This past week, the House and Senate both had long days but short week. In the House we debated over fifty bills in the course of three days. Here are some details of the bills that were debated on Monday, March 21, 2022:

House Substitute for for Senate Bill 261 prohibits the use of meat terms on "meats" from plant-based food products. This has been referred to the labeling of fake meat bill.

Senate Bill 346 allows for the on-farm sale of milk and milk products. This bill also authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to declare an imminent health hazard, extending certain certain milk and dairy licensing fees, and establishing certain standards of milk.

House Substitute for Senate Bill 28 enacts the Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act and would require a license as opposed to a registration.

House Bill 2600 allows for the Kansas Board of Regents to sell and convey certain real property in the city of Emporia, Kansas on behalf of Emporia State University.

House Substitute for Senate Bill 267, the House’s budget version, was debated early on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. We debated the budget bill for over two hours and there were many amendments that were presented during the debate to increase spending and wither the ending balance. All of the amendments that increased spending in fiscal year 2023 were defeated and our budget maintains an ending balance of $1.5 billion in FY 2023.

This coming week, March 28-April 1, will be the last week during the regular 2022 Legislative Session. Most of the deliberations will occur in what are referred to as Conference Committee meetings. These are meetings between the members of the House and Senate to discuss the differences on like bills that passed both chambers.

I will be spending many hours in negotiations with my Senate counterparts in discussing the differences in our respective budget bills. We will start early Monday morning where we will begin negotiations on the nearly 125 differences. After we come to agreement, then the agreed to budget will go to both chambers for approval. We will then break for nearly three weeks and will return for what is referred to as Veto-Session on April 25, 2022.

As mentioned above, we held debates on numerous bills during the week.

Senate Bill 493 prohibits cities and counties from regulating plastic and other containers designed for the consumption, transportation, or protection of merchandise, food, or beverage. I voted “yes.”

House Bill 2609 allows restricted drivers license holders to drive to and from worship services for any religious organization at age fifteen. I also voted “yes” on this bill.

Substitute for House Bill 2615 was probably the most controversial bill that we debated during the short week. In essence, this bill would permit students to transfer and attend any school in any school district in Kansas. This bill was very problematic as there were many questions as to the funding of the student and ramifications that it may have on the local school district where that student resides. Due to these unresolved concerns, I voted “no” though the bill still passed, 63-59.

Senate Bill 161 allows for personal package devices on sidewalks for the delivery of packages by small autonomous vehicles. I voted “yes.”

We also debated the redistricting maps for the House and the Senate this week. The new version for the House map, Substitute for House Bill 2737, would have the 109th Kansas House District with new boundaries. The 109th would encompass the entire counties of Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith. When we debate the new maps for the Senate, we passed that chamber’s map with no changes. The Senate will now vote on these maps and they will go to Governor Kelly. I voted “yes.”

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

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.

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:

* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities:Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens, Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center,Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa,Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center (part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver (part), Cedron, Elkhorn (part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner,Center,Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, State Representative, 109th Kansas House" />
 <figcaption>Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, State Representative, 109th Kansas House</figcaption>
 </figure>Bills Debated in the HouseThis past week, the House and Senate both had long days but short week. In the House we debated over fifty bills in the course of three days. Here are some details of the bills that were debated on Monday, March 21, 2022:House Substitute for for Senate Bill 261 prohibits the use of meat terms on "meats" from plant-based food products. This has been referred to the labeling of fake meat bill.Senate Bill 346 allows for the on-farm sale of milk and milk products. This bill also authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to declare an imminent health hazard, extending certain certain milk and dairy licensing fees, and establishing certain standards of milk.House Substitute for Senate Bill 28 enacts the Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act and would require a license as opposed to a registration.House Bill 2600 allows for the Kansas Board of Regents to sell and convey certain real property in the city of Emporia, Kansas on behalf of Emporia State University.House Substitute for Senate Bill 267, the House’s budget version, was debated early on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. We debated the budget bill for over two hours and there were many amendments that were presented during the debate to increase spending and wither the ending balance. All of the amendments that increased spending in fiscal year 2023 were defeated and our budget maintains an ending balance of $1.5 billion in FY 2023.I supported all these bills.Conference CommitteeThis coming week, March 28-April 1, will be the last week during the regular 2022 Legislative Session. Most of the deliberations will occur in what are referred to as Conference Committee meetings. These are meetings between the members of the House and Senate to discuss the differences on like bills that passed both chambers.I will be spending many hours in negotiations with my Senate counterparts in discussing the differences in our respective budget bills. We will start early Monday morning where we will begin negotiations on the nearly 125 differences. After we come to agreement, then the agreed to budget will go to both chambers for approval. We will then break for nearly three weeks and will return for what is referred to as Veto-Session on April 25, 2022.More Bills Debated in the HouseAs mentioned above, we held debates on numerous bills during the week. Senate Bill 493 prohibits cities and counties from regulating plastic and other containers designed for the consumption, transportation, or protection of merchandise, food, or beverage. I voted “yes.”House Bill 2609 allows restricted drivers license holders to drive to and from worship services for any religious organization at age fifteen. I also voted “yes” on this bill.Substitute for House Bill 2615 was probably the most controversial bill that we debated during the short week. In essence, this bill would permit students to transfer and attend any school in any school district in Kansas. This bill was very problematic as there were many questions as to the funding of the student and ramifications that it may have on the local school district where that student resides. Due to these unresolved concerns, I voted “no” though the bill still passed, 63-59.Senate Bill 161 allows for personal package devices on sidewalks for the delivery of packages by small autonomous vehicles. I voted “yes.”We also debated the redistricting maps for the House and the Senate this week. The new version for the House map, Substitute for House Bill 2737, would have the 109th Kansas House District with new boundaries. The 109th would encompass the entire counties of Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith. When we debate the new maps for the Senate, we passed that chamber’s map with no changes. The Senate will now vote on these maps and they will go to Governor Kelly. I voted “yes.”Contact InformationAnytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at www.kslegislature.org.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.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:* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities:Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens, Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center,Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa,Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center (part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver (part), Cedron, Elkhorn (part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner,Center,Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, March 29, 2022

The Rahjes Report 03-28 -22

&nbsp;We
are in the final days moving towards first adjournment on April 1st.&nbsp; It has been a session filled with a whole lot
of bills that did not go anywhere and since this is the end of the two year
cycle, those bills will go away and could be re-introduced next session. 

There will be town hall meetings on Tuesday, April 5th:&nbsp; (Ellis County) 8:00 a.m. Ellis Public Library
– 9007 Washington St.; 9:45 a.m. (Graham County) Hill City -&nbsp; Brick Pointe &amp; Co. – 307 N Pomeroy Ave. ;
(rooks County) Plainville-&nbsp; 11:00 a.m.–
The Hub co-Working Space 223 W. Mill Street ; 1;30 p.m. ( Phillips County) Phillipsburg
- Huck Boyd Center 860 Park St. ; (Norton) Norton – Heaton Building, 112 S.
Kansas Ave, Suite 308. We will be joined by Senator Billinger or Senator Bowers
depending on county and Representative Wasinger will be at the Ellis town
hall.&nbsp; Look forward to seeing you.

March 23rd marked an important deadline in the 2022
Legislative Session. That is the date by which all non-exempt bills, from
committees other than Appropriations, Federal and State Affairs, and Taxation,
had to be considered in either chamber.&nbsp;
This past week the House debated and approved 55 bills.&nbsp; Senate bills that were not amended by the
House will be advanced to the Governor for her consideration.&nbsp; This week, Conference Committees will be
meeting to hammer out differences between House and Senate versions of bills
that have passed at least one chamber.&nbsp;
The Legislature will then vote on Conference Committee Reports, which
reflect the bill language agreed upon by members of each conference
committee.&nbsp; These reports will be voted
on prior to the Legislature’s First Adjournment deadline, which is set for April
1.

Highlights of legislation passed last week include:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Implementation
of the 988 Suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline in Kansas.&nbsp; Federal law has created 988 as an alternative
to using the 911 system.&nbsp; The 988 system
will connect people in crisis to immediate care and assistance (SB 19)

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honoring
the Gold Star Families of Kansas with a memorial to be placed on the Statehouse
grounds (SB 330)

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Protecting
Kansas ranchers with passage of the Fake Meat labeling bill (SB 261)

The House adopted a map (HB 2737) for reapportioning the
House’s 125 seats based on population shifts in our state. This map is the
result of a bipartisan compromise. No amendments were presented during floor
debate, keeping the map identical to what passed out of committee. Highlights
of the Free State 3 map include:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Priority
was given to keeping rural counties whole, especially in western Kansas. This
helps county election officers be efficient with local elections by avoiding
creation of unnecessary new voting districts in lower populated areas. It also
makes it easier for citizens to know who their Representatives are when needing
assistance or voicing concerns to their legislators.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Two
existing House Districts, 108 and 117, will become new districts in Johnson
County based on the state’s shifts in population over the past 10 years.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keeps new
districts close to the ideal population for each district, with the deviation
varying by just over 3 percent.

The 110th District changes include the addition
of the remainder Graham County and most of rural Ellis County that was not
already a part of the district.

HB 2737 passed with a vote of 112-10.&nbsp; The bill heads to the Senate for its
consideration.&nbsp; The House also passed the
Senate’s reapportionment map, SB 563, following amending the Senate Bill.&nbsp; SB 563 now contains both the House and Senate
maps and goes to the Senate for a vote to consider the House’s amendment.&nbsp; The Senate has introduced the State Board of
Education maps.&nbsp; Reapportioning the State
Board of Education districts will be the final redistricting measure of the
Session.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The House passed
SB 267, the state budget minus K-12 expenditures, with a vote of 73-49.&nbsp; The K-12 budget can be found in HB 2512.&nbsp; Priorities in the budget include:

•&nbsp; Setting aside $500
million in the Rainy Day Fund, so that our families will not be on the hook for
higher taxes as the economy ebbs and flows.

•&nbsp; Caring for our most
vulnerable citizens with additional dollars for social service programs.

•&nbsp; Removing the
Governor’s one-time tax handout, recommending meaningful tax cuts.

•&nbsp; Addressing rural
housing needs with a $50 million appropriation.&nbsp;
House Republicans continue to work on legislation to best address how to
keep rural Kansas thriving.

•&nbsp; Crafting reasonable
recommendations on state employee pay by funding essential retention pay, while
providing a flat increase for all other employees.&nbsp; In addition, the bill requests an interim
study to look at pay issues across all agencies.

The budget bill now goes to a conference committee to work
out differences between the House and Senate budgets.

Once again, this year, the House took the K-12 funding out
of the budget process in the Appropriations committee and made it a standalone
bill.&nbsp; It contained constitutional school
finance appropriations and adjustments to K-12 policy.&nbsp; I voted against this and the other education
bill that created forced “open enrollment.”&nbsp;
The reason I voted NO was, these policy additions would not have
positive impacts on the K-12 schools in the 110th District.&nbsp;&nbsp; I did vote for HB 2631 which enacting the
career technical education credential and transition incentive for employment
success act to provide additional state aid for school districts based on
students obtaining a credential.&nbsp; 

Other bills of interest included:

HB 2340 Increasing the minimum
age to 21 to purchase or possess cigarettes and tobacco products.&nbsp; The bill passed 79-43.&nbsp;

HB 2609 Allowing restricted driver's license
holders to drive to and from worship services for any religious organizations
at age 15.&nbsp; The bill passed 95-27.

A group of grade school students from Sabetha led the charge
on HB 2644: Designating the Sandhill plum as the official state fruit.&nbsp; The bill passed 115-7. &nbsp;

SB 200&nbsp; Expanding the
pharmacist's scope of practice to include initiation of therapy for influenza,
strep throat or urinary tract infection, pursuant to a statewide protocol
adopted by the collaborative drug therapy management advisory committee.&nbsp; The bill passed 119-3.

SB 346 Concerning agriculture; relating to milk and dairy
products; allowing on-farm retail sale of milk and milk products; extending
certain milk and dairy license fees; authorizing the secretary of agriculture
to declare an imminent health hazard; authorizing civil penalties for certain
dairy law violations; relating to animals; transporting animals into the state;
authorizing the animal health commissioner to assess a civil penalty for
violations relating thereto.&nbsp; The bill
passed 119-3.&nbsp;

SB 479 Authorizing a permanent memorial commemorating the
Kansas suffragist movement to be placed in the state capitol and establishing
the Kansas suffragist memorial fund.&nbsp; The
bill passed 122-0.

This week Conference Committees will continue their work to
find compromise between the House and Senate versions of bills.&nbsp; Once agreements are reached, the Conference
Committee Reports will be voted upon by each chamber.&nbsp; The Legislature will adjourn on April 1 and
return for Veto Session on April 25. This break will allow time for the House
Clerk and Senate Secretary to get all the bills agreed to by both chambers to
the Governor for her consideration.&nbsp; Any
bills and budget line items vetoed by the Governor will be considered by the
Legislature for possible override upon its return.

You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online
at kslegislature.org &nbsp;and when the house
and senate are on the floor on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel.&nbsp; If you would like to contact me?&nbsp; Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can
always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist.

House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog (part),&nbsp;Lookout (part) and Wheatland (part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City (part) and Nicodemus (part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644854972078.jpeg" alt="State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Rahjes Report 03-28 -22 Hello from Topeka. &nbsp;We
are in the final days moving towards first adjournment on April 1st.&nbsp; It has been a session filled with a whole lot
of bills that did not go anywhere and since this is the end of the two year
cycle, those bills will go away and could be re-introduced next session. There will be town hall meetings on Tuesday, April 5th:&nbsp; (Ellis County) 8:00 a.m. Ellis Public Library
– 9007 Washington St.; 9:45 a.m. (Graham County) Hill City -&nbsp; Brick Pointe &amp; Co. – 307 N Pomeroy Ave. ;
(rooks County) Plainville-&nbsp; 11:00 a.m.–
The Hub co-Working Space 223 W. Mill Street ; 1;30 p.m. ( Phillips County) Phillipsburg
- Huck Boyd Center 860 Park St. ; (Norton) Norton – Heaton Building, 112 S.
Kansas Ave, Suite 308. We will be joined by Senator Billinger or Senator Bowers
depending on county and Representative Wasinger will be at the Ellis town
hall.&nbsp; Look forward to seeing you.March 23rd marked an important deadline in the 2022
Legislative Session. That is the date by which all non-exempt bills, from
committees other than Appropriations, Federal and State Affairs, and Taxation,
had to be considered in either chamber.&nbsp;
This past week the House debated and approved 55 bills.&nbsp; Senate bills that were not amended by the
House will be advanced to the Governor for her consideration.&nbsp; This week, Conference Committees will be
meeting to hammer out differences between House and Senate versions of bills
that have passed at least one chamber.&nbsp;
The Legislature will then vote on Conference Committee Reports, which
reflect the bill language agreed upon by members of each conference
committee.&nbsp; These reports will be voted
on prior to the Legislature’s First Adjournment deadline, which is set for April
1.Highlights of legislation passed last week include:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Implementation
of the 988 Suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline in Kansas.&nbsp; Federal law has created 988 as an alternative
to using the 911 system.&nbsp; The 988 system
will connect people in crisis to immediate care and assistance (SB 19)•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honoring
the Gold Star Families of Kansas with a memorial to be placed on the Statehouse
grounds (SB 330)•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Protecting
Kansas ranchers with passage of the Fake Meat labeling bill (SB 261)The House adopted a map (HB 2737) for reapportioning the
House’s 125 seats based on population shifts in our state. This map is the
result of a bipartisan compromise. No amendments were presented during floor
debate, keeping the map identical to what passed out of committee. Highlights
of the Free State 3 map include:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Priority
was given to keeping rural counties whole, especially in western Kansas. This
helps county election officers be efficient with local elections by avoiding
creation of unnecessary new voting districts in lower populated areas. It also
makes it easier for citizens to know who their Representatives are when needing
assistance or voicing concerns to their legislators.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Two
existing House Districts, 108 and 117, will become new districts in Johnson
County based on the state’s shifts in population over the past 10 years.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keeps new
districts close to the ideal population for each district, with the deviation
varying by just over 3 percent.The 110th District changes include the addition
of the remainder Graham County and most of rural Ellis County that was not
already a part of the district. HB 2737 passed with a vote of 112-10.&nbsp; The bill heads to the Senate for its
consideration.&nbsp; The House also passed the
Senate’s reapportionment map, SB 563, following amending the Senate Bill.&nbsp; SB 563 now contains both the House and Senate
maps and goes to the Senate for a vote to consider the House’s amendment.&nbsp; The Senate has introduced the State Board of
Education maps.&nbsp; Reapportioning the State
Board of Education districts will be the final redistricting measure of the
Session.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The House passed
SB 267, the state budget minus K-12 expenditures, with a vote of 73-49.&nbsp; The K-12 budget can be found in HB 2512.&nbsp; Priorities in the budget include:•&nbsp; Setting aside $500
million in the Rainy Day Fund, so that our families will not be on the hook for
higher taxes as the economy ebbs and flows.•&nbsp; Caring for our most
vulnerable citizens with additional dollars for social service programs.•&nbsp; Removing the
Governor’s one-time tax handout, recommending meaningful tax cuts.•&nbsp; Addressing rural
housing needs with a $50 million appropriation.&nbsp;
House Republicans continue to work on legislation to best address how to
keep rural Kansas thriving.•&nbsp; Crafting reasonable
recommendations on state employee pay by funding essential retention pay, while
providing a flat increase for all other employees.&nbsp; In addition, the bill requests an interim
study to look at pay issues across all agencies.The budget bill now goes to a conference committee to work
out differences between the House and Senate budgets.Once again, this year, the House took the K-12 funding out
of the budget process in the Appropriations committee and made it a standalone
bill.&nbsp; It contained constitutional school
finance appropriations and adjustments to K-12 policy.&nbsp; I voted against this and the other education
bill that created forced “open enrollment.”&nbsp;
The reason I voted NO was, these policy additions would not have
positive impacts on the K-12 schools in the 110th District.&nbsp;&nbsp; I did vote for HB 2631 which enacting the
career technical education credential and transition incentive for employment
success act to provide additional state aid for school districts based on
students obtaining a credential.&nbsp; Other bills of interest included: HB 2340 Increasing the minimum
age to 21 to purchase or possess cigarettes and tobacco products.&nbsp; The bill passed 79-43.&nbsp; HB 2609 Allowing restricted driver's license
holders to drive to and from worship services for any religious organizations
at age 15.&nbsp; The bill passed 95-27.A group of grade school students from Sabetha led the charge
on HB 2644: Designating the Sandhill plum as the official state fruit.&nbsp; The bill passed 115-7. &nbsp;SB 200&nbsp; Expanding the
pharmacist's scope of practice to include initiation of therapy for influenza,
strep throat or urinary tract infection, pursuant to a statewide protocol
adopted by the collaborative drug therapy management advisory committee.&nbsp; The bill passed 119-3.SB 346 Concerning agriculture; relating to milk and dairy
products; allowing on-farm retail sale of milk and milk products; extending
certain milk and dairy license fees; authorizing the secretary of agriculture
to declare an imminent health hazard; authorizing civil penalties for certain
dairy law violations; relating to animals; transporting animals into the state;
authorizing the animal health commissioner to assess a civil penalty for
violations relating thereto.&nbsp; The bill
passed 119-3.&nbsp; SB 479 Authorizing a permanent memorial commemorating the
Kansas suffragist movement to be placed in the state capitol and establishing
the Kansas suffragist memorial fund.&nbsp; The
bill passed 122-0.This week Conference Committees will continue their work to
find compromise between the House and Senate versions of bills.&nbsp; Once agreements are reached, the Conference
Committee Reports will be voted upon by each chamber.&nbsp; The Legislature will adjourn on April 1 and
return for Veto Session on April 25. This break will allow time for the House
Clerk and Senate Secretary to get all the bills agreed to by both chambers to
the Governor for her consideration.&nbsp; Any
bills and budget line items vetoed by the Governor will be considered by the
Legislature for possible override upon its return.You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online
at kslegislature.org &nbsp;and when the house
and senate are on the floor on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel.&nbsp; If you would like to contact me?&nbsp; Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can
always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog (part),&nbsp;Lookout (part) and Wheatland (part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City (part) and Nicodemus (part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

RAHJES REPORT: March 28, 2022

SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEW

The Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor working near 2:00 a.m. in the overnight hours between Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp; Monday will start a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2022 legislative session.&nbsp; Next week’s work will primarily consist of voting on conference committee reports, which are produced by conference committees working on ironing out differences between House and Senate versions of legislation.&nbsp;&nbsp; After the conclusion of the regular session, the legislature is scheduled to take a three week break before returning for the veto session in late April and early May.&nbsp; This year, the primary duties of the legislature are to adopt the maps for the next decade, in addition to the constitutional requirement to pass a budget for the next fiscal year.

A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill.&nbsp; Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk.&nbsp;

The Kansas Senate on Wednesday confirmed Dwight D. Keen to a second four-year term as a commissioner on the Kansas Corporation Commission.&nbsp; Commissioners are appointed by the Governor, are confirmed by the Kansas Senate and serve staggered four-year terms. State law provides that no more than two of the three commissioners may belong to the same political party. The KCC is an independent regulatory agency that oversees the state’s electric, natural gas, telecommunications, oil and gas, and transportation industries with the responsibility of ensuring safe, adequate, and reliable services at reasonable rates for the citizens of Kansas.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hcr5030/" target="_blank">HCR 5030</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;a resolution making certain findings regarding antisemitism, and adopting a definition of the term by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, or IHRA.&nbsp;Special Note: On the same day the Senate passed HCR 5030, the Senate welcomed Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the Consul General of Israel. We were delighted that that the Consul General was able to watch passage of such an important resolution. HCR 5030 passed both the Kansas Senate and Kansas House without opposition.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb541/" target="_blank">SB 541</a>&nbsp;addresses closing of businesses/limits on gatherings - the bill would state if a city adopts an ordinance or takes any action related to a contagious or infectious disease declared state of disaster or state of local disaster emergency under KEMA which limits the size of gatherings of individuals, restricts the operation of business or controls the movement of persons, such ordinance could not exceed 30 days in duration at a time. The bill would allow any party aggrieved by such decision of the city to file a civil action, within 30 days after the issuance of the decision and conduct a hearing within 72 hours of receiving a petition in such action.&nbsp; It would prohibit any governmental entity or public official from requiring a person to wear a face mask as a response to a contagious or infectious disease and prohibit all educational institutions, including school boards, from issuing vaccine passports or segregating students based on vaccination status.&nbsp; The bill prohibits restrictions on or the closing of churches so churches will remain open.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 541 passed the Senate 24-14.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2416/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2416</a>&nbsp;would create law regarding compensation for the use, restriction of use, loss, or destruction of property as a result of governmental actions related to the prevention of or response to contagious or infectious disease. The bill also would amend law related to property tax relief for businesses affected by governmental shutdowns or restrictions related to certain emergencies and would enact the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act to provide for claims for refunds to be paid for tax years 2020 and 2021 for certain claimants that were operationally shut down or restricted at their retail storefront by a COVID-19-related order or action imposed by the State, a local unit of government, or a local health officer.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2416 passed 26-11.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS&nbsp; <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hcr5022/" target="_blank">HCR 5022</a>, which if approved by voters, would amend Article 9, Sections 2 and 5 of the Kansas Constitution to require County Sheriffs to remain elected if the county had not abolished the sheriff prior to January of this year, and would allow counties who abolished it (Riley County is the only one) to restore the elected Sheriff.&nbsp;HCR 5022 passed 30-2.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hcr5014/" target="_blank">HCR 5014</a>&nbsp;which if approved by the voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to allow for legislative revocation or suspension of rules and regulations issued by the executive branch with a simple majority vote.&nbsp; Currently, after the legislature makes laws then the administrative agencies issue rules and regulations to implement the law.&nbsp;&nbsp;HCR 5014 passed 27 -13.&nbsp;

Both of the above amendments having already passed the House will&nbsp; head to the ballot this November.

Constitutional Amendments reforming Judicial Selection (to mirror federal model)- SCR 1621 and requiring a super majority for tax increases -&nbsp; SCR1620 failed to receive the needed 27 votes failed in the Senate.&nbsp;

Kansas Senate adopted two bills which would provide tax relief to Kansans <a></a><a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2239/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2239</a>&nbsp;would create the Golden Years Homestead Property Tax Freeze Program, increase the individual income tax standard deduction, enact the SALT Parity Act, amend law related to carrying forward net operating losses, create tax exemptions for federal disallowances related to certain employment tax credits, create tax credits for contributions to technical and community colleges, and provide for an income tax checkoff for state historic sites.&nbsp;&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2239 passed 36-2.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2597/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2597</a>&nbsp;would establish a property tax revenue neutral rate complaint process, authorizing the county clerk&nbsp;to limit the amount of ad valorem taxes to be levied in certain circumstances, amends the definition of land devoted to agricultural use for property tax purposes to include incidental agritourism activity and zoos, providing for land devoted to agricultural use that is subject to the federal grassland conservation reserve program to be classified as grassland, establishing a property tax exemption for antique utility trailers and allowing for the proration of value for property tax purposes when certain personal property is acquired or sold prior to September 1 of any tax year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sub for HB 2597 passed the Senate 32-6.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2448/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2448</a>&nbsp;is a bill to reduce dependency on government by able-bodied adults. It requires able-bodied adults without dependents to complete an employment and training program in order to receive food assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2448 passed the Senate 27-12.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb340/" target="_blank">SB 340</a>&nbsp;would make changes to the Kansas Promise Scholarship Act. The bill would address&nbsp;the responsibilities of the State Board of Regents and the responsibilities of postsecondary institutions, and it would authorize the designation of additional eligible programs and&nbsp;

fields of study.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 340 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2574/" target="_blank">HB 2574</a>&nbsp;amends law related to awards by the Crime Victims Compensation Board. The bill would raise the award limit for funeral and related expenses from $5,000 to $7,500 and raise the award limit for crime scene cleanup from $1,000 to $2,500. It also amends the definition of “crime scene cleanup” and adds to the list of victims who may be awarded compensation for mental health counseling certain victims who are required to testify in a sexually violent predator commitment.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2574 passed 37-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2510/" target="_blank">HB 2510</a>&nbsp;would amend certain investment limitation requirements to increase the permissible investment options in equity interests and preferred stock for Kansas-domiciled life insurance companies.&nbsp;HB 2510 passed 37-2.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2564/" target="_blank">HB 2564</a>&nbsp;would amend the effective date specified in the Insurance Code for the risk-based capital instructions for property and casualty companies and for life insurance companies.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB&nbsp;2564 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb546/" target="_blank">SB 546</a>&nbsp;would permit operation of driverless-capable vehicles without a human driver with the&nbsp;

automated driving system engaged under certain circumstances.&nbsp;SB 564 passed 24-12.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/scr1619/" target="_blank">SCR 1619</a>&nbsp;urges the adoption of the 2021 Special Committee on Taxation’s conclusions and recommendations regarding the fiscal future of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;SCR 1619 passed the Senate 28-11.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2110/" target="_blank">HB 2110</a>&nbsp;would require, for the next State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) coverage year 2023, the State Employees Health Care Commission to provide coverage for the diagnosis and prescribed treatment for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS).&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2110 passed 32-4.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2363/" target="_blank">HB 2363</a>&nbsp;would amend law governing compensation for services provided to indigents to require appointed counsel be paid at a rate not to exceed $100 per hour through June 30, 2023, and at a rate not to exceed $120 per hour on and after July 1, 2023. The current rate is $80. HB 2363 passed 35-3.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2458/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2458</a>&nbsp;would clarify law regarding liability for optometrists and ophthalmologists who provide information required for issuance or renewal of an applicant’s driver’s license. The bill would specify no optometrist or ophthalmologist reporting to the Division or the Medical Advisory Board in good faith any information relating to vision would be liable to any person subsequent to the issuance or the renewal of a driver’s license to the applicant.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2458 passed 38-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb489/" target="_blank">SB 489</a>&nbsp;would amend statute concerning the powers of the Secretary of Health and Environment and local health officers to issue health orders in response to infectious or contagious diseases, by&nbsp;<a>removing the ability of appointed officials to issue orders</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 489 passed the Senate 24-15.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2280/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2280</a>&nbsp;authorizes the prescribing and dispensing of medications for off-label use to prevent&nbsp;and treat COVID-19 infections and requiring child care facilities and schools to grant religious exemptions from vaccination requirements without inquiring into the sincerity of such religious beliefs.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2280 passed 21-16.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2462/" target="_blank">HB 2462</a>&nbsp;would amend law to remove committee membership requirements for legislators appointed to the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations.&nbsp;HB 2462 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2476/" target="_blank">HB 2476</a>&nbsp;would authorize two distinctive license plates related to military honors and four distinctive license plates related to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) for issuance on or after January 1, 2023. The military honors plates would be available to recipients of the Silver Star or the Bronze Star, and the KDWP plates would represent state parks, hunting, fishing, and nongame wildlife.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2476 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2481/" target="_blank">HB 2481</a>&nbsp;would authorize members of the Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (KP&amp;F) to purchase service time credited as KP&amp;F service for eligible prior in-state, non-federal governmental employment.&nbsp;HB 2481 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb496/" target="_blank">SB 496</a>&nbsp; affirms the right of parents to direct upbringing, education, care, and mental health of their children. The bill would require the boards of education of each school district to develop and adopt policies to guarantee parents’ rights, including curriculum transparency that provides parents the right to be informed about and review all materials related to their children's education, including educational and health records related to their child.&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb496/" target="_blank">SB 496</a>&nbsp;passed 24-15.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb484/" target="_blank">SB 484</a>&nbsp;ensures athletic teams or sports designated for women are reserved only for biological women.&nbsp;SB484 passed the Senate 27-12, which is a veto proof majority.

<a></a><a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb351/" target="_blank">SB 351</a>&nbsp;would require the Secretary of State to develop an affidavit system to be used for persons transferring ballots; provide for the use of electronic poll books in elections; authorize the Secretary to review, approve, and adopt rules and regulations regarding the use of such electronic poll books; prohibit voting systems from having the capability of connecting to the internet or other network; create the crime of electronic poll book fraud; and amend requirements related to the testing of election equipment.&nbsp;SB 351 passed 29-10.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb438/" target="_blank">SB 438</a>&nbsp;requires audits of any federal, statewide, or state legislative race that is within 1% of the total votes cast and requiring randomized audits of elections procedures used in four counties in even-numbered years.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 438 passed 38-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2056/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2056</a>&nbsp;would limit county election offices to one remote ballot box for every&nbsp; 30,000 registered voters in the county; require remote ballot boxes to be monitored; tie the available hours of a remote ballot box to the hours of operation of a county election office; extend the advance voting period by three days; and shorten the voter registration deadline before an election by three days. Among the provisions of the bill, it would change the deadline for the receipt by mail of advance voting ballots by county election officers to 7:00 p.m. on the date of the election. It would also require remote ballot boxes, when open, to be continuously observed by an employee of the county election office. The ballot boxes would be located inside a state or municipal building where employees are physically present or located inside any other building and continuously observed by two authorized poll agents who shall not be registered with the same political party.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2056 passed 22-17.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2489/" target="_blank">HB 2489</a>&nbsp;would make several amendments to the Technology-enabled Fiduciary Financial&nbsp;Institutions Act (TEFFI Act) pertaining to an updated definition, fingerprinting requirement, existing application fee, governing documents, evaluation and examination, customer disclosure, and services and authorized activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2489 passed 37-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2490/" target="_blank">HB 2490</a>&nbsp;amends law governing the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings program to make the program compliant with the federal Internal Revenue Code and mandatory federal regulations. The program allows individuals with a disability and their families to save private funds without violating federal means-tested benefit requirements.&nbsp;HB 2490 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2547/" target="_blank">HB 2547</a>&nbsp;would amend and enact law supplemental to the Captive Insurance Act to allow a&nbsp;technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution (TEFFI) insurance company to operate as an authorized captive insurance company in Kansas.&nbsp;HB 2547 passed 36-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2559/" target="_blank">HB 2559</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Cotton Boll Weevil Act and create the Kansas Cotton Boll Weevil Program, which would be administered by a board of directors. The bill would allow the Board to authorize the development and implementation of an eradication plan with the Secretary of Agriculture, pursuant to the Plant Pest and Agriculture Commodity Certification Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2559 passed 32-6.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2567/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2567</a>&nbsp;would alter the calculation of local foundation aid within the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act (KSEEA) by removing federal impact aid from the formula. It would also exclude the Fort Leavenworth school district and virtual school students from the capital improvement state aid determination.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2567 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2568/" target="_blank">HB 2568</a>&nbsp;would update the Kansas Mortgage Business Act (KMBA) to allow certain mortgage business to be conducted remotely and make changes to definitions and branch licensure and other registration requirements for mortgage companies.&nbsp;HB 2568 passed 38-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2595/" target="_blank">HB 2595</a>&nbsp;makes certain antique vehicle titling procedures applicable to vehicles having a model year of 1960 or later instead of 1950 or later.&nbsp;HB 2595 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2605/" target="_blank">HB 2605</a>&nbsp;would expand and clarify the requirements for the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and create an advisory committee to oversee the Program.&nbsp;HB 2605 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2703/" target="_blank">HB 2703</a>&nbsp;would amend law related to unemployment compensation regarding out-of-state reimbursing employers, fund control tables, solvency and credit rate schedules, and the My Reemployment Plan program.&nbsp;HB 2703 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2299/" target="_blank">HB 2299</a>&nbsp;would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to extend, from 96 hours to 240 hours, the time period within which a search warrant must be executed after it is issued.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2299 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2712/" target="_blank">HB 2712</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial Act. The U.S. Semiquincentennial, on July 4, 2026, will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2712 passed 39-0.

<a></a><a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2456/" target="_blank">HB 2456</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks to issue a Kansas kids lifetime combination hunting and fishing license on or after January 1, 2023, to Kansas residents of certain ages upon payment of a fee, which could be paid on behalf of the child.&nbsp; For a child five years of age or younger, the license fee would be $300 and for a child six years of age or older, but not more than 12 years of age, the license fee would be $400. On and after July 1, 2027, the license fees could be increased up to an additional $100, with approval from the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission.&nbsp;HB 2456 passed 39-0. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2537/" target="_blank">HB 2537</a>&nbsp;would amend a statute governing hearings by the Commissioner of Insurance to add a provision allowing a person subject to any order issued by the Commissioner to request a hearing on such order. If such a request is made, the bill would require the Commissioner to conduct a hearing in accordance with KAPA provisions.&nbsp;HB 2537 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2386/" target="_blank">HB 2386</a>&nbsp;would establish requirements and restrictions for the payment and reimbursement of dental services.&nbsp;HB 2386 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2466/" target="_blank">Sub for HB 2466</a>&nbsp;would create the Promoting Advancement in Computing Knowledge Act (PACK Act), the Computer Science Pre-service Educator Program, and authorize the State Board of Education to provide grants to high-quality professional learning providers. The PACK Act would require, each secondary school to offer at least one computer science course, or submit to the State Board of Education a plan describing how the district intends to offer a computer science course and in which school year such course will be offered.&nbsp;Sub for HB 2466 passed 28-11.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2228/" target="_blank">HB 2228</a>&nbsp;would create and amend law related to sexual assault evidence kits and collection of evidence related to abuse or sexual assault. It would create law requiring all law enforcement agencies in Kansas to adopt a written policy requiring submission of all sexual assault kits that correspond to a law enforcement report of sexual assault to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Criminalistics Laboratory, Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), or another accredited forensic laboratory.&nbsp; The bill would require the policies to be adopted and implemented by all law enforcement agencies in Kansas prior to January 31, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2228 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2607/" target="_blank">HB 2607</a>&nbsp;would amend time limitations for habeas corpus motions under KSA 60-1507 and would amend the Kansas Sexually Violent Predator Act (SVPA) regarding the notice of release or anticipated release of sexually violent predators (SVPs). Under continuing law, such motions must be filed within one year of the final order of the last Kansas appellate court to exercise jurisdiction on a direct appeal or the termination of such appellate jurisdiction or the denial of a petition for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court or issuance of such court’s final order following granting such petition.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2607 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2377/" target="_blank">HB 2377</a>&nbsp;would create and amend law related to driving under the influence (DUI) and driving a commercial motor vehicle under the influence (commercial DUI). The bill also would make additional amendments regarding diversions and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).&nbsp;HB 2377 passed 38-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb155/" target="_blank">SB 155</a>&nbsp;would update statutes related to newborn screening and designate those statutes as the Newborn Screening Act. The bill would also establish the Universal Newborn Screening Program (UNSP) within the Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 155 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2608/" target="_blank">HB 2608</a>&nbsp;removes provisions authorizing criminal restitution to be enforced as a civil judgment and authorizing judicial districts to contract for collection services for criminal restitution.&nbsp;HB&nbsp;2608 passed 34-5.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2541/" target="_blank">HB 2541</a>&nbsp;would shift deposit of certain fees and surcharges from Judicial Branch fee funds to the State General Fund.&nbsp;HB 2541 passed 34-5.

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>.

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

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

BOWERS: Senate Scene, Week 11

Sen. Rick Billinger Newsletter March 28, 2022

TOPEKA - Major work last week included the Senate adopting a budget that includes $22.8 billion in total spending for FY 2023, with a little over $9.0 billion coming from the state general fund. It retires substantial amounts of debt including paying off the $253.9 million for the KPERS layering payments, provides state employees a 5% pay increase, puts away $600.0 million into the rainy-day fund and leaves the state general fund with a healthy ending balance of nearly $360.0 million at the end of FY 2023.

The Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor work at 1:30 a.m., in the overnight hours between Wednesday and Thursday. The legislature had a four-day break before returning on Monday, for a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2022 legislative session. This week, the work will primarily consist of voting on conference committee reports, which are produced by conference committees working on ironing out differences between House and Senate versions of legislation. After the conclusion of the regular session, the legislature is scheduled to take a three week break before returning for the veto session in late April and early May. 

This year, the primary duties of the legislature are to adopt the maps for the next decade, in addition to the constitutional requirement to pass a budget for the next fiscal year. My focus as chair of Ways and Means will be to negotiate this year’s budget with the House Appropriation conferees. There are approximately ten pages of differences between the two budgets passed in each chamber.

Last week, the Kansas Senate adopted HCR 5030, a resolution making certain findings regarding antisemitism, and adopting a definition of the term by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance or IHRA. The resolution states, the Jewish community continues to be targeted in the United States and is consistently the most likely of all religious groups to be victimized by incidents of hate. The Kansas Jewish Community has tragically experienced the hatred firsthand as it did on April 13, 2014, when three people lost their lives due to antisemitic attacks at the Jewish Community Center in Kansas City and the Village Shalom, both located in Overland Park.

Last week, the Kansas House adopted a new House map along with the Senate map approved by the Senate last week. These maps will be the new maps for the next ten years.

The Senate passed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which simply ensures athletic teams or sports designated for women are reserved only for biological women. The bill will ensure an equal playing field for biological females so they can fairly participate in athletics due to the distinct physiological advantages held by biological males over biological females.

HCR 5022 was adopted by the Senate, which if approved by voters, would amend Article 9, Sections 2 and 5 of the Kansas Constitution to require County Sheriffs to remain elected if the county had not abolished the sheriff prior to January of this year, and would allow counties who abolished it (Riley County is the only one) to restore the elected Sheriff. The amendment is in response to a proposal to abolish the Sheriff in areas such as Johnson County.

In our system of government, it is the legislature which makes laws and administrative agencies then issue rules and regulations to implement the law. Too often in recent years, government subsequently have crossed the line into lawmaking, issuing rules and regulations which are in effect policy-making decisions that should be left up to elected officials who are accountable to the public. As a result, the Kansas Senate

followed the Kansas House in adopting HCR5014, which if approved by the voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to allow legislative revocation or suspension of rules and regulations issued by the executive branch with a simple majority vote.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our Town Hall Meetings, the schedule is listed below.

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sen. Rick Billinger Newsletter March 28, 2022TOPEKA - Major work last week included the Senate adopting a budget that includes $22.8 billion in total spending for FY 2023, with a little over $9.0 billion coming from the state general fund. It retires substantial amounts of debt including paying off the $253.9 million for the KPERS layering payments, provides state employees a 5% pay increase, puts away $600.0 million into the rainy-day fund and leaves the state general fund with a healthy ending balance of nearly $360.0 million at the end of FY 2023.The Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor work at 1:30 a.m., in the overnight hours between Wednesday and Thursday. The legislature had a four-day break before returning on Monday, for a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2022 legislative session. This week, the work will primarily consist of voting on conference committee reports, which are produced by conference committees working on ironing out differences between House and Senate versions of legislation. After the conclusion of the regular session, the legislature is scheduled to take a three week break before returning for the veto session in late April and early May. This year, the primary duties of the legislature are to adopt the maps for the next decade, in addition to the constitutional requirement to pass a budget for the next fiscal year. My focus as chair of Ways and Means will be to negotiate this year’s budget with the House Appropriation conferees. There are approximately ten pages of differences between the two budgets passed in each chamber.Last week, the Kansas Senate adopted HCR 5030, a resolution making certain findings regarding antisemitism, and adopting a definition of the term by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance or IHRA. The resolution states, the Jewish community continues to be targeted in the United States and is consistently the most likely of all religious groups to be victimized by incidents of hate. The Kansas Jewish Community has tragically experienced the hatred firsthand as it did on April 13, 2014, when three people lost their lives due to antisemitic attacks at the Jewish Community Center in Kansas City and the Village Shalom, both located in Overland Park.Last week, the Kansas House adopted a new House map along with the Senate map approved by the Senate last week. These maps will be the new maps for the next ten years.The Senate passed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which simply ensures athletic teams or sports designated for women are reserved only for biological women. The bill will ensure an equal playing field for biological females so they can fairly participate in athletics due to the distinct physiological advantages held by biological males over biological females.HCR 5022 was adopted by the Senate, which if approved by voters, would amend Article 9, Sections 2 and 5 of the Kansas Constitution to require County Sheriffs to remain elected if the county had not abolished the sheriff prior to January of this year, and would allow counties who abolished it (Riley County is the only one) to restore the elected Sheriff. The amendment is in response to a proposal to abolish the Sheriff in areas such as Johnson County.In our system of government, it is the legislature which makes laws and administrative agencies then issue rules and regulations to implement the law. Too often in recent years, government subsequently have crossed the line into lawmaking, issuing rules and regulations which are in effect policy-making decisions that should be left up to elected officials who are accountable to the public. As a result, the Kansas Senatefollowed the Kansas House in adopting HCR5014, which if approved by the voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to allow legislative revocation or suspension of rules and regulations issued by the executive branch with a simple majority vote.I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our Town Hall Meetings, the schedule is listed below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648477151221.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns, my office number is 785 296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th District senator which includes:Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon(part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update, March 28, 2022

By JON QUINDAY City of Russell

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." —&nbsp;Abraham Lincoln

RUSSELL — A few days ago, I was asked if the City receives more tax money when valuations increase. The
answer is, "It depends."


Property tax is the most criticized and misunderstood source of government revenue. The citizen
was interested in recent media reports indicating statewide increases in property valuation.
While in Russell County, we have not yet seen our valuation notices, it is probable, based on
media reports across the State, we will experience the same. Naturally, we are all concerned
about an increase's effect on our property tax. Different property classes – residential,
agriculture, commercial – have different assessment rates, adding to the difficulty of answering
the concerned citizen's question. The straightforward answer is this: Your taxes increase if your
property valuation goes up and all the local taxing entities keep the mill levy the same, or the
combination of levies remains unchanged. Conversely, a decrease in the overall levy should
offset an increased valuation. If the taxing entity's budgeted revenue from property tax remains
the same as the prior year, then the mill levy for that taxing entity would go down if values go up
(more on that below).

The State levies 1.5 mills for State Building Funds in Kansas. Then each school district levies
20 mills that are sent to the State and then returned to the districts per a formula for public
education. For these 21.5 mills, there will be an increase in taxes if your property value
increases; the State has not decreased these 21.5 mills because statewide valuation goes up. So
it will be up to the City, the County, and the School District when they set their budgets this
summer.


Since 2015, the City of Russell has lowered its mill levy each year, albeit slightly. For the 2022
budget, the City levied only about $1,500 more than received with the 2015 budget. In essence,
for the City of Russell, there has been no growth in property tax revenue. Yes, here in the City
of Russell, taxpayers pay more in property taxes than ten years ago, but the City has not been a
part of that increase. In 2021 of the $15,769,756 in property tax levied1, the City of Russell
accounted for 9.5%, not including Russell Recreation and the Library.


These taxes pay for Police, Fire, Public Transportation, 911 Services, Public Works, Streets,
Building Planning and Zoning, Municipal Court, Golf Course, Swimming Pool, Parks, and the
Deines Cultural Center, plus up to 4 mill appropriations for the Russell Recreation Commission
and 4.76 mills for the Russell Public Library.


I often hear that the City needs to improve streets, alleys, blighted buildings, and add more
amenities, which requires adequate funds. Of course, we have other revenue from sales tax; this
is why shopping local is vital to support local businesses and your community. Yes, we
complain about it, but the sales tax takes the burden off property taxes to provide funding for
government services.


Local property tax, sales tax, and fees are not the only revenue source for local government. In
1997, the legislature created the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTR). The
LAVTR program is supposed to share State sales tax dollars with local governments to lower
property taxes. Under current law, the LAVTR transfer to cities and counties consists of 3.63%
of the State's sales and use taxes. From 1997 to 2003, the legislature partially funded LAVTR,
yet since 2004 the legislature has chosen not to support this property tax reduction tool. The
City-County Revenue Sharing fund (CCRS) is supposed to transfer 2.823% of states sales and
use taxes to cities and counties. The CCRS was established in 1978 as an agreement between the
State and local governments where the local share of cigarette and liquor enforcement tax
revenues went to the State to establish the CCRS. The State partially funded the CCRS from
1997 to 2003 and, like the LAVTR, quit funding the program in 2004. Loss in revenue to local
government exceeds $2 billion, money which the State of Kansas has kept.


I've been advocating for legislative leadership and local legislators to fund, even in part, the
LAVTR to help reduce the property tax burden, as intended. With the State having a projected
$3 billion surplus, the estimated $150 million could be funded. Legislatures told me supporting
the LAVTR is a great idea to lower property taxes, yet no one would step up and introduce a bill
to do so. The Tax Committee said it should go through the Appropriations Committee. The
Appropriations Committee said it should go through Tax. So goes politics. I finally received a
response from the House Committee on Appropriations Chair that LAVTR will not be discussed
as a topic in the Appropriations Committee. Further, he indicated that the likelihood of it being
included in the budget is minimal, and there is talk of removing LAVTR from the statute
altogether.


I understand the state legislature has a full plate of issues before them, and I would argue that
property taxes should be at the forefront of their discussion - tax relief for all Kansans. When the
legislature passed the tax lid in 2016, they argued that property tax rate increases were
unsustainable. In anticipation of the tax lid, many taxing entities raised their mill levy; the City
of Russell did not. Then comes tax lid 2.0, with many "exemptions" that made the legislation
futile. Now we have the Truth in Taxation legislation. The State of Kansas sets a revenue-
neutral rate for each entity. It requires taxing entities to mail notification to every taxpayer
before passing a budget if it plans to exceed this rate. Most taxing entities published notices that
they would exceed the revenue-neutral rate in the first year. Now, the legislature is considering
Truth in Taxation 2.0. This legislation allows taxpayers to appeal to the State Board of Tax
Appeals if the taxing entity did not follow the rules. It's a great idea, but it does nothing to lower
property taxes and potentially increases local administrative expenses for the taxing entity.


The governing body of the City of Russell has been mindful of property tax burdens by making
good decisions for their City, including passing a budget that meets the community's needs and
values. The governing body must weigh competing costs and benefits when it adopts the budget
it believes is in Russell's best interests. The City has successfully identified and secured grant
funds for many projects that we could not otherwise accomplish. Since 2015, the City has
received over $10 million in grant funding. The successful grant writing and employees doing
more with less, cross-training, and fiscal responsibility have allowed us to keep our taxes flat,
even as prices continue to rise.


Frankly, I don't know what the future holds. The City Council is concerned about property taxes
and has prioritized keeping them flat or lower. We've accomplished this task for the past seven


years by simply being responsible and managing budgets for the long haul and not just for the
short term. Every decision we make today, this month, and this year has an immediate short-
term effect and impacts the community's long-term stability. As we strive to improve our city-
wide operations to increase performance and reliability, we are constantly mindful during daily
operations and ask ourselves if what we're doing is promoting long-term financial stability. I
will argue that we have been doing that and will continue to do so.


A recent legislative newsletter indicates, "The overall budget position for the House budget
when passed out of committee has us with an ending balance of more than $1.7 billion". That is
great news for the State of Kansas, especially after putting $500 million in the Budget
Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund). I would respectfully suggest an ending balance of $1.7
billion can easily sustain honoring the decades-old agreement to lower property taxes by funding
the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund – helping all Kansans.

Jon Quinday is Russell city manager.

By JON QUINDAY City of Russell"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." —&nbsp;Abraham Lincoln
RUSSELL — A few days ago, I was asked if the City receives more tax money when valuations increase. The
answer is, "It depends."
Property tax is the most criticized and misunderstood source of government revenue. The citizen
was interested in recent media reports indicating statewide increases in property valuation.
While in Russell County, we have not yet seen our valuation notices, it is probable, based on
media reports across the State, we will experience the same. Naturally, we are all concerned
about an increase's effect on our property tax. Different property classes – residential,
agriculture, commercial – have different assessment rates, adding to the difficulty of answering
the concerned citizen's question. The straightforward answer is this: Your taxes increase if your
property valuation goes up and all the local taxing entities keep the mill levy the same, or the
combination of levies remains unchanged. Conversely, a decrease in the overall levy should
offset an increased valuation. If the taxing entity's budgeted revenue from property tax remains
the same as the prior year, then the mill levy for that taxing entity would go down if values go up
(more on that below).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The State levies 1.5 mills for State Building Funds in Kansas. Then each school district levies
20 mills that are sent to the State and then returned to the districts per a formula for public
education. For these 21.5 mills, there will be an increase in taxes if your property value
increases; the State has not decreased these 21.5 mills because statewide valuation goes up. So
it will be up to the City, the County, and the School District when they set their budgets this
summer.
Since 2015, the City of Russell has lowered its mill levy each year, albeit slightly. For the 2022
budget, the City levied only about $1,500 more than received with the 2015 budget. In essence,
for the City of Russell, there has been no growth in property tax revenue. Yes, here in the City
of Russell, taxpayers pay more in property taxes than ten years ago, but the City has not been a
part of that increase. In 2021 of the $15,769,756 in property tax levied1, the City of Russell
accounted for 9.5%, not including Russell Recreation and the Library.
These taxes pay for Police, Fire, Public Transportation, 911 Services, Public Works, Streets,
Building Planning and Zoning, Municipal Court, Golf Course, Swimming Pool, Parks, and the
Deines Cultural Center, plus up to 4 mill appropriations for the Russell Recreation Commission
and 4.76 mills for the Russell Public Library.
I often hear that the City needs to improve streets, alleys, blighted buildings, and add more
amenities, which requires adequate funds. Of course, we have other revenue from sales tax; this
is why shopping local is vital to support local businesses and your community. Yes, we
complain about it, but the sales tax takes the burden off property taxes to provide funding for
government services.
Local property tax, sales tax, and fees are not the only revenue source for local government. In
1997, the legislature created the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTR). The
LAVTR program is supposed to share State sales tax dollars with local governments to lower
property taxes. Under current law, the LAVTR transfer to cities and counties consists of 3.63%
of the State's sales and use taxes. From 1997 to 2003, the legislature partially funded LAVTR,
yet since 2004 the legislature has chosen not to support this property tax reduction tool. The
City-County Revenue Sharing fund (CCRS) is supposed to transfer 2.823% of states sales and
use taxes to cities and counties. The CCRS was established in 1978 as an agreement between the
State and local governments where the local share of cigarette and liquor enforcement tax
revenues went to the State to establish the CCRS. The State partially funded the CCRS from
1997 to 2003 and, like the LAVTR, quit funding the program in 2004. Loss in revenue to local
government exceeds $2 billion, money which the State of Kansas has kept.
I've been advocating for legislative leadership and local legislators to fund, even in part, the
LAVTR to help reduce the property tax burden, as intended. With the State having a projected
$3 billion surplus, the estimated $150 million could be funded. Legislatures told me supporting
the LAVTR is a great idea to lower property taxes, yet no one would step up and introduce a bill
to do so. The Tax Committee said it should go through the Appropriations Committee. The
Appropriations Committee said it should go through Tax. So goes politics. I finally received a
response from the House Committee on Appropriations Chair that LAVTR will not be discussed
as a topic in the Appropriations Committee. Further, he indicated that the likelihood of it being
included in the budget is minimal, and there is talk of removing LAVTR from the statute
altogether.
I understand the state legislature has a full plate of issues before them, and I would argue that
property taxes should be at the forefront of their discussion - tax relief for all Kansans. When the
legislature passed the tax lid in 2016, they argued that property tax rate increases were
unsustainable. In anticipation of the tax lid, many taxing entities raised their mill levy; the City
of Russell did not. Then comes tax lid 2.0, with many "exemptions" that made the legislation
futile. Now we have the Truth in Taxation legislation. The State of Kansas sets a revenue-
neutral rate for each entity. It requires taxing entities to mail notification to every taxpayer
before passing a budget if it plans to exceed this rate. Most taxing entities published notices that
they would exceed the revenue-neutral rate in the first year. Now, the legislature is considering
Truth in Taxation 2.0. This legislation allows taxpayers to appeal to the State Board of Tax
Appeals if the taxing entity did not follow the rules. It's a great idea, but it does nothing to lower
property taxes and potentially increases local administrative expenses for the taxing entity.
The governing body of the City of Russell has been mindful of property tax burdens by making
good decisions for their City, including passing a budget that meets the community's needs and
values. The governing body must weigh competing costs and benefits when it adopts the budget
it believes is in Russell's best interests. The City has successfully identified and secured grant
funds for many projects that we could not otherwise accomplish. Since 2015, the City has
received over $10 million in grant funding. The successful grant writing and employees doing
more with less, cross-training, and fiscal responsibility have allowed us to keep our taxes flat,
even as prices continue to rise.
Frankly, I don't know what the future holds. The City Council is concerned about property taxes
and has prioritized keeping them flat or lower. We've accomplished this task for the past seven
years by simply being responsible and managing budgets for the long haul and not just for the
short term. Every decision we make today, this month, and this year has an immediate short-
term effect and impacts the community's long-term stability. As we strive to improve our city-
wide operations to increase performance and reliability, we are constantly mindful during daily
operations and ask ourselves if what we're doing is promoting long-term financial stability. I
will argue that we have been doing that and will continue to do so.
A recent legislative newsletter indicates, "The overall budget position for the House budget
when passed out of committee has us with an ending balance of more than $1.7 billion". That is
great news for the State of Kansas, especially after putting $500 million in the Budget
Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund). I would respectfully suggest an ending balance of $1.7
billion can easily sustain honoring the decades-old agreement to lower property taxes by funding
the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund – helping all Kansans.Jon Quinday is Russell city manager.

QUINDAY: Valuations and taxes? 'It depends'

Should abortion be illegal in Kansas—even in cases of rape, incest, or the life or health of a woman being at risk? How should Kansas politicians regulate Kansas women?&nbsp;

Kansas voters get a say in these questions on August 2, 2022.&nbsp;

Right now, abortion is legal in Kansas, but our state legislature has limited that right.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For example, health insurance policies in Kansas generally can only cover abortion when a woman’s life is endangered. Before having an abortion, women must have an ultrasound, undergo government-directed counseling to deter them from abortion, and wait 24 hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The legislature has also placed numerous restrictions on doctors and clinics, which have arguably reduced the number of abortion providers in Kansas. And, abortion is illegal in Kansas after 22 weeks except under certain circumstances.&nbsp;

Right now, this limited right to abortion in Kansas depends on two court rulings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The first is&nbsp;Roe v. Wade, decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1973. Simplifying&nbsp;Roe, it has generally meant that states cannot restrict a right to abortion in the first trimester, but they can restrict it in certain ways after that—like Kansas does.&nbsp;

The second ruling is&nbsp;Hodes &amp; Nauser v. Schmidt, decided by the Kansas Supreme Court in 2019. It says that the Kansas Constitution’s Bill of Rights protects a right to abortion. However, it also recognizes the right of the Kansas legislature to restrict abortion. Simply, it enshrines the status quo—a right to abortion in Kansas, but with limits.&nbsp;

You might know that the US Supreme Court has chipped away at&nbsp;Roe. The Court recently heard a case that many feel will soon lead to it overturning&nbsp;Roe&nbsp;entirely or partly.&nbsp;

What happens if&nbsp;Roe&nbsp;is overturned?&nbsp;

Should that happen, 22 states have laws that would automatically ban abortion, typically in all circumstances—including rape, incest, and women’s health or life. That includes neighboring Missouri and Oklahoma. However, a limited right to abortion would still exist in Kansas thanks to&nbsp;Hodes.&nbsp;

How does August 2022 come into this?&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas legislature has placed a constitutional amendment about abortion on the August ballot. A “yes” vote on the amendment overturns the&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling that a right to abortion exists in the Kansas Constitution. A “no” vote maintains the status quo by upholding&nbsp;Hodes.&nbsp;

How could we get to abortion being illegal in Kansas?&nbsp;

If&nbsp;Roe&nbsp;is overturned&nbsp;and&nbsp;the August abortion amendment passes, then the right to abortion in Kansas loses its legal foundation. The Kansas legislature could then ban abortion in our state, even in cases of rape, incest, or a woman’s health or life. The legislature could also pursue a policy like Missouri is considering right now that creates a bounty hunter system targeting anyone who helps women leave the state to have an abortion in another state.&nbsp;

If&nbsp;Roe&nbsp;is overturned&nbsp;and&nbsp;the August abortion amendment fails, then everything is status quo—the limited right to abortion continues in Kansas and the legislature continues to have the right to regulate abortion.&nbsp;

I’m not trying to tell you how to feel about abortion. But, as an informed citizen, you should realize that everything you know about abortion might soon change. Regardless of your position, you have the chance to directly shape public policy in Kansas this August 2nd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Should abortion be illegal in Kansas—even in cases of rape, incest, or the life or health of a woman being at risk? How should Kansas politicians regulate Kansas women?&nbsp;Kansas voters get a say in these questions on August 2, 2022.&nbsp;Right now, abortion is legal in Kansas, but our state legislature has limited that right.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For example, health insurance policies in Kansas generally can only cover abortion when a woman’s life is endangered. Before having an abortion, women must have an ultrasound, undergo government-directed counseling to deter them from abortion, and wait 24 hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;The legislature has also placed numerous restrictions on doctors and clinics, which have arguably reduced the number of abortion providers in Kansas. And, abortion is illegal in Kansas after 22 weeks except under certain circumstances.&nbsp;Right now, this limited right to abortion in Kansas depends on two court rulings.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first is&nbsp;Roe v. Wade, decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1973. Simplifying&nbsp;Roe, it has generally meant that states cannot restrict a right to abortion in the first trimester, but they can restrict it in certain ways after that—like Kansas does.&nbsp;The second ruling is&nbsp;Hodes &amp; Nauser v. Schmidt, decided by the Kansas Supreme Court in 2019. It says that the Kansas Constitution’s Bill of Rights protects a right to abortion. However, it also recognizes the right of the Kansas legislature to restrict abortion. Simply, it enshrines the status quo—a right to abortion in Kansas, but with limits.&nbsp;You might know that the US Supreme Court has chipped away at&nbsp;Roe. The Court recently heard a case that many feel will soon lead to it overturning&nbsp;Roe&nbsp;entirely or partly.&nbsp;What happens if&nbsp;Roe&nbsp;is overturned?&nbsp;Should that happen, 22 states have laws that would automatically ban abortion, typically in all circumstances—including rape, incest, and women’s health or life. That includes neighboring Missouri and Oklahoma. However, a limited right to abortion would still exist in Kansas thanks to&nbsp;Hodes.&nbsp;How does August 2022 come into this?&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas legislature has placed a constitutional amendment about abortion on the August ballot. A “yes” vote on the amendment overturns the&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling that a right to abortion exists in the Kansas Constitution. A “no” vote maintains the status quo by upholding&nbsp;Hodes.&nbsp;How could we get to abortion being illegal in Kansas?&nbsp;If&nbsp;Roe&nbsp;is overturned&nbsp;and&nbsp;the August abortion amendment passes, then the right to abortion in Kansas loses its legal foundation. The Kansas legislature could then ban abortion in our state, even in cases of rape, incest, or a woman’s health or life. The legislature could also pursue a policy like Missouri is considering right now that creates a bounty hunter system targeting anyone who helps women leave the state to have an abortion in another state.&nbsp;If&nbsp;Roe&nbsp;is overturned&nbsp;and&nbsp;the August abortion amendment fails, then everything is status quo—the limited right to abortion continues in Kansas and the legislature continues to have the right to regulate abortion.&nbsp;I’m not trying to tell you how to feel about abortion. But, as an informed citizen, you should realize that everything you know about abortion might soon change. Regardless of your position, you have the chance to directly shape public policy in Kansas this August 2nd.&nbsp;&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Voters get a say on abortion in August

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Today let’s go to Lupa Osteria Romana, a high quality restaurant in the heart of New York City. The restaurant is serving delicious pork.&nbsp;

Where was it raised? On the Good Farm, half a continent away in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Craig and Amy Good are the owners of Good Farm, the source of this specialty pork.&nbsp;&nbsp;Craig, the son of Don and Jane Good, grew up in Manhattan. He graduated from Manhattan High and earned a degree from Kansas State in animal science. Craig met and married Amy who earned her degree in what is now called health and human sciences.&nbsp;

After graduation, Craig worked for Fred Germann, who was an innovator in producing Specific Pathogen Free hogs. After five years, with Fred’s blessing, Craig and Amy moved to a farm near Olsburg and started producing breeding stock of their own.&nbsp;

“My passion is to make the next generation of production better than the last,” Craig said. He worked hard on improving the family’s swine herd and selling quality breeding stock to other pork producers.&nbsp;

Then the hog market crashed in1998. The market dried up for Craig’s boars and gilts.&nbsp;

“We went through a brief time of blaming others,” Craig said. “We could blame the packers or blame the corporations, but the blame game serves no purpose.”&nbsp;

Craig and Amy came up with possible alternative crops for their farm and approached K-State agricultural economist Vincent Amanor-Boadu. He looked at the alternatives but ultimately said to them: “Do what you’re good at, and that is raising hogs.”&nbsp;

Amanour-Boadu connected Craig and Amy with a start-up company in Brooklyn, New York that was interested in utilizing heritage livestock breed products from independent farmers for the upscale restaurant industry.&nbsp;

That company is now known as Heritage Foods USA. The founders of Heritage Foods made a trip to Kansas to visit Craig and Amy’s farm near Olsburg, starting a relationship that is in its 19th year.&nbsp;

Heritage Foods USA sources heritage breed products for a number of upscale urban restaurants, especially on the east and west coasts. This was a totally different market than what the Goods had reached in the past.&nbsp;

“We donated a pig to a benefit event that was being held in the Hamptons for some worthy cause being promoted by Mikhail Baryshnikov,” Craig said. Heritage Foods USA continued to build a network of restaurants. “That was the start of the farm-to-table movement on the coasts. Now they buy everything we can produce.”&nbsp;

The Goods raise Duroc hogs as well as Old World breeds such as Gloucestershire Spot and Tamworth. “(The Heritage Foods USA people) have a saying,” Craig said. “They say, `To save a breed of livestock, you have to eat it.’&nbsp;&nbsp;That may sound crazy, but what it means is, if you can create consumer demand for products from that breed, then more farmers will grow them.”&nbsp;

Heritage Foods USA brought groups of chefs to Good Farm in Kansas to see Craig and Amy’s livestock production practices, and family farm firsthand.&nbsp;“Every piece of pork is traced back to the farm,” Craig said.&nbsp;

One day, Craig got a call from the folks at Grandma Hoerner’s, a nearby company that processes fruit and other products. An ice storm had knocked out their refrigeration temporarily. Seven pallets of frozen plums had thawed out to the point that they couldn’t use them, so they called Craig to see if he wanted to feed them to his hogs.&nbsp;

“I called New York and said, `How do you feel about plum-fed pork?’ They loved it,” Craig said. Then there was a neighbor with a Jersey cow who gave excess milk, so the Goods fed the hogs milk with good consumer results as well.&nbsp;

“We want to raise the best product out there,” Craig said. It’s a lofty goal for a family farm near a rural community such as Olsburg, population 219 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

We commend Craig and Amy Good for making a difference with niche marketing and building relationships with urban consumers. I’m glad this has produced such Good results.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648042186375.png" alt="Craig and Amy Good" />
 <figcaption>Craig and Amy Good</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentToday let’s go to Lupa Osteria Romana, a high quality restaurant in the heart of New York City. The restaurant is serving delicious pork.&nbsp;Where was it raised? On the Good Farm, half a continent away in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Craig and Amy Good are the owners of Good Farm, the source of this specialty pork.&nbsp;&nbsp;Craig, the son of Don and Jane Good, grew up in Manhattan. He graduated from Manhattan High and earned a degree from Kansas State in animal science. Craig met and married Amy who earned her degree in what is now called health and human sciences.&nbsp;After graduation, Craig worked for Fred Germann, who was an innovator in producing Specific Pathogen Free hogs. After five years, with Fred’s blessing, Craig and Amy moved to a farm near Olsburg and started producing breeding stock of their own.&nbsp;“My passion is to make the next generation of production better than the last,” Craig said. He worked hard on improving the family’s swine herd and selling quality breeding stock to other pork producers.&nbsp;Then the hog market crashed in1998. The market dried up for Craig’s boars and gilts.&nbsp;“We went through a brief time of blaming others,” Craig said. “We could blame the packers or blame the corporations, but the blame game serves no purpose.”&nbsp;Craig and Amy came up with possible alternative crops for their farm and approached K-State agricultural economist Vincent Amanor-Boadu. He looked at the alternatives but ultimately said to them: “Do what you’re good at, and that is raising hogs.”&nbsp;Amanour-Boadu connected Craig and Amy with a start-up company in Brooklyn, New York that was interested in utilizing heritage livestock breed products from independent farmers for the upscale restaurant industry.&nbsp;That company is now known as Heritage Foods USA. The founders of Heritage Foods made a trip to Kansas to visit Craig and Amy’s farm near Olsburg, starting a relationship that is in its 19th year.&nbsp;Heritage Foods USA sources heritage breed products for a number of upscale urban restaurants, especially on the east and west coasts. This was a totally different market than what the Goods had reached in the past.&nbsp;“We donated a pig to a benefit event that was being held in the Hamptons for some worthy cause being promoted by Mikhail Baryshnikov,” Craig said. Heritage Foods USA continued to build a network of restaurants. “That was the start of the farm-to-table movement on the coasts. Now they buy everything we can produce.”&nbsp;The Goods raise Duroc hogs as well as Old World breeds such as Gloucestershire Spot and Tamworth. “(The Heritage Foods USA people) have a saying,” Craig said. “They say, `To save a breed of livestock, you have to eat it.’&nbsp;&nbsp;That may sound crazy, but what it means is, if you can create consumer demand for products from that breed, then more farmers will grow them.”&nbsp;Heritage Foods USA brought groups of chefs to Good Farm in Kansas to see Craig and Amy’s livestock production practices, and family farm firsthand.&nbsp;“Every piece of pork is traced back to the farm,” Craig said.&nbsp;One day, Craig got a call from the folks at Grandma Hoerner’s, a nearby company that processes fruit and other products. An ice storm had knocked out their refrigeration temporarily. Seven pallets of frozen plums had thawed out to the point that they couldn’t use them, so they called Craig to see if he wanted to feed them to his hogs.&nbsp;“I called New York and said, `How do you feel about plum-fed pork?’ They loved it,” Craig said. Then there was a neighbor with a Jersey cow who gave excess milk, so the Goods fed the hogs milk with good consumer results as well.&nbsp;“We want to raise the best product out there,” Craig said. It’s a lofty goal for a family farm near a rural community such as Olsburg, population 219 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;We commend Craig and Amy Good for making a difference with niche marketing and building relationships with urban consumers. I’m glad this has produced such Good results.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Craig and Amy Good, Good Farms

By PRAKASH NAGARKATTI and MITZI&nbsp;NAGARKATTI <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-new-covid-19-variant-ba-2-and-will-it-cause-another-wave-of-infections-in-the-us-179619">The Conversation</a>

A new omicron subvariant of the virus that causes COVID-19, BA.2, is
 quickly becoming the predominant source of infections amid rising cases
 around the world. Immunologists Prakash Nagarkatti and Mitzi Nagarkatti
 of the University of South Carolina explain what makes it different 
from previous variants, whether there will be another surge in the U.S. 
and how best to protect yourself.

What is BA.2, and how is it related to omicron?

BA.2 is the latest <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04411-y" target="_blank">subvariant of omicron</a>,
 the dominant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. While
 the origin of BA.2 is still unclear, it has quickly become the dominant
 strain in many countries, including <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ada1615" target="_blank">India, Denmark and South Africa</a>. It is <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/08-03-2022-interim-statement-on-covid-19-vaccines-in-the-context-of-the-circulation-of-the-omicron-sars-cov-2-variant-from-the-who-technical-advisory-group-on-covid-19-vaccine-composition-(tag-co-vac)-08-march-2022" target="_blank">continuing to spread</a> in Europe, Asia and many parts of the world.

The omicron variant, officially known as B.1.1.529, of SARS-CoV-2 has <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---1-february-2022" target="_blank">three main subvariants</a> in its <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-classifications.html" target="_blank">lineage</a>: BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3. The earliest omicron subvariant to be detected, BA.1, was first reported in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/scientific-brief-omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">November 2021 in South Africa</a>. While scientists believe that all the subvariants may have <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-00215-2" target="_blank">emerged around the same time</a>, BA.1 was <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---1-february-2022" target="_blank">predominantly responsible</a> for the winter surge of infections in the Northern Hemisphere in 2021.

The first omicron subvariant, BA.1, is unique in the number of 
alterations it has compared to the original version of the virus – it 
has <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04411-y" target="_blank">over 30 mutations</a> in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41401-020-0485-4" target="_blank">spike protein</a>
 that helps it enter cells. Spike protein mutations are of high concern 
to scientists and public health officials because they affect how 
infectious a particular variant is and whether it is able to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04385-3" target="_blank">escape the protective antibodies</a> that the body produces after vaccination or a prior COVID-19 infection.

BA.2 has <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMc2201849" target="_blank">eight unique mutations</a> not found in BA.1, and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04594-4" target="_blank">lacks 13 mutations</a> that BA.1 does have. BA.2 does, however, share <a href="https://covariants.org/shared-mutations" target="_blank">around 30 mutations</a> with BA.1. Because of its relative genetic similarity, it is considered a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-classifications.html" target="_blank">subvariant</a> of omicron as opposed to a completely new variant.

Why is it called a ‘stealth’ variant?

Some scientists have called BA.2 a <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-ba2-or-stealth-omicron-subvariant" target="_blank">“stealth” variant</a> because, unlike the BA.1 variant, it <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n3133" target="_blank">lacks a particular genetic signature</a> that distinguishes it from the delta variant.

While standard <a href="https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Understanding-COVID-19-PCR-Testing" target="_blank">PCR tests</a> are still able to detect the BA.2 variant, they might not be able to tell it apart from the delta variant.

Is it more infectious and lethal than other variants?

BA.2 is considered to be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-00471-2" target="_blank">more transmissible</a> but not more <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ada1615" target="_blank">virulant</a> than BA.1. This means that while BA.2 can spread faster than BA.1, it might not make people sicker.

By PRAKASH NAGARKATTI and MITZI&nbsp;NAGARKATTI <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-new-covid-19-variant-ba-2-and-will-it-cause-another-wave-of-infections-in-the-us-179619">The Conversation</a>A new omicron subvariant of the virus that causes COVID-19, BA.2, is
 quickly becoming the predominant source of infections amid rising cases
 around the world. Immunologists Prakash Nagarkatti and Mitzi Nagarkatti
 of the University of South Carolina explain what makes it different 
from previous variants, whether there will be another surge in the U.S. 
and how best to protect yourself.What is BA.2, and how is it related to omicron?BA.2 is the latest <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04411-y" target="_blank">subvariant of omicron</a>,
 the dominant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. While
 the origin of BA.2 is still unclear, it has quickly become the dominant
 strain in many countries, including <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ada1615" target="_blank">India, Denmark and South Africa</a>. It is <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/08-03-2022-interim-statement-on-covid-19-vaccines-in-the-context-of-the-circulation-of-the-omicron-sars-cov-2-variant-from-the-who-technical-advisory-group-on-covid-19-vaccine-composition-(tag-co-vac)-08-march-2022" target="_blank">continuing to spread</a> in Europe, Asia and many parts of the world.The omicron variant, officially known as B.1.1.529, of SARS-CoV-2 has <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---1-february-2022" target="_blank">three main subvariants</a> in its <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-classifications.html" target="_blank">lineage</a>: BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3. The earliest omicron subvariant to be detected, BA.1, was first reported in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/scientific-brief-omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">November 2021 in South Africa</a>. While scientists believe that all the subvariants may have <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-00215-2" target="_blank">emerged around the same time</a>, BA.1 was <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19---1-february-2022" target="_blank">predominantly responsible</a> for the winter surge of infections in the Northern Hemisphere in 2021.The first omicron subvariant, BA.1, is unique in the number of 
alterations it has compared to the original version of the virus – it 
has <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04411-y" target="_blank">over 30 mutations</a> in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41401-020-0485-4" target="_blank">spike protein</a>
 that helps it enter cells. Spike protein mutations are of high concern 
to scientists and public health officials because they affect how 
infectious a particular variant is and whether it is able to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04385-3" target="_blank">escape the protective antibodies</a> that the body produces after vaccination or a prior COVID-19 infection.BA.2 has <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMc2201849" target="_blank">eight unique mutations</a> not found in BA.1, and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04594-4" target="_blank">lacks 13 mutations</a> that BA.1 does have. BA.2 does, however, share <a href="https://covariants.org/shared-mutations" target="_blank">around 30 mutations</a> with BA.1. Because of its relative genetic similarity, it is considered a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-classifications.html" target="_blank">subvariant</a> of omicron as opposed to a completely new variant.Why is it called a ‘stealth’ variant?Some scientists have called BA.2 a <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-ba2-or-stealth-omicron-subvariant" target="_blank">“stealth” variant</a> because, unlike the BA.1 variant, it <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n3133" target="_blank">lacks a particular genetic signature</a> that distinguishes it from the delta variant.While standard <a href="https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Understanding-COVID-19-PCR-Testing" target="_blank">PCR tests</a> are still able to detect the BA.2 variant, they might not be able to tell it apart from the delta variant.Is it more infectious and lethal than other variants?BA.2 is considered to be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-00471-2" target="_blank">more transmissible</a> but not more <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ada1615" target="_blank">virulant</a> than BA.1. This means that while BA.2 can spread faster than BA.1, it might not make people sicker.It is worth noting that while BA.1 has <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/22-02-2022-statement-on-omicron-sublineage-ba.2" target="_blank">dominated case numbers around the world</a>, it causes <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/22-02-2022-statement-on-omicron-sublineage-ba.2" target="_blank">less severe disease</a> compared to the delta variant. Recent studies from the <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1060337/Technical-Briefing-38-11March2022.pdf" target="_blank">U.K.</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2022.27.10.2200181" target="_blank">Denmark</a> suggest that BA.2 may pose a similar risk of hospitalization as BA.1.Does previous infection with BA.1 provide protection against BA.2?Yes! A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-00558-w" target="_blank">recent study</a> suggested that people previously infected with the original BA.1 subvariant have robust protection against BA.2.Because BA.1 caused widespread infections across the world, it is 
likely that a significant percentage of the population has protective 
immunity against BA.2. This is why some scientists predict that BA.2 
will be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-00471-2" target="_blank">less likely to cause another major wave</a>However, while the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMc2200133" target="_blank">natural immunity</a>
 gained after COVID-19 infection may provide strong protection against 
reinfection from earlier variants, it weakens against omicron.How effective are vaccines against BA.2?A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-00775-3" target="_blank">recent preliminary study</a>
 that has not yet been peer reviewed of over 1 million individuals in 
Qatar suggests that two doses of either the Pfizer–BioNTech or Moderna 
COVID-19 vaccines protect against symptomatic infection from BA.1 and 
BA.2 for several months before waning to around 10%. A booster shot, 
however, was able to elevate protection again close to original levels.Importantly, both vaccines were 70% to 80% effective at preventing 
hospitalization or death, and this effectiveness increased to over 90% 
after a booster dose.How worried does the U.S. need to be about BA.2?The rise in BA.2 in certain parts of the world is most likely due to a <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/03/19/1087682826/omicron-variant-ba2-surge" target="_blank">combination</a> of its higher transmissibility, people’s waning immunity and relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.CDC data suggests that BA.2 cases are rising steadily, making up <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions" target="_blank">23% of all cases</a> in the U.S. as of early March. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/03/19/1087682826/omicron-variant-ba2-surge" target="_blank">Scientists are still debating</a> whether BA.2 will cause another surge in the U.S.
[Climate change, AI, vaccines, black holes and much more.<a href="https://memberservices.theconversation.com/newsletters/?nl=science&amp;source=inline-science-various" target="_blank">Get The Conversation’s best science and health coverage</a>.]
Though there may be an uptick of BA.2 infections in the coming months, <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-long-does-protective-immunity-against-covid-19-last-after-infection-or-vaccination-two-immunologists-explain-177309" target="_blank">protective immunity</a>
 from vaccination or previous infection provides defense against severe 
disease. This may make it less likely that BA.2 will cause a significant
 increase in hospitalization and deaths. The U.S., however, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/02/01/science/covid-deaths-united-states.html" target="_blank">lags behind other countries</a> when it comes to vaccination, and falls even further behind on boosters.Whether there will be another devastating surge depends on how many 
people are vaccinated or have been previously infected with BA.1. It’s <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html" target="_blank">safer to generate immunity</a> from a vaccine, however, than from getting an infection. Getting vaccinated and boosted and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html" target="_blank">taking precautions</a> like wearing an N95 mask and social distancing are the best ways to protect yourself from BA.2 and other variants.<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/prakash-nagarkatti-1032253" target="_blank">Prakash Nagarkatti</a> is a Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mitzi-nagarkatti-1044072" target="_blank">Mitzi Nagarkatti</a> is a Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology — both at the <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-carolina-1755" target="_blank">University of South Carolina</a>.

Opinion