.m. 9007 Washington St. (Ellis Public Library) Ellis.

I will be joined by State Senator Rick Billinger and State Senator Elaine Bowers will join in Rooks and Phillips Counties. State Representative Barb Wasinger is scheduled to join us in Ellis.

Here are some of the highlights of things that have been happening on the house side of the Kansas legislature: 

Budget – After hearing all the budget sub-committee report, the house this week will create the budget bill then once a budget is passed, it will go to a conference with the Senate. In a few weeks the Omnibus budget will be put together, that will include possible additions if it will keep the state with a balanced budget, if not they will not be included. Bottomline our budget will be balanced, eliminate waste, work on paying down debt, and save for a rainy day.

No Patient Left Alone - This past week, the Senate held a hearing on the No Patient Left Alone Act. The House passed HB 2264 earlier in the session, providing for patients to receive in-person visitors so they will not have to pass away separated from their loved ones. It is important that we enact this bill to prevent what we saw during COVID from happening again. It should not be within our power to keep someone in their final moments secluded from family.

Incentivizing Investment in Energy - On a nearly unanimous vote, the Kansas House passed a bill (HB 2225) limiting the costs that certain electric public utilities can recover on transmission related expenditures. This allows Kansas energy providers to keep our energy reliability high and provide immediate savings to ratepayers. This bill also requires rate increases to be put before the Kansas Corporation Commission to ensure that any increases will be regionally competitive. Strong energy infrastructure increases reliability and efficiency for our residents and businesses. This will keep Kansas in line with surrounding areas while maintaining the dependability of services that customers have come to expect from our utility companies.

Providing Job Training to Unemployed Kansans - House Republicans are hard at work in committee to develop a plan to help those in need. We committed to provide opportunities to able-bodied Kansans down on their luck to gain skills and employment, which is exactly what HB 2140 does. This bill expands a currently existing program requiring unemployed Kansans without dependents to complete work training to continue to be eligible for assistance. These programs provide useful information to allow people to find more opportunities and widen their horizons.

Legislative Pay Increase - You may have seen this week that the House passed a bipartisan effort to examine salaries for legislators. No, we did not vote to give ourselves a pay raise. What this bill does is create an independent commission to examine our pay and determine where it should be. There are no changes to pay that are made by this bill, and any future recommendations can be turned down.

There are some practical reasons for examining this issue. Under current salaries, it is difficult for many Kansans to feel like they can serve in public office. There are many talented Kansans out there who cannot serve due to the lack of compensation. Possibly raising the salaries can be a way to expand the opportunity of service to others who currently cannot afford to. Should this plan be adopted, an independent group will recommend a new compensation package to be voted on. If the legislature accepts their recommendation, salary increases will not become active until after the next election.

Governor Kelly Vetoes Fairness in Women’s Sports – The governor vetoed HB 2238, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. Kansas should be a place where young women and girls can compete on a level playing field without fear of having opportunities stripped from them because other competitors had an unfair advantage. House Republicans support the young women and girls of Kansas and will fight to override her veto.

You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a> and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I am located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678110420754.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Rahjes Report March 20, 2023Hello from Topeka. Welcome Spring! A quick reminder, there will town hall meetings coming up on Saturday, March 25th throughout the district and they are in reverse order than we usually do. Here are the times and places: Graham County, 8:15 a.m.- 9:15 a.m. @ 305 E Main (Frontier State) Hill City; Norton County, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 112 S. Kansas (Heaton Building) Norton;&nbsp;Phillips County, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center) Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m. 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center) Palco; and Ellis County, 3:00- 3:45 p.m. 9007 Washington St. (Ellis Public Library) Ellis. I will be joined by State Senator Rick Billinger and State Senator Elaine Bowers will join in Rooks and Phillips Counties. State Representative Barb Wasinger is scheduled to join us in Ellis.Here are some of the highlights of things that have been happening on the house side of the Kansas legislature: Budget – After hearing all the budget sub-committee report, the house this week will create the budget bill then once a budget is passed, it will go to a conference with the Senate. In a few weeks the Omnibus budget will be put together, that will include possible additions if it will keep the state with a balanced budget, if not they will not be included. Bottomline our budget will be balanced, eliminate waste, work on paying down debt, and save for a rainy day.No Patient Left Alone - This past week, the Senate held a hearing on the No Patient Left Alone Act. The House passed HB 2264 earlier in the session, providing for patients to receive in-person visitors so they will not have to pass away separated from their loved ones. It is important that we enact this bill to prevent what we saw during COVID from happening again. It should not be within our power to keep someone in their final moments secluded from family.Incentivizing Investment in Energy - On a nearly unanimous vote, the Kansas House passed a bill (HB 2225) limiting the costs that certain electric public utilities can recover on transmission related expenditures. This allows Kansas energy providers to keep our energy reliability high and provide immediate savings to ratepayers. This bill also requires rate increases to be put before the Kansas Corporation Commission to ensure that any increases will be regionally competitive. Strong energy infrastructure increases reliability and efficiency for our residents and businesses. This will keep Kansas in line with surrounding areas while maintaining the dependability of services that customers have come to expect from our utility companies.Providing Job Training to Unemployed Kansans - House Republicans are hard at work in committee to develop a plan to help those in need. We committed to provide opportunities to able-bodied Kansans down on their luck to gain skills and employment, which is exactly what HB 2140 does. This bill expands a currently existing program requiring unemployed Kansans without dependents to complete work training to continue to be eligible for assistance. These programs provide useful information to allow people to find more opportunities and widen their horizons.Legislative Pay Increase - You may have seen this week that the House passed a bipartisan effort to examine salaries for legislators. No, we did not vote to give ourselves a pay raise. What this bill does is create an independent commission to examine our pay and determine where it should be. There are no changes to pay that are made by this bill, and any future recommendations can be turned down.There are some practical reasons for examining this issue. Under current salaries, it is difficult for many Kansans to feel like they can serve in public office. There are many talented Kansans out there who cannot serve due to the lack of compensation. Possibly raising the salaries can be a way to expand the opportunity of service to others who currently cannot afford to. Should this plan be adopted, an independent group will recommend a new compensation package to be voted on. If the legislature accepts their recommendation, salary increases will not become active until after the next election.Governor Kelly Vetoes Fairness in Women’s Sports – The governor vetoed HB 2238, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. Kansas should be a place where young women and girls can compete on a level playing field without fear of having opportunities stripped from them because other competitors had an unfair advantage. House Republicans support the young women and girls of Kansas and will fight to override her veto.You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a> and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I am located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland

RAHJES REPORT: March 20, 2023

It may seem hard to believe, but the legislature is now fully ten weeks into its session and has just two weeks remaining prior to “first adjournment.”&nbsp; We will adjourn briefly before returning to wrap up the regular part of the session with veto session beginning April 26th&nbsp;and the target date to end April 28th.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2014/" target="_blank">HB 2014</a>&nbsp;would designate as the Robert Lessen Memorial Highway the portion of US-69 in Crawford County from its junction with K-47 in Crawford County to its junction with 650th Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2014 passed 36-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb127/" target="_blank">SB 127</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Board of County Commissioners of Dickinson County to submit to the voters of the county a question of imposing a countywide sales tax at a rate of 0.25 percent for the purpose of financing public safety capital projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 127 passed 35-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp;

ADDITIONAL LINKS FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

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

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

CAPITOL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE BILLS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb11/" target="_blank">SB11</a>&nbsp;– Ad Astra – the 8’2” sculpture will finally be placed on the pedestal in the Ad Astra Plaza which has been waiting for the statue since 2002.&nbsp; More than 2,600 bricks stored along with the statue at the Bergen Studio are stored in Salina and will be placed in the plaza as well.&nbsp; Fundraising can now begin in earnest to finish the plaza as originally proposed more than two decades ago.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb39/" target="_blank">SB39</a>&nbsp;– 1st&nbsp;Kansas Colored Voluntary Infantry Regiment Mural – the Capitol Preservation Committee now has the go-ahead to start the process of fundraising and sending Requests&nbsp;for Proposals (RFP) to select the artist and for the sub-committee to begin work on the project including the location of the mural.&nbsp; This mural was conceived in 2000 with the passage of SB660 and now with 2023 SB39 can see this start of the project and hopefully see it finished in the near future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS SECRETARY OF STATE - SCOTT SCHWAB

The Secretary of State is one of four state offices authorized by the&nbsp;Kansas Constitution. Although created by the state constitution, the duties of the office are defined by almost 1,000 state laws. Among the many duties of the Office of the Kansas Secretary of State is maintaining primary responsibility for administering elections, collecting certain records of Kansas businesses, and publishing the official publications for the State of Kansas. As a result, hundreds of thousands of documents are kept by the Secretary of State.&nbsp; Generally, they fall into four categories – executive, legislative, elections, and business.&nbsp; The Secretary of State is elected to a four-year term and Kansas law does not impose term limits on those serving as Kansas Secretary of State.

Secretary Scott Schwab grew up in Great Bend, Kansas, and graduated from Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; He was first elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2002 and served as Chairman of the House Elections Committee.&nbsp; Scott also served as Vice Chairman of the House Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee and as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Kansas House of Representatives.&nbsp; In November 2018, Schwab was elected to his first term as Kansas Secretary of State and in November 2022, he was re-elected to serve a second term.&nbsp; Publications available:&nbsp; Kansas Administrative Regulations, Session Laws, Kansas Register, Lawbooks, and the Kansas Then and Now information sheet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The very popular Legislative Directory can be found and printed at -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.ks.gov/publications/legislative-directory/2023-Online-Legislative-Directory.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.sos.ks.gov/publications/legislative-directory/2023-Online-Legislative-Directory.pdf</a>.

UPDATE FROM KANSAS INSURANCE COMMISSIONER VICKI SCHMIDT

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

Main Line: (785) 296-3071 Consumer Assistance Hotline: 1-800-432-2484 &nbsp; Consumer Complaint:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov" target="_blank">kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov</a> &nbsp; Producer Licensing:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KID.Licensing@ks.gov" target="_blank">kid.licensing@ks.gov</a> &nbsp; Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KID.Commissioner@ks.gov" target="_blank">KID.Commissioner@ks.gov</a> &nbsp; Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SoDYgtD-dFj2steoGgFmoL8pLuf0NSmUSYwQCgp1HsxoadVCfwcm_95Am0jNUs0wFnhLh6WZZDNC0I3bvXKrYLcDAFEsmw8M0DoCWSkqIfiLrZCsRdIrP9T0QLWMfcrFnRn8KKAZuWRvenC77dA6Tw==&amp;c=_XGtk_g_SmaADwMA6e5Ys1lOAPiD2n0Y0WhdVf1Fcsl9xHGubVgxOA==&amp;ch=r3uWbCcKhRBHU_y3dsLIzaxpLTKaKBOHKjED-RjqskJBJwcemc8Blw==" target="_blank">Insurance.kansas.gov</a>

<a>GIRL AND BOY STATE – June 2023</a>

Kansas American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary’s have announced the application process for Girl State and Boy State for the 2023 events.&nbsp; Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">https://ksbstate.org/</a>&nbsp; and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksgirlsstate.org/" target="_blank">http://www.ksgirlsstate.org/</a>.&nbsp; Boy State will be held June 4th-10th&nbsp;in Manhattan and Girl State June 11th&nbsp;– 16th&nbsp;in Lawrence.&nbsp; I was a girl stater in 1980 sponsored by the Delphos American Legion Auxiliary.

On Saturday, March 25th, Representative Troy Waymaster and I will have a townhall in Lincoln at 9:00 a.m. at Violette’s Coffee Shop.&nbsp; Next, I will join Senator Rick Billinger and Representative Ken Rahjes in Phillipsburg at 11:00 a.m. for a townhall at Huck Boyd Center.&nbsp; Our next stop will be in Palco at 1:30 p.m. at the McKenna Youth Center.&nbsp; On April 1st, Representative Waymaster and I will be in Russell for a townhall at 9:00 a.m. at Espresso Etc.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure><a>2023 SENATE SCENE WEEK 10</a>It may seem hard to believe, but the legislature is now fully ten weeks into its session and has just two weeks remaining prior to “first adjournment.”&nbsp; We will adjourn briefly before returning to wrap up the regular part of the session with veto session beginning April 26th&nbsp;and the target date to end April 28th.SENATE FLOOR ACTION<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2014/" target="_blank">HB 2014</a>&nbsp;would designate as the Robert Lessen Memorial Highway the portion of US-69 in Crawford County from its junction with K-47 in Crawford County to its junction with 650th Avenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2014 passed 36-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb127/" target="_blank">SB 127</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Board of County Commissioners of Dickinson County to submit to the voters of the county a question of imposing a countywide sales tax at a rate of 0.25 percent for the purpose of financing public safety capital projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 127 passed 35-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp;ADDITIONAL LINKS FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;– Here you can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings.<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>&nbsp;– Here you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings, as well.CAPITOL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE BILLS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb11/" target="_blank">SB11</a>&nbsp;– Ad Astra – the 8’2” sculpture will finally be placed on the pedestal in the Ad Astra Plaza which has been waiting for the statue since 2002.&nbsp; More than 2,600 bricks stored along with the statue at the Bergen Studio are stored in Salina and will be placed in the plaza as well.&nbsp; Fundraising can now begin in earnest to finish the plaza as originally proposed more than two decades ago.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb39/" target="_blank">SB39</a>&nbsp;– 1st&nbsp;Kansas Colored Voluntary Infantry Regiment Mural – the Capitol Preservation Committee now has the go-ahead to start the process of fundraising and sending Requests&nbsp;for Proposals (RFP) to select the artist and for the sub-committee to begin work on the project including the location of the mural.&nbsp; This mural was conceived in 2000 with the passage of SB660 and now with 2023 SB39 can see this start of the project and hopefully see it finished in the near future.&nbsp;&nbsp;KANSAS SECRETARY OF STATE - SCOTT SCHWABThe Secretary of State is one of four state offices authorized by the&nbsp;Kansas Constitution. Although created by the state constitution, the duties of the office are defined by almost 1,000 state laws. Among the many duties of the Office of the Kansas Secretary of State is maintaining primary responsibility for administering elections, collecting certain records of Kansas businesses, and publishing the official publications for the State of Kansas. As a result, hundreds of thousands of documents are kept by the Secretary of State.&nbsp; Generally, they fall into four categories – executive, legislative, elections, and business.&nbsp; The Secretary of State is elected to a four-year term and Kansas law does not impose term limits on those serving as Kansas Secretary of State.Secretary Scott Schwab grew up in Great Bend, Kansas, and graduated from Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; He was first elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2002 and served as Chairman of the House Elections Committee.&nbsp; Scott also served as Vice Chairman of the House Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee and as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Kansas House of Representatives.&nbsp; In November 2018, Schwab was elected to his first term as Kansas Secretary of State and in November 2022, he was re-elected to serve a second term.&nbsp; Publications available:&nbsp; Kansas Administrative Regulations, Session Laws, Kansas Register, Lawbooks, and the Kansas Then and Now information sheet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The very popular Legislative Directory can be found and printed at -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.ks.gov/publications/legislative-directory/2023-Online-Legislative-Directory.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.sos.ks.gov/publications/legislative-directory/2023-Online-Legislative-Directory.pdf</a>.UPDATE FROM KANSAS INSURANCE COMMISSIONER VICKI SCHMIDTIf you or someone you know has an issue with their insurance, we are happy to help!&nbsp; We may not always like the answers we get, but we will do our best to get you an answer.&nbsp; Please use the contact information below to reach out to us if we can be of assistance.Main Line: (785) 296-3071 Consumer Assistance Hotline: 1-800-432-2484 &nbsp; Consumer Complaint:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov" target="_blank">kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov</a> &nbsp; Producer Licensing:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KID.Licensing@ks.gov" target="_blank">kid.licensing@ks.gov</a> &nbsp; Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KID.Commissioner@ks.gov" target="_blank">KID.Commissioner@ks.gov</a> &nbsp; Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SoDYgtD-dFj2steoGgFmoL8pLuf0NSmUSYwQCgp1HsxoadVCfwcm_95Am0jNUs0wFnhLh6WZZDNC0I3bvXKrYLcDAFEsmw8M0DoCWSkqIfiLrZCsRdIrP9T0QLWMfcrFnRn8KKAZuWRvenC77dA6Tw==&amp;c=_XGtk_g_SmaADwMA6e5Ys1lOAPiD2n0Y0WhdVf1Fcsl9xHGubVgxOA==&amp;ch=r3uWbCcKhRBHU_y3dsLIzaxpLTKaKBOHKjED-RjqskJBJwcemc8Blw==" target="_blank">Insurance.kansas.gov</a> <a>GIRL AND BOY STATE – June 2023</a>Kansas American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary’s have announced the application process for Girl State and Boy State for the 2023 events.&nbsp; Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/" target="_blank">https://ksbstate.org/</a>&nbsp; and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksgirlsstate.org/" target="_blank">http://www.ksgirlsstate.org/</a>.&nbsp; Boy State will be held June 4th-10th&nbsp;in Manhattan and Girl State June 11th&nbsp;– 16th&nbsp;in Lawrence.&nbsp; I was a girl stater in 1980 sponsored by the Delphos American Legion Auxiliary.LEGISLATIVE TOWNHALLSOn Saturday, March 25th, Representative Troy Waymaster and I will have a townhall in Lincoln at 9:00 a.m. at Violette’s Coffee Shop.&nbsp; Next, I will join Senator Rick Billinger and Representative Ken Rahjes in Phillipsburg at 11:00 a.m. for a townhall at Huck Boyd Center.&nbsp; Our next stop will be in Palco at 1:30 p.m. at the McKenna Youth Center.&nbsp; On April 1st, Representative Waymaster and I will be in Russell for a townhall at 9:00 a.m. at Espresso Etc.THANK YOU FOR ENGAGINGThank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas.&nbsp; I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp; You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.&nbsp; An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas, which includes:* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: Senate Scene Week 10, March 20, 2023

The celebration of Pi Day this week marks the occasion for political scientists to re-tell the famous “Indiana Pi Bill” story–and to warn Kansas legislators about the dangers of overreach and micromanagement.

March 14 (3.14) marks the celebration of Pi Day. &nbsp;Mathematicians, teachers, students, and others celebrate one of the best-known findings in mathematics. &nbsp;They bake pies--round, of course--create artwork incorporating circles, write “<a href="https://www.instructables.com/Piku-a-New-Genre-of-Poetry-for-Pi-Day/">pi-kus</a>” (haikus with 3, 1, and 4 syllables, respectively), and offer brief history lessons about geometry’s best-known value. &nbsp;One such story is that of the Indiana Pi Bill. &nbsp; Like most legends, this one is often told inaccurately.&nbsp;

​The Indiana Pi Bill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kionasmith/2018/02/05/indianas-state-legislature-once-tried-to-legislate-the-value-of-pi/?sh=3e1ff359260a">originated in 1897</a>. &nbsp;Notwithstanding this hilarious “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0muhngkYeCs">Institute for Pi Research</a>” parody video made by Emporia State University professors in the 1980s, the bill did not actually purport to set pi equal to 3, nor did it have anything to do with Biblical literalism. &nbsp;It was not intended to make it easier for students to do their homework. &nbsp;In fact, the true story is even more interesting.

A renegade mathematician named Edward J. Goodwin claimed to have his own, unique proof showing that the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter was 3.2, not 22/7 as had been understood since ancient times. &nbsp;Goodwin failed to convince other mathematicians, so instead he sought to impose the new value by legislative&nbsp;fiat. &nbsp;The bill passed the Indiana House but when it reached the Senate, a mathematician named Clarence Abiathar Waldo was on hand to lobby for more science funding. &nbsp;Waldo set to work educating senators about the impossibility of legislating a mathematical value. &nbsp;The bill died, but a legend was born.

Unfortunately, the Kansas Legislature has not heeded the warning. &nbsp;Bills are moving this year that would legislate things best left to others. &nbsp;For example, legislation is moving quickly to ban the participation of transgender girls on girls’ sports teams. &nbsp;Never mind that the Kansas High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) already has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/public/pdf/transgenderpolicyrecommendations.pdf">strict regulations</a>&nbsp;on transgender girls who wish to do this. &nbsp;Legislators still think they know better.

Another example concerns attempts to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. &nbsp;A budget proviso inserted by Rep. Steve Howe would ban diversity training for social service professions unless it is done to comply with federal or state law. &nbsp;However, many licensing boards require such training above and beyond federal and state requirements, and most state legislators lack the knowledge needed to properly evaluate what training is appropriate. &nbsp;The proviso could put Kansas care providers at odds with their licensure requirements, which in turn could create legal challenges and lead to insurance claims being denied. &nbsp;It could also compromise the quality of care.

Even though topics such as transgender athletes and professional licensure requirements are not as cut and dried as the value of pi, they still require oversight by those who know what they are doing. &nbsp;From the budget, to crime, to teacher shortages and a water crisis, the state legislature has plenty to do already without such meddling. &nbsp;Kansans deserve better. &nbsp;Unlike pi, state legislators do not have to be irrational.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>The celebration of Pi Day this week marks the occasion for political scientists to re-tell the famous “Indiana Pi Bill” story–and to warn Kansas legislators about the dangers of overreach and micromanagement.March 14 (3.14) marks the celebration of Pi Day. &nbsp;Mathematicians, teachers, students, and others celebrate one of the best-known findings in mathematics. &nbsp;They bake pies--round, of course--create artwork incorporating circles, write “<a href="https://www.instructables.com/Piku-a-New-Genre-of-Poetry-for-Pi-Day/">pi-kus</a>” (haikus with 3, 1, and 4 syllables, respectively), and offer brief history lessons about geometry’s best-known value. &nbsp;One such story is that of the Indiana Pi Bill. &nbsp; Like most legends, this one is often told inaccurately.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​The Indiana Pi Bill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kionasmith/2018/02/05/indianas-state-legislature-once-tried-to-legislate-the-value-of-pi/?sh=3e1ff359260a">originated in 1897</a>. &nbsp;Notwithstanding this hilarious “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0muhngkYeCs">Institute for Pi Research</a>” parody video made by Emporia State University professors in the 1980s, the bill did not actually purport to set pi equal to 3, nor did it have anything to do with Biblical literalism. &nbsp;It was not intended to make it easier for students to do their homework. &nbsp;In fact, the true story is even more interesting.A renegade mathematician named Edward J. Goodwin claimed to have his own, unique proof showing that the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter was 3.2, not 22/7 as had been understood since ancient times. &nbsp;Goodwin failed to convince other mathematicians, so instead he sought to impose the new value by legislative&nbsp;fiat. &nbsp;The bill passed the Indiana House but when it reached the Senate, a mathematician named Clarence Abiathar Waldo was on hand to lobby for more science funding. &nbsp;Waldo set to work educating senators about the impossibility of legislating a mathematical value. &nbsp;The bill died, but a legend was born.Unfortunately, the Kansas Legislature has not heeded the warning. &nbsp;Bills are moving this year that would legislate things best left to others. &nbsp;For example, legislation is moving quickly to ban the participation of transgender girls on girls’ sports teams. &nbsp;Never mind that the Kansas High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) already has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/public/pdf/transgenderpolicyrecommendations.pdf">strict regulations</a>&nbsp;on transgender girls who wish to do this. &nbsp;Legislators still think they know better.Another example concerns attempts to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. &nbsp;A budget proviso inserted by Rep. Steve Howe would ban diversity training for social service professions unless it is done to comply with federal or state law. &nbsp;However, many licensing boards require such training above and beyond federal and state requirements, and most state legislators lack the knowledge needed to properly evaluate what training is appropriate. &nbsp;The proviso could put Kansas care providers at odds with their licensure requirements, which in turn could create legal challenges and lead to insurance claims being denied. &nbsp;It could also compromise the quality of care.Even though topics such as transgender athletes and professional licensure requirements are not as cut and dried as the value of pi, they still require oversight by those who know what they are doing. &nbsp;From the budget, to crime, to teacher shortages and a water crisis, the state legislature has plenty to do already without such meddling. &nbsp;Kansans deserve better. &nbsp;Unlike pi, state legislators do not have to be irrational.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The true story of the Indiana Pi bill — and a warning

I think my favorite two words are “engaged students.”&nbsp;One of the highlights for me this year was the enthusiasm of our students when they&nbsp;returned to campus this past fall.&nbsp;Enthused and engaged students are the lifeblood of a college campus.&nbsp;I have loved watching&nbsp;as&nbsp;our freshmen&nbsp;Student Government Association&nbsp;senators, Grace McCord&nbsp;and Madison Albers,&nbsp;meticulously researched, wrote&nbsp;a case for support, and then worked&nbsp;through several approval processes&nbsp;to gain support for moving a polling place on campus.&nbsp;

Recently, I was delighted to learn that 80&nbsp;percent&nbsp;(29 out of 36) of our residential life community assistants (CAs) applied to return to serve on the 2023-2024 staff. That is a remarkable return rate.&nbsp;Forty-five&nbsp;additional students applied for those coveted leadership roles. Our 2023-24 resident hall contracts are up – a lot. I have to believe there is a direct correlation between the experience our staff is creating and the surge of interest in the position&nbsp;as well as living on campus.&nbsp;

Community Assistants play a key role on the&nbsp;residential&nbsp;life&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;team.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are responsible for a floor or wing of students in the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;halls,&nbsp;tasked with&nbsp;developing a positive and inclusive community within their hall, event planning, administrative activities at the front desk, serving as a campus resource and reference, participating in on-campus activities, serving as first responders to crisis and emergency situations, ensuring safety and security of the residents, and assisting residents as they find their place at FHSU.

According to residence life director&nbsp;R.J.&nbsp;Schnack,&nbsp;the CAs are the&nbsp;“face”&nbsp;of the resident life staff.&nbsp;He attributes the high interest in the position to an ethic of care – a key characteristic of the environment we seek to develop&nbsp;daily&nbsp;throughout our university.

While the CAs focus on residents,&nbsp;R.J.&nbsp;and the professional residence life staff intentionally&nbsp;support and care&nbsp;for our&nbsp;CAs.&nbsp;“We are&nbsp;here&nbsp;to listen to our CAs and to help them grow into the profession they want to obtain when they graduate,”&nbsp;R.J. said.

Saige&nbsp;Heizer&nbsp;agrees.&nbsp;She reapplied because she&nbsp;likes the culture&nbsp;she found in Residential&nbsp;Life. “My supervisors have always been very helpful and welcoming,&nbsp;and I really love the camaraderie of the CA staff.”

The CA&nbsp;role&nbsp;exemplifies&nbsp;how we drive our mission to create engaged citizen leaders. Students often reflect on&nbsp;the critical skills&nbsp;they learn through these positions. For example,&nbsp;Saige&nbsp;shared&nbsp;that&nbsp;serving as a CA has taught&nbsp;her&nbsp;how to take ownership of&nbsp;her&nbsp;mistakes and shortcomings while working to improve&nbsp;in&nbsp;those areas. Additionally, it has taught&nbsp;her&nbsp;how to address awkward situations without letting&nbsp;them&nbsp;become personal.

The CAs are, by design,&nbsp;involved in other aspects of campus life.&nbsp;Tearney McGivney, a sophomore from Abilene,&nbsp;is a&nbsp;member of the Tiger Media Network,&nbsp;where&nbsp;she&nbsp;filmsgames and takes&nbsp;photos at events. In&nbsp;her&nbsp;free time,&nbsp;she&nbsp;enjoys&nbsp;being&nbsp;with&nbsp;her&nbsp;friends or volunteering&nbsp;around the community.&nbsp;“I love painting and crafting and making new things,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;Tearney is definitely modeling the way of an engaged citizen, finding joy in being a part of many communities and making a difference in the lives of others. In fact,&nbsp;she&nbsp;shared,&nbsp;“I would say my greatest accomplishment as a CA is building a community and friendships among my residents.”

Tearney also easily identifies critical skills developed on the job that will facilitate post-college success.

“I have learned many life lessons,&nbsp;including&nbsp;time management, how to say no when I cannot commit to an event/activity,&nbsp;and&nbsp;how to handle stressful situations,” she said.&nbsp;“I have also learned how to&nbsp;go out of my comfort zone and talk to people I do not know. My biggest fear about college was not being able to make friends because I was scared to talk to people I did not know. Serving as a CA has helped me overcome that fear. Now I go up to people who might be struggling&nbsp;as&nbsp;I did and start a conversation with them.”

Our programming is extensive. As&nbsp;Javyn&nbsp;Contreras, a CA,&nbsp;and member of our high-performing cross country and track team,&nbsp;shares,&nbsp;“when I became a CA,&nbsp;I did not realize how many opportunities there are for students to get involved. As a&nbsp;“regular student”&nbsp;I heard about a few events here and there. I recommend students get involved as much as possible because there are &nbsp;events/clubs for anyone here at FHSU.”

Programming for the CAs can be instructional, such as making stress balls before finals, to healing and somewhat&nbsp;light-hearted,&nbsp;such as attending a fish funeral. “As odd as this sounds,&nbsp;our fish funeral&nbsp;was a memorable moment with my residents that I will cherish,” shared CA Lauren Huynh.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>I think my favorite two words are “engaged students.”&nbsp;One of the highlights for me this year was the enthusiasm of our students when they&nbsp;returned to campus this past fall.&nbsp;Enthused and engaged students are the lifeblood of a college campus.&nbsp;I have loved watching&nbsp;as&nbsp;our freshmen&nbsp;Student Government Association&nbsp;senators, Grace McCord&nbsp;and Madison Albers,&nbsp;meticulously researched, wrote&nbsp;a case for support, and then worked&nbsp;through several approval processes&nbsp;to gain support for moving a polling place on campus.&nbsp;Recently, I was delighted to learn that 80&nbsp;percent&nbsp;(29 out of 36) of our residential life community assistants (CAs) applied to return to serve on the 2023-2024 staff. That is a remarkable return rate.&nbsp;Forty-five&nbsp;additional students applied for those coveted leadership roles. Our 2023-24 resident hall contracts are up – a lot. I have to believe there is a direct correlation between the experience our staff is creating and the surge of interest in the position&nbsp;as well as living on campus.&nbsp;Community Assistants play a key role on the&nbsp;residential&nbsp;life&nbsp;leadership&nbsp;team.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are responsible for a floor or wing of students in the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;halls,&nbsp;tasked with&nbsp;developing a positive and inclusive community within their hall, event planning, administrative activities at the front desk, serving as a campus resource and reference, participating in on-campus activities, serving as first responders to crisis and emergency situations, ensuring safety and security of the residents, and assisting residents as they find their place at FHSU.According to residence life director&nbsp;R.J.&nbsp;Schnack,&nbsp;the CAs are the&nbsp;“face”&nbsp;of the resident life staff.&nbsp;He attributes the high interest in the position to an ethic of care – a key characteristic of the environment we seek to develop&nbsp;daily&nbsp;throughout our university.While the CAs focus on residents,&nbsp;R.J.&nbsp;and the professional residence life staff intentionally&nbsp;support and care&nbsp;for our&nbsp;CAs.&nbsp;“We are&nbsp;here&nbsp;to listen to our CAs and to help them grow into the profession they want to obtain when they graduate,”&nbsp;R.J. said.Saige&nbsp;Heizer&nbsp;agrees.&nbsp;She reapplied because she&nbsp;likes the culture&nbsp;she found in Residential&nbsp;Life. “My supervisors have always been very helpful and welcoming,&nbsp;and I really love the camaraderie of the CA staff.”The CA&nbsp;role&nbsp;exemplifies&nbsp;how we drive our mission to create engaged citizen leaders. Students often reflect on&nbsp;the critical skills&nbsp;they learn through these positions. For example,&nbsp;Saige&nbsp;shared&nbsp;that&nbsp;serving as a CA has taught&nbsp;her&nbsp;how to take ownership of&nbsp;her&nbsp;mistakes and shortcomings while working to improve&nbsp;in&nbsp;those areas. Additionally, it has taught&nbsp;her&nbsp;how to address awkward situations without letting&nbsp;them&nbsp;become personal.The CAs are, by design,&nbsp;involved in other aspects of campus life.&nbsp;Tearney McGivney, a sophomore from Abilene,&nbsp;is a&nbsp;member of the Tiger Media Network,&nbsp;where&nbsp;she&nbsp;filmsgames and takes&nbsp;photos at events. In&nbsp;her&nbsp;free time,&nbsp;she&nbsp;enjoys&nbsp;being&nbsp;with&nbsp;her&nbsp;friends or volunteering&nbsp;around the community.&nbsp;“I love painting and crafting and making new things,”&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;Tearney is definitely modeling the way of an engaged citizen, finding joy in being a part of many communities and making a difference in the lives of others. In fact,&nbsp;she&nbsp;shared,&nbsp;“I would say my greatest accomplishment as a CA is building a community and friendships among my residents.”Tearney also easily identifies critical skills developed on the job that will facilitate post-college success.“I have learned many life lessons,&nbsp;including&nbsp;time management, how to say no when I cannot commit to an event/activity,&nbsp;and&nbsp;how to handle stressful situations,” she said.&nbsp;“I have also learned how to&nbsp;go out of my comfort zone and talk to people I do not know. My biggest fear about college was not being able to make friends because I was scared to talk to people I did not know. Serving as a CA has helped me overcome that fear. Now I go up to people who might be struggling&nbsp;as&nbsp;I did and start a conversation with them.”Our programming is extensive. As&nbsp;Javyn&nbsp;Contreras, a CA,&nbsp;and member of our high-performing cross country and track team,&nbsp;shares,&nbsp;“when I became a CA,&nbsp;I did not realize how many opportunities there are for students to get involved. As a&nbsp;“regular student”&nbsp;I heard about a few events here and there. I recommend students get involved as much as possible because there are &nbsp;events/clubs for anyone here at FHSU.”Programming for the CAs can be instructional, such as making stress balls before finals, to healing and somewhat&nbsp;light-hearted,&nbsp;such as attending a fish funeral. “As odd as this sounds,&nbsp;our fish funeral&nbsp;was a memorable moment with my residents that I will cherish,” shared CA Lauren Huynh.I find our students to be so interesting. Lauren,&nbsp;for example,&nbsp;a graphic design majorfrom Wichita, started working as a freelance photographer&nbsp;six years ago. She loves to skateboard, rock climb, and cheer for FHSU. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Lauren worked with Netflix to film a documentary about her life&nbsp;– incredible!I also love when students articulate the experience we work so intentionally to create:“FHSU was the best choice for me,” Tearney said.&nbsp;“The small class sizes&nbsp;allow forpersonal connections with my professors.&nbsp;I am getting a great education.”“I am not just a number at FHSU.&nbsp;My professors care about me as a person and work with me if I have any questions.&nbsp;I&nbsp;love my college experience and am so glad I chose FHSU.”These&nbsp;stories of student engagement, leadership lessons, and our mission in action&nbsp;fuel my energy throughout the year.&nbsp;This is why I am so&nbsp;lucky&nbsp;to serve as president of FHSU.

Opinion