To Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas Legislature:


We are proud educators and proud parents, and proud to live in northwestern Kansas.
We know first hand what a thriving public school contributes to our community’s overall
well-being. We also know very well that the ripple effects of a public school gutted to fund
private school ventures would be devastating.


We stand in fervent opposition to SB 83 and its House Substitute. We urge the legislature
to vote against these bills. Should our voices be ignored in the legislature, and if our
Representatives and Senators fail to stand against these bills despite our strongest
condemnation, we strongly support Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.

We are writing to protect our public schools for the following reasons:


The Senate Republicans' tactic of tying special education funding and teacher salary
increases to such an anti-democratic, pro-segregationist piece of legislation is not only
tiresome, but dangerous. Tying teacher salary increases to this legislation demonstrates
the Kansas Republican Party believes teachers can be bought at the expense of their
students and their professional civic mission. Even more, it is unfathomable that
legislators would dangle SPED support as a bargaining chip that would only, in the long
term, harm SPED services and families.


We condemn the transfer of our taxpayer dollars from the general education fund to
those who choose not to attend public schools; if families wish to send their children
elsewhere, that is their right, but not our responsibility.


Marlene Whitney: USD 270
Plainville School Board member,
board clerk, public school parent

Allison Renk-Jones: nurse, public
school and SPED parent

Matt Whitney: Spanish teacher,
public school parent

Mark Schaukowitch: Rooks County
Democrats Chair, former educator

To Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas Legislature:
We are proud educators and proud parents, and proud to live in northwestern Kansas.
We know first hand what a thriving public school contributes to our community’s overall
well-being. We also know very well that the ripple effects of a public school gutted to fund
private school ventures would be devastating.
We stand in fervent opposition to SB 83 and its House Substitute. We urge the legislature
to vote against these bills. Should our voices be ignored in the legislature, and if our
Representatives and Senators fail to stand against these bills despite our strongest
condemnation, we strongly support Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We are writing to protect our public schools for the following reasons:
<ol>
 <li>First and foremost, SB 83 has a disturbing legacy rooted in segregationism, and a
direct and racist response to the Brown v. Board of Education decision.
Segregationists planned to implement a model of “public” schooling that would
enable white parents to choose the school their children would attend, regardless
of income status, by using taxpayer dollars in the form of savings accounts and/or
vouchers. Over the last 70 years, various versions of this model have been
implemented in different states. Each version of this model has produced the same
result: schools segregated by race, gender, and physical ability. We reject school
segregation and embrace diversity in our schools.

							</li><li>SB 83 is rooted in bad economic policy. The concept of “parental choice” was
created not by teachers, but by trickle-down economists who saw public education
as a source of economic competition rather than community partnerships. Even
more, the metrics to decide what constitutes a “good” school are nebulous at best,
and racist and harmful at worst - to say nothing that parents and children are not
mere data points, and so much of the educational experience cannot be quantified
so easily.

							</li><li>Policies that segregate by race and economic status also uniquely harm people
living in rural areas. In this case, SB 83’s impact on rural life will be profoundly
harmful. If parents get a choice of school at all, their choice will be outside their
local school district - and with it, their voice through the democratic process as
espoused by local school districts and school boards. By encouraging parents to
enroll their children in schools outside their district, SB 83 would be taking
necessary tax dollars away from local schools and ending a major source of
employment and revenue in rural areas. With local schools often being one of the
top three employers in rural areas, the loss of a rural school will be economically
catastrophic for small towns across the state.

							</li><li>Even more, if and when public schools in rural areas close as a result of SB 83,
resources for students with disabilities, particularly in rural areas, will be
substantially diminished. If a private school is in the area, the private school may not have the services and equipment necessary to serve a student with disabilities, and that student will be refused an equitable education. SB 83 will exclude rural students with disabilities from a quality education, and denies these young people their rights to a future of full citizenship.

							</li>
 </ol><ul>
 <li>5. It is simply morally wrong to redirect public, taxpayer dollars away from the
students and schools that serve the public good and towards wealthy Kansas
families who least need the cash. Under the current language, any student would
qualify for such an account, including students who are already attending private
school and whose parents can already afford the tuition. This would amount to a
taxpayer payout to the wealthiest Kansas families, with middle-class and poor
families footing the bill. We do not need to bail out wealthy families while rural
schools languish.
</li>
 </ul>The Senate Republicans' tactic of tying special education funding and teacher salary
increases to such an anti-democratic, pro-segregationist piece of legislation is not only
tiresome, but dangerous. Tying teacher salary increases to this legislation demonstrates
the Kansas Republican Party believes teachers can be bought at the expense of their
students and their professional civic mission. Even more, it is unfathomable that
legislators would dangle SPED support as a bargaining chip that would only, in the long
term, harm SPED services and families.
We condemn the transfer of our taxpayer dollars from the general education fund to
those who choose not to attend public schools; if families wish to send their children
elsewhere, that is their right, but not our responsibility.
Sincerely,
Marlene Whitney: USD 270
Plainville School Board member,
board clerk, public school parent
Allison Renk-Jones: nurse, public
school and SPED parent
Matt Whitney: Spanish teacher,
public school parent
Mark Schaukowitch: Rooks County
Democrats Chair, former educator

LETTER: Opposition to SB 83 in rural NW Kansas

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Recently I attended the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Fusion Conference, which is a joint event between the Women’s, Programing &amp; Education, and Young Farmers &amp; Ranchers committees, in Jacksonville, Fla. One of my Collegiate Farm Bureau students won the state discussion meet and competed in the national event. In addition to coaching, I was a workshop presenter on the topic of work-life balance, with a former YFR leader from Florida that I am friends with. As I was packing to leave for the event, Marc and I were discussing my planned agenda for the event and I mentioned the workshop with my friend Morgan. Marc got a slightly confused look on his face and asked, “Do I know this Morgan?” That’s what is funny about the relationships we build at these events. Someone I have only known a few years, visit with at an occasional national event, and am friends with on Facebook feels like so much more than just a professional acquaintance. Morgan and I have a connection through our jobs, mutual respect as leaders and a shared understanding of our industry and lifestyle. Our friendship is easy because our lives are very similar. I also caught up with my college advisor from California, who I rarely get to see in person and is probably the most impactful mentor of my life. I visited with a fellow presenter who I have judged with in the past and respect tremendously. The conference organizer is a friend with whom I have a long professional and personal relationship. I am motivated and encouraged by time shared with my “far-away friends.” I come home with an enthusiastic and renewed sense of purpose. Great people are one of the reasons I love attending these conferences. In addition to seeing old friends, I love getting to know new people with interesting backgrounds, listen to the perspectives of speakers and learn what is happening in other places. The information gained through new connections increases my knowledge, challenges my current views and often helps me find new solutions for problems I wrestle with at home. Early in my career, I remember discussing as a board member whether or not to support a staff member’s request to attend a national conference. The board was divided in support of professional development verses funding constraints. The decision eventually came down to the board chair, who chose to approve the request. He told the group, “One of the most valuable things I have done in my career is attend conferences and meetings. I have always come away better and think there is tremendous value in participating.” Coming back better is one of the reasons we step outside our normal zones. I recently read that one of the most accurate predictors of career attainment is continuous learning and skill development. People who never stop growing are better off that people who were rose to top positions early career and maintained that position. There is tremendous value and opportunity that comes when you attend events like conferences, seminars and conventions. Sometimes you have to step away from your normal circle of interaction to find new and interesting things to bring back.&nbsp; If you have the chance to attend a conference or event, especially in a different part of the country, I hope you will embrace the opportunity, find people who make you better and gather lots of ideas that you can bring home to make your world just a little bit better. "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/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Recently I attended the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Fusion Conference, which is a joint event between the Women’s, Programing &amp; Education, and Young Farmers &amp; Ranchers committees, in Jacksonville, Fla. One of my Collegiate Farm Bureau students won the state discussion meet and competed in the national event. In addition to coaching, I was a workshop presenter on the topic of work-life balance, with a former YFR leader from Florida that I am friends with. As I was packing to leave for the event, Marc and I were discussing my planned agenda for the event and I mentioned the workshop with my friend Morgan. Marc got a slightly confused look on his face and asked, “Do I know this Morgan?” That’s what is funny about the relationships we build at these events. Someone I have only known a few years, visit with at an occasional national event, and am friends with on Facebook feels like so much more than just a professional acquaintance. Morgan and I have a connection through our jobs, mutual respect as leaders and a shared understanding of our industry and lifestyle. Our friendship is easy because our lives are very similar. I also caught up with my college advisor from California, who I rarely get to see in person and is probably the most impactful mentor of my life. I visited with a fellow presenter who I have judged with in the past and respect tremendously. The conference organizer is a friend with whom I have a long professional and personal relationship. I am motivated and encouraged by time shared with my “far-away friends.” I come home with an enthusiastic and renewed sense of purpose. Great people are one of the reasons I love attending these conferences. In addition to seeing old friends, I love getting to know new people with interesting backgrounds, listen to the perspectives of speakers and learn what is happening in other places. The information gained through new connections increases my knowledge, challenges my current views and often helps me find new solutions for problems I wrestle with at home. Early in my career, I remember discussing as a board member whether or not to support a staff member’s request to attend a national conference. The board was divided in support of professional development verses funding constraints. The decision eventually came down to the board chair, who chose to approve the request. He told the group, “One of the most valuable things I have done in my career is attend conferences and meetings. I have always come away better and think there is tremendous value in participating.” Coming back better is one of the reasons we step outside our normal zones. I recently read that one of the most accurate predictors of career attainment is continuous learning and skill development. People who never stop growing are better off that people who were rose to top positions early career and maintained that position. There is tremendous value and opportunity that comes when you attend events like conferences, seminars and conventions. Sometimes you have to step away from your normal circle of interaction to find new and interesting things to bring back.&nbsp; If you have the chance to attend a conference or event, especially in a different part of the country, I hope you will embrace the opportunity, find people who make you better and gather lots of ideas that you can bring home to make your world just a little bit better. "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: Connecting across the country

We are now in week 10 and running strong for first adjournment which will take place on April 6th. It seemed like the first few weeks were a little slow, as they usually are when we start a new biennium session but things are moving faster now. 

As of last Friday, the house has passed 114 bills. 

There will town hall meeting 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 , Phillips County, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center) Phillipsburg . Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m. 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center) Palco and Ellis County, 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 will join us in Ellis.

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

Transparency in Property Tax Appraisals - We all are receiving our home valuations and seeing property taxes skyrocket. This past week, the House passed HB 2201, requiring that four years of valuations be disclosed to homeowners on one document. This provides property tax transparency and can aid homeowners when disputing the county appraisal. House Republicans are committed to putting the taxpayer first.

Social Security Taxes - Social Security income, at this time, faces no taxes until it surpasses $75,000. However, at even one dollar above that number, the entire income is taxable. Republicans are working to smooth that cliff, eventually leading to no income taxes for Social Security income. Kansas retirees have worked hard for our state and deserve a break.

Fairness in Women’s Sports Passes Both Chambers - The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act has officially passed the Senate with 28 votes and will now await the governor’s signature. I sincerely hope she will meet us in the middle and sign this legislation into law, honoring statements made during her campaign. However, if she decides to veto once again, we will be ready to override and move forward protecting a fair playing field for women and girls in Kansas.

Environmental, Social, and Governance - We are examining many different proposals to deal with ESG bad practices. We want to be careful and ensure that the bill we settle on will tackle the problem and not reach beyond to have negative, unforeseen consequences. One area we are focusing heavily on is proxy voting. We will look at utilizing proxy share voting organizations that do not follow ESG criteria. We want services that recommend how to vote our state’s shares based on maximizing investment profits, not playing ESG politics. The State Treasurer will review the recommendations and then the money managers must vote our recommendations. This will be done for most of the state’s investments. This is a problem we must address immediately. Investment groups are teaming up to force board members upon companies who are morally opposed to the objective of the business. For example, Exxon Mobil is at risk of getting a THIRD radical, green activist on their board. The worst part,&nbsp;they are currently utilizing our KPERS dollars to buy this influence. Kansas cannot and will not stand for this any longer.

Electronic Credential Management - As we bring new workers to Kansas, it’s critical that we have systems in place to allow them to get to work as soon as possible. HB 2388 advanced out of committee last week and begins the process of speeding up and automating license reciprocity by creating an electronic and centralized credential database. This will be a safe, secure, and verifiable system to streamline the process for everyone.

Born-Alive Infants Protection Act - Last week House Republicans passed HB 2313 out of committee. This bill will ensure that any infant who is born alive is entitled to medical care, no matter the intention behind delivery. These children have an inalienable right to life and we must guarantee that they will be transferred to a hospital and offered the best care possible.

Providing Women with Alternatives to Abortion - It’s important that women experiencing unplanned pregnancies know they have many options and support available to them. HB 2429 honors our commitment to women in these tough decisions to offer alternatives that they may utilize. The bill provides resources to pregnancy centers that do not offer abortion services to support women’s health and wellness throughout pregnancy.

Standing with Law Enforcement - Law enforcement must know that we have their backs as they risk their lives to keep us safe each and every day. One potential way to assist law enforcement would be with SB 174, which establishes a crime for knowingly fleeing from an officer. This new crime has multiple levels of severity, from misdemeanor to level 5 felony, letting criminals know that we will prosecute this conduct to the fullest extent of the law.

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'm 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

<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>Hello from Topeka. We are now in week 10 and running strong for first adjournment which will take place on April 6th. It seemed like the first few weeks were a little slow, as they usually are when we start a new biennium session but things are moving faster now. As of last Friday, the house has passed 114 bills. There will town hall meeting 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 , Phillips County, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center) Phillipsburg . Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m. 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center) Palco and Ellis County, 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 will join us in Ellis.Here are some of the highlights of things that have been happening on the house side of the Kansas legislature:Transparency in Property Tax Appraisals - We all are receiving our home valuations and seeing property taxes skyrocket. This past week, the House passed HB 2201, requiring that four years of valuations be disclosed to homeowners on one document. This provides property tax transparency and can aid homeowners when disputing the county appraisal. House Republicans are committed to putting the taxpayer first.Social Security Taxes - Social Security income, at this time, faces no taxes until it surpasses $75,000. However, at even one dollar above that number, the entire income is taxable. Republicans are working to smooth that cliff, eventually leading to no income taxes for Social Security income. Kansas retirees have worked hard for our state and deserve a break.Fairness in Women’s Sports Passes Both Chambers - The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act has officially passed the Senate with 28 votes and will now await the governor’s signature. I sincerely hope she will meet us in the middle and sign this legislation into law, honoring statements made during her campaign. However, if she decides to veto once again, we will be ready to override and move forward protecting a fair playing field for women and girls in Kansas.Environmental, Social, and Governance - We are examining many different proposals to deal with ESG bad practices. We want to be careful and ensure that the bill we settle on will tackle the problem and not reach beyond to have negative, unforeseen consequences. One area we are focusing heavily on is proxy voting. We will look at utilizing proxy share voting organizations that do not follow ESG criteria. We want services that recommend how to vote our state’s shares based on maximizing investment profits, not playing ESG politics. The State Treasurer will review the recommendations and then the money managers must vote our recommendations. This will be done for most of the state’s investments. This is a problem we must address immediately. Investment groups are teaming up to force board members upon companies who are morally opposed to the objective of the business. For example, Exxon Mobil is at risk of getting a THIRD radical, green activist on their board. The worst part,&nbsp;they are currently utilizing our KPERS dollars to buy this influence. Kansas cannot and will not stand for this any longer.Electronic Credential Management - As we bring new workers to Kansas, it’s critical that we have systems in place to allow them to get to work as soon as possible. HB 2388 advanced out of committee last week and begins the process of speeding up and automating license reciprocity by creating an electronic and centralized credential database. This will be a safe, secure, and verifiable system to streamline the process for everyone.Born-Alive Infants Protection Act - Last week House Republicans passed HB 2313 out of committee. This bill will ensure that any infant who is born alive is entitled to medical care, no matter the intention behind delivery. These children have an inalienable right to life and we must guarantee that they will be transferred to a hospital and offered the best care possible.Providing Women with Alternatives to Abortion - It’s important that women experiencing unplanned pregnancies know they have many options and support available to them. HB 2429 honors our commitment to women in these tough decisions to offer alternatives that they may utilize. The bill provides resources to pregnancy centers that do not offer abortion services to support women’s health and wellness throughout pregnancy.Standing with Law Enforcement - Law enforcement must know that we have their backs as they risk their lives to keep us safe each and every day. One potential way to assist law enforcement would be with SB 174, which establishes a crime for knowingly fleeing from an officer. This new crime has multiple levels of severity, from misdemeanor to level 5 felony, letting criminals know that we will prosecute this conduct to the fullest extent of the law.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'm 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 13, 2023

2023 SENATE SCENE WEEKS 8 &amp; 9 March 13, 2023 SENATE HIGHLIGHTS

Senate Committees continued to review bills which have been sent over from the House, and we had two days of General Orders this week in the Senate.&nbsp; As we work though committee bills on the floor, we will also begin to have&nbsp;Conference Committee reports to vote on as well.&nbsp; A Conference Committee is a small, bipartisan and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House’s and Senate’s version of a similar bill. Once the Conference Committee comes to a compromise, the committee’s version of the bill will be sent to both the House and the Senate for a final vote, before advancing the bill to the Governor’s desk.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2184/" target="_blank">HB 2184</a>&nbsp;would shift deposit of docket fees previously credited to the Judicial Council Fund to the State General Fund. Currently, the Judicial Council receives 0.99 percent of docket fees.&nbsp; The bill would remove statutory provisions that direct the State Treasurer to credit 0.99 percent of revenues from docket fees to the Judicial Council Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2184 passed 35-3.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2238/" target="_blank">HB 2238</a>&nbsp;also known as the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act would create the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (Act) and require interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by public educational entities or any school or private postsecondary educational institution whose students or teams compete against a public educational entity to be expressly designated based on biological sex.&nbsp;HB 2238 passed 28-11.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb114/" target="_blank">SB 114</a>&nbsp;would define advance recycling and related terms and provide exemptions to solid waste management system and similar terms.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 114 passed 28-10.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted no as this process is already occurring in Kansas under KDHE rules and bonding requirements - this bill would carve out advanced recycling from under the current laws all Kansas recyclers must follow including mechanical recycling (tire recycling).&nbsp;

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

<a>PAGES FOR THE SENATE – March 8 and 9</a>

On March 8th, Lexi Smith from Belleville and Kryslynn Carlson from Scandia; and on March 9th, Bricen Benyshek, Paige McWhorter, Isabelle Plush, David Schmidt, and Qwinter Thrash, from Concordia, were pages for the Kansas Senate.&nbsp; The pages spent their day with us at the Capitol running errands, working in my office, attending committee meetings, and taking an historical tour of the Capitol as well as the dome tour.

FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE –&nbsp;Scott Schwab WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

March is Women’s History Month – an opportunity to recognize women’s contributions to our state and nation. Kansas women were at the frontlines of the suffrage movement and helped to secure voting rights for women in Kansas before the national movement. Elwill M. Shanahan was the first female Kansas Secretary of State from 1966 to 1978. Secretary Shanahan was the first woman to hold a position in the constitutionally elected branch of Kansas government and the second female president of the National Association of Secretaries of State in 1975. Learn more about the women who paved the way for us through the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQMyJ9G7V9Cle8KenbeDeT12PEbNfIG6jR3lreyBUZWjn8AIPQT_gabiVDBgmLx65BPlIfmb_pjrf7grtuElaYdxTb3dZZckV7s9Fjgs_9i3qSljY_1HRVA4MAieJdK-NJYrg6kxTZhDHF&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Kansas Historical Society</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM35WGz1B-8VHeVf53MFeqmco2bbvAVq04K-F_IoXAlgedzIpZ_hs5CXxJTJRisE84yWau27YsqSk7jFxPeB3udp5F1ILaWAdARI_2kf5DbcIulYKgi5RCNRdg913oHWpfS9ZHOLneZSDi_0nRNdvjje5frJ_mTFlqpeeyFtlYCK-yvES5kuo6O2fq0eKifHypLPg_lVvbkHMEpB3HqS_XEtMNn0D-5Vcuwf07AONzFEc_2qBRYXWu_cGFNvHWIKyjx2UyjsCZU1Uxf5VWRlyBuJEl9pbjXHNZEOGEIPdkQq4E1tQvrdstIo=&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Kansas State Department of Education</a>.

&nbsp;One of the best ways to celebrate the suffrage movement is to register to vote. The following links are available to ensure you are prepared to participate in the upcoming municipal elections.

&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM-bjvat1PbveLF-QPuUzvEGxkThqtNOODZ2knceeyqAMCWlazHXHT4OvSWP59Fx40HuBbgpO4SgLICxjIfiwboVbTdEsOgkLuL7WJlScEnH1MViPc2e8wi-SUz1LkzSmwA==&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Register to vote</a> <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM5aICTZJ98Ce644JzzfooN2dpjK08BdwPuShmtlizdELR64ZkmhNRE7UasnOVx42IV1-I37KJInAvlQuil1oMdlwNpqkpfo-lRlMPtaDeQP-ReSf35WZx6A=&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Check your voter information</a> <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM35WGz1B-8VHJbufUbY038mBbLbYHPi961x6HUVWrzB4XI3u6YqmddVCeRUM_PGehFmhipT2Eq8vozDdZ8Ao81fEJ4gyUhGE5m2BuyEUZoPVDOneEveu7lBdwDkVa2_oLt-jy1Q7R-uE&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Election Resources</a> <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM5i0W54ZGCs6TgiQ5jF78HvmMXcQ4l5KfcNg1dZOebgtlL99gdwFzAH9gmLNK13hkOBmW92elHoBKyy3SQAMJCsy7i45fbU26OgCq-PUs2KeRu5Gmgtn8-I=&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Volunteer in the 2023 elections</a>

I have conducted several legislative townhalls throughout the 36th&nbsp;Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks.&nbsp; On Saturday, March 18th, Representative Lisa Moser and I will be starting the day with a townhall in Belleville at 9:00 a.m. at Bel Villa.&nbsp; Next, we will be in Washington at 11:00 a.m. at the Salebarn Cafe.&nbsp; On 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 AM at Espresso Etc.

WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE

<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.

Kansas Legislature website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;- has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, and past sessions.

Thank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. 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>. 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. 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 WEEKS 8 &amp; 9 March 13, 2023 SENATE HIGHLIGHTSSenate Committees continued to review bills which have been sent over from the House, and we had two days of General Orders this week in the Senate.&nbsp; As we work though committee bills on the floor, we will also begin to have&nbsp;Conference Committee reports to vote on as well.&nbsp; A Conference Committee is a small, bipartisan and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House’s and Senate’s version of a similar bill. Once the Conference Committee comes to a compromise, the committee’s version of the bill will be sent to both the House and the Senate for a final vote, before advancing the bill to the Governor’s desk.&nbsp;SENATE FLOOR ACTION<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2184/" target="_blank">HB 2184</a>&nbsp;would shift deposit of docket fees previously credited to the Judicial Council Fund to the State General Fund. Currently, the Judicial Council receives 0.99 percent of docket fees.&nbsp; The bill would remove statutory provisions that direct the State Treasurer to credit 0.99 percent of revenues from docket fees to the Judicial Council Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2184 passed 35-3.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2238/" target="_blank">HB 2238</a>&nbsp;also known as the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act would create the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (Act) and require interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by public educational entities or any school or private postsecondary educational institution whose students or teams compete against a public educational entity to be expressly designated based on biological sex.&nbsp;HB 2238 passed 28-11.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb114/" target="_blank">SB 114</a>&nbsp;would define advance recycling and related terms and provide exemptions to solid waste management system and similar terms.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 114 passed 28-10.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted no as this process is already occurring in Kansas under KDHE rules and bonding requirements - this bill would carve out advanced recycling from under the current laws all Kansas recyclers must follow including mechanical recycling (tire recycling).&nbsp;Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp; <a>PAGES FOR THE SENATE – March 8 and 9</a>On March 8th, Lexi Smith from Belleville and Kryslynn Carlson from Scandia; and on March 9th, Bricen Benyshek, Paige McWhorter, Isabelle Plush, David Schmidt, and Qwinter Thrash, from Concordia, were pages for the Kansas Senate.&nbsp; The pages spent their day with us at the Capitol running errands, working in my office, attending committee meetings, and taking an historical tour of the Capitol as well as the dome tour.FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE –&nbsp;Scott Schwab WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH March is Women’s History Month – an opportunity to recognize women’s contributions to our state and nation. Kansas women were at the frontlines of the suffrage movement and helped to secure voting rights for women in Kansas before the national movement. Elwill M. Shanahan was the first female Kansas Secretary of State from 1966 to 1978. Secretary Shanahan was the first woman to hold a position in the constitutionally elected branch of Kansas government and the second female president of the National Association of Secretaries of State in 1975. Learn more about the women who paved the way for us through the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQMyJ9G7V9Cle8KenbeDeT12PEbNfIG6jR3lreyBUZWjn8AIPQT_gabiVDBgmLx65BPlIfmb_pjrf7grtuElaYdxTb3dZZckV7s9Fjgs_9i3qSljY_1HRVA4MAieJdK-NJYrg6kxTZhDHF&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Kansas Historical Society</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM35WGz1B-8VHeVf53MFeqmco2bbvAVq04K-F_IoXAlgedzIpZ_hs5CXxJTJRisE84yWau27YsqSk7jFxPeB3udp5F1ILaWAdARI_2kf5DbcIulYKgi5RCNRdg913oHWpfS9ZHOLneZSDi_0nRNdvjje5frJ_mTFlqpeeyFtlYCK-yvES5kuo6O2fq0eKifHypLPg_lVvbkHMEpB3HqS_XEtMNn0D-5Vcuwf07AONzFEc_2qBRYXWu_cGFNvHWIKyjx2UyjsCZU1Uxf5VWRlyBuJEl9pbjXHNZEOGEIPdkQq4E1tQvrdstIo=&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Kansas State Department of Education</a>.&nbsp;One of the best ways to celebrate the suffrage movement is to register to vote. The following links are available to ensure you are prepared to participate in the upcoming municipal elections.&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM-bjvat1PbveLF-QPuUzvEGxkThqtNOODZ2knceeyqAMCWlazHXHT4OvSWP59Fx40HuBbgpO4SgLICxjIfiwboVbTdEsOgkLuL7WJlScEnH1MViPc2e8wi-SUz1LkzSmwA==&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Register to vote</a> <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM5aICTZJ98Ce644JzzfooN2dpjK08BdwPuShmtlizdELR64ZkmhNRE7UasnOVx42IV1-I37KJInAvlQuil1oMdlwNpqkpfo-lRlMPtaDeQP-ReSf35WZx6A=&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Check your voter information</a> <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM35WGz1B-8VHJbufUbY038mBbLbYHPi961x6HUVWrzB4XI3u6YqmddVCeRUM_PGehFmhipT2Eq8vozDdZ8Ao81fEJ4gyUhGE5m2BuyEUZoPVDOneEveu7lBdwDkVa2_oLt-jy1Q7R-uE&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Election Resources</a> <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001igE1witHfQi9zA9DKBrw6VKgReZ_Rj0uo-b2Nm0dE4OnTIXR0ckQM5i0W54ZGCs6TgiQ5jF78HvmMXcQ4l5KfcNg1dZOebgtlL99gdwFzAH9gmLNK13hkOBmW92elHoBKyy3SQAMJCsy7i45fbU26OgCq-PUs2KeRu5Gmgtn8-I=&amp;c=DOWTv6gAdezDkmIoaX24BjTYePIcKXv3UZAq4_NAczfV36bdtTimmw==&amp;ch=ySq2niq6KRRfDDjsiGSuNhA-Lh5b6hduHCkPkOGTJzd1qNB4NYOHfA==" target="_blank">Volunteer in the 2023 elections</a> <a>LEGISLATIVE TOWNHALLS</a>I have conducted several legislative townhalls throughout the 36th&nbsp;Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks.&nbsp; On Saturday, March 18th, Representative Lisa Moser and I will be starting the day with a townhall in Belleville at 9:00 a.m. at Bel Villa.&nbsp; Next, we will be in Washington at 11:00 a.m. at the Salebarn Cafe.&nbsp; On 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 AM at Espresso Etc.WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE<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.Kansas Legislature website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;- has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, and past sessions.THANK YOU FOR ENGAGINGThank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. 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>. 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. 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 Weeks 8 & 9, March 13

Decades&nbsp;ago, we bought a little bungalow on two acres outside of Ellis. This starter home had many charms,&nbsp;but&nbsp;my favorite&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;fenced&nbsp;garden spot behind the old barn.&nbsp;It&nbsp;planted&nbsp;a lifelong&nbsp;love for growing food&nbsp;and flowers&nbsp;in yours truly. Since&nbsp;then,&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;learned a thing or two, including what I wish I’d known then—horseradish&nbsp;is a top-shelf&nbsp;condiment&nbsp;with the added bonus of&nbsp;clearing&nbsp;sinuses better than&nbsp;a&nbsp;saline rinse.&nbsp;You can also companion plant&nbsp;its&nbsp;interesting leaves&nbsp;near fruiting trees and&nbsp;bushes&nbsp;to&nbsp;deter&nbsp;pests.

​That&nbsp;home&nbsp;had long&nbsp;stood&nbsp;empty&nbsp;before&nbsp;we&nbsp;took possession&nbsp;in October.&nbsp;Not surprisingly, chest-high&nbsp;weeds&nbsp;had overtaken&nbsp;the garden. I spent weeks&nbsp;pulling deep-rooted pigweed and other noxious&nbsp;growth&nbsp;from the barb-wire enclosed&nbsp;site.&nbsp;As I filled&nbsp;towering burn piles with my efforts, I&nbsp;spied a corner filled with&nbsp;large,&nbsp;wrinkly, saw-tooth leaves&nbsp;surrounding a fence post. Tangled roots&nbsp;delayed&nbsp;removal,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I noted&nbsp;a pungent odor. &nbsp;I asked an experienced green thumb to identify this mystery plant before I&nbsp;dug into the mess. She called it horseradish and told me to leave it.&nbsp;At that time, I’d only smelled horseradish&nbsp;but&nbsp;never tasted it, and since&nbsp;those plants occupied such&nbsp;a small portion of our big garden, I&nbsp;followed her advice.

​Our cottage sat near Big Creek&nbsp;on&nbsp;flood plain-enriched soil. Year after year, we grew&nbsp;an&nbsp;abundance of&nbsp;tomatoes, peppers, melons, corn, cucumbers, okra, potatoes, onions, spinach, and other veggies.&nbsp;Planting&nbsp;a seed or tucking&nbsp;a tomato&nbsp;or pepper&nbsp;plant in that rich, dark&nbsp;loam guaranteed rooting. Our toughest job&nbsp;required&nbsp;pick off&nbsp;horn worms&nbsp;and&nbsp;beetles&nbsp;before the&nbsp;bugs destroyed our plants.&nbsp;

​As predictable as the calendar, that corner of horseradish returned&nbsp;every year. Oddly,&nbsp;I never thought&nbsp;to&nbsp;learn&nbsp;how to use it. Keep in mind,&nbsp;I&nbsp;couldn’t look something up on&nbsp;a&nbsp;phone with the click of a button,&nbsp;I saw no fruit&nbsp;on the plant,&nbsp;and&nbsp;no one I knew&nbsp;used these roots.

​Fast forward 42 years. We went to&nbsp;a&nbsp;restaurant that served prime beef with&nbsp;a&nbsp;side-dollop of&nbsp;freshly grated horseradish. Despite its spicy-hot scent, my husband and I&nbsp;curiously&nbsp;dabbed some&nbsp;on a bite of meat.&nbsp;Oh,&nbsp;my goodness, what had&nbsp;we&nbsp;missed out on all those years!&nbsp;That little dip of grated root added intense flavor&nbsp;and a sinus cleaning at the same time.&nbsp;Not long afterward,&nbsp;a foodie friend gave us a jar of Porubsky&nbsp;pickles&nbsp;processed&nbsp;with horseradish.&nbsp;What a rush of&nbsp;sensory overload&nbsp;followed by unstuffed nasal passages!

​Several decades and houses later, we will plant our first horseradish roots&nbsp;this spring.&nbsp;I found several&nbsp;internet&nbsp;sites offering guidance&nbsp;for&nbsp;first growing and then&nbsp;grinding this spicy mustard-family root.&nbsp;These experienced horseradish users recommend&nbsp;processing&nbsp;in&nbsp;a well-ventilated area&nbsp;while&nbsp;wearing&nbsp;protective&nbsp;gloves&nbsp;and eye gear.&nbsp;After&nbsp;irritating&nbsp;my fingers processing jalapeños, I’ll follow their&nbsp;directions.&nbsp;The stunner with horseradish is that once you grate or grind peeled roots, you&nbsp;simply&nbsp;add vinegar to preserve it.&nbsp;

​Come late fall, we’ll&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;a&nbsp;batch&nbsp;of&nbsp;freshly&nbsp;ground horseradish and the clearest sinuses in town.&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;guessing I’ll add a little to a jar of okra pickles just for kicks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678468053000.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​By KAREN MADORINDecades&nbsp;ago, we bought a little bungalow on two acres outside of Ellis. This starter home had many charms,&nbsp;but&nbsp;my favorite&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;fenced&nbsp;garden spot behind the old barn.&nbsp;It&nbsp;planted&nbsp;a lifelong&nbsp;love for growing food&nbsp;and flowers&nbsp;in yours truly. Since&nbsp;then,&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;learned a thing or two, including what I wish I’d known then—horseradish&nbsp;is a top-shelf&nbsp;condiment&nbsp;with the added bonus of&nbsp;clearing&nbsp;sinuses better than&nbsp;a&nbsp;saline rinse.&nbsp;You can also companion plant&nbsp;its&nbsp;interesting leaves&nbsp;near fruiting trees and&nbsp;bushes&nbsp;to&nbsp;deter&nbsp;pests.​That&nbsp;home&nbsp;had long&nbsp;stood&nbsp;empty&nbsp;before&nbsp;we&nbsp;took possession&nbsp;in October.&nbsp;Not surprisingly, chest-high&nbsp;weeds&nbsp;had overtaken&nbsp;the garden. I spent weeks&nbsp;pulling deep-rooted pigweed and other noxious&nbsp;growth&nbsp;from the barb-wire enclosed&nbsp;site.&nbsp;As I filled&nbsp;towering burn piles with my efforts, I&nbsp;spied a corner filled with&nbsp;large,&nbsp;wrinkly, saw-tooth leaves&nbsp;surrounding a fence post. Tangled roots&nbsp;delayed&nbsp;removal,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I noted&nbsp;a pungent odor. &nbsp;I asked an experienced green thumb to identify this mystery plant before I&nbsp;dug into the mess. She called it horseradish and told me to leave it.&nbsp;At that time, I’d only smelled horseradish&nbsp;but&nbsp;never tasted it, and since&nbsp;those plants occupied such&nbsp;a small portion of our big garden, I&nbsp;followed her advice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​Our cottage sat near Big Creek&nbsp;on&nbsp;flood plain-enriched soil. Year after year, we grew&nbsp;an&nbsp;abundance of&nbsp;tomatoes, peppers, melons, corn, cucumbers, okra, potatoes, onions, spinach, and other veggies.&nbsp;Planting&nbsp;a seed or tucking&nbsp;a tomato&nbsp;or pepper&nbsp;plant in that rich, dark&nbsp;loam guaranteed rooting. Our toughest job&nbsp;required&nbsp;pick off&nbsp;horn worms&nbsp;and&nbsp;beetles&nbsp;before the&nbsp;bugs destroyed our plants.&nbsp;​As predictable as the calendar, that corner of horseradish returned&nbsp;every year. Oddly,&nbsp;I never thought&nbsp;to&nbsp;learn&nbsp;how to use it. Keep in mind,&nbsp;I&nbsp;couldn’t look something up on&nbsp;a&nbsp;phone with the click of a button,&nbsp;I saw no fruit&nbsp;on the plant,&nbsp;and&nbsp;no one I knew&nbsp;used these roots.​Fast forward 42 years. We went to&nbsp;a&nbsp;restaurant that served prime beef with&nbsp;a&nbsp;side-dollop of&nbsp;freshly grated horseradish. Despite its spicy-hot scent, my husband and I&nbsp;curiously&nbsp;dabbed some&nbsp;on a bite of meat.&nbsp;Oh,&nbsp;my goodness, what had&nbsp;we&nbsp;missed out on all those years!&nbsp;That little dip of grated root added intense flavor&nbsp;and a sinus cleaning at the same time.&nbsp;Not long afterward,&nbsp;a foodie friend gave us a jar of Porubsky&nbsp;pickles&nbsp;processed&nbsp;with horseradish.&nbsp;What a rush of&nbsp;sensory overload&nbsp;followed by unstuffed nasal passages!​Several decades and houses later, we will plant our first horseradish roots&nbsp;this spring.&nbsp;I found several&nbsp;internet&nbsp;sites offering guidance&nbsp;for&nbsp;first growing and then&nbsp;grinding this spicy mustard-family root.&nbsp;These experienced horseradish users recommend&nbsp;processing&nbsp;in&nbsp;a well-ventilated area&nbsp;while&nbsp;wearing&nbsp;protective&nbsp;gloves&nbsp;and eye gear.&nbsp;After&nbsp;irritating&nbsp;my fingers processing jalapeños, I’ll follow their&nbsp;directions.&nbsp;The stunner with horseradish is that once you grate or grind peeled roots, you&nbsp;simply&nbsp;add vinegar to preserve it.&nbsp;​Come late fall, we’ll&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;a&nbsp;batch&nbsp;of&nbsp;freshly&nbsp;ground horseradish and the clearest sinuses in town.&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;guessing I’ll add a little to a jar of okra pickles just for kicks.

MADORIN: Clearest sinuses in town

As one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.&nbsp;

In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Kansas&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;to legalize the medical use of cannabis.&nbsp;

Using&nbsp;the&nbsp;personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with&nbsp;chronic pain, seizure disorders, and&nbsp;Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).&nbsp;

This&nbsp;call to action, however, faces&nbsp;uncertainty&nbsp;in the&nbsp;legislature.&nbsp;

A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.&nbsp;

This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.&nbsp;

Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.&nbsp;

Last week, the&nbsp;Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs&nbsp;held hearings&nbsp;on&nbsp;legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.&nbsp;

The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.

During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis&nbsp;and&nbsp;warned of&nbsp;criminal activity that may result from legalization.

They also&nbsp;argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.

Proponents, on the other hand, argued it was time for Kansas to move on this issue.

The&nbsp;federal nature of the U.S. system has created a complicated patchwork of state policies with regard to controlled substances, such as marijuana.

Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal under federal law, but this has not stopped states from adopting their own approaches.

In recent years, many states have liberalized their laws on the regulation&nbsp;of marijuana&nbsp;sale and&nbsp;use.

Currently,&nbsp;37 states&nbsp;and the District of Columbia allow the use of cannabis for&nbsp;medically&nbsp;qualified individuals, leaving Kansas in the minority.&nbsp;

States that&nbsp;allow&nbsp;the sale&nbsp;and use of marijuana&nbsp;collect&nbsp;tax revenue that goes&nbsp;to a variety of sources from education funds to public safety and corrections departments.&nbsp;

In addition, public support&nbsp;for&nbsp;legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational&nbsp;use&nbsp;has increased in recent years. An October 2022 Pew Research&nbsp;survey&nbsp;indicates that 89% of Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use.&nbsp;

Kansas may feel pressure&nbsp;from growing public&nbsp;support&nbsp;to legalize&nbsp;marijuana for&nbsp;medicinal and recreational use, as well as&nbsp;from neighboring states&nbsp;changing their policies.

This year,&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;legalized&nbsp;recreational sale and use of cannabis and estimates suggest&nbsp;individuals spent nearly $13 million on cannabis products during the first weekend of sales alone.&nbsp;

Kansas border cities could face unique challenges as dispensaries open up on the other side of the Kansas-Missouri line.&nbsp;

Conversely,&nbsp;Oklahoma voters, who previously approved of a medical marijuana system in 2018,&nbsp;voted against the legalizations of&nbsp;recreational use on Tuesday, March 7.

With the politics of marijuana continually changing, the question remains, what will Kansas do on medical cannabis?

Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678373196929.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University." />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>As one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.&nbsp;In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Kansas&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;to legalize the medical use of cannabis.&nbsp;Using&nbsp;the&nbsp;personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with&nbsp;chronic pain, seizure disorders, and&nbsp;Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).&nbsp;This&nbsp;call to action, however, faces&nbsp;uncertainty&nbsp;in the&nbsp;legislature.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.&nbsp;This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.&nbsp;Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.&nbsp;Last week, the&nbsp;Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs&nbsp;held hearings&nbsp;on&nbsp;legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.&nbsp;The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis&nbsp;and&nbsp;warned of&nbsp;criminal activity that may result from legalization.They also&nbsp;argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.Proponents, on the other hand, argued it was time for Kansas to move on this issue.The&nbsp;federal nature of the U.S. system has created a complicated patchwork of state policies with regard to controlled substances, such as marijuana.Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal under federal law, but this has not stopped states from adopting their own approaches.In recent years, many states have liberalized their laws on the regulation&nbsp;of marijuana&nbsp;sale and&nbsp;use.Currently,&nbsp;37 states&nbsp;and the District of Columbia allow the use of cannabis for&nbsp;medically&nbsp;qualified individuals, leaving Kansas in the minority.&nbsp;States that&nbsp;allow&nbsp;the sale&nbsp;and use of marijuana&nbsp;collect&nbsp;tax revenue that goes&nbsp;to a variety of sources from education funds to public safety and corrections departments.&nbsp;In addition, public support&nbsp;for&nbsp;legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational&nbsp;use&nbsp;has increased in recent years. An October 2022 Pew Research&nbsp;survey&nbsp;indicates that 89% of Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use.&nbsp;Kansas may feel pressure&nbsp;from growing public&nbsp;support&nbsp;to legalize&nbsp;marijuana for&nbsp;medicinal and recreational use, as well as&nbsp;from neighboring states&nbsp;changing their policies.This year,&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;legalized&nbsp;recreational sale and use of cannabis and estimates suggest&nbsp;individuals spent nearly $13 million on cannabis products during the first weekend of sales alone.&nbsp;Kansas border cities could face unique challenges as dispensaries open up on the other side of the Kansas-Missouri line.&nbsp;Conversely,&nbsp;Oklahoma voters, who previously approved of a medical marijuana system in 2018,&nbsp;voted against the legalizations of&nbsp;recreational use on Tuesday, March 7.With the politics of marijuana continually changing, the question remains, what will Kansas do on medical cannabis?Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas an outlier on medical cannabis

Anytime now, those tremendous&nbsp;black birds we see soaring on the warm thermal updrafts of spring and summer,&nbsp;commonly&nbsp;known as&nbsp;“buzzards,”&nbsp;will&nbsp;again arrive in Kansas&nbsp;from their warm winter&nbsp;South American digs.&nbsp;Those winged&nbsp;mammoths are&nbsp;in fact Turkey Vultures, and along with&nbsp;tulips,&nbsp;daffodils&nbsp;and&nbsp;Red-Winged Blackbirds are one of the most reliable and&nbsp;predictable&nbsp;signs that spring&nbsp;is at&nbsp;least around the corner.

Hinckley, Ohio has an annual festival celebrating the return of&nbsp;turkey vultures to their&nbsp;skies, where they have arrived&nbsp;precisely&nbsp;on March 15 since at least 1957.&nbsp;The first&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;after their arrival&nbsp;at Hinckley is celebrated as Buzzard Sunday. Buzzard Sunday was cancelled&nbsp;in 2021&nbsp;because of Covid,&nbsp;and I&nbsp;will never forget the irony of a virus cancelling an event centered around a&nbsp;huge&nbsp;carnivorous&nbsp;bird&nbsp;that eats&nbsp;dead and possibly&nbsp;diseased&nbsp;flesh&nbsp;like we eat&nbsp;birthday cake.

The&nbsp;flight&nbsp;of a&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;Vulture&nbsp;is as hypnotic and graceful as&nbsp;its&nbsp;appearance is&nbsp;gruesome. They truly have a face only a mother vulture could love! The red featherless head and neck that makes them appear so hideous, also earns them their name, as they do resemble a wild turkey in that regard.&nbsp;Now this subject matter will possibly bring me all the notoriety of being crowned the Spring Toad Queen, but I’ve always&nbsp;liked&nbsp;the underdog, and I feel vultures get a bum rap, not to mention their importance in our environment.&nbsp;

Turkey Vultures are natures “garbage collectors.” In fact, their scientific name literally means “cleanser.” The vast majority of a vulture’s diet is carrion; flattened, smeared across the highway, baked in the sun road kill!&nbsp;Bird watchers give them the abbreviated name of&nbsp;TV, (short for Turkey Vulture)&nbsp;so their meals become TV Dinners!&nbsp;I found through research, that vultures do eat a surprising amount of vegetation,&nbsp;probably to get that “sun-ripened road kill” taste out of their beaks! They posses something most birds do not; a sense of smell. This combined with excellent&nbsp;eyesight, allows them to spot food from a great distance. I believe God designed everything for its purpose, and these fellows are certainly engineered for their job. They are immense, and can be as tall as 32 inches with a wingspan of 6 feet. A featherless head and neck facilitates cleanup after spending hours&nbsp;with&nbsp;it buried in some carcass. 

A specialized beak is built for tearing apart tough, rubbery flesh. Its claws are like a chicken’s; built not for grasping and ripping, but for hopping and walking. Like owls, vultures regurgitate pellets of indigestible bones and flesh. Powerful enzymes in their&nbsp;digestive systems destroy any bacteria they ingest. Experts believe these enzymes&nbsp;could possibly&nbsp;even sterilize and render harmless remains of an animal killed by anthrax or mad cow disease. A vulture’s main means of defense is also quite a nasty one. They possess&nbsp;the revolting ability to vomit, almost at will, when scared or cornered. (I can think of NO good reason to corner a turkey vulture anyway.)&nbsp;

Nesting is not a&nbsp;priority for Turkey Vultures. In fact, they don’t’ build one. Two eggs are usually laid in a rocky crevice, an old abandoned building, or some other&nbsp;camouflaged spot on the ground. For a few years&nbsp;we&nbsp;watched a pair&nbsp;that laid&nbsp;their eggs and hatched their young in an old&nbsp;granary&nbsp;amidst the ruins of a&nbsp;tumble-down old shed. The “nest”&nbsp;was a slightly wallowed-out spot in the dust on the floor of the old granary, and&nbsp;was urrounded by an old cowboy boot and dirt &amp; filth that had&nbsp;collected there over the years. While&nbsp;never&nbsp;privileged to watch the young learn to fly,&nbsp;we knew they did, because&nbsp;we arrived a time or two to&nbsp;find&nbsp;them perched on the old windmill nearby.&nbsp;So captivated&nbsp;were&nbsp;we by their effortless soaring that Joyce&nbsp;then-and-there&nbsp;proclaimed them to be her&nbsp;favorite bird.

Vultures from northern states spend winters as far south as South America. According to my research, their migratory patterns vary, and no one seems certain exactly where our Kansas vultures head when the snow flies.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the next time you spot&nbsp;some of these behemoths nimbly floating on the&nbsp;wind,&nbsp;stop and watch them for a while. Try to get past their grisly appearance, and quietly thank then for picking up our garbage.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted 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>Anytime now, those tremendous&nbsp;black birds we see soaring on the warm thermal updrafts of spring and summer,&nbsp;commonly&nbsp;known as&nbsp;“buzzards,”&nbsp;will&nbsp;again arrive in Kansas&nbsp;from their warm winter&nbsp;South American digs.&nbsp;Those winged&nbsp;mammoths are&nbsp;in fact Turkey Vultures, and along with&nbsp;tulips,&nbsp;daffodils&nbsp;and&nbsp;Red-Winged Blackbirds are one of the most reliable and&nbsp;predictable&nbsp;signs that spring&nbsp;is at&nbsp;least around the corner.Hinckley, Ohio has an annual festival celebrating the return of&nbsp;turkey vultures to their&nbsp;skies, where they have arrived&nbsp;precisely&nbsp;on March 15 since at least 1957.&nbsp;The first&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;after their arrival&nbsp;at Hinckley is celebrated as Buzzard Sunday. Buzzard Sunday was cancelled&nbsp;in 2021&nbsp;because of Covid,&nbsp;and I&nbsp;will never forget the irony of a virus cancelling an event centered around a&nbsp;huge&nbsp;carnivorous&nbsp;bird&nbsp;that eats&nbsp;dead and possibly&nbsp;diseased&nbsp;flesh&nbsp;like we eat&nbsp;birthday cake.The&nbsp;flight&nbsp;of a&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;Vulture&nbsp;is as hypnotic and graceful as&nbsp;its&nbsp;appearance is&nbsp;gruesome. They truly have a face only a mother vulture could love! The red featherless head and neck that makes them appear so hideous, also earns them their name, as they do resemble a wild turkey in that regard.&nbsp;Now this subject matter will possibly bring me all the notoriety of being crowned the Spring Toad Queen, but I’ve always&nbsp;liked&nbsp;the underdog, and I feel vultures get a bum rap, not to mention their importance in our environment.&nbsp;Turkey Vultures are natures “garbage collectors.” In fact, their scientific name literally means “cleanser.” The vast majority of a vulture’s diet is carrion; flattened, smeared across the highway, baked in the sun road kill!&nbsp;Bird watchers give them the abbreviated name of&nbsp;TV, (short for Turkey Vulture)&nbsp;so their meals become TV Dinners!&nbsp;I found through research, that vultures do eat a surprising amount of vegetation,&nbsp;probably to get that “sun-ripened road kill” taste out of their beaks! They posses something most birds do not; a sense of smell. This combined with excellent&nbsp;eyesight, allows them to spot food from a great distance. I believe God designed everything for its purpose, and these fellows are certainly engineered for their job. They are immense, and can be as tall as 32 inches with a wingspan of 6 feet. A featherless head and neck facilitates cleanup after spending hours&nbsp;with&nbsp;it buried in some carcass. A specialized beak is built for tearing apart tough, rubbery flesh. Its claws are like a chicken’s; built not for grasping and ripping, but for hopping and walking. Like owls, vultures regurgitate pellets of indigestible bones and flesh. Powerful enzymes in their&nbsp;digestive systems destroy any bacteria they ingest. Experts believe these enzymes&nbsp;could possibly&nbsp;even sterilize and render harmless remains of an animal killed by anthrax or mad cow disease. A vulture’s main means of defense is also quite a nasty one. They possess&nbsp;the revolting ability to vomit, almost at will, when scared or cornered. (I can think of NO good reason to corner a turkey vulture anyway.)&nbsp;Nesting is not a&nbsp;priority for Turkey Vultures. In fact, they don’t’ build one. Two eggs are usually laid in a rocky crevice, an old abandoned building, or some other&nbsp;camouflaged spot on the ground. For a few years&nbsp;we&nbsp;watched a pair&nbsp;that laid&nbsp;their eggs and hatched their young in an old&nbsp;granary&nbsp;amidst the ruins of a&nbsp;tumble-down old shed. The “nest”&nbsp;was a slightly wallowed-out spot in the dust on the floor of the old granary, and&nbsp;was urrounded by an old cowboy boot and dirt &amp; filth that had&nbsp;collected there over the years. While&nbsp;never&nbsp;privileged to watch the young learn to fly,&nbsp;we knew they did, because&nbsp;we arrived a time or two to&nbsp;find&nbsp;them perched on the old windmill nearby.&nbsp;So captivated&nbsp;were&nbsp;we by their effortless soaring that Joyce&nbsp;then-and-there&nbsp;proclaimed them to be her&nbsp;favorite bird.Vultures from northern states spend winters as far south as South America. According to my research, their migratory patterns vary, and no one seems certain exactly where our Kansas vultures head when the snow flies.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the next time you spot&nbsp;some of these behemoths nimbly floating on the&nbsp;wind,&nbsp;stop and watch them for a while. Try to get past their grisly appearance, and quietly thank then for picking up our garbage.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Spring (or a vulture) is in the air

This week the Kansas House of Representatives debated nearly 10 bills on the House Floor.

Here are the details for some of the bills that we debated.

On Tuesday, we started with House Bill 2344 which expands the membership of the council on travel and tourism. It also updates the committee assignment required for members appointed from the House of Representatives.

House Bill 2144 modifies a noncharitable irrevocable trust to provide that the rule against perpetuities is inapplicable.

House Bill 2083 creates the Kansas Vacant Property Act which would prohibit municipalities from imposing any fees or registration requirements on the basis that property is unoccupied.

House Bill 2077 implements additional reporting requirements for informational technology projects.

House Concurrent Resolution 5005 makes an application to the Congress of the United States to call a convention of states.

Wednesday, we only debated House Bill 2304, which standardizes firearm safety programs in school districts.

Thursday was tax day in the House. House Bill 2002 continues the reimbursement for printing and postage costs for county clerks beyond calendar year 2023.

House Bill 2201 requires prior year tax information be included on the classification and appraised valuation notice.

House Bill 2229 provides a deduction from sales tax when selling and buying different motor vehicles within 180 days.

House Bill 2106 provides for a sales tax exemption for sales of property and services used in communication services.

As I will mention in the next section, the House Appropriations Committee is diligently working to complete the budget committee reports so we can then reconstruct the budget for the state of Kansas. Even though the state is experiencing a positive ending balance, that could change relatively quickly. Either from additional spending or changes to tax policy, the ending surplus can easily become a deficit. We have been cognizant of the current spending levels for the state of Kansas and have been analyzing where reductions could be made.

As for the revenue stream, I have been in discussions with leadership in both the House and Senate, as well as the House Tax Committee chairman, on where and to what amount we could sustain tax cuts. Currently, the House Tax Committee is reviewing the tax packages passed by the Senate and assessing sustainable tax cuts for income, sales, and property taxes are possible.

This week, the House Appropriations Committee continued budget work with the budget committee reports and held hearings on bills.

Tuesday, March 7, we analyzed the budgets from the General Government Budget and Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committees. We heard the reports on the Kansas Human Rights Commission, Department of Administration, Kansas Board of Hearing Aid Examiners, Office of Information Technology Services, Kansas Department of Transportation, and Department of Corrections.

Wednesday, March 8, we heard the budget for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. We also conducted four bill hearings. Senate Bill 42 authorizes payment for certain claims against the state of Kansas. Senate Bill 195 authorizes the Children’s Cabinet to form a 501 (C)(3) for fundraising for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Book Gifting Program. House Bill 2273 appropriates the budget for various state agencies for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026. House Bill 2274 makes supplemental appropriations for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 to various state agencies.

Thursday, March 9, we had the budget reports for the Kansas Department of Children and Families and the Department of Education. We should finalize the budget reports from the budget committees on Tuesday, March 14, and then begin the process of constructing the state budget.

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

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (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 Waymaster, 109th Dist., R-Bunker Hill" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, 109th Dist., R-Bunker Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>March 10, 2023House Floor ActionThis week the Kansas House of Representatives debated nearly 10 bills on the House Floor.Here are the details for some of the bills that we debated.On Tuesday, we started with House Bill 2344 which expands the membership of the council on travel and tourism. It also updates the committee assignment required for members appointed from the House of Representatives.House Bill 2144 modifies a noncharitable irrevocable trust to provide that the rule against perpetuities is inapplicable.House Bill 2083 creates the Kansas Vacant Property Act which would prohibit municipalities from imposing any fees or registration requirements on the basis that property is unoccupied.House Bill 2077 implements additional reporting requirements for informational technology projects.House Concurrent Resolution 5005 makes an application to the Congress of the United States to call a convention of states.Wednesday, we only debated House Bill 2304, which standardizes firearm safety programs in school districts.Thursday was tax day in the House. House Bill 2002 continues the reimbursement for printing and postage costs for county clerks beyond calendar year 2023.House Bill 2201 requires prior year tax information be included on the classification and appraised valuation notice.House Bill 2229 provides a deduction from sales tax when selling and buying different motor vehicles within 180 days.House Bill 2106 provides for a sales tax exemption for sales of property and services used in communication services.Kansas BudgetAs I will mention in the next section, the House Appropriations Committee is diligently working to complete the budget committee reports so we can then reconstruct the budget for the state of Kansas. Even though the state is experiencing a positive ending balance, that could change relatively quickly. Either from additional spending or changes to tax policy, the ending surplus can easily become a deficit. We have been cognizant of the current spending levels for the state of Kansas and have been analyzing where reductions could be made.As for the revenue stream, I have been in discussions with leadership in both the House and Senate, as well as the House Tax Committee chairman, on where and to what amount we could sustain tax cuts. Currently, the House Tax Committee is reviewing the tax packages passed by the Senate and assessing sustainable tax cuts for income, sales, and property taxes are possible.House Appropriations CommitteeThis week, the House Appropriations Committee continued budget work with the budget committee reports and held hearings on bills.Tuesday, March 7, we analyzed the budgets from the General Government Budget and Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committees. We heard the reports on the Kansas Human Rights Commission, Department of Administration, Kansas Board of Hearing Aid Examiners, Office of Information Technology Services, Kansas Department of Transportation, and Department of Corrections.Wednesday, March 8, we heard the budget for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. We also conducted four bill hearings. Senate Bill 42 authorizes payment for certain claims against the state of Kansas. Senate Bill 195 authorizes the Children’s Cabinet to form a 501 (C)(3) for fundraising for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Book Gifting Program. House Bill 2273 appropriates the budget for various state agencies for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026. House Bill 2274 makes supplemental appropriations for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 to various state agencies.Thursday, March 9, we had the budget reports for the Kansas Department of Children and Families and the Department of Education. We should finalize the budget reports from the budget committees on Tuesday, March 14, and then begin the process of constructing the state budget.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at www.kslegislature.org.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (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 10, 2023

By TISA MASON FHSU president

The future of rural Kansas stands at a crossroads. Decades of declining and aging populations have stripped our communities of the critical human capital that fuels and sustains economic prosperity. A series of informal conversations between North Central Kansas Technical College President Eric Burks, Northwest Kansas Technical College President Ben&nbsp;Schears, and I&nbsp;rapidly&nbsp;became a shared vision for what we, working in close collaboration,&nbsp;could do to contribute to a brighter tomorrow for the communities we serve.&nbsp;

In January, that shared vision evolved into a comprehensive plan for a voluntary strategic affiliation to align the efforts of our three institutions. Over the course of a couple of weeks in mid-January, that plan was proposed and unanimously and enthusiastically approved by the three governing boards that oversee our institutions. We are deeply grateful to the Area of Board Control, the governing body for Northwest Tech, the NCK Tech Board of Trustees, and the Kansas Board of Regents.&nbsp;These&nbsp;endorsements&nbsp;provided invaluable early momentum to our affiliation plan.&nbsp;

In late January, our plan was submitted as Kansas House of Representatives Bill 2290. Fortunately, we enjoyed the strong support of several organizations and leaders in our community. We were blessed to include in our legislative packet strong written endorsements from the City of Hays, The Kansas Chamber, the Chamber in Hays, and Mark Hess, the Vice President of Sales and Services with Hays-based Hess Services, Incorporated.&nbsp;

On February 21, 2023, HB2290 was brought before Chair Steven Howe’s House Higher Education Budget Committee. At the hearing, we were honored to be joined by Dr. Sheree&nbsp;Utash, the President of WSU Tech, who strongly endorsed the proposed legislation on behalf of the Kansas Association of Technical Colleges. With no opposition submitted or presented to the committee, the affiliation plan bill was unanimously approved.&nbsp;On March&nbsp;2, HB2290 was passed by the full Kansas House of Representatives. The bill was referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee on March 6.&nbsp;

We are overwhelmed and immensely thankful for the tremendous support we’ve received since introducing&nbsp;this plan in early January.&nbsp;While there remain several stages this legislation must pass, we are confident that this is the right affiliation plan at the right time for rural Kansas. We believe&nbsp;our efforts will forge stronger connections between our three institutions, our students, and the communities and businesses we serve.&nbsp;

Please follow our strategic affiliation initiative and share your feedback and questions online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/">fhsu.edu/affiliation</a>.

By TISA MASON FHSU presidentThe future of rural Kansas stands at a crossroads. Decades of declining and aging populations have stripped our communities of the critical human capital that fuels and sustains economic prosperity. A series of informal conversations between North Central Kansas Technical College President Eric Burks, Northwest Kansas Technical College President Ben&nbsp;Schears, and I&nbsp;rapidly&nbsp;became a shared vision for what we, working in close collaboration,&nbsp;could do to contribute to a brighter tomorrow for the communities we serve.&nbsp;In January, that shared vision evolved into a comprehensive plan for a voluntary strategic affiliation to align the efforts of our three institutions. Over the course of a couple of weeks in mid-January, that plan was proposed and unanimously and enthusiastically approved by the three governing boards that oversee our institutions. We are deeply grateful to the Area of Board Control, the governing body for Northwest Tech, the NCK Tech Board of Trustees, and the Kansas Board of Regents.&nbsp;These&nbsp;endorsements&nbsp;provided invaluable early momentum to our affiliation plan.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In late January, our plan was submitted as Kansas House of Representatives Bill 2290. Fortunately, we enjoyed the strong support of several organizations and leaders in our community. We were blessed to include in our legislative packet strong written endorsements from the City of Hays, The Kansas Chamber, the Chamber in Hays, and Mark Hess, the Vice President of Sales and Services with Hays-based Hess Services, Incorporated.&nbsp;On February 21, 2023, HB2290 was brought before Chair Steven Howe’s House Higher Education Budget Committee. At the hearing, we were honored to be joined by Dr. Sheree&nbsp;Utash, the President of WSU Tech, who strongly endorsed the proposed legislation on behalf of the Kansas Association of Technical Colleges. With no opposition submitted or presented to the committee, the affiliation plan bill was unanimously approved.&nbsp;On March&nbsp;2, HB2290 was passed by the full Kansas House of Representatives. The bill was referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee on March 6.&nbsp;We are overwhelmed and immensely thankful for the tremendous support we’ve received since introducing&nbsp;this plan in early January.&nbsp;While there remain several stages this legislation must pass, we are confident that this is the right affiliation plan at the right time for rural Kansas. We believe&nbsp;our efforts will forge stronger connections between our three institutions, our students, and the communities and businesses we serve.&nbsp;Please follow our strategic affiliation initiative and share your feedback and questions online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/president/affiliation/">fhsu.edu/affiliation</a>.

LETTER: Thank you to the champions backing affiliation initiative

When culture-war battles reach a fevered pitch as they have in this year’s legislative session, a dynamic is created that makes rational decisions difficult.

Legislation passed under such circumstances can result in, frankly, a mess.&nbsp;

As of March 6, the future of Kansas students is at stake under the revamped HB 2218 voucher bill.&nbsp; Now SB 83, the bill is strategic, but not quite rational and not a true compromise offer.&nbsp;

SB83 weds the highly controversial HB2218 voucher bill to funding for increased teacher pay and special education funding.

With only Republican support for SB83, it’s hardly a stretch to believe the move is an attempt to force Governor Kelly into signing the bill and thus secure teacher raises amid a growing teacher shortage and increase special education funding that she requested previously.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Compromise legislation is at the core of American politics; however, compromise means a middle state between conflicting opinions. In this case, some bi-partisan support exists for teacher pay increases and for special education funding as required by federal policy.&nbsp; This makes SB83 more of a power play than a true compromise.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Currently,&nbsp; SB83&nbsp;offers parents the yearly per-pupil state funding amount of about $5,000 in vouchers for their students in grades one to 12&nbsp;and preschoolers with disabilities.&nbsp; Eventually, qualifying students would be those with parental income of less than 300 percent of the poverty line which currently is $180,000 per year for a family of four. &nbsp;

Parents could use the vouchers for accredited and nonaccredited private schools, micro-schools,supporting individual home school activities and other educational opportunities.

Overall, how would students fare if SB83 becomes law?&nbsp;&nbsp;

For rural students,&nbsp;it’s hard to tell, since in more than 60 of Kansas’ 105 counties there are no private schools students may attend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For rural students, sports, music, and activities that go beyond school are the heart of community life.&nbsp; Moreover, school districts are frequently the largest employer in rural counties. Funding loss caused by vouchers could mean a significant reduction in teaching staff.&nbsp;

There is no body of research to inform us whether rural students would do better under the fragmented system offered in SB83.&nbsp; Yet, it’s a stretch to believe that micro schools and individual learning activities could replace the resources or state certified teachers needed for rigorous STEM and other courses rural schools offer and students need to succeed in 21st&nbsp;century careers.&nbsp;

I grew up in a small, farming community, pulling tax dollars away from rural schools saddens me because I can see the loss this legislative step toward school privatization would bring for students, the rural economy and the values of farm life.

For low- and middle-income urban students&nbsp;SB83 doesn’t offer practical benefits because the $5,000 voucher wouldn’t cover tuition at many private schools in urban areas and, if it did, it wouldn’t cover additional transportation costs or after school childcare.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For high income students&nbsp;whose family income is near the $180,000 cap, a voucher would merely cushion private school tuition since these families often are already using private schooling.&nbsp;

SB83 would create two school systems--the taxpayer funded public school system governed by elected school board members and an expensive, disorganized, under-regulated voucher system that may possibly attract many but realistically would benefit few.&nbsp;

An up-down vote in the legislature is only fair when an issue like school vouchers is splitting the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>When culture-war battles reach a fevered pitch as they have in this year’s legislative session, a dynamic is created that makes rational decisions difficult.Legislation passed under such circumstances can result in, frankly, a mess.&nbsp;As of March 6, the future of Kansas students is at stake under the revamped HB 2218 voucher bill.&nbsp; Now SB 83, the bill is strategic, but not quite rational and not a true compromise offer.&nbsp;SB83 weds the highly controversial HB2218 voucher bill to funding for increased teacher pay and special education funding.With only Republican support for SB83, it’s hardly a stretch to believe the move is an attempt to force Governor Kelly into signing the bill and thus secure teacher raises amid a growing teacher shortage and increase special education funding that she requested previously.&nbsp;&nbsp;Compromise legislation is at the core of American politics; however, compromise means a middle state between conflicting opinions. In this case, some bi-partisan support exists for teacher pay increases and for special education funding as required by federal policy.&nbsp; This makes SB83 more of a power play than a true compromise.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Currently,&nbsp; SB83&nbsp;offers parents the yearly per-pupil state funding amount of about $5,000 in vouchers for their students in grades one to 12&nbsp;and preschoolers with disabilities.&nbsp; Eventually, qualifying students would be those with parental income of less than 300 percent of the poverty line which currently is $180,000 per year for a family of four. &nbsp;Parents could use the vouchers for accredited and nonaccredited private schools, micro-schools,supporting individual home school activities and other educational opportunities.Overall, how would students fare if SB83 becomes law?&nbsp;&nbsp;For rural students,&nbsp;it’s hard to tell, since in more than 60 of Kansas’ 105 counties there are no private schools students may attend.&nbsp;&nbsp;For rural students, sports, music, and activities that go beyond school are the heart of community life.&nbsp; Moreover, school districts are frequently the largest employer in rural counties. Funding loss caused by vouchers could mean a significant reduction in teaching staff.&nbsp;There is no body of research to inform us whether rural students would do better under the fragmented system offered in SB83.&nbsp; Yet, it’s a stretch to believe that micro schools and individual learning activities could replace the resources or state certified teachers needed for rigorous STEM and other courses rural schools offer and students need to succeed in 21st&nbsp;century careers.&nbsp;I grew up in a small, farming community, pulling tax dollars away from rural schools saddens me because I can see the loss this legislative step toward school privatization would bring for students, the rural economy and the values of farm life.For low- and middle-income urban students&nbsp;SB83 doesn’t offer practical benefits because the $5,000 voucher wouldn’t cover tuition at many private schools in urban areas and, if it did, it wouldn’t cover additional transportation costs or after school childcare.&nbsp;&nbsp;For high income students&nbsp;whose family income is near the $180,000 cap, a voucher would merely cushion private school tuition since these families often are already using private schooling.&nbsp;SB83 would create two school systems--the taxpayer funded public school system governed by elected school board members and an expensive, disorganized, under-regulated voucher system that may possibly attract many but realistically would benefit few.&nbsp;An up-down vote in the legislature is only fair when an issue like school vouchers is splitting the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Vouchers and what’s at stake for students

Hello from Topeka. We are less than a month before first adjournment and a short break before returning at the end of April. There are several other issues that need to be worked on before we get there.

Bringing Economic Opportunity so Kansans can Thrive - It's no secret that the economy has been rough on Kansas families and retirees over the last few years. My colleagues and I are fighting to ensure that politics and foreign adversaries stay out of our state investments, long-term residents who have given our state so much can retire securely, and that energy costs can be reduced for Kansans struggling to keep up. House Republicans are hard at work exploring options that cut burdensome regulations and make us a more inviting state for companies to invest in, providing more opportunities to current and future Kansans.

Expanding Medical Student Loan Agreements - Last week, the House expanded medical student loan agreements with HB 2260. These loans allow more students to attend medical school in Kansas, with the agreement that they will work in underserved communities after graduation. We also received a bill from the Senate increasing eligibility of similar loan programs for those looking to pursue obstetrics and gynecology. Many areas in the state struggle to get OBGYN services in a convenient location, which SB 98 aims to alleviate. This bill is going through the committee process right now. House Republicans are finding solutions that grow a robust workforce and ensuring that Kansas is a state where success can be earned in a variety of ways. HB 2260 and SB 98 help achieve our Better Way commitment, developing skilled workers that will serve needs across the state. This is a win for small communities in need of providers and for talented students who can now obtain financial assistance to attend school.

Promoting Firearm Safety - Youth firearm safety is essential to ensuring respectful and careful usage throughout adulthood. HB 2304 passed committee this week to instruct schools to adopt widely-used programs that demonstrate how to be safe with weapons. These age-appropriate programs can be made available to all students.

Protecting Fundamental Rights - House Republicans will always stand for the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My colleagues and I are looking to expand freedom, so Kansas can remain such a wonderful place to work, live, and raise a family for generations to come.

Fairness in Women's Sports - HB 2238 is continuing to be talked about across the state and in the media. This legislation ensures that young women and girls who work hard and dedicate themselves to their athletic endeavors get a fair shot at success. Across the nation, there are constant examples showing why this legislation is necessary. Sports are a great way for young Kansans to show off their skills and determination, earning awards and scholarships in the process. With the passage of HB 2238, we are fulfilling our Better Way commitment to preserve opportunity for the youth of our state.

You can read about all the bills that passed so far in the legislature online at <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</a> channel.

I'm located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. 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. 

If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.

<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 6, 2023Hello from Topeka. We are less than a month before first adjournment and a short break before returning at the end of April. There are several other issues that need to be worked on before we get there.Here are some of the highlights of things that have been happening on the house side of the Kansas legislature:Bringing Economic Opportunity so Kansans can Thrive - It's no secret that the economy has been rough on Kansas families and retirees over the last few years. My colleagues and I are fighting to ensure that politics and foreign adversaries stay out of our state investments, long-term residents who have given our state so much can retire securely, and that energy costs can be reduced for Kansans struggling to keep up. House Republicans are hard at work exploring options that cut burdensome regulations and make us a more inviting state for companies to invest in, providing more opportunities to current and future Kansans.Expanding Medical Student Loan Agreements - Last week, the House expanded medical student loan agreements with HB 2260. These loans allow more students to attend medical school in Kansas, with the agreement that they will work in underserved communities after graduation. We also received a bill from the Senate increasing eligibility of similar loan programs for those looking to pursue obstetrics and gynecology. Many areas in the state struggle to get OBGYN services in a convenient location, which SB 98 aims to alleviate. This bill is going through the committee process right now. House Republicans are finding solutions that grow a robust workforce and ensuring that Kansas is a state where success can be earned in a variety of ways. HB 2260 and SB 98 help achieve our Better Way commitment, developing skilled workers that will serve needs across the state. This is a win for small communities in need of providers and for talented students who can now obtain financial assistance to attend school.Promoting Firearm Safety - Youth firearm safety is essential to ensuring respectful and careful usage throughout adulthood. HB 2304 passed committee this week to instruct schools to adopt widely-used programs that demonstrate how to be safe with weapons. These age-appropriate programs can be made available to all students.Protecting Fundamental Rights - House Republicans will always stand for the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My colleagues and I are looking to expand freedom, so Kansas can remain such a wonderful place to work, live, and raise a family for generations to come.Fairness in Women's Sports - HB 2238 is continuing to be talked about across the state and in the media. This legislation ensures that young women and girls who work hard and dedicate themselves to their athletic endeavors get a fair shot at success. Across the nation, there are constant examples showing why this legislation is necessary. Sports are a great way for young Kansans to show off their skills and determination, earning awards and scholarships in the process. With the passage of HB 2238, we are fulfilling our Better Way commitment to preserve opportunity for the youth of our state.You can read about all the bills that passed so far in the legislature online at <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</a> channel. I'm located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. 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. If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.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 6, 2023

Some enter this world&nbsp;eager&nbsp;to dig. From the time they&nbsp;first go&nbsp;outside, they&nbsp;find a stick or&nbsp;spoon&nbsp;and&nbsp;investigate&nbsp;what lies beneath&nbsp;them.&nbsp;

A few&nbsp;dirt lovers&nbsp;mature into&nbsp;agriculturists&nbsp;or big equipment operators. Others&nbsp;seek&nbsp;ancient life hidden&nbsp;in earth’s layers.&nbsp; Discovering&nbsp;fossilized&nbsp;teeth, bones and imprints&nbsp;offers&nbsp;a way&nbsp;to travel&nbsp;through time.&nbsp;

​For those who&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;evidence of ancient life&nbsp;in their own yard or pasture,&nbsp;visit a&nbsp;local history museum to see what&nbsp;amateur paleontologists have&nbsp;shared. A trip to the Trego County Historical Museum offers&nbsp;a close look at&nbsp;fossilized remains of cretaceous sea creatures as well as prehistoric bison,&nbsp;imperial elephant, and mammoth&nbsp;bones from&nbsp;the Pleistocene&nbsp;Era.&nbsp;Local&nbsp;Purinton&nbsp;family members and others loaned this collection that permits visitors to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;up&nbsp;close&nbsp;and personal&nbsp;to&nbsp;regional&nbsp;creatures&nbsp;that&nbsp;existed&nbsp;during&nbsp;multiple geologic eras.

Guests&nbsp;enter&nbsp;the&nbsp;museum&nbsp;doors&nbsp;in 2023, but a&nbsp;short&nbsp;walk&nbsp;transports&nbsp;them&nbsp;back in time&nbsp;over&nbsp;80 million years.&nbsp;Eyes widen&nbsp;as they&nbsp;spy&nbsp;remains of&nbsp;mosasaurs, squid, and other&nbsp;creatures that thrived in an ancient sea covering&nbsp;the middle of this continent. One&nbsp;display&nbsp;showcases&nbsp;a mouthful of fossilized&nbsp;teeth left behind by&nbsp;Ptychodus mortoni, an oyster crushing shark.&nbsp;Only a foot away rests the&nbsp;remains of&nbsp;a large&nbsp;inoceramus,&nbsp;a&nbsp;clam&nbsp;commonly found in this area. &nbsp;Those who&nbsp;wander Big Creek’s banks&nbsp;find&nbsp;fossilized&nbsp;bivalve&nbsp;remains&nbsp;that fit in their palms, but this one&nbsp;enormous&nbsp;example&nbsp;is a&nbsp;doozy&nbsp;.&nbsp;Whoever found it&nbsp;labored hours&nbsp;to&nbsp;release&nbsp;it from its rocky crypt.

While&nbsp;this big&nbsp;clam sieved&nbsp;seawater&nbsp;in its search for&nbsp;nutrients, fish swam&nbsp;nearby&nbsp;and pooped.&nbsp;On the same ranch&nbsp;where&nbsp;searchers&nbsp;found the clam,&nbsp;they also&nbsp;found&nbsp;shark teeth, fish jaw bones, and&nbsp;more&nbsp;clams.&nbsp;They discovered&nbsp;light-yellow,&nbsp;limestone ovals the size of quail and chicken eggs, now identified as&nbsp;fossilized fish dung&nbsp;that&nbsp;scientists call&nbsp;coprolites.&nbsp;Clearly,&nbsp;these deposits&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;exit&nbsp;little fish.

​Not only did&nbsp;fossil hunters&nbsp;find sea creatures, they also discovered&nbsp;Pteranodon bones.Imagine traveling&nbsp;through&nbsp;time to spy a&nbsp;37-pound&nbsp;flying creature,&nbsp;riding hot air currents.&nbsp;It had abeak&nbsp;similar&nbsp;to&nbsp;a pelican’s&nbsp;so it could “scoop fish in&nbsp;its&nbsp;jaws and swallow them whole.”&nbsp;It would take a large beak to swallow the fish that left behind the coprolites displayed nearby.&nbsp;

Slide&nbsp;a few feet&nbsp;west&nbsp;of the sea creatures&nbsp;to&nbsp;time-travel&nbsp;millions of years&nbsp;forward&nbsp;to&nbsp;whenwaters&nbsp;had&nbsp;receded and the&nbsp;area&nbsp;morphed&nbsp;into&nbsp;a Pleistocene&nbsp;grassland.&nbsp;During that time, prehistoric&nbsp;bison&nbsp;and&nbsp;various&nbsp;mammoth species&nbsp;grazed this&nbsp;region.&nbsp;According to Sept. 9, 1974 University of Nebraska Museum Notes, “12 to 14-foot-tall mammoths ate from 800 to 1200 pounds of grass a day.&nbsp;Mastodonts&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Megabelodons&nbsp;joined&nbsp;these land mammals and&nbsp;browsed&nbsp;area&nbsp;leaves.”&nbsp;One&nbsp;Trego&nbsp;County farmer&nbsp;hit something while&nbsp;plowing. He&nbsp;discovered femurs and a partial tusk&nbsp;of&nbsp;a mastodont&nbsp;labeled an Imperial Elephant.&nbsp;Visit the Trego County Historical Society&nbsp;and&nbsp;marvel at&nbsp;the size of these leg bones.&nbsp;

​Thank goodness, area&nbsp;museums make&nbsp;it&nbsp;possible&nbsp;to time travel&nbsp;often.&nbsp;This is&nbsp;necessaryfor humans who want to&nbsp;wrap&nbsp;modern&nbsp;brains&nbsp;around hard-&nbsp;to-pronounce names and&nbsp;difficult-to-imagine&nbsp;geologic&nbsp;eras.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;often as a reminder the world changes over time.&nbsp;To make it more fun, invite&nbsp;a youngster&nbsp;along to see cretaceous and Pleistocene critters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677794820303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN Some enter this world&nbsp;eager&nbsp;to dig. From the time they&nbsp;first go&nbsp;outside, they&nbsp;find a stick or&nbsp;spoon&nbsp;and&nbsp;investigate&nbsp;what lies beneath&nbsp;them.&nbsp;A few&nbsp;dirt lovers&nbsp;mature into&nbsp;agriculturists&nbsp;or big equipment operators. Others&nbsp;seek&nbsp;ancient life hidden&nbsp;in earth’s layers.&nbsp; Discovering&nbsp;fossilized&nbsp;teeth, bones and imprints&nbsp;offers&nbsp;a way&nbsp;to travel&nbsp;through time.&nbsp;​For those who&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;evidence of ancient life&nbsp;in their own yard or pasture,&nbsp;visit a&nbsp;local history museum to see what&nbsp;amateur paleontologists have&nbsp;shared. A trip to the Trego County Historical Museum offers&nbsp;a close look at&nbsp;fossilized remains of cretaceous sea creatures as well as prehistoric bison,&nbsp;imperial elephant, and mammoth&nbsp;bones from&nbsp;the Pleistocene&nbsp;Era.&nbsp;Local&nbsp;Purinton&nbsp;family members and others loaned this collection that permits visitors to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;up&nbsp;close&nbsp;and personal&nbsp;to&nbsp;regional&nbsp;creatures&nbsp;that&nbsp;existed&nbsp;during&nbsp;multiple geologic eras.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Guests&nbsp;enter&nbsp;the&nbsp;museum&nbsp;doors&nbsp;in 2023, but a&nbsp;short&nbsp;walk&nbsp;transports&nbsp;them&nbsp;back in time&nbsp;over&nbsp;80 million years.&nbsp;Eyes widen&nbsp;as they&nbsp;spy&nbsp;remains of&nbsp;mosasaurs, squid, and other&nbsp;creatures that thrived in an ancient sea covering&nbsp;the middle of this continent. One&nbsp;display&nbsp;showcases&nbsp;a mouthful of fossilized&nbsp;teeth left behind by&nbsp;Ptychodus mortoni, an oyster crushing shark.&nbsp;Only a foot away rests the&nbsp;remains of&nbsp;a large&nbsp;inoceramus,&nbsp;a&nbsp;clam&nbsp;commonly found in this area. &nbsp;Those who&nbsp;wander Big Creek’s banks&nbsp;find&nbsp;fossilized&nbsp;bivalve&nbsp;remains&nbsp;that fit in their palms, but this one&nbsp;enormous&nbsp;example&nbsp;is a&nbsp;doozy&nbsp;.&nbsp;Whoever found it&nbsp;labored hours&nbsp;to&nbsp;release&nbsp;it from its rocky crypt.While&nbsp;this big&nbsp;clam sieved&nbsp;seawater&nbsp;in its search for&nbsp;nutrients, fish swam&nbsp;nearby&nbsp;and pooped.&nbsp;On the same ranch&nbsp;where&nbsp;searchers&nbsp;found the clam,&nbsp;they also&nbsp;found&nbsp;shark teeth, fish jaw bones, and&nbsp;more&nbsp;clams.&nbsp;They discovered&nbsp;light-yellow,&nbsp;limestone ovals the size of quail and chicken eggs, now identified as&nbsp;fossilized fish dung&nbsp;that&nbsp;scientists call&nbsp;coprolites.&nbsp;Clearly,&nbsp;these deposits&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;exit&nbsp;little fish.​Not only did&nbsp;fossil hunters&nbsp;find sea creatures, they also discovered&nbsp;Pteranodon bones.Imagine traveling&nbsp;through&nbsp;time to spy a&nbsp;37-pound&nbsp;flying creature,&nbsp;riding hot air currents.&nbsp;It had abeak&nbsp;similar&nbsp;to&nbsp;a pelican’s&nbsp;so it could “scoop fish in&nbsp;its&nbsp;jaws and swallow them whole.”&nbsp;It would take a large beak to swallow the fish that left behind the coprolites displayed nearby.&nbsp;Slide&nbsp;a few feet&nbsp;west&nbsp;of the sea creatures&nbsp;to&nbsp;time-travel&nbsp;millions of years&nbsp;forward&nbsp;to&nbsp;whenwaters&nbsp;had&nbsp;receded and the&nbsp;area&nbsp;morphed&nbsp;into&nbsp;a Pleistocene&nbsp;grassland.&nbsp;During that time, prehistoric&nbsp;bison&nbsp;and&nbsp;various&nbsp;mammoth species&nbsp;grazed this&nbsp;region.&nbsp;According to Sept. 9, 1974 University of Nebraska Museum Notes, “12 to 14-foot-tall mammoths ate from 800 to 1200 pounds of grass a day.&nbsp;Mastodonts&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Megabelodons&nbsp;joined&nbsp;these land mammals and&nbsp;browsed&nbsp;area&nbsp;leaves.”&nbsp;One&nbsp;Trego&nbsp;County farmer&nbsp;hit something while&nbsp;plowing. He&nbsp;discovered femurs and a partial tusk&nbsp;of&nbsp;a mastodont&nbsp;labeled an Imperial Elephant.&nbsp;Visit the Trego County Historical Society&nbsp;and&nbsp;marvel at&nbsp;the size of these leg bones.&nbsp;​Thank goodness, area&nbsp;museums make&nbsp;it&nbsp;possible&nbsp;to time travel&nbsp;often.&nbsp;This is&nbsp;necessaryfor humans who want to&nbsp;wrap&nbsp;modern&nbsp;brains&nbsp;around hard-&nbsp;to-pronounce names and&nbsp;difficult-to-imagine&nbsp;geologic&nbsp;eras.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;often as a reminder the world changes over time.&nbsp;To make it more fun, invite&nbsp;a youngster&nbsp;along to see cretaceous and Pleistocene critters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MADORIN: Time travel at the local history museum​

Voter suppression bills are once again making their way through the state legislature.

The justification — or lack thereof as the case may be — for these bills lies with the unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud made during the 2020 election.

Legislation like these could be warranted if they were being passed to increase election security. But they’re not. Recent elections in Kansas have been as safe and secure as they have ever been.

Hundreds of post-election audits have been conducted across the state since 2020, and not a single failure has been uncovered.

Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab has been an outspoken critic of measures that would restrict the state’s ability to collect ballots from voters, causing a rift between top Republican officials in Kansas.

But ever since 2020, questioning election integrity has become a political dog whistle in statehouses across the country.

A majority of Kansans don’t seem to be buying it.

The 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University last fall asked questions about perceptions of voter fraud and election integrity in our state.

The survey found that only 11 percent of respondents thought fraudulent voting decides elections in our state and about the same number (12 percent) thought state and local officials commit election fraud to alter outcomes.

These results suggest that even if Kansans possibly believe one-off incidents of voter fraud are common — there is little evidence to support this, only a handful of cases have been found in the past decade — they do not believe there widespread systemic fraud that alters election results

Despite little popular support, state legislators are perpetuating these false claims by introducing legislation that restricts voters’ ability to cast a ballot.

Senate Bill 208 would modify state law on use of ballot drop boxes. In its original form, it would have limited each county to a single dropbox — severely impractical for the state’s largest counties like Johnson and Sedgwick.

SB 208 was then amended to eliminate the use of ballot drop boxes altogether, despite no reported problems with their usage.

In the Kansas Speaks survey, less than one-third of Kansas voters thought ballot drop boxes should be banned.

Senate Bill 209 eliminates the current three-day grace period for accepting mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Research shows that mail-in voting is disproportionately used by elderly, disabled, military, and college student voters and therefore restricting when mail-in ballots can be accepted would disenfranchise these voters specifically.

The harm done by these bills is far greater than any credible “justification” legislators could have for supporting them.

Passing these bills would be a shortsighted move by the state legislature. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud, let alone voter fraud related to drop boxes and mail-in ballots; there is a lack of popular support for these measures among Kansans; and there isn’t even partisan consensus that these actions are necessary.

Election security is of utmost importance, but our elections are secure and getting more so every year. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security continuously strengthens our election infrastructure ensuring our protection.

These bills only make it harder for eligible Kansans to have their ballot counted.

Free and fair access to the ballot is what allows citizens to have a voice in their government. It is a vital element of democracy.

Kansans should be concerned that the state legislature is actively trying to suppress that voice.&nbsp;

Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

Voter suppression bills are once again making their way through the state legislature.The justification — or lack thereof as the case may be — for these bills lies with the unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud made during the 2020 election.Legislation like these could be warranted if they were being passed to increase election security. But they’re not. Recent elections in Kansas have been as safe and secure as they have ever been.Hundreds of post-election audits have been conducted across the state since 2020, and not a single failure has been uncovered.Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab has been an outspoken critic of measures that would restrict the state’s ability to collect ballots from voters, causing a rift between top Republican officials in Kansas.But ever since 2020, questioning election integrity has become a political dog whistle in statehouses across the country.A majority of Kansans don’t seem to be buying it.The 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University last fall asked questions about perceptions of voter fraud and election integrity in our state.The survey found that only 11 percent of respondents thought fraudulent voting decides elections in our state and about the same number (12 percent) thought state and local officials commit election fraud to alter outcomes.These results suggest that even if Kansans possibly believe one-off incidents of voter fraud are common — there is little evidence to support this, only a handful of cases have been found in the past decade — they do not believe there widespread systemic fraud that alters election resultsDespite little popular support, state legislators are perpetuating these false claims by introducing legislation that restricts voters’ ability to cast a ballot.Senate Bill 208 would modify state law on use of ballot drop boxes. In its original form, it would have limited each county to a single dropbox — severely impractical for the state’s largest counties like Johnson and Sedgwick.SB 208 was then amended to eliminate the use of ballot drop boxes altogether, despite no reported problems with their usage.In the Kansas Speaks survey, less than one-third of Kansas voters thought ballot drop boxes should be banned.Senate Bill 209 eliminates the current three-day grace period for accepting mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day.Research shows that mail-in voting is disproportionately used by elderly, disabled, military, and college student voters and therefore restricting when mail-in ballots can be accepted would disenfranchise these voters specifically.The harm done by these bills is far greater than any credible “justification” legislators could have for supporting them.Passing these bills would be a shortsighted move by the state legislature. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud, let alone voter fraud related to drop boxes and mail-in ballots; there is a lack of popular support for these measures among Kansans; and there isn’t even partisan consensus that these actions are necessary.Election security is of utmost importance, but our elections are secure and getting more so every year. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security continuously strengthens our election infrastructure ensuring our protection.These bills only make it harder for eligible Kansans to have their ballot counted.Free and fair access to the ballot is what allows citizens to have a voice in their government. It is a vital element of democracy.Kansans should be concerned that the state legislature is actively trying to suppress that voice.&nbsp;Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

Opinion