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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas Disaster Response and Recovery Bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith Counties

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>March 24, 2023This week the Kansas House of Representatives debated twelve bills on the House Floor.Here are the details for some of the bills we debated:On Tuesday, we started with House Concurrent Resolution 5008, which would apply to the Congress of the United States to call for a Convention of States. This convention would call for the limited purpose of amending the US Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.House Bill 2313 creates the born-alive infants protection act, which provides legal protections for infants who are born alive regardless of the intent of delivery.Wednesday, we debated Senate Bill 133, which makes appropriations for K-12 education for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The State General Fund cost of Senate Bill 133 is around $6 billion.House Bill 2436 enacts the Kansas Public Investments and Contracts Protection Act concerning Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). This would prohibit the state of Kansas and political subdivisions from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against companies based on ESG criteria.Senate Bill 208, relates to the Governmental Ethics Commission’s authority to investigate and enforce the Campaign Finance Act.Thursday, we began with Senate Bill 15&nbsp;which removes the requirement of a documented written demand for premiums as part of a prima facie case against agents or brokers who fail to pay premiums due.Senate Bill 18 adds certain legal entities to the definition of “person,” thereby making such entities subject to penalties for violations of insurance law.Senate Bill 28 discontinues payments to certain group-funded insurance pools and refunds existing balances.I voted “Yes” for all of the bills.Kansas Disaster Response and Recovery BillTuesday of this week, I introduced House Bill 2468, which stipulates the response procedures for the state of Kansas regarding a severe weather event. During the Legislative break, I served on the Wildfire Task Force where we attempted to address how the state of Kansas could have responded better after the wildfire events of December 15, 2021. At that time, the state of Kansas did not have a formal response procedure and it was obviously evident. The state’s response was, in my opinion, slow, which was compounded with misinformation.House Bill 2468, formalizes the process before, during, and after a severe weather event, like the Four-County Fire that occurred in the 109th Kansas House District. The bill also creates a Disaster Contingency Fund to assist with relief, especially smaller communities that may not qualify for Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) aid.House Appropriations CommitteeThis week, the House Appropriations Committee completed our work on the Kansas State budget and also passed two other bills out of committee.Tuesday, March 21, we started working on the Kanas House State Budget for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Many changes that were made in committee to the budget that the Governor sent to the Legislature at the start of session.The committee removed or reduced numerous spending increases in the Governor’s submission. As an example, the Governor proposed $220 million for the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, in fiscal year 2024, in order to draw down federal dollars.&nbsp;The committee changed the provisions by allotting only $50 million for four years. There were also many items that we needed to address regarding Federal dollars received by state agencies and departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to analyze if those programs would continue to be funded since the federal aid has stopped. We plan to debate the budget bill next week.Thursday, we worked two bills derived from the interim committee that I chaired for State Employee Compensation and Benefits. House Bill 2418 abolishes certain boards and commissions that have not met for some length of time from the statute book. House Bill 2449 equalizes the compensation for board members that serve on boards and commissions to one flat amount, as opposed to varying amounts as is now.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:* Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith Counties

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LETTER: Medicaid expansion is the compromise option

Rahjes Report March 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RAHJES REPORT: March 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL LINKS FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

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

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

CAPITOL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE BILLS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR

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

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

KANSAS SECRETARY OF STATE - SCOTT SCHWAB

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

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

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

UPDATE FROM KANSAS INSURANCE COMMISSIONER VICKI SCHMIDT

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

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

<a>GIRL AND BOY STATE – June 2023</a>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOWERS: Senate Scene Week 10, March 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I find our students to be so interesting. Lauren,&nbsp;for example,&nbsp;a graphic design majorfrom Wichita, started working as a freelance photographer&nbsp;six years ago. She loves to skateboard, rock climb, and cheer for FHSU. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Lauren worked with Netflix to film a documentary about her life&nbsp;– incredible!

I also love when students articulate the experience we work so intentionally to create:“FHSU was the best choice for me,” Tearney said.&nbsp;“The small class sizes&nbsp;allow forpersonal connections with my professors.&nbsp;I am getting a great education.”

“I am not just a number at FHSU.&nbsp;My professors care about me as a person and work with me if I have any questions.&nbsp;I&nbsp;love my college experience and am so glad I chose FHSU.”

These&nbsp;stories of student engagement, leadership lessons, and our mission in action&nbsp;fuel my energy throughout the year.&nbsp;This is why I am so&nbsp;lucky&nbsp;to serve as president of FHSU.

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

Heart of a Tiger: The inspiring work of engaged student leaders

Shamrocks, leprechauns,&nbsp;and&nbsp;pots o’ gold&nbsp;create&nbsp;St. Patrick’s Day&nbsp;legends.&nbsp;As a child,&nbsp;Iexpected&nbsp;tales&nbsp;Mom told&nbsp;must be true and anyone lucky enough to stumble upon a rainbow’s&nbsp;end would&nbsp;find&nbsp;a&nbsp;leprechauns’ pot of gold. That said, I&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;name&nbsp;a single human who&nbsp;actually found&nbsp;the end of the rainbow&nbsp;with&nbsp;its&nbsp;container filled with&nbsp;precious metal.

As a&nbsp;storyteller’s offspring&nbsp;should, I perpetuated this&nbsp;myth for my&nbsp;children.&nbsp;Naturally, I&nbsp;brought little green&nbsp;folk&nbsp;jigging&nbsp;to life&nbsp;so&nbsp;that&nbsp;our&nbsp;children&nbsp;might&nbsp;envision&nbsp;wee&nbsp;beings&nbsp;at&nbsp;work and play.

After creating&nbsp;a&nbsp;magical&nbsp;world&nbsp;and sending&nbsp;our&nbsp;fair&nbsp;lassies in search of four-leaf clovers, I found&nbsp;a&nbsp;serious problem&nbsp;confronting me&nbsp;when&nbsp;a&nbsp;spring&nbsp;downpour&nbsp;delivered&nbsp;a stunning&nbsp;rainbow.Our&nbsp;eldest&nbsp;was no fool;&nbsp;nor&nbsp;was the youngest.&nbsp;Based on&nbsp;my&nbsp;stories, they&nbsp;knew&nbsp;we&nbsp;had&nbsp;only&nbsp;tofollow this&nbsp;colorful bridge&nbsp;to its end to find&nbsp;shiny&nbsp;coins&nbsp;spilling&nbsp;from a black kettle.&nbsp;

​Nothing would do&nbsp;til I loaded&nbsp;tots into&nbsp;our&nbsp;green boat, an old&nbsp;Mercury&nbsp;Marquis,&nbsp;buckledseatbelts,&nbsp;and&nbsp;began&nbsp;searching&nbsp;for&nbsp;the rainbow’s end&nbsp;somewhere&nbsp;between Ellis and Hays. Once on Old 40,&nbsp;we&nbsp;pursued that&nbsp;beacon like bloodhounds on&nbsp;a scent&nbsp;trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With a one-and-a-half-year-old echoing everything she heard,&nbsp;a sharp-eyed five-year-old navigator,&nbsp;plus&nbsp;a visiting friend&nbsp;and her child, we&nbsp;set&nbsp;off to find fortune.&nbsp;Everything’s&nbsp;more fun&nbsp;when&nbsp;shared—especially&nbsp;foolishness.

High spirits and laughter filled&nbsp;our&nbsp;car as we jaunted east.&nbsp;Crossing&nbsp;fingers&nbsp;that&nbsp;the rainbow wouldn’t&nbsp;fade before we found its end, we&nbsp;imagined&nbsp;spending&nbsp;the&nbsp;loot.&nbsp;Girls&nbsp;wanted candy and toys.&nbsp;I wished for something&nbsp;more&nbsp;practical,&nbsp;along the line of&nbsp;a car&nbsp;with&nbsp;a roof-liner that&nbsp;remained&nbsp;glued&nbsp;in place instead of drooping&nbsp;onto&nbsp;the driver’s&nbsp;head. &nbsp;

As we&nbsp;neared&nbsp;Yocemento,&nbsp;the&nbsp;rainbow’s&nbsp;r-o-y-g-b-i-v&nbsp;colors&nbsp;intensified. &nbsp;Rounding&nbsp;the bend, we&nbsp;noted&nbsp;the&nbsp;bright&nbsp;arch&nbsp;ended&nbsp;just&nbsp;north and west of&nbsp;Yocemento where Old 40 angled.&nbsp;I turned&nbsp;onto&nbsp;a&nbsp;sandy&nbsp;road&nbsp;to a chorus of, “It’s closer!&nbsp;Look,&nbsp;Mom, it’s just over there!”

Just over there meant I&nbsp;must&nbsp;follow a lane&nbsp;paralleling&nbsp;the north side of Big Creek.&nbsp;I&nbsp;feltnearly as excited as the kids, not because I thought I’d find gold, but because I&nbsp;never&nbsp;expected tosee&nbsp;where&nbsp;a rainbow ended. &nbsp;

Our&nbsp;navigators&nbsp;nailed it!&nbsp;The&nbsp;search&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;with us&nbsp;parked&nbsp;at the entrance to&nbsp;a&nbsp;muddy&nbsp;drive.&nbsp;We&nbsp;looked in amazement&nbsp;at the exact place where refracted light&nbsp;contacted&nbsp;earth.

Of course, the kids&nbsp;immediately noticed&nbsp;no pot of gold&nbsp;lay&nbsp;on this magical spot.&nbsp;My friend and I&nbsp;rolled down our windows and breathed in&nbsp;a&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;watercolor day&nbsp;intensifying, defining,&nbsp;perfecting&nbsp;hues of&nbsp;rainbow,&nbsp;sky, trees, grass, and&nbsp;soil. It&nbsp;felt&nbsp;like&nbsp;something&nbsp;hand-placedour&nbsp;adventuresome&nbsp;band&nbsp;into&nbsp;a&nbsp;masterpiece.

The&nbsp;story ended&nbsp;perfectly.&nbsp;No gold.&nbsp;No leprechauns.&nbsp;But…a&nbsp;goose--a story book goose, white and prissy—stood&nbsp;where&nbsp;rainbow met&nbsp;grass.&nbsp;It&nbsp;nibbled&nbsp;greens&nbsp;while we gazed.&nbsp;That birdhad no idea&nbsp;of its&nbsp;role&nbsp;in&nbsp;forming&nbsp;a&nbsp;lifetime memory for&nbsp;mothers and&nbsp;daughters&nbsp;on a&nbsp;rainy-day&nbsp;lark.&nbsp;

Decades later, when&nbsp;I see a rainbow over Yocemento way,&nbsp;I&nbsp;wonder if&nbsp;a white&nbsp;goosestands at&nbsp;its&nbsp;end.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678985664493.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINShamrocks, leprechauns,&nbsp;and&nbsp;pots o’ gold&nbsp;create&nbsp;St. Patrick’s Day&nbsp;legends.&nbsp;As a child,&nbsp;Iexpected&nbsp;tales&nbsp;Mom told&nbsp;must be true and anyone lucky enough to stumble upon a rainbow’s&nbsp;end would&nbsp;find&nbsp;a&nbsp;leprechauns’ pot of gold. That said, I&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;name&nbsp;a single human who&nbsp;actually found&nbsp;the end of the rainbow&nbsp;with&nbsp;its&nbsp;container filled with&nbsp;precious metal.As a&nbsp;storyteller’s offspring&nbsp;should, I perpetuated this&nbsp;myth for my&nbsp;children.&nbsp;Naturally, I&nbsp;brought little green&nbsp;folk&nbsp;jigging&nbsp;to life&nbsp;so&nbsp;that&nbsp;our&nbsp;children&nbsp;might&nbsp;envision&nbsp;wee&nbsp;beings&nbsp;at&nbsp;work and play.After creating&nbsp;a&nbsp;magical&nbsp;world&nbsp;and sending&nbsp;our&nbsp;fair&nbsp;lassies in search of four-leaf clovers, I found&nbsp;a&nbsp;serious problem&nbsp;confronting me&nbsp;when&nbsp;a&nbsp;spring&nbsp;downpour&nbsp;delivered&nbsp;a stunning&nbsp;rainbow.Our&nbsp;eldest&nbsp;was no fool;&nbsp;nor&nbsp;was the youngest.&nbsp;Based on&nbsp;my&nbsp;stories, they&nbsp;knew&nbsp;we&nbsp;had&nbsp;only&nbsp;tofollow this&nbsp;colorful bridge&nbsp;to its end to find&nbsp;shiny&nbsp;coins&nbsp;spilling&nbsp;from a black kettle.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​Nothing would do&nbsp;til I loaded&nbsp;tots into&nbsp;our&nbsp;green boat, an old&nbsp;Mercury&nbsp;Marquis,&nbsp;buckledseatbelts,&nbsp;and&nbsp;began&nbsp;searching&nbsp;for&nbsp;the rainbow’s end&nbsp;somewhere&nbsp;between Ellis and Hays. Once on Old 40,&nbsp;we&nbsp;pursued that&nbsp;beacon like bloodhounds on&nbsp;a scent&nbsp;trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;With a one-and-a-half-year-old echoing everything she heard,&nbsp;a sharp-eyed five-year-old navigator,&nbsp;plus&nbsp;a visiting friend&nbsp;and her child, we&nbsp;set&nbsp;off to find fortune.&nbsp;Everything’s&nbsp;more fun&nbsp;when&nbsp;shared—especially&nbsp;foolishness.High spirits and laughter filled&nbsp;our&nbsp;car as we jaunted east.&nbsp;Crossing&nbsp;fingers&nbsp;that&nbsp;the rainbow wouldn’t&nbsp;fade before we found its end, we&nbsp;imagined&nbsp;spending&nbsp;the&nbsp;loot.&nbsp;Girls&nbsp;wanted candy and toys.&nbsp;I wished for something&nbsp;more&nbsp;practical,&nbsp;along the line of&nbsp;a car&nbsp;with&nbsp;a roof-liner that&nbsp;remained&nbsp;glued&nbsp;in place instead of drooping&nbsp;onto&nbsp;the driver’s&nbsp;head. &nbsp;As we&nbsp;neared&nbsp;Yocemento,&nbsp;the&nbsp;rainbow’s&nbsp;r-o-y-g-b-i-v&nbsp;colors&nbsp;intensified. &nbsp;Rounding&nbsp;the bend, we&nbsp;noted&nbsp;the&nbsp;bright&nbsp;arch&nbsp;ended&nbsp;just&nbsp;north and west of&nbsp;Yocemento where Old 40 angled.&nbsp;I turned&nbsp;onto&nbsp;a&nbsp;sandy&nbsp;road&nbsp;to a chorus of, “It’s closer!&nbsp;Look,&nbsp;Mom, it’s just over there!”Just over there meant I&nbsp;must&nbsp;follow a lane&nbsp;paralleling&nbsp;the north side of Big Creek.&nbsp;I&nbsp;feltnearly as excited as the kids, not because I thought I’d find gold, but because I&nbsp;never&nbsp;expected tosee&nbsp;where&nbsp;a rainbow ended. &nbsp;Our&nbsp;navigators&nbsp;nailed it!&nbsp;The&nbsp;search&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;with us&nbsp;parked&nbsp;at the entrance to&nbsp;a&nbsp;muddy&nbsp;drive.&nbsp;We&nbsp;looked in amazement&nbsp;at the exact place where refracted light&nbsp;contacted&nbsp;earth.Of course, the kids&nbsp;immediately noticed&nbsp;no pot of gold&nbsp;lay&nbsp;on this magical spot.&nbsp;My friend and I&nbsp;rolled down our windows and breathed in&nbsp;a&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;watercolor day&nbsp;intensifying, defining,&nbsp;perfecting&nbsp;hues of&nbsp;rainbow,&nbsp;sky, trees, grass, and&nbsp;soil. It&nbsp;felt&nbsp;like&nbsp;something&nbsp;hand-placedour&nbsp;adventuresome&nbsp;band&nbsp;into&nbsp;a&nbsp;masterpiece.The&nbsp;story ended&nbsp;perfectly.&nbsp;No gold.&nbsp;No leprechauns.&nbsp;But…a&nbsp;goose--a story book goose, white and prissy—stood&nbsp;where&nbsp;rainbow met&nbsp;grass.&nbsp;It&nbsp;nibbled&nbsp;greens&nbsp;while we gazed.&nbsp;That birdhad no idea&nbsp;of its&nbsp;role&nbsp;in&nbsp;forming&nbsp;a&nbsp;lifetime memory for&nbsp;mothers and&nbsp;daughters&nbsp;on a&nbsp;rainy-day&nbsp;lark.&nbsp;Decades later, when&nbsp;I see a rainbow over Yocemento way,&nbsp;I&nbsp;wonder if&nbsp;a white&nbsp;goosestands at&nbsp;its&nbsp;end.

MADORIN: The goose at the end of the rainbow

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679067397543.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679067477454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>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 17, 2023

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.

<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.

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.

<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;

<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.

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