I encourage you to vote in favor of the USD 489 bond issue that is going to be put before&nbsp;you. As a&nbsp;homeowner and business owner I know the financial impact that there is going to be, but I also know the need there is to improve our school facilities. &nbsp;I came to Hays 25 years ago and in that&nbsp;time,&nbsp;it has grown&nbsp;a&nbsp;fair amount. The schools have not grown with it.&nbsp;I have two girls in the district and my wife is employed by the district. &nbsp;I hear especially from my oldest daughter, who is a senior, and my wife, who is at the middle school, how full classrooms are and the need to increase space in both facilities to make for a more opportune learning environment.

We have&nbsp;not passed the previous bonds that have been on the&nbsp;ballot,&nbsp;and I feel the time is now. The longer we put it off the&nbsp;cost will only increase. This will be a benefit to students, staff, and the community. When families look to relocate, one of the key factors is the schools. We have traveled to many schools following our&nbsp;girls and&nbsp;most of&nbsp;the schools have changed and updated in the previous years&nbsp;with the community support through a bond. It is time for our community to do the same.&nbsp;

We have a great community, and let’s keep it that way with a VOTE YES!

To the citizens and voters of USD 489,I encourage you to vote in favor of the USD 489 bond issue that is going to be put before&nbsp;you. As a&nbsp;homeowner and business owner I know the financial impact that there is going to be, but I also know the need there is to improve our school facilities. &nbsp;I came to Hays 25 years ago and in that&nbsp;time,&nbsp;it has grown&nbsp;a&nbsp;fair amount. The schools have not grown with it.&nbsp;I have two girls in the district and my wife is employed by the district. &nbsp;I hear especially from my oldest daughter, who is a senior, and my wife, who is at the middle school, how full classrooms are and the need to increase space in both facilities to make for a more opportune learning environment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We have&nbsp;not passed the previous bonds that have been on the&nbsp;ballot,&nbsp;and I feel the time is now. The longer we put it off the&nbsp;cost will only increase. This will be a benefit to students, staff, and the community. When families look to relocate, one of the key factors is the schools. We have traveled to many schools following our&nbsp;girls and&nbsp;most of&nbsp;the schools have changed and updated in the previous years&nbsp;with the community support through a bond. It is time for our community to do the same.&nbsp;We have a great community, and let’s keep it that way with a VOTE YES!Thank you. Josh Zweifel, Hays

LETTER: Keep the community great by voting yes on 489 bond

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

I recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Kansas Ag and Rural Leaders (KARL) program. Our trip included unique farm tours like a camel dairy, falcon hospital and the oldest irrigation district in the world. We experienced local traditions and culture by visiting museums, a desert oasis, a camel race training facility, a livestock market, a palace and the grand mosque. However, the real reason people visit UAE is to see Dubai.

Dubai’s leaders seem to have committed to the “if you build it, they will come” ideal popularized in “Field of Dreams.”. Their vision for Dubai has been to replace oil revenue that will eventually dwindle with money from tourism, business and the financial sectors. They are creating a center of business for the Middle East and the world; a “City of Dreams.”

Dubai had been described by many former travelers as the Las Vegas of the Middle East. I expected the Burj Khalifa (currently the world’s tallest building) and the Palm (a manmade island complex) would have a row of sky scrapers connecting the two areas and the city might feel like Chicago or Los Angeles.

My mind was not prepared for what the city actually looks like. Everything is new and really tall; high-rise buildings as far as the eye can see. When you emerge from a cluster of them, you can see another cluster of 10 to 20 a few miles away in any direction except downtown, which is more like 100 to 200 high-rise buildings. The city is filled with brand new metro lines, shopping malls, tourist attractions and residential communities. Dubai is a modern city of stunning architecture and the latest technology.

Our tour guide joked that Emiratis’ favorite word is ‘est. They have the tallest building, largest shopping mall, deepest swimming pool, largest dancing fountain, highest Ferris wheel. The list goes longer and makes me think Guinness Book of World Records probably has an office there purely for convenience.

The most impressive part is almost none of it existed 20 years ago. Many attractions didn’t exist 10 years ago as lots of the projects were fast tracked to prepare for the World Expo, which was originally scheduled for 2020 and delayed a year because of COVID.

The six-month Expo ended March 31 and was expected to bring 25 million visitors to see the 192 country pavilions focusing on themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity. If you are picturing the state fair, this expo was about 20 times bigger without the animals, and even though we visited at the end of month six, the place felt fresh; bathrooms were clean, pavilions and facilities were in good working order, and there were no visible signs of staff packing-up. The same feel of quality and pride could be felt throughout all the attractions we saw.

Dubai is a city of dreams. It is the manifestation of leader’s vision and ability to motivate others to join in creating something big, something people all over the world will talk about and want to see for themselves.

People ignore their field of dreams because it seems too big. Dreams don’t happen overnight. Small steps, like having a clear vision or creating things that you can be proud of, are what create the momentum to move big dreams forward.

The tallest building in the most extravagant city in the world was what one man saw when he looked across the barren desert. Just imagine what you can make of the world around you.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherI recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Kansas Ag and Rural Leaders (KARL) program. Our trip included unique farm tours like a camel dairy, falcon hospital and the oldest irrigation district in the world. We experienced local traditions and culture by visiting museums, a desert oasis, a camel race training facility, a livestock market, a palace and the grand mosque. However, the real reason people visit UAE is to see Dubai.Dubai’s leaders seem to have committed to the “if you build it, they will come” ideal popularized in “Field of Dreams.”. Their vision for Dubai has been to replace oil revenue that will eventually dwindle with money from tourism, business and the financial sectors. They are creating a center of business for the Middle East and the world; a “City of Dreams.”Dubai had been described by many former travelers as the Las Vegas of the Middle East. I expected the Burj Khalifa (currently the world’s tallest building) and the Palm (a manmade island complex) would have a row of sky scrapers connecting the two areas and the city might feel like Chicago or Los Angeles.My mind was not prepared for what the city actually looks like. Everything is new and really tall; high-rise buildings as far as the eye can see. When you emerge from a cluster of them, you can see another cluster of 10 to 20 a few miles away in any direction except downtown, which is more like 100 to 200 high-rise buildings. The city is filled with brand new metro lines, shopping malls, tourist attractions and residential communities. Dubai is a modern city of stunning architecture and the latest technology.Our tour guide joked that Emiratis’ favorite word is ‘est. They have the tallest building, largest shopping mall, deepest swimming pool, largest dancing fountain, highest Ferris wheel. The list goes longer and makes me think Guinness Book of World Records probably has an office there purely for convenience.The most impressive part is almost none of it existed 20 years ago. Many attractions didn’t exist 10 years ago as lots of the projects were fast tracked to prepare for the World Expo, which was originally scheduled for 2020 and delayed a year because of COVID.The six-month Expo ended March 31 and was expected to bring 25 million visitors to see the 192 country pavilions focusing on themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity. If you are picturing the state fair, this expo was about 20 times bigger without the animals, and even though we visited at the end of month six, the place felt fresh; bathrooms were clean, pavilions and facilities were in good working order, and there were no visible signs of staff packing-up. The same feel of quality and pride could be felt throughout all the attractions we saw.Dubai is a city of dreams. It is the manifestation of leader’s vision and ability to motivate others to join in creating something big, something people all over the world will talk about and want to see for themselves.People ignore their field of dreams because it seems too big. Dreams don’t happen overnight. Small steps, like having a clear vision or creating things that you can be proud of, are what create the momentum to move big dreams forward.The tallest building in the most extravagant city in the world was what one man saw when he looked across the barren desert. Just imagine what you can make of the world around you."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The city of dreams

By ROBERT REICH <a href="https://www.nevadacurrent.com/2022/04/05/how-much-is-100-billion-really/">Inequality Media</a>

This commentary was originally published by Inequality Media.

The word “billionaire” didn’t even exist until 1844. Fifty years 
later, we got “multibillionaire.” And for the next 127 years, that was 
enough.

But in 2020, while the working class faced near-record unemployment 
during the pandemic, the wealthiest Americans faced a different problem.
 Some of them had gotten so rich, there was no longer a word to describe
 just how rich they were.

That’s why today I want to bring you one of the newest additions to 
the English language: “centibillionaires,” people with $100 billion or 
more.

What’s it like being one of history’s first centibillionaires? It’s 
hard to even imagine, but let’s try it by comparing them to the less 
fortunate. By which I mean just … regular … billionaires.

If you’re a regular billionaire, you can afford a private jet. If 
you’re a centibillionaire, you can afford a brand-new Gulfstream jet 
every single day for more than ten years.

Not sure what you’d do with a new Gulfstream every day — maybe give one to each of your closest 4,000 friends?

A regular billionaire would struggle to buy their own professional 
baseball team. Sad, I know. But a centibillionaire could easily buy 
every team in the entire major league.

If you’re a regular billionaire, you can donate to your alma mater 
and get your name on a building. If you’re a centibillionaire, you could
 single-handedly give every teacher in America an $8,000 raise for 5 
straight years.

Of course, that’s not all you could do. $100 billion is enough to 
wipe out all the medical debt in the United States. Or provide permanent
 shelter for every homeless person in America. Or buy Covid-19 vaccines 
for the entire world.

Basically what I’m saying is, $100 billion is a lot of money. More 
than two and a half million times what the average American worker makes
 in a year.

So here’s the big question. Are these centibillionaires so rich 
because they work two and half million times harder than the average 
American? Are they really 100 times smarter than the typical 
billionaire?

I don’t think so. The reason for the rise of centibillionaires is 
that for decades, wealth hasn’t trickled down, it’s gushed up, all the 
way to the very top. That’s not an accident. As it turns out, the system
 that the super-rich themselves carefully crafted and lobbied for, 
benefits… the rich! And while you may not own more private jets than 
your average centibillionaire, you probably do pay a higher tax rate. 
And thanks to legal loopholes and the Trump tax cuts, when the 
wealthiest Americans die, they get to pass on most of their 
centibillions to their kids tax-free.

We’ve got two choices as a country. We can tax the richest Americans 
fairly, and invest that money in ways that benefit all of us.

Or we can keep doing what we’re doing, and watch as centibillionaires
 get even richer while the rest of us get left behind. If you think 
wealth and power are too concentrated in the hands of a privileged few 
now, just imagine what a few more years of trickle-down nonsense will 
bring.

Of course, it won’t be all bad. At least “trillionaire” is easy to say.

Robert Reich is co-founder of Inequality Media,&nbsp;Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California-Berkeley, and Senior Fellow at the Blum Center for Developing Economies. He has served in three national administrations, including as Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649182081237.png" alt="(Image courtesy of Inequality Media)" />
 <figcaption>(Image courtesy of Inequality Media)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROBERT REICH <a href="https://www.nevadacurrent.com/2022/04/05/how-much-is-100-billion-really/">Inequality Media</a>This commentary was originally published by Inequality Media.The word “billionaire” didn’t even exist until 1844. Fifty years 
later, we got “multibillionaire.” And for the next 127 years, that was 
enough.But in 2020, while the working class faced near-record unemployment 
during the pandemic, the wealthiest Americans faced a different problem.
 Some of them had gotten so rich, there was no longer a word to describe
 just how rich they were.That’s why today I want to bring you one of the newest additions to 
the English language: “centibillionaires,” people with $100 billion or 
more.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What’s it like being one of history’s first centibillionaires? It’s 
hard to even imagine, but let’s try it by comparing them to the less 
fortunate. By which I mean just … regular … billionaires.If you’re a regular billionaire, you can afford a private jet. If 
you’re a centibillionaire, you can afford a brand-new Gulfstream jet 
every single day for more than ten years.Not sure what you’d do with a new Gulfstream every day — maybe give one to each of your closest 4,000 friends?A regular billionaire would struggle to buy their own professional 
baseball team. Sad, I know. But a centibillionaire could easily buy 
every team in the entire major league.If you’re a regular billionaire, you can donate to your alma mater 
and get your name on a building. If you’re a centibillionaire, you could
 single-handedly give every teacher in America an $8,000 raise for 5 
straight years.Of course, that’s not all you could do. $100 billion is enough to 
wipe out all the medical debt in the United States. Or provide permanent
 shelter for every homeless person in America. Or buy Covid-19 vaccines 
for the entire world.Basically what I’m saying is, $100 billion is a lot of money. More 
than two and a half million times what the average American worker makes
 in a year.So here’s the big question. Are these centibillionaires so rich 
because they work two and half million times harder than the average 
American? Are they really 100 times smarter than the typical 
billionaire?I don’t think so. The reason for the rise of centibillionaires is 
that for decades, wealth hasn’t trickled down, it’s gushed up, all the 
way to the very top. That’s not an accident. As it turns out, the system
 that the super-rich themselves carefully crafted and lobbied for, 
benefits… the rich! And while you may not own more private jets than 
your average centibillionaire, you probably do pay a higher tax rate. 
And thanks to legal loopholes and the Trump tax cuts, when the 
wealthiest Americans die, they get to pass on most of their 
centibillions to their kids tax-free.We’ve got two choices as a country. We can tax the richest Americans 
fairly, and invest that money in ways that benefit all of us.Or we can keep doing what we’re doing, and watch as centibillionaires
 get even richer while the rest of us get left behind. If you think 
wealth and power are too concentrated in the hands of a privileged few 
now, just imagine what a few more years of trickle-down nonsense will 
bring.Of course, it won’t be all bad. At least “trillionaire” is easy to say.Robert Reich is co-founder of Inequality Media,&nbsp;Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California-Berkeley, and Senior Fellow at the Blum Center for Developing Economies. He has served in three national administrations, including as Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration.&nbsp;

REICH: How much is $100 billion, really?

Ronald Allan Strom, 75, of Colby, died Friday, April 1, 2022. He was 
born January 30, 1947, in Rockford, IL, to Allan O. and Marjorie L. 
(Anderson) Strom. After graduating from East High School, Ron enlisted 
in the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War. Ron loved living in 
Colorado, spending time in the outdoors snowmobiling, fishing and 
camping.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Allan O. and Marjorie L. Strom, and sister Marilyn B. Jackson.
He is survived by his significant other Nancy Clark; daughter, Andrea 
Strom (Penny); sisters, Cheryl (Russell) Jones and Karen Wood; several 
nieces and a nephew.


Burial will take place in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, IL. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ronald Allan Strom, 75, of Colby, died Friday, April 1, 2022. He was 
born January 30, 1947, in Rockford, IL, to Allan O. and Marjorie L. 
(Anderson) Strom. After graduating from East High School, Ron enlisted 
in the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War. Ron loved living in 
Colorado, spending time in the outdoors snowmobiling, fishing and 
camping.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Allan O. and Marjorie L. Strom, and sister Marilyn B. Jackson.
He is survived by his significant other Nancy Clark; daughter, Andrea 
Strom (Penny); sisters, Cheryl (Russell) Jones and Karen Wood; several 
nieces and a nephew.
Burial will take place in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, IL. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ronald Allan Strom

Between 10 and 15 years ago, political science professors discovered renewed our interest in civic engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Retired U.S. Senator Bob Graham and his collaborator Chris Hand published the first edition of their book&nbsp;America: The Owner’s Manual&nbsp;in 2009, arguing that the best hope for the renewal of American democracy lies in teaching a new cadre of involved, interested citizens who begin their journeys of civic activism by making change at the local level, usually on nonpartisan issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;The authors give numerous examples and tips.&nbsp;&nbsp;The American Political Science Association (APSA) hosted their first annual Teaching and Learning Conference in 2005, while the&nbsp;Journal of Political Science Education&nbsp;had debuted the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I met Graham at the annual MPSA conference, after I had already begun teaching the book in an introductory political science course.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2012, I took a sabbatical—my only one to date—working with Graham to develop a high-school curriculum.&nbsp;&nbsp;We tried to convince high school teachers to adopt it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, they told us that although they were excited about our ideas, they feared opposition from school administrators, deeply wary of any potential controversy or lawsuits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I also read John Hibbing and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse’s 2003 book&nbsp;Stealth Democracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These professors from the University of Nebraska found that many Americans have little interest in civic engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;After all, it often means attending long meetings which, at best, lead to brokered compromises.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a more-recent article, they also point out that many forms of civic engagement involve people grouping together with like-minded individuals, and voluntary associations often make decisions by consensus.&nbsp;&nbsp;These lessons are inapplicable to policymaking in a diverse democracy, where deep divisions are inevitable and important decisions are rarely made by consensus.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hibbing and Theiss-Morse argue that students must be taught the “barbarics” of politics, that is, rough-and-tumble negotiations on issues involving deep disagreement.

I later moved the civic engagement projects into State and Local Government class, where they are a better fit.&nbsp;&nbsp;This change has produced many successful projects, such as pressing one city government to reclaim the site of an abandoned construction project.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another group of students produced an information portal for students seeking off-campus housing to learn their rights and options.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, in the introductory course, I set a new goal:&nbsp;&nbsp;teaching students to be informed, frequent voters.&nbsp;&nbsp;I use videos to let speakers themselves (not me) describe the beliefs of liberals, conservatives, libertarians, and communitarians.&nbsp;&nbsp;I chose Barack Obama for liberal, Ronald Reagan for conservative, author Ayn Rand for libertarian, and Pope Francis for communitarian.&nbsp;&nbsp;I also embedded flash-polls in the class which students took with their phones.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This semester, I have introduced a teaching civic engagement course to teach these and other lessons to future teachers, with assignments to create lesson plans for the high school level.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, our democracy is on life support.&nbsp;&nbsp;Social media, along with and market-niched real and fake news outlets allow Americans to group together only with the like-minded, to a greater extent than any other time in the past 100 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the K-12 schools are under increasing pressure to marginalize the teaching of civics, not only due to potential controversy but also pressure to reallocate more time to the “STEM” (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, perceived as being the tickets to good jobs in adulthood.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet if our children and grandchildren are going to live in a democracy, it is critical that they also make time to teach civic education, and teach it well.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Between 10 and 15 years ago, political science professors discovered renewed our interest in civic engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Retired U.S. Senator Bob Graham and his collaborator Chris Hand published the first edition of their book&nbsp;America: The Owner’s Manual&nbsp;in 2009, arguing that the best hope for the renewal of American democracy lies in teaching a new cadre of involved, interested citizens who begin their journeys of civic activism by making change at the local level, usually on nonpartisan issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;The authors give numerous examples and tips.&nbsp;&nbsp;The American Political Science Association (APSA) hosted their first annual Teaching and Learning Conference in 2005, while the&nbsp;Journal of Political Science Education&nbsp;had debuted the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;I met Graham at the annual MPSA conference, after I had already begun teaching the book in an introductory political science course.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2012, I took a sabbatical—my only one to date—working with Graham to develop a high-school curriculum.&nbsp;&nbsp;We tried to convince high school teachers to adopt it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, they told us that although they were excited about our ideas, they feared opposition from school administrators, deeply wary of any potential controversy or lawsuits.&nbsp;&nbsp;I also read John Hibbing and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse’s 2003 book&nbsp;Stealth Democracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These professors from the University of Nebraska found that many Americans have little interest in civic engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;After all, it often means attending long meetings which, at best, lead to brokered compromises.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a more-recent article, they also point out that many forms of civic engagement involve people grouping together with like-minded individuals, and voluntary associations often make decisions by consensus.&nbsp;&nbsp;These lessons are inapplicable to policymaking in a diverse democracy, where deep divisions are inevitable and important decisions are rarely made by consensus.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hibbing and Theiss-Morse argue that students must be taught the “barbarics” of politics, that is, rough-and-tumble negotiations on issues involving deep disagreement.I later moved the civic engagement projects into State and Local Government class, where they are a better fit.&nbsp;&nbsp;This change has produced many successful projects, such as pressing one city government to reclaim the site of an abandoned construction project.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another group of students produced an information portal for students seeking off-campus housing to learn their rights and options.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, in the introductory course, I set a new goal:&nbsp;&nbsp;teaching students to be informed, frequent voters.&nbsp;&nbsp;I use videos to let speakers themselves (not me) describe the beliefs of liberals, conservatives, libertarians, and communitarians.&nbsp;&nbsp;I chose Barack Obama for liberal, Ronald Reagan for conservative, author Ayn Rand for libertarian, and Pope Francis for communitarian.&nbsp;&nbsp;I also embedded flash-polls in the class which students took with their phones.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This semester, I have introduced a teaching civic engagement course to teach these and other lessons to future teachers, with assignments to create lesson plans for the high school level.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, our democracy is on life support.&nbsp;&nbsp;Social media, along with and market-niched real and fake news outlets allow Americans to group together only with the like-minded, to a greater extent than any other time in the past 100 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the K-12 schools are under increasing pressure to marginalize the teaching of civics, not only due to potential controversy but also pressure to reallocate more time to the “STEM” (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, perceived as being the tickets to good jobs in adulthood.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet if our children and grandchildren are going to live in a democracy, it is critical that they also make time to teach civic education, and teach it well.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Civic engagement — 10 years later

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

Today, let’s visit a community college in western Nebraska. As we approach the headquarters building, we encounter a state-of-the-art electronic entry system. The provider of that high-tech alert system is located in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Nick Strecker is a co-founder of INA Alert, the national company that created this technology. Nick is a native of Great Bend.&nbsp;

“There have been five generations of our family in the Barton, Russell, Ellis county area,” Nick said. After earning a fine arts degree at the University of Kansas and marrying his wife Laura, they moved back to Ellinwood.&nbsp;

“My father Monty is an entrepreneur and my mentor, and I spent a couple of years learning business principles from him. My mother is in education,” Nick said. “One day my dad asked if I could build technology for one of his businesses.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nick did so. It worked so well that Nick and other family members launched a technology projects and service company in 2010. Since it used an Instant Notification Application, they used those initials for the company name: INA Alert.&nbsp;

“My father taught me that you have to seek out and find your customers,” Nick said. “My mom, Catherine Strecker, did her dissertation on brain-based learning. She taught me that we need to teach technology in whatever way is best for the learner.”&nbsp;

Nick’s first major project was creating software that was used by the Kansas Board of Nursing to communicate with nurses. Then, companies with oil drilling rigs in central Kansas also needed communication systems, but they wanted video as well. This led INA Alert to connect surveillance cameras so as to remotely monitor performance and assure safety and security of the workers. The business grew from there.&nbsp;

Today, INA Alert products have been used from coast to coast. Nick’s wife Laura is president of the company, Nick is chief operating officer and his brother Jacob leads the sales effort.&nbsp;

“The company has grown from me building something in my garage to 46 employees, 35 of whom live in Ellinwood,” Nick said. “We’re very much a family business, with siblings, cousins, even a mother and son working here.”&nbsp;

The company’s product lines now include texting software, surveillance camera systems, access or ‘smart door’ controls, nurse calling, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems, computer hardware and private LTE networks.&nbsp;

Many of these products were developed based on the needs of their customers, according to Nick: “If you listen to the customer, they will tell you what you need.”&nbsp;

“Think locally, deliver globally” is a slogan for INA Alert.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our business has grown by servicing rural communities with a need for technology,” Nick said.&nbsp;

Major markets include agriculture; state, local, and municipal governments; health care; and education. For example, INA Alert surveillance and security systems have been used in schools, city buildings, implement dealerships, feedyards, sale barns, grain elevators, co-ops and more.&nbsp;

The surveillance camera systems are amazing, Nick said, making it possible to use facial recognition, perimeter monitoring with automatic alerts, and Artificial Intelligence analytics with action-based alarms and notifications.&nbsp;

The appearance search system is a deep learning AI search engine to recognize and detect people and vehicles. The system makes it possible to search through hours of footage in seconds.&nbsp;

How does all this happen in a small community like Ellinwood? “Technology,” Nick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’ll have seven or eight trucks go out of here every day, and we connect and service them remotely.”&nbsp;

“The technology is fun, but the highlight of the business is our culture,” Nick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our mission is to positively impact our community and our region. We live in a great small town with people who enjoy working with each other, and we value our relationships with our customers.”&nbsp;

It’s exciting to find this high-tech business in the rural community of Ellinwood, population 2,131 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inaalert.com/">www.inaalert.com</a>.&nbsp;

It’s time to leave this state-of-the-art system in Nebraska. We give thanks to Nick and Laura Strecker of INA Alert for making a difference with technology and entrepreneurship. I’m glad they were alert for new opportunities.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648647055566.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Today, let’s visit a community college in western Nebraska. As we approach the headquarters building, we encounter a state-of-the-art electronic entry system. The provider of that high-tech alert system is located in rural Kansas.&nbsp;Nick Strecker is a co-founder of INA Alert, the national company that created this technology. Nick is a native of Great Bend.&nbsp;“There have been five generations of our family in the Barton, Russell, Ellis county area,” Nick said. After earning a fine arts degree at the University of Kansas and marrying his wife Laura, they moved back to Ellinwood.&nbsp;“My father Monty is an entrepreneur and my mentor, and I spent a couple of years learning business principles from him. My mother is in education,” Nick said. “One day my dad asked if I could build technology for one of his businesses.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nick did so. It worked so well that Nick and other family members launched a technology projects and service company in 2010. Since it used an Instant Notification Application, they used those initials for the company name: INA Alert.&nbsp;“My father taught me that you have to seek out and find your customers,” Nick said. “My mom, Catherine Strecker, did her dissertation on brain-based learning. She taught me that we need to teach technology in whatever way is best for the learner.”&nbsp;Nick’s first major project was creating software that was used by the Kansas Board of Nursing to communicate with nurses. Then, companies with oil drilling rigs in central Kansas also needed communication systems, but they wanted video as well. This led INA Alert to connect surveillance cameras so as to remotely monitor performance and assure safety and security of the workers. The business grew from there.&nbsp;Today, INA Alert products have been used from coast to coast. Nick’s wife Laura is president of the company, Nick is chief operating officer and his brother Jacob leads the sales effort.&nbsp;“The company has grown from me building something in my garage to 46 employees, 35 of whom live in Ellinwood,” Nick said. “We’re very much a family business, with siblings, cousins, even a mother and son working here.”&nbsp;The company’s product lines now include texting software, surveillance camera systems, access or ‘smart door’ controls, nurse calling, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems, computer hardware and private LTE networks.&nbsp;Many of these products were developed based on the needs of their customers, according to Nick: “If you listen to the customer, they will tell you what you need.”&nbsp;“Think locally, deliver globally” is a slogan for INA Alert.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our business has grown by servicing rural communities with a need for technology,” Nick said.&nbsp;Major markets include agriculture; state, local, and municipal governments; health care; and education. For example, INA Alert surveillance and security systems have been used in schools, city buildings, implement dealerships, feedyards, sale barns, grain elevators, co-ops and more.&nbsp;The surveillance camera systems are amazing, Nick said, making it possible to use facial recognition, perimeter monitoring with automatic alerts, and Artificial Intelligence analytics with action-based alarms and notifications.&nbsp;The appearance search system is a deep learning AI search engine to recognize and detect people and vehicles. The system makes it possible to search through hours of footage in seconds.&nbsp;How does all this happen in a small community like Ellinwood? “Technology,” Nick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’ll have seven or eight trucks go out of here every day, and we connect and service them remotely.”&nbsp;“The technology is fun, but the highlight of the business is our culture,” Nick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our mission is to positively impact our community and our region. We live in a great small town with people who enjoy working with each other, and we value our relationships with our customers.”&nbsp;It’s exciting to find this high-tech business in the rural community of Ellinwood, population 2,131 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inaalert.com/">www.inaalert.com</a>.&nbsp;It’s time to leave this state-of-the-art system in Nebraska. We give thanks to Nick and Laura Strecker of INA Alert for making a difference with technology and entrepreneurship. I’m glad they were alert for new opportunities.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Nick Strecker, INA Alert 

Every person has their own path in life. I believe that statement wholeheartedly. My experiences have taught me that the people we meet as we walk along that life path lead us in different directions than we anticipated. They guide us onto new landscapes by unlocking our untapped potential. That metaphorical twist of the key improves our lives.&nbsp;

My own path has been altered several times by people who have gifted me opportunity, insight, and growth. It is in this spirit that I reflect on the value of a college education.&nbsp;

Without a doubt, going to college positively and drastically changed my life. It is one of the many reasons I believe so deeply in a college education and why it is so important to me to invest intentionally in how we interact and support our students, faculty, and staff.

From a very practical standpoint, U.S. Census Bureau data shows that the higher a person’s education level, the more income that person earns. There are also many studies that connect higher earnings to better health, more civic engagement, and other positive personal outcomes.&nbsp;

Similarly, many people are now looking to define value through a return on investment (ROI) proposition. That means answering the question, does your college degree increase lifetime earnings&nbsp;in excess of&nbsp;what it costs you to earn that degree? On a side note, we recently used metrics provided by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity to review ROI. Thanks to our high value and affordable costs, we found a positive return for every FHSU program category!

At this point in my life, I know that wealth is much more than money. Like many of our philanthropists, I deeply appreciate having the resources to invest in people and opportunities to make our community and the world better.

Reflecting on a recent Future U podcast, I thought about how the college trajectory significantly changed my life. Again, from a very practical standpoint, my college education opened new doors of opportunity, providing a concrete example of raising the generational narrative of my family, as I am the first person in my family to go to college.

My story of college value is more about how college nurtured deep roots in learning about me – how I think, who I am becoming, and how I want to be present in life. My college story began with discovering the courage to do something no one in my family had done – move away from home to an area, community, and state I had never experienced.

As the saying goes, faith is about taking leaps and trusting the net will appear. Colleges, in my opinion, are in the “net-building” business. It is our job to build communities where our students feel a strong sense of belonging.&nbsp;

At college, arriving with a mix of hope and fear, I found a home where I felt safe enough to discover people that were different from me and to try new experiences foreign to me. I moved from the East Coast to Mid-America. I would soon learn that, even though people looked like me, the diversity of experiences, cultures, and thought processes would begin a tremendous opportunity to learn and shape my own thinking. To me, that is the real value of a higher education.

Honestly, in thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up, my choices now seemed rather narrow. Like many students in my freshman class, I signed up to be a pre-med major. But I did not know how challenging the sciences would be for me, nor did I know I would fall in love with the social sciences. The opportunity to discover so many areas of study I knew little about, and find my passion and love of learning, was invaluable.

Probably the most valuable aspect of going to college was learning how I learned best. My faculty not only nurtured my competence but, more importantly, my confidence. Powerful memories for me were classes in graduate school where my research paper was declared a standout by my professor, and my in-class comment was labeled astute (a word I had to look up). I immediately knew that these compliments were based on the high-value education provided by caring faculty who both supported and challenged my learning as an undergraduate.

The value I gained from attending college went beyond the classroom. I began to venture “out of my shell,” exploring involvement opportunities such as undergraduate research and student activities. Through student organizations, I would learn leadership, time management, organizational development, how to navigate controversial decisions, and how to leave the world a little bit better through community engagement. I would be given the opportunity to travel and attend conferences. These lessons and experiences continue to influence my life today.&nbsp;

Becoming a different person than the shy east coast girl who arrived as a freshman was indeed a profound, transformational experience. I learned how to navigate personal choices and make friends. That exposure to the world, on a whole different level and intensity, opened news doors that may have been otherwise closed or simply unseen. While going to and through college was always about getting a degree,&nbsp;the most valuable part, it turns out however, was not the diploma but the journey.&nbsp;

Personally, I believe it is the journey that is the true value of a higher education. A journey designed to build knowledge, confidence, and open new doors to opportunity – or, as we like to say at Fort Hays State, unlock one’s untapped potential.

That is why it breaks my heart to see that Kansas ranks below the U.S. average in rates of students attending college directly from high school (NCHEMS Information Center). I am often asked why this is the case. I do not know – but just maybe, sharing my story, my definition of the value of a college education might help at least one high school senior to reconsider his or her choice to stop by and enroll in a post-secondary program.

At Fort Hays State University, the welcome mat is always out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Every person has their own path in life. I believe that statement wholeheartedly. My experiences have taught me that the people we meet as we walk along that life path lead us in different directions than we anticipated. They guide us onto new landscapes by unlocking our untapped potential. That metaphorical twist of the key improves our lives.&nbsp;My own path has been altered several times by people who have gifted me opportunity, insight, and growth. It is in this spirit that I reflect on the value of a college education.&nbsp;Without a doubt, going to college positively and drastically changed my life. It is one of the many reasons I believe so deeply in a college education and why it is so important to me to invest intentionally in how we interact and support our students, faculty, and staff.From a very practical standpoint, U.S. Census Bureau data shows that the higher a person’s education level, the more income that person earns. There are also many studies that connect higher earnings to better health, more civic engagement, and other positive personal outcomes.&nbsp;Similarly, many people are now looking to define value through a return on investment (ROI) proposition. That means answering the question, does your college degree increase lifetime earnings&nbsp;in excess of&nbsp;what it costs you to earn that degree? On a side note, we recently used metrics provided by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity to review ROI. Thanks to our high value and affordable costs, we found a positive return for every FHSU program category!At this point in my life, I know that wealth is much more than money. Like many of our philanthropists, I deeply appreciate having the resources to invest in people and opportunities to make our community and the world better.Reflecting on a recent Future U podcast, I thought about how the college trajectory significantly changed my life. Again, from a very practical standpoint, my college education opened new doors of opportunity, providing a concrete example of raising the generational narrative of my family, as I am the first person in my family to go to college.My story of college value is more about how college nurtured deep roots in learning about me – how I think, who I am becoming, and how I want to be present in life. My college story began with discovering the courage to do something no one in my family had done – move away from home to an area, community, and state I had never experienced.As the saying goes, faith is about taking leaps and trusting the net will appear. Colleges, in my opinion, are in the “net-building” business. It is our job to build communities where our students feel a strong sense of belonging.&nbsp;At college, arriving with a mix of hope and fear, I found a home where I felt safe enough to discover people that were different from me and to try new experiences foreign to me. I moved from the East Coast to Mid-America. I would soon learn that, even though people looked like me, the diversity of experiences, cultures, and thought processes would begin a tremendous opportunity to learn and shape my own thinking. To me, that is the real value of a higher education.Honestly, in thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up, my choices now seemed rather narrow. Like many students in my freshman class, I signed up to be a pre-med major. But I did not know how challenging the sciences would be for me, nor did I know I would fall in love with the social sciences. The opportunity to discover so many areas of study I knew little about, and find my passion and love of learning, was invaluable.Probably the most valuable aspect of going to college was learning how I learned best. My faculty not only nurtured my competence but, more importantly, my confidence. Powerful memories for me were classes in graduate school where my research paper was declared a standout by my professor, and my in-class comment was labeled astute (a word I had to look up). I immediately knew that these compliments were based on the high-value education provided by caring faculty who both supported and challenged my learning as an undergraduate.The value I gained from attending college went beyond the classroom. I began to venture “out of my shell,” exploring involvement opportunities such as undergraduate research and student activities. Through student organizations, I would learn leadership, time management, organizational development, how to navigate controversial decisions, and how to leave the world a little bit better through community engagement. I would be given the opportunity to travel and attend conferences. These lessons and experiences continue to influence my life today.&nbsp;Becoming a different person than the shy east coast girl who arrived as a freshman was indeed a profound, transformational experience. I learned how to navigate personal choices and make friends. That exposure to the world, on a whole different level and intensity, opened news doors that may have been otherwise closed or simply unseen. While going to and through college was always about getting a degree,&nbsp;the most valuable part, it turns out however, was not the diploma but the journey.&nbsp;Personally, I believe it is the journey that is the true value of a higher education. A journey designed to build knowledge, confidence, and open new doors to opportunity – or, as we like to say at Fort Hays State, unlock one’s untapped potential.That is why it breaks my heart to see that Kansas ranks below the U.S. average in rates of students attending college directly from high school (NCHEMS Information Center). I am often asked why this is the case. I do not know – but just maybe, sharing my story, my definition of the value of a college education might help at least one high school senior to reconsider his or her choice to stop by and enroll in a post-secondary program.At Fort Hays State University, the welcome mat is always out.

MASON: College journey shaped my destination

College football coach Lou Holtz once shared that, “Nothing on this earth is standing still. &nbsp;It’s either growing or it’s dying, no matter if it’s a tree or a human being.” What if we look at this quote and insert Hays as a community? Would we consider ourselves to be in a pattern of growth or decline? One would quickly ask the question, which part of our community are we assessing? Let’s&nbsp;start where Hays&nbsp;could be significantly impacted as soon as April 25 when early voting starts&nbsp;and ends on&nbsp;May 10th, the day for the USD 489 school bond opportunity election. &nbsp;

According to the 2021-2022 Headcount Enrollment Report for Ellis County, there are 4,525 students in Ellis County. 3,213 of those students attend grades kindergarten through 12th&nbsp;grade in USD 489 – Hays Public Schools. &nbsp;That means 71% of K-12 students attend USD 489 in Ellis County.

At The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, the No. 1 question we have been hearing since 2020 has been, “How do we attract and retain a more qualified workforce in Ellis County?”&nbsp;Most chamber member&nbsp;investors have shared that potential workforce regularly cite that the infrastructure of our K-12 schools is among the top reasons they won’t move to Ellis County. They know that our&nbsp;educators and students are high achieving,&nbsp;but the facilities don’t allow for the same opportunities for their children as other communities do.

This spring, registered voters in the USD 489 district boundaries&nbsp;will&nbsp;have the&nbsp;chance&nbsp;to improve our attractiveness to potential workforce by “Checking Yes Twice!”&nbsp;for the USD 489 bond question and half-cent sales tax questions.If a majority of registered voters check yes twice, our community would see significant improvements over the next four to five years:

• USD 489 schools would be “future proofed” to have enough space for projected enrollment increases and address the need for additional space and counteract the crowded state of our schools. • Career Tech Education programs would have the necessary space to expand needed offerings. • All schools would have storm shelters, and accessibility for all attendance centers would be vastly improved. • Aging facilities that are very costly for the district to maintain would transition out of utilization for the district. • Renovations to all buildings that would remain as attendance centers would realize monthly savings due to improvements with lighting and environmental controls.

Because USD 489 does not receive any at-risk state aid&nbsp;for school bonds, there will be a second question on the ballot in addition to the actual bond opportunity question. The half-cent sales tax question would allow for the district to pay off bonds in a&nbsp;timelier&nbsp;fashion, while taking away additional expenses from property owners in the district. This sales tax would be in effect for ten years and may be renewed if the community would desire that option down the road.

The last significant bond that was passed for USD 489 was in 1978 when the new high school was built. &nbsp;I attended Roosevelt Elementary School shortly after that in the late 1980s and early 1990s. &nbsp;The school would have been just a bit past 20 years in existence back then. &nbsp;I remember the immense feeling of pride I had as a Roadrunner, and the beautiful murals on our walls that had been painted by a local artist made our school so inviting. I also remember how important that space was in shaping my mind, work ethic, focus on education, and how grateful I was for being able to attend such a wonderful school with exceptional teachers. I started to learn how to find my voice while there.

After grade school, I was proud to go to Kennedy Middle School and was keenly aware of the age difference between the two schools. It was not uncommon for the smell of sewage to perfume the halls and classrooms (much like what our students attending Lincoln Elementary School experience when eating breakfast or lunch). However, I had several teachers and coaches who helped me develop strength, character, and a desire to make a difference, nonetheless.&nbsp;

After middle school, I attended Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. I appreciated the ability to intertwine my education with my faith. I was so proud of my parents and the entire community for the way in which they gave Hays the ability to taut a proud public and private school system. One of our town’s greatest assets is the ability to choose an educational path that fits every child’s needs.&nbsp;

Last month, I spoke with students from one of the Hays High classes. &nbsp;I asked them what they felt like when visiting their conference schools to compete against their cohorts. Most of them shared that they would love to know what it feels like to attend a school that automatically emotes an intense sense of pride just by walking into the building.&nbsp;

I will leave you with some parting thoughts to consider when making your decisions on the two ballot questions beginning April 25 and concluding on May 10:

• The last bond passed in USD 489 was in 1992 for repairs and maintenance throughout the district. • A new high school means more USD 489 students will receive the benefits of a new school at some point in their careers. • Local businesses will be encouraged to bid on all the projects throughout the bond planning process which will enhance our local economy. • Our students will be more enticed to stay in Hays for college and to establish their families here in Hays because they know their community is willing to invest in them. • If we want to keep the quality of life that currently exists in Hays, we must make that financial investment to maintain it. • The longer we wait to approve a bond to address our current needs, the more costly that investment becomes.

We as a community have kicked the proverbial can down the road for far too long. Can we afford to continue delaying improvements to K-12 school infrastructure? Can we continue to allow our businesses to suffer by not having a qualified workforce to support them? What price are we willing to pay down the road if we don’t vote yes for the USD 489 bond and sales tax questions?&nbsp;Be sure to visit 489bond.com and follow Count Me in for Hays on Facebook to stay in tune with all pertinent details surrounding the bond.

Let’s go back to coach Lou’s wisdom. &nbsp;“Nothing on this earth is standing still. &nbsp;It’s either growing or it’s dying.” Do we choose to grow, or do we choose to die? If not now, then when? If not us, then who? Please join me in checking yes twice for the USD 489 bond opportunity!&nbsp;

✓ Yes for the USD 489 bond opportunity ✓ Yes for the half-cent sales tax

Sarah Wasinger President/CEO – The Chamber in Hays, Kansas

College football coach Lou Holtz once shared that, “Nothing on this earth is standing still. &nbsp;It’s either growing or it’s dying, no matter if it’s a tree or a human being.” What if we look at this quote and insert Hays as a community? Would we consider ourselves to be in a pattern of growth or decline? One would quickly ask the question, which part of our community are we assessing? Let’s&nbsp;start where Hays&nbsp;could be significantly impacted as soon as April 25 when early voting starts&nbsp;and ends on&nbsp;May 10th, the day for the USD 489 school bond opportunity election. &nbsp;According to the 2021-2022 Headcount Enrollment Report for Ellis County, there are 4,525 students in Ellis County. 3,213 of those students attend grades kindergarten through 12th&nbsp;grade in USD 489 – Hays Public Schools. &nbsp;That means 71% of K-12 students attend USD 489 in Ellis County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, the No. 1 question we have been hearing since 2020 has been, “How do we attract and retain a more qualified workforce in Ellis County?”&nbsp;Most chamber member&nbsp;investors have shared that potential workforce regularly cite that the infrastructure of our K-12 schools is among the top reasons they won’t move to Ellis County. They know that our&nbsp;educators and students are high achieving,&nbsp;but the facilities don’t allow for the same opportunities for their children as other communities do.This spring, registered voters in the USD 489 district boundaries&nbsp;will&nbsp;have the&nbsp;chance&nbsp;to improve our attractiveness to potential workforce by “Checking Yes Twice!”&nbsp;for the USD 489 bond question and half-cent sales tax questions.If a majority of registered voters check yes twice, our community would see significant improvements over the next four to five years:• USD 489 schools would be “future proofed” to have enough space for projected enrollment increases and address the need for additional space and counteract the crowded state of our schools. • Career Tech Education programs would have the necessary space to expand needed offerings. • All schools would have storm shelters, and accessibility for all attendance centers would be vastly improved. • Aging facilities that are very costly for the district to maintain would transition out of utilization for the district. • Renovations to all buildings that would remain as attendance centers would realize monthly savings due to improvements with lighting and environmental controls.Because USD 489 does not receive any at-risk state aid&nbsp;for school bonds, there will be a second question on the ballot in addition to the actual bond opportunity question. The half-cent sales tax question would allow for the district to pay off bonds in a&nbsp;timelier&nbsp;fashion, while taking away additional expenses from property owners in the district. This sales tax would be in effect for ten years and may be renewed if the community would desire that option down the road.The last significant bond that was passed for USD 489 was in 1978 when the new high school was built. &nbsp;I attended Roosevelt Elementary School shortly after that in the late 1980s and early 1990s. &nbsp;The school would have been just a bit past 20 years in existence back then. &nbsp;I remember the immense feeling of pride I had as a Roadrunner, and the beautiful murals on our walls that had been painted by a local artist made our school so inviting. I also remember how important that space was in shaping my mind, work ethic, focus on education, and how grateful I was for being able to attend such a wonderful school with exceptional teachers. I started to learn how to find my voice while there.After grade school, I was proud to go to Kennedy Middle School and was keenly aware of the age difference between the two schools. It was not uncommon for the smell of sewage to perfume the halls and classrooms (much like what our students attending Lincoln Elementary School experience when eating breakfast or lunch). However, I had several teachers and coaches who helped me develop strength, character, and a desire to make a difference, nonetheless.&nbsp;After middle school, I attended Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. I appreciated the ability to intertwine my education with my faith. I was so proud of my parents and the entire community for the way in which they gave Hays the ability to taut a proud public and private school system. One of our town’s greatest assets is the ability to choose an educational path that fits every child’s needs.&nbsp;Last month, I spoke with students from one of the Hays High classes. &nbsp;I asked them what they felt like when visiting their conference schools to compete against their cohorts. Most of them shared that they would love to know what it feels like to attend a school that automatically emotes an intense sense of pride just by walking into the building.&nbsp;I will leave you with some parting thoughts to consider when making your decisions on the two ballot questions beginning April 25 and concluding on May 10:• The last bond passed in USD 489 was in 1992 for repairs and maintenance throughout the district. • A new high school means more USD 489 students will receive the benefits of a new school at some point in their careers. • Local businesses will be encouraged to bid on all the projects throughout the bond planning process which will enhance our local economy. • Our students will be more enticed to stay in Hays for college and to establish their families here in Hays because they know their community is willing to invest in them. • If we want to keep the quality of life that currently exists in Hays, we must make that financial investment to maintain it. • The longer we wait to approve a bond to address our current needs, the more costly that investment becomes.We as a community have kicked the proverbial can down the road for far too long. Can we afford to continue delaying improvements to K-12 school infrastructure? Can we continue to allow our businesses to suffer by not having a qualified workforce to support them? What price are we willing to pay down the road if we don’t vote yes for the USD 489 bond and sales tax questions?&nbsp;Be sure to visit 489bond.com and follow Count Me in for Hays on Facebook to stay in tune with all pertinent details surrounding the bond.Let’s go back to coach Lou’s wisdom. &nbsp;“Nothing on this earth is standing still. &nbsp;It’s either growing or it’s dying.” Do we choose to grow, or do we choose to die? If not now, then when? If not us, then who? Please join me in checking yes twice for the USD 489 bond opportunity!&nbsp;✓ Yes for the USD 489 bond opportunity ✓ Yes for the half-cent sales taxSarah Wasinger President/CEO – The Chamber in Hays, Kansas

LETTER: USD 489 bond opportunity — check yes twice

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Kansas legislators will soon be on spring break, and as they head back to their districts to tout the work they’ve already completed this session. At public forums and town halls across the state, lawmakers are also likely to talk about an unexpected problem: too much money. Certainly, this is much better than crafting a budget with a shortfall where none of the options are appealing. However, dealing with a surplus is kind of like a child in a candy store. While there’s not enough money to buy everything, there’s still enough to fill up on empty calories. Right now, legislators are in that candy store with their eyes darting around a menu of paying off debt, cutting taxes, issuing rebates, shoring up rainy day funds or spending the excess on services. Individually, each one of these has merit. As they return home during the break in the legislative session, it’s a prime opportunity for citizens to speak out about how those budget decisions can make a difference in their communities. Getting it right means not gorging on the excess now, so we don’t have to deal with the stomachache later. Those of us in rural areas need to make a strong case for using some of this money to make real investments in our communities that will have an impact long after the good times have ended. It’s a chance to advocate at home for the future of our communities. In fact, one of the best uses for a portion of the money is in homes, especially in rural areas across the state. A lack of quality housing is repeatedly cited by businesses, workers and community leaders as a substantial barrier to rural economic growth. The influx of federal dollars and Kansas’ robust budget present a rare opportunity to make a lasting investment in rural Kansas with a one-time appropriation to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). We’re not asking for a handout, rather we want to prime the pump for private investors to build, rehabilitate and finance housing in the 96 Kansas counties with a population of less than 60,000. As a Kansas entity KHRC is not bound by mountains of federal regulatory requirements that rural areas may not meet. As history has shown, spending on KHRC programs offers up to a six to one return for every dollar invested. This multiplier effect means any investment by the legislature likely results in significant spending on rural housing. That’s real money to address a lack of homes for people with moderate incomes, like teachers, police officers and young professionals who struggle to find suitable accommodations in rural Kansas. KHRC has a proven history and ability to be flexible to meet the needs of rural communities. This money would provide real, tangible returns not only by providing homes for current and future residents, but it would also incentivize businesses to expand to meet the needs of growing communities. There’s a real opportunity to use this funding in the short term to create a cycle of growth in areas of need. Now is the time for some hometown advocacy. All of us have concrete examples of what the housing needs in our communities are. Share them with your legislators when you see them over the next few weeks in church, the grocery store or at a townhall. Let them know how important the issue is to you and ask if you can count on their support to make prudent, long-term investments in rural Kansas.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg&nbsp;Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg&nbsp;Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Kansas legislators will soon be on spring break, and as they head back to their districts to tout the work they’ve already completed this session. At public forums and town halls across the state, lawmakers are also likely to talk about an unexpected problem: too much money. Certainly, this is much better than crafting a budget with a shortfall where none of the options are appealing. However, dealing with a surplus is kind of like a child in a candy store. While there’s not enough money to buy everything, there’s still enough to fill up on empty calories. Right now, legislators are in that candy store with their eyes darting around a menu of paying off debt, cutting taxes, issuing rebates, shoring up rainy day funds or spending the excess on services. Individually, each one of these has merit. As they return home during the break in the legislative session, it’s a prime opportunity for citizens to speak out about how those budget decisions can make a difference in their communities. Getting it right means not gorging on the excess now, so we don’t have to deal with the stomachache later. Those of us in rural areas need to make a strong case for using some of this money to make real investments in our communities that will have an impact long after the good times have ended. It’s a chance to advocate at home for the future of our communities. In fact, one of the best uses for a portion of the money is in homes, especially in rural areas across the state. A lack of quality housing is repeatedly cited by businesses, workers and community leaders as a substantial barrier to rural economic growth. The influx of federal dollars and Kansas’ robust budget present a rare opportunity to make a lasting investment in rural Kansas with a one-time appropriation to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). We’re not asking for a handout, rather we want to prime the pump for private investors to build, rehabilitate and finance housing in the 96 Kansas counties with a population of less than 60,000. As a Kansas entity KHRC is not bound by mountains of federal regulatory requirements that rural areas may not meet. As history has shown, spending on KHRC programs offers up to a six to one return for every dollar invested. This multiplier effect means any investment by the legislature likely results in significant spending on rural housing. That’s real money to address a lack of homes for people with moderate incomes, like teachers, police officers and young professionals who struggle to find suitable accommodations in rural Kansas. KHRC has a proven history and ability to be flexible to meet the needs of rural communities. This money would provide real, tangible returns not only by providing homes for current and future residents, but it would also incentivize businesses to expand to meet the needs of growing communities. There’s a real opportunity to use this funding in the short term to create a cycle of growth in areas of need. Now is the time for some hometown advocacy. All of us have concrete examples of what the housing needs in our communities are. Share them with your legislators when you see them over the next few weeks in church, the grocery store or at a townhall. Let them know how important the issue is to you and ask if you can count on their support to make prudent, long-term investments in rural Kansas."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Hometown advocacy

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.

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