2022 Senate Scene Week 4 and 5 February 14, 2022

TOPEKA - Last week, the Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation after a short week last week due to the weather which moved across the state. The Ways and Means Committee is starting to work the budget bill with subcommittee meetings to report to the full committee in a few weeks.

SNAPSHOT OF THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE 2022

The Kansas Senate consists of forty Senators – twenty-nine Republicans, eleven Democrats with sixteen women and twenty-four men. Eleven Senators live in cities of 100,000+ population, eleven with 20,000 to 100,000, six with 5,000-20,000 and six with 2,000-5,000 and six with 0-2,000. The Kansas House of Representatives consists of one-hundred twenty-five members with eighty-six Republicans and thirty-nine Democrats with thirty-three women and ninety-two men.

Late last week, Governor Kelly vetoed the legislation containing the Ad Astra 2 Congressional Map. This week, the legislature overrode her veto (27- 11) thus making the map law.

The map only splits four counties. Pawnee, Douglas, Jackson and Wyandotte are the only split counties on the new map. Both Douglas and Wyandotte are primarily divided along natural and geographic barriers such as highways and rivers. Marshall County would be entirely in the First District. The First District contains both University of Kansas and Kansas State University, which have aligned goals, returning them to the same Congressional district. The Second District includes several military installations, including Ft. Riley, Ft. Leavenworth, Forbes Field, and the Kansas National Guard. The Third District keeps Johnson County together, blending the Kansas City suburbs with nearby bedroom communities. The Fourth District includes Wichita and surrounding communities. Also, Indian Reservations are kept wholly within Congressional districts.

A few historical facts on maps over the decades:&nbsp; the 3rd Congressional District for
instance, has had the following shifts over time:

Mid-1960s – 5 districts – Anderson County was in CD 3

1973-1982 – 5 districts – Wyandotte County was split, and Franklin
County was in CD 3

1983-1992 – 5 districts – All of Miami County was included in CD 3

1993-2002 – 4 districts – All of Miami County was included in CD
3, Douglas County split

2003-2013 – 4 districts – Douglas County split, City of Lawrence
split

Some citizens have asked about the process of drawing the 3rd District. Because of population shifts in the last decade, placing Wyandotte County and Johnson County both completely within the 3rd District was not possible. The decision was made to keep Johnson County whole, which then necessitated dividing Wyandotte County. The Kansas River and I-70 provided a natural&nbsp;and geographic barrier, so people within Wyandotte County would easily understand which Congressional district they resided in. The resulting population shift resulted in then adding Miami, Franklin, and Anderson Counties, followed by minor adjustments to bring the deviation between districts to 0. The Ad Astra 2 map keeps all four members of Congress within their districts and all four members of Congress would have still won in 2020. In addition, the results for President in 2020 and Governor in 2018 would not have been different in any of the four districts.

SB 347 – APEX – Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act

Last week, the House and Senate both adopted the finalized version of the state’s new Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) economic growth plan with the Governor signing on February 10th. The final APEX Plan includes important oversight components, including by the State Finance Council. The initial target of the incentive package is a $4.0 billion manufacturing project that would employ over 4,000 people and be one of the most significant private sector investments in Kansas history. It would establish new economic development incentives targeted at specific industries that agree to invest at least $1.0 billion within the State of Kansas. The APEX Act also targets incentives at the suppliers involved in the APEX project. The APEX Program would be under the purview of the Secretary of Commerce for the purpose of attracting large capital investments in new facilities and operations by businesses engaged in specified industries and encouraging the development of Kansas-based supply chains. To help drive taxes down for all who do business in Kansas, an important provision of the bill would lower the corporate income tax by .5% per project with a cap of two. Finally, the bill has claw-back provisions in case the company relocates outside of the state in the 11th through 15th years following the year the manufacturer entered into the agreement with the state. The sunset of the program is on March 31, 2024, to ensure that the full legislature reviews the provisions of the APEX Act in just two years.

SB 329 amends law in order to make the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings program compliant with the federal Internal Revenue Code and mandatory federal regulations. The program allows individuals with a disability and their families to save private funds without violating federal means tested benefit requirements. SB 329 passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 330 would place a permanent memorial honoring Kansas Gold Star families on the Statehouse grounds. “Gold Star families” are families who have lost a family member in the line of military duty. SB 330 passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 358 would allow financing from the Public Water Supply Loan Fund (PWSLF) for public water supply projects that acquire water through a water transfer. SB 358 passed the Senate 40-0.

HB 2005 amend provisions of law related to the Boiler Safety Act. The bill would increase the maximum nominal water capacity of an exempt hot water supply boiler to 120 gallons from the current maximum of 85 gallons. HB 2005 passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 327 would exclude delivery charges that are separately stated on an invoice or similar document from the sales price for purposes of retail sales and compensating use tax. SB 327 passed the Senate 40-0.

Sub for SB 300 would amend definitions in the Kansas Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (Kansas RICO Act). The bill would add to the definition of “covered person” a person who has engaged in identity theft or identity fraud. This will be a useful tool for Unemployment fraud which we witnessed last year and continues to be an issue. Sub for SB 300 passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 346 would allow for the on-farm retail sale of milk or milk products, regulate the labeling and advertising of such products, extend the sunset date for certain milk and dairy license fees. SB 346 passed the Senate 38-0-2.

HB 2109 would amend the statute governing membership of the State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS) to raise the population threshold from 100,000 to 115,000 for a county to automatically qualify for a lawyer member of BIDS. HB 2109 passed the Senate 35-5.

Local Award-Winning Students from Senate District 36

Congratulations to Olivia Richardson, Marysville, and Katelyn Binder, Beloit, as essay winners for the League of Kansas Municipalities “My City, My Home” essay contest. Olivia, Marysville Jr/Sr High School, was the Northeast region winner and Katelyn, Beloit Jr/Sr High School, was the North Central region winner.

Congratulations to Dreyton Hughes, Phillipsburg High School, who was chosen the 11th Grade KDHE Bureau of Waste Management "Keep It Clean Kansas" Calendar Winner. If you would like a copy of the yearly KDHE Calendar – call Randi in our office and we will mail you a copy.

As always, I’ll keep you updated on the activities of the Senate while we continue through the last few weeks before turn-around. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>2022 Senate Scene Week 4 and 5 February 14, 2022SENATE HAPPENINGSTOPEKA - Last week, the Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation after a short week last week due to the weather which moved across the state. The Ways and Means Committee is starting to work the budget bill with subcommittee meetings to report to the full committee in a few weeks.SNAPSHOT OF THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE 2022The Kansas Senate consists of forty Senators – twenty-nine Republicans, eleven Democrats with sixteen women and twenty-four men. Eleven Senators live in cities of 100,000+ population, eleven with 20,000 to 100,000, six with 5,000-20,000 and six with 2,000-5,000 and six with 0-2,000. The Kansas House of Representatives consists of one-hundred twenty-five members with eighty-six Republicans and thirty-nine Democrats with thirty-three women and ninety-two men.Senate Floor ActionSB 355 - AD ASTRA 2 MAPLate last week, Governor Kelly vetoed the legislation containing the Ad Astra 2 Congressional Map. This week, the legislature overrode her veto (27- 11) thus making the map law.Highlights of the map include:The map only splits four counties. Pawnee, Douglas, Jackson and Wyandotte are the only split counties on the new map. Both Douglas and Wyandotte are primarily divided along natural and geographic barriers such as highways and rivers. Marshall County would be entirely in the First District. The First District contains both University of Kansas and Kansas State University, which have aligned goals, returning them to the same Congressional district. The Second District includes several military installations, including Ft. Riley, Ft. Leavenworth, Forbes Field, and the Kansas National Guard. The Third District keeps Johnson County together, blending the Kansas City suburbs with nearby bedroom communities. The Fourth District includes Wichita and surrounding communities. Also, Indian Reservations are kept wholly within Congressional districts.A few historical facts on maps over the decades:&nbsp; the 3rd Congressional District for
instance, has had the following shifts over time:Mid-1960s – 5 districts – Anderson County was in CD 31973-1982 – 5 districts – Wyandotte County was split, and Franklin
County was in CD 31983-1992 – 5 districts – All of Miami County was included in CD 31993-2002 – 4 districts – All of Miami County was included in CD
3, Douglas County split2003-2013 – 4 districts – Douglas County split, City of Lawrence
splitSome citizens have asked about the process of drawing the 3rd District. Because of population shifts in the last decade, placing Wyandotte County and Johnson County both completely within the 3rd District was not possible. The decision was made to keep Johnson County whole, which then necessitated dividing Wyandotte County. The Kansas River and I-70 provided a natural&nbsp;and geographic barrier, so people within Wyandotte County would easily understand which Congressional district they resided in. The resulting population shift resulted in then adding Miami, Franklin, and Anderson Counties, followed by minor adjustments to bring the deviation between districts to 0. The Ad Astra 2 map keeps all four members of Congress within their districts and all four members of Congress would have still won in 2020. In addition, the results for President in 2020 and Governor in 2018 would not have been different in any of the four districts.SB 347 – APEX – Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion ActLast week, the House and Senate both adopted the finalized version of the state’s new Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) economic growth plan with the Governor signing on February 10th. The final APEX Plan includes important oversight components, including by the State Finance Council. The initial target of the incentive package is a $4.0 billion manufacturing project that would employ over 4,000 people and be one of the most significant private sector investments in Kansas history. It would establish new economic development incentives targeted at specific industries that agree to invest at least $1.0 billion within the State of Kansas. The APEX Act also targets incentives at the suppliers involved in the APEX project. The APEX Program would be under the purview of the Secretary of Commerce for the purpose of attracting large capital investments in new facilities and operations by businesses engaged in specified industries and encouraging the development of Kansas-based supply chains. To help drive taxes down for all who do business in Kansas, an important provision of the bill would lower the corporate income tax by .5% per project with a cap of two. Finally, the bill has claw-back provisions in case the company relocates outside of the state in the 11th through 15th years following the year the manufacturer entered into the agreement with the state. The sunset of the program is on March 31, 2024, to ensure that the full legislature reviews the provisions of the APEX Act in just two years.SB 329 amends law in order to make the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings program compliant with the federal Internal Revenue Code and mandatory federal regulations. The program allows individuals with a disability and their families to save private funds without violating federal means tested benefit requirements. SB 329 passed the Senate 40-0.SB 330 would place a permanent memorial honoring Kansas Gold Star families on the Statehouse grounds. “Gold Star families” are families who have lost a family member in the line of military duty. SB 330 passed the Senate 40-0.SB 358 would allow financing from the Public Water Supply Loan Fund (PWSLF) for public water supply projects that acquire water through a water transfer. SB 358 passed the Senate 40-0.HB 2005 amend provisions of law related to the Boiler Safety Act. The bill would increase the maximum nominal water capacity of an exempt hot water supply boiler to 120 gallons from the current maximum of 85 gallons. HB 2005 passed the Senate 40-0.SB 327 would exclude delivery charges that are separately stated on an invoice or similar document from the sales price for purposes of retail sales and compensating use tax. SB 327 passed the Senate 40-0.Sub for SB 300 would amend definitions in the Kansas Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (Kansas RICO Act). The bill would add to the definition of “covered person” a person who has engaged in identity theft or identity fraud. This will be a useful tool for Unemployment fraud which we witnessed last year and continues to be an issue. Sub for SB 300 passed the Senate 40-0.SB 346 would allow for the on-farm retail sale of milk or milk products, regulate the labeling and advertising of such products, extend the sunset date for certain milk and dairy license fees. SB 346 passed the Senate 38-0-2.HB 2109 would amend the statute governing membership of the State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS) to raise the population threshold from 100,000 to 115,000 for a county to automatically qualify for a lawyer member of BIDS. HB 2109 passed the Senate 35-5.Local Award-Winning Students from Senate District 36Congratulations to Olivia Richardson, Marysville, and Katelyn Binder, Beloit, as essay winners for the League of Kansas Municipalities “My City, My Home” essay contest. Olivia, Marysville Jr/Sr High School, was the Northeast region winner and Katelyn, Beloit Jr/Sr High School, was the North Central region winner.Congratulations to Dreyton Hughes, Phillipsburg High School, who was chosen the 11th Grade KDHE Bureau of Waste Management "Keep It Clean Kansas" Calendar Winner. If you would like a copy of the yearly KDHE Calendar – call Randi in our office and we will mail you a copy.As always, I’ll keep you updated on the activities of the Senate while we continue through the last few weeks before turn-around. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes:* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville;&nbsp;Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek,&nbsp;Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum,&nbsp;Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner,&nbsp;Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: 2022 Senate Scene, Weeks 4 and 5

Senator Rick Billinger&nbsp;Newsletter February 14, 2022

TOPEKA - Last week, Governor Kelly vetoed the legislation containing the Ad Astra 2 Congressional Map. The Senate and the House overrode the veto.

The House and Senate both adopted the finalized version of the state’s new Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) economic growth plan. The APEX plan includes important oversight components, including oversight by the State Finance Council. The APEX Plan sets the stage for thousands of new jobs and game-changing private sector investments in our state, as well as important corporate tax reductions that benefit all who do business in Kansas. The legislature included several critical oversight provisions to ensure proper fiscal responsibility in the years ahead. 

The APEX Plan is an exciting and bold step that has the potential to drive significant economic activity to Kansas, and we look forward to seeing its responsible implementation in the months ahead. As I stated in a prior newsletter the legislature must be careful in providing incentives to bring in industries or businesses. This particular APEX Plan if accepted will cost over $1.0 billion which will considerably reduce our projected ending balances. Should any APEX project come forward, Republicans will expect the Governor to bring forward a balanced tax and budget proposal to the State Finance Council, and we must be cautious against any short-term payouts that would threaten the fiscal health of Kansas. If this offer is accepted it will impact our ability to reduce sales tax, such as taxes on food. To help drive taxes down for all who do business in Kansas, an important provision of the bill would lower the corporate income tax by .5% per project with a cap of two. In the amended legislation, the sunset of the program is on March 31, 2024, to ensure that the full legislature reviews the provisions of the APEX Act in just two years. The bill includes a refundable an investment tax credit of up to 15% of the business’ investment, which the state would refund over the period of a decade. The payroll tax refund would be capped at 7.5% for 10 years, but the State Finance Council could approve a higher refund of up to 10%. The bill includes a 5% refundable investment tax credit to the suppliers up to their first $50 million in capital investment, who would receive another percentage point of tax credits for every $10 million they invest up to the total of $100 million. The bill contains a reimbursement for suppliers for training costs up to $250,000 a year per supplier, with the primary manufacturing company able to receive to $5 million on an annual basis. It also establishes a $10 million matching incentive fund for the company to help with the relocation costs for employees who move from another state and make Kansas their primary residence. The bill also has claw back provisions in case the company relocates outside of the state in the 11th through 15th years following the year the manufacturer entered into the agreement with the state.

New legislation will hopefully help protect Kansans from identity theft by imposing stricter penalties. Sub for SB 300 will add to the definition of “covered person” a person who has engaged in identity theft or identify fraud, and also would add identity theft or identity fraud to the list of crimes for which committing, attempting, or conspiring to commit or soliciting, coercing, or intimidating another person to commit a misdemeanor or felony violation would constitute “racketeering activity.”

Last Thursday Wyandotte County voted to make their county a sanctuary city/county. An ordinance was passed that would give undocumented immigrants and others the opportunity to get a photo municipal ID so they can access government services. The ordinance prohibits local law enforcement agencies from helping federal authorities enforce federal laws. This makes one wonder how many midnight flights with illegals have been authorized to enter Kansas by Governor Kelly. Attorney General and Governor candidate Derek Schmidt has asked the legislature to pass legislation that would ban sanctuary cities/counties in Kansas.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Senator Rick Billinger&nbsp;Newsletter February 14, 2022 TOPEKA - Last week, Governor Kelly vetoed the legislation containing the Ad Astra 2 Congressional Map. The Senate and the House overrode the veto.The House and Senate both adopted the finalized version of the state’s new Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) economic growth plan. The APEX plan includes important oversight components, including oversight by the State Finance Council. The APEX Plan sets the stage for thousands of new jobs and game-changing private sector investments in our state, as well as important corporate tax reductions that benefit all who do business in Kansas. The legislature included several critical oversight provisions to ensure proper fiscal responsibility in the years ahead. The APEX Plan is an exciting and bold step that has the potential to drive significant economic activity to Kansas, and we look forward to seeing its responsible implementation in the months ahead. As I stated in a prior newsletter the legislature must be careful in providing incentives to bring in industries or businesses. This particular APEX Plan if accepted will cost over $1.0 billion which will considerably reduce our projected ending balances. Should any APEX project come forward, Republicans will expect the Governor to bring forward a balanced tax and budget proposal to the State Finance Council, and we must be cautious against any short-term payouts that would threaten the fiscal health of Kansas. If this offer is accepted it will impact our ability to reduce sales tax, such as taxes on food. To help drive taxes down for all who do business in Kansas, an important provision of the bill would lower the corporate income tax by .5% per project with a cap of two. In the amended legislation, the sunset of the program is on March 31, 2024, to ensure that the full legislature reviews the provisions of the APEX Act in just two years. The bill includes a refundable an investment tax credit of up to 15% of the business’ investment, which the state would refund over the period of a decade. The payroll tax refund would be capped at 7.5% for 10 years, but the State Finance Council could approve a higher refund of up to 10%. The bill includes a 5% refundable investment tax credit to the suppliers up to their first $50 million in capital investment, who would receive another percentage point of tax credits for every $10 million they invest up to the total of $100 million. The bill contains a reimbursement for suppliers for training costs up to $250,000 a year per supplier, with the primary manufacturing company able to receive to $5 million on an annual basis. It also establishes a $10 million matching incentive fund for the company to help with the relocation costs for employees who move from another state and make Kansas their primary residence. The bill also has claw back provisions in case the company relocates outside of the state in the 11th through 15th years following the year the manufacturer entered into the agreement with the state.New legislation will hopefully help protect Kansans from identity theft by imposing stricter penalties. Sub for SB 300 will add to the definition of “covered person” a person who has engaged in identity theft or identify fraud, and also would add identity theft or identity fraud to the list of crimes for which committing, attempting, or conspiring to commit or soliciting, coercing, or intimidating another person to commit a misdemeanor or felony violation would constitute “racketeering activity.”Last Thursday Wyandotte County voted to make their county a sanctuary city/county. An ordinance was passed that would give undocumented immigrants and others the opportunity to get a photo municipal ID so they can access government services. The ordinance prohibits local law enforcement agencies from helping federal authorities enforce federal laws. This makes one wonder how many midnight flights with illegals have been authorized to enter Kansas by Governor Kelly. Attorney General and Governor candidate Derek Schmidt has asked the legislature to pass legislation that would ban sanctuary cities/counties in Kansas.Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th district senator which includes:Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon(part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update, Feb. 14, 2022

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

When your business or organization needs to conduct a staff retreat, where do you go?&nbsp;Sometimes groups leave their town to go to a bigger city with lots of venue choices.&nbsp;

Today we’ll meet an Extension district whose staff chose to go in the opposite direction.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are choosing to hold their retreats in the smaller towns within their counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donna Krug is the district director for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, comprised of Barton and Ellis Counties. She also serves as a family and consumer sciences agent for the district.&nbsp;

Donna grew up on a farm near Washington, Kansas. After graduating from K-State, she became a 4-H agent in Texas where her future husband, John, was attending chiropractic school. They married and came to back to Kansas where Donna became the family and consumer sciences agent in Barton County. John was a chiropractor in Great Bend for 32 years.&nbsp;

“As an Extension agent, I do a lot of health and wellness and nutrition classes,” Donna said. “I like sharing my knowledge on health and wellness, and I love the people who come to learn.”&nbsp;

She enjoys teaching Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshops and has developed10 family and consumer sciences fact sheets focused on health and nutrition. She’s now teaching a sauerkraut making class.&nbsp;

“I recently did a fact sheet on taking a new look at fermented foods,” Donna said. “I shared it at a national meeting. The folks at Iowa State called and want me to come present it there.”&nbsp;

In 2017, Barton and Ellis counties joined together to form the Cottonwood district, and Donna became director. When county staffs join together as a new team, planning becomes especially important.&nbsp;

Donna recognized the need for a staff planning retreat and had a creative idea about where to conduct it. “So many of our activities take place in Hays or Great Bend,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Why not go to the outlying communities? I thought it would be good to reach out to the smaller towns in our counties.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the years since, the Cottonwood district has held its semiannual retreats in rural communities such as Hoisington, population 2,699; Ellinwood, population 2,131; Ellis, population 1,958; Claflin, population 645; and Catharine (including the surrounding area), population 113 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“I reach out to the staff members who live in those areas and ask them to take the lead in planning those retreats,” Donna said. Such retreats typically involve a tour, meal, or fun activity plus a couple of hours of strategic program planning.&nbsp;

“Our 4-H agent Michelle Beran lives near Claflin,” Donna said. “She arranged for us to meet at the library and then walk to the pizza parlor.”&nbsp;

In Ellinwood, they learned about the Strengthsfinders program and toured the underground tunnels downtown. At Ellis, they visited a maker space.&nbsp;

“Our office professional in Hays, Theresa Meis, lives near Catharine,” Donna said. “She arranged for us to meet there and tour her beautiful church, and we also tried painting barn quilts.”&nbsp;

The retreat provides an opportunity for agents and staff to discuss program direction and practice staff development. “I always try to keep us focused on our mission statement,” Donna said. “At one meeting, I used Bill Snyder’s book on 16 goals for success and we shared how we could apply those to our work.”&nbsp;

She also organizes a joint meeting of Extension program development committees in both counties. “We share a meal, go over shared topics, and then break into our program development committees,” she said.&nbsp;

When your business or organization needs to conduct a staff retreat, where do you go?&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re thankful that Donna Krug and the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District chose to make a difference by reaching out to the smaller communities in their counties. As Donna said, “It validates that every community and every person is important.”&nbsp;

And there’s more. Donna played a pivotal role in rerouting a national bicycle trail to her hometown of Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644416317024.png" alt="Krug / Courtesy Huck Boyd Institute" />
 <figcaption>Krug / Courtesy Huck Boyd Institute</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;When your business or organization needs to conduct a staff retreat, where do you go?&nbsp;Sometimes groups leave their town to go to a bigger city with lots of venue choices.&nbsp;Today we’ll meet an Extension district whose staff chose to go in the opposite direction.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are choosing to hold their retreats in the smaller towns within their counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Donna Krug is the district director for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, comprised of Barton and Ellis Counties. She also serves as a family and consumer sciences agent for the district.&nbsp;Donna grew up on a farm near Washington, Kansas. After graduating from K-State, she became a 4-H agent in Texas where her future husband, John, was attending chiropractic school. They married and came to back to Kansas where Donna became the family and consumer sciences agent in Barton County. John was a chiropractor in Great Bend for 32 years.&nbsp;“As an Extension agent, I do a lot of health and wellness and nutrition classes,” Donna said. “I like sharing my knowledge on health and wellness, and I love the people who come to learn.”&nbsp;She enjoys teaching Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshops and has developed10 family and consumer sciences fact sheets focused on health and nutrition. She’s now teaching a sauerkraut making class.&nbsp;“I recently did a fact sheet on taking a new look at fermented foods,” Donna said. “I shared it at a national meeting. The folks at Iowa State called and want me to come present it there.”&nbsp;In 2017, Barton and Ellis counties joined together to form the Cottonwood district, and Donna became director. When county staffs join together as a new team, planning becomes especially important.&nbsp;Donna recognized the need for a staff planning retreat and had a creative idea about where to conduct it. “So many of our activities take place in Hays or Great Bend,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Why not go to the outlying communities? I thought it would be good to reach out to the smaller towns in our counties.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the years since, the Cottonwood district has held its semiannual retreats in rural communities such as Hoisington, population 2,699; Ellinwood, population 2,131; Ellis, population 1,958; Claflin, population 645; and Catharine (including the surrounding area), population 113 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“I reach out to the staff members who live in those areas and ask them to take the lead in planning those retreats,” Donna said. Such retreats typically involve a tour, meal, or fun activity plus a couple of hours of strategic program planning.&nbsp;“Our 4-H agent Michelle Beran lives near Claflin,” Donna said. “She arranged for us to meet at the library and then walk to the pizza parlor.”&nbsp;In Ellinwood, they learned about the Strengthsfinders program and toured the underground tunnels downtown. At Ellis, they visited a maker space.&nbsp;“Our office professional in Hays, Theresa Meis, lives near Catharine,” Donna said. “She arranged for us to meet there and tour her beautiful church, and we also tried painting barn quilts.”&nbsp;The retreat provides an opportunity for agents and staff to discuss program direction and practice staff development. “I always try to keep us focused on our mission statement,” Donna said. “At one meeting, I used Bill Snyder’s book on 16 goals for success and we shared how we could apply those to our work.”&nbsp;She also organizes a joint meeting of Extension program development committees in both counties. “We share a meal, go over shared topics, and then break into our program development committees,” she said.&nbsp;When your business or organization needs to conduct a staff retreat, where do you go?&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re thankful that Donna Krug and the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District chose to make a difference by reaching out to the smaller communities in their counties. As Donna said, “It validates that every community and every person is important.”&nbsp;And there’s more. Donna played a pivotal role in rerouting a national bicycle trail to her hometown of Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Donna Krug, Cottonwood District 

By DOUG WILLIAMS <a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>

One of the comments I hear often is “we like our community just the way it is.” I understand that sentiment. We have a wonderful community with much to be thankful for, yet the reality is that staying the way we are is simply not an option.

Ellis County is a regional trade center drawing people from a wide area for shopping, entertainment, education, cultural activities and events, to name a few. Year after year our community ranks in the top three in pull factor among Kansas counties. This is an essential component in making Ellis County a great place to live and giving us the vibrant economy that we have. That being said, there are some realities that we need to consider as we look to the future and our ability to maintain the quality of life we currently have.

From 2010 to 2020 Ellis County population increased from 28,452 in 2010 to 28,934 in 2020, 482 people. This represents a .17 percent per year annual growth rate. Over that same period, our “trade area” experienced a 3.5 percent loss in population-over 3,500 people. Furthermore, the projections for future population trends in our trade area are bleak. Aging populations, automation of farming operations, and difficulty in retaining youth are all contributing to population loss. What this means for Ellis County is a shrinking population of people who shop, attend events, see health care professionals, go to school here, and the list goes on.

Shrinking population is never good for economic conditions in communities and it ultimately leads to business closures, shrinking tax bases, and increasing property taxes. As property values drop there are fewer resources to share in the costs. It also creates an environment where it is very difficult to attract new businesses and people to our community.

While this may sound like doom and gloom, we have been provided with an opportunity through of all things, the pandemic. People are fleeing urban areas in record numbers. Remote workers can work from virtually anywhere and millions are looking to relocate to places without the crowds, the traffic, and the high costs associated with urban life. If our community can resolve the primary challenges we face-those being affordable housing, childcare, antiquated school facilities-and attract a workforce, we can draw in our fair share of this highly desirable demographic.

In a recent interview, Karen Kimbrough, chief economist for LinkedIn, commented that pre-pandemic 1 in 67 of the millions of jobs posted on Linkedin were for remote workers. Today, that number has changed to 1 in 7. That is a stunning statistic! Today, job searchers have more flexibility than ever before as to how and where they work and live. Many are choosing to look for a better way of life in rural areas. We are already seeing this migration taking place in Ellis County. Consider this. Two years ago the local MLS had more than 100 homes available. Early this week, there were 9. Over that same time frame, apartment vacancy rates have hit historic lows and on-campus FHSU enrollment has declined. The only explanation for this combination is that we have had an influx of people and it will continue if we resolve the challenges before us.

The real question is: are we willing to make the investments in housing, schools, and childcare to make sure we take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity. I have great confidence that our community can, and will, do what we must to make sure that we “Grow to stay the same.”

Doug Williams is the executive director of Grow Hays.

By DOUG WILLIAMS <a href="https://www.growhays.com/">Grow Hays</a>One of the comments I hear often is “we like our community just the way it is.” I understand that sentiment. We have a wonderful community with much to be thankful for, yet the reality is that staying the way we are is simply not an option.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County is a regional trade center drawing people from a wide area for shopping, entertainment, education, cultural activities and events, to name a few. Year after year our community ranks in the top three in pull factor among Kansas counties. This is an essential component in making Ellis County a great place to live and giving us the vibrant economy that we have. That being said, there are some realities that we need to consider as we look to the future and our ability to maintain the quality of life we currently have.From 2010 to 2020 Ellis County population increased from 28,452 in 2010 to 28,934 in 2020, 482 people. This represents a .17 percent per year annual growth rate. Over that same period, our “trade area” experienced a 3.5 percent loss in population-over 3,500 people. Furthermore, the projections for future population trends in our trade area are bleak. Aging populations, automation of farming operations, and difficulty in retaining youth are all contributing to population loss. What this means for Ellis County is a shrinking population of people who shop, attend events, see health care professionals, go to school here, and the list goes on.Shrinking population is never good for economic conditions in communities and it ultimately leads to business closures, shrinking tax bases, and increasing property taxes. As property values drop there are fewer resources to share in the costs. It also creates an environment where it is very difficult to attract new businesses and people to our community.While this may sound like doom and gloom, we have been provided with an opportunity through of all things, the pandemic. People are fleeing urban areas in record numbers. Remote workers can work from virtually anywhere and millions are looking to relocate to places without the crowds, the traffic, and the high costs associated with urban life. If our community can resolve the primary challenges we face-those being affordable housing, childcare, antiquated school facilities-and attract a workforce, we can draw in our fair share of this highly desirable demographic.In a recent interview, Karen Kimbrough, chief economist for LinkedIn, commented that pre-pandemic 1 in 67 of the millions of jobs posted on Linkedin were for remote workers. Today, that number has changed to 1 in 7. That is a stunning statistic! Today, job searchers have more flexibility than ever before as to how and where they work and live. Many are choosing to look for a better way of life in rural areas. We are already seeing this migration taking place in Ellis County. Consider this. Two years ago the local MLS had more than 100 homes available. Early this week, there were 9. Over that same time frame, apartment vacancy rates have hit historic lows and on-campus FHSU enrollment has declined. The only explanation for this combination is that we have had an influx of people and it will continue if we resolve the challenges before us.The real question is: are we willing to make the investments in housing, schools, and childcare to make sure we take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity. I have great confidence that our community can, and will, do what we must to make sure that we “Grow to stay the same.”Doug Williams is the executive director of Grow Hays.

LETTER: Ellis County must grow to stay the same

Proposed legislation to allow state tax dollars for parents to send at risk students to private schools is a disaster trying to happen.

Enacting the Student Empowerment Act would shift the foundation of Kansas public education. If parents were allowed to claim the per-pupil base state aid and use it for private school tuition, textbooks and other educational expenses then private citizens could direct use of public tax dollars for their private desires.&nbsp;

Parents who see the SEA as an off ramp from declining statewide student achievement scores have little conception of what could happen if this ill-conceived legislation becomes law. While there are strong private schools in Kansas, the SEA would hinder K-12 education and violate three basic purposes of American public education.

The first is protection for free, public education. SEA, would set up a second school system and the state would pay to administer the program.&nbsp;

State funding this year is set at $4, 846 per student. High school tuition plus fees at private schools range from $9,000 to near $20,000. Families reaping the most benefits of the bill would be those who can afford tuition or are near that level. Per student funding could cover tuition at many private elementary schools although some charge as much as $10,000 per year. With SEA most families would need some supplemental out-of-pocket funds for private schooling.

Judging by similar programs in other states, Kansas management costs could run as much as $2 million per year; moreover, the state treasurer’s office predicts costs to implement the act at more than $1 million.&nbsp;

A second purpose of public schools is to provide equal opportunity for all students. Private schools, by definition, do not operate for the common good.&nbsp; Only those students chosen are admitted. Private schools are not required to undergo state accreditation or inform parents of data they collect.

A third purpose of public education is to bring together a diverse population of students and prepare them for democratic citizenship. Multiple private schools that teach numerous, dissimilar ideologies and religious beliefs may fulfill parents’ desires for their children’s education, but the public school is the single, significant force in American society inspiring respect for others, citizenship responsibilities and unity.

Parents receive countless, unreplicated research reports showing that students in private schools achieve at higher rates than public schools.&nbsp;

More conclusive research was conducted by Martin Carnoy of Stanford University who studied 25 years of research projects and found that voucher programs, which are nearly identical to the SEA, do not significantly improve test scores.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Brookings Institution compared voucher programs in Indiana and Louisiana using rigorous research designs. Data collected show private school students scored lower on reading and math compared to similar students in public schools.

Parents already have the right to be heard, the right to know what’s being taught, the right to protect their child’s privacy and the right to request opt-out of classes or services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is an enormous difference between parental rights and parental control of education tax dollars.&nbsp;

In a democracy, representatives of the public oversee public dollars, in this case the representatives are educators.

It is deeply disturbing that a vital safeguard of democracy might decline if education shifts from public to private institutions. The goal should be to improve public education, not weaken it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>Proposed legislation to allow state tax dollars for parents to send at risk students to private schools is a disaster trying to happen.Enacting the Student Empowerment Act would shift the foundation of Kansas public education. If parents were allowed to claim the per-pupil base state aid and use it for private school tuition, textbooks and other educational expenses then private citizens could direct use of public tax dollars for their private desires.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Parents who see the SEA as an off ramp from declining statewide student achievement scores have little conception of what could happen if this ill-conceived legislation becomes law. While there are strong private schools in Kansas, the SEA would hinder K-12 education and violate three basic purposes of American public education.The first is protection for free, public education. SEA, would set up a second school system and the state would pay to administer the program.&nbsp;State funding this year is set at $4, 846 per student. High school tuition plus fees at private schools range from $9,000 to near $20,000. Families reaping the most benefits of the bill would be those who can afford tuition or are near that level. Per student funding could cover tuition at many private elementary schools although some charge as much as $10,000 per year. With SEA most families would need some supplemental out-of-pocket funds for private schooling.Judging by similar programs in other states, Kansas management costs could run as much as $2 million per year; moreover, the state treasurer’s office predicts costs to implement the act at more than $1 million.&nbsp;A second purpose of public schools is to provide equal opportunity for all students. Private schools, by definition, do not operate for the common good.&nbsp; Only those students chosen are admitted. Private schools are not required to undergo state accreditation or inform parents of data they collect.A third purpose of public education is to bring together a diverse population of students and prepare them for democratic citizenship. Multiple private schools that teach numerous, dissimilar ideologies and religious beliefs may fulfill parents’ desires for their children’s education, but the public school is the single, significant force in American society inspiring respect for others, citizenship responsibilities and unity.Parents receive countless, unreplicated research reports showing that students in private schools achieve at higher rates than public schools.&nbsp;More conclusive research was conducted by Martin Carnoy of Stanford University who studied 25 years of research projects and found that voucher programs, which are nearly identical to the SEA, do not significantly improve test scores.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Brookings Institution compared voucher programs in Indiana and Louisiana using rigorous research designs. Data collected show private school students scored lower on reading and math compared to similar students in public schools.Parents already have the right to be heard, the right to know what’s being taught, the right to protect their child’s privacy and the right to request opt-out of classes or services.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is an enormous difference between parental rights and parental control of education tax dollars.&nbsp;In a democracy, representatives of the public oversee public dollars, in this case the representatives are educators.It is deeply disturbing that a vital safeguard of democracy might decline if education shifts from public to private institutions. The goal should be to improve public education, not weaken it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Sending public funds to private schools would harm Kan.

TOPEKA February 11, 2022

On Tuesday, February 8, the House debated and passed House Substitute for Senate Bill 347. This bill is called the “Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion” Program, also referred to as APEX. This bill was needed to be passed in order for a major company to move into the state of Kansas that could produce 4,000 jobs.

This bill, which has been somewhat controversial, would provide tax incentives to qualified firms who agree to invest at least $1 billion in the state of Kansas within a five-year period. Please keep in mind that bill is a new economic development program and not a deal for one company.

This APEX bill will generate projects that have the potential to provide billions of dollars in ancillary economic benefits for the state. The House version requires a measured and prudent reduction of corporate taxes for all of Kansas corporations when an APEX project comes to Kansas. The reduction is a 0.5% one time for each such project.

This bill also promotes qualified suppliers where they can receive incentives as well. It also creates a $10 million matching fund for qualified firms to provide relocation incentives and help with expenses for employees who will move to Kansas and make Kansas their primary residence.

I voted “yes,” and the Senate debated and concurred on the bill that passed the House late Wednesday afternoon. Now that this legislation is law an offer will now be reaching out to the company.

The House Appropriations Committee was busy this week with budgets and bill hearings. The budgets that we heard were Kansas Lottery, Kansas Racing and Gaming, the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, Office of the State Bank Commissioner, State Historical Society, Kansas Bureau of Investigations and many more. We also conducted two bill hearings this week. House Bill 2591 is a technical clean up bill that is needed for a bill that passed last year regarding the combination of funds for abandoned oil and gas wells in Kansas. We then worked HB 2591 on Thursday and passed it out of committee for a debate on the House floor. The second is House Bill 2541, which credits the docket and other fees to the state general fund instead of the Judicial Branch docket fee fund.

Aside from the APEX bill, there were other bills that we debated and passed on the House floor this week. Here are the details of those bills:

The House debated House Concurrent Resolution 5023 which states that the state of Kansas denounces instances of price gouging and market manipulation involving natural gas. It also states that it supports state efforts by the Office of the Attorney General and federal efforts by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate increases in natural gas prices during the extreme cold weather event of February 2021.

We also debated House Bill 2473 which amends current law governing the composition of the Board of Trustees of the Douglas County Law Library.

The last bill that we debated this week is House Bill 2490 which makes changes to the Kansas Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings program. The state of Kansas must make changes to our current ABLE program to comply with federal rules that were put into place in November 2020. Due to these rule changes, we needed to alter our current program or we could find the Kansas program noncompliant and no longer a federally qualified program.

I voted in favor of the resolution and both bills.

After the Senate passed the override from the veto by Governor Kelly regarding the Congressional maps, the House then took the override to a vote. Since the new map has no population deviation, meaning that all four districts have the exact same population numbers, I voted to override the veto.

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/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="State Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th District" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th District</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA February 11, 2022APEX BillOn Tuesday, February 8, the House debated and passed House Substitute for Senate Bill 347. This bill is called the “Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion” Program, also referred to as APEX. This bill was needed to be passed in order for a major company to move into the state of Kansas that could produce 4,000 jobs.This bill, which has been somewhat controversial, would provide tax incentives to qualified firms who agree to invest at least $1 billion in the state of Kansas within a five-year period. Please keep in mind that bill is a new economic development program and not a deal for one company.This APEX bill will generate projects that have the potential to provide billions of dollars in ancillary economic benefits for the state. The House version requires a measured and prudent reduction of corporate taxes for all of Kansas corporations when an APEX project comes to Kansas. The reduction is a 0.5% one time for each such project.This bill also promotes qualified suppliers where they can receive incentives as well. It also creates a $10 million matching fund for qualified firms to provide relocation incentives and help with expenses for employees who will move to Kansas and make Kansas their primary residence.I voted “yes,” and the Senate debated and concurred on the bill that passed the House late Wednesday afternoon. Now that this legislation is law an offer will now be reaching out to the company.Appropriations CommitteeThe House Appropriations Committee was busy this week with budgets and bill hearings. The budgets that we heard were Kansas Lottery, Kansas Racing and Gaming, the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, Office of the State Bank Commissioner, State Historical Society, Kansas Bureau of Investigations and many more. We also conducted two bill hearings this week. House Bill 2591 is a technical clean up bill that is needed for a bill that passed last year regarding the combination of funds for abandoned oil and gas wells in Kansas. We then worked HB 2591 on Thursday and passed it out of committee for a debate on the House floor. The second is House Bill 2541, which credits the docket and other fees to the state general fund instead of the Judicial Branch docket fee fund.Bill Activity in the HouseAside from the APEX bill, there were other bills that we debated and passed on the House floor this week. Here are the details of those bills:The House debated House Concurrent Resolution 5023 which states that the state of Kansas denounces instances of price gouging and market manipulation involving natural gas. It also states that it supports state efforts by the Office of the Attorney General and federal efforts by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to investigate increases in natural gas prices during the extreme cold weather event of February 2021.We also debated House Bill 2473 which amends current law governing the composition of the Board of Trustees of the Douglas County Law Library.The last bill that we debated this week is House Bill 2490 which makes changes to the Kansas Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings program. The state of Kansas must make changes to our current ABLE program to comply with federal rules that were put into place in November 2020. Due to these rule changes, we needed to alter our current program or we could find the Kansas program noncompliant and no longer a federally qualified program.I voted in favor of the resolution and both bills.After the Senate passed the override from the veto by Governor Kelly regarding the Congressional maps, the House then took the override to a vote. Since the new map has no population deviation, meaning that all four districts have the exact same population numbers, I voted to override the veto.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, Feb. 11

Fort Hays State University exists to improve lives. Every day, I witness our relentless focus on excellence and the unwavering resilience of my Fort Hays State colleagues. We work hard at supporting our students, faculty, and staff. We are responsible to one another and for one another. Together, we build a better world.

On Monday, Feb.&nbsp;7, we welcomed two new Tigers to Fort Hays State, ones who will join us in our journey to build a better world. It is my pleasure to introduce to the community the newest members of our senior leadership team: Wesley&nbsp;Wintch, vice president for Administration and Finance, and Ginger Williams, dean of Library Services.

Wesley is relocating from Valley City, North Dakota, where he and his family have lived for almost seven years. Wesley has been serving as the vice president for Business Affairs at Valley City State University. He and his wife, Natalie have three children: Daniel (a college student), Anne (a&nbsp;ninth-grader), and David (a fifth-grader).&nbsp;

Wesley likes to play basketball (although he claims he is not very good anymore – sounds like a challenge to me), piano, and guitar. He also likes dad jokes. I, too, love dad jokes and am a loyal follower of @Dadsaysjokes on Instagram.

Wesley said that he and his youngest son are excited about FHSU’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

“For certain, we are going to have to visit soon after we arrive,” Wesley said.&nbsp;

I know David will enjoy his visit to the museum, and I am betting he will want to enroll in some of Sternberg’s great summer camps. &nbsp;

“We are excited to move to Hays and become part of the community,” Wesley said. “It is my hope that I can join the FHSU team, learn a lot from my colleagues&nbsp;and also&nbsp;make a positive difference to the campus and larger Hays community. I was very impressed by the warmth I felt from the employees and students at FHSU and their passion for the campus.”

Wesley shared his start day with our new dean of Library Services. Ginger is relocating from Wichita, where she has served as the associate dean for Academic Engagement and Public Services for the University Libraries at Wichita State University. She was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma.

After Ginger’s young sons finish their school year in Wichita, she be joined in Hays by her husband, Brent, and two energetic boys (second-grader Nigel and kindergartner Damian). Like Wesley, Brent likes dad jokes, basketball, and music.&nbsp;

Ginger and her husband are both musicians. Ginger plays viola and has played with professional symphonies in Georgia, Oklahoma, Florida, and Colorado. Brent has&nbsp;played all over the world with symphonies and his quartet,&nbsp;enhake,&nbsp;and has a DMA in violin. They have also played with rock bands at SXSW and the Troubadour (California). Brent is planning to start a studio to teach violin and viola lessons in Hays.

The Williams family will fit in well with their love for music and our love for the song “In Heaven There is No Beer,” as they are also homebrewers. They started brewing about 12 years ago.

Much like Wesley, Ginger said she felt welcomed at Fort Hays State from the start.

“I also was really impressed during my interview by how much the Fort Hays State folks loved the university,” she said. “I'm excited to get to know the library's needs and help shape its transformation during the upcoming renovation.”

I am very excited to welcome our newest senior leaders, Wesley and Ginger, and their families, to Fort Hays State University as well as to our wonderful Ellis&nbsp;County neighborhood. I know they will love our close-knit community, where people smile, and their welcome is genuine and inclusive.

<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>Fort Hays State University exists to improve lives. Every day, I witness our relentless focus on excellence and the unwavering resilience of my Fort Hays State colleagues. We work hard at supporting our students, faculty, and staff. We are responsible to one another and for one another. Together, we build a better world.On Monday, Feb.&nbsp;7, we welcomed two new Tigers to Fort Hays State, ones who will join us in our journey to build a better world. It is my pleasure to introduce to the community the newest members of our senior leadership team: Wesley&nbsp;Wintch, vice president for Administration and Finance, and Ginger Williams, dean of Library Services.Wesley is relocating from Valley City, North Dakota, where he and his family have lived for almost seven years. Wesley has been serving as the vice president for Business Affairs at Valley City State University. He and his wife, Natalie have three children: Daniel (a college student), Anne (a&nbsp;ninth-grader), and David (a fifth-grader).&nbsp;Wesley likes to play basketball (although he claims he is not very good anymore – sounds like a challenge to me), piano, and guitar. He also likes dad jokes. I, too, love dad jokes and am a loyal follower of @Dadsaysjokes on Instagram.Wesley said that he and his youngest son are excited about FHSU’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History.“For certain, we are going to have to visit soon after we arrive,” Wesley said.&nbsp;I know David will enjoy his visit to the museum, and I am betting he will want to enroll in some of Sternberg’s great summer camps. &nbsp;“We are excited to move to Hays and become part of the community,” Wesley said. “It is my hope that I can join the FHSU team, learn a lot from my colleagues&nbsp;and also&nbsp;make a positive difference to the campus and larger Hays community. I was very impressed by the warmth I felt from the employees and students at FHSU and their passion for the campus.”Wesley shared his start day with our new dean of Library Services. Ginger is relocating from Wichita, where she has served as the associate dean for Academic Engagement and Public Services for the University Libraries at Wichita State University. She was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma.After Ginger’s young sons finish their school year in Wichita, she be joined in Hays by her husband, Brent, and two energetic boys (second-grader Nigel and kindergartner Damian). Like Wesley, Brent likes dad jokes, basketball, and music.&nbsp;Ginger and her husband are both musicians. Ginger plays viola and has played with professional symphonies in Georgia, Oklahoma, Florida, and Colorado. Brent has&nbsp;played all over the world with symphonies and his quartet,&nbsp;enhake,&nbsp;and has a DMA in violin. They have also played with rock bands at SXSW and the Troubadour (California). Brent is planning to start a studio to teach violin and viola lessons in Hays.The Williams family will fit in well with their love for music and our love for the song “In Heaven There is No Beer,” as they are also homebrewers. They started brewing about 12 years ago.Much like Wesley, Ginger said she felt welcomed at Fort Hays State from the start.“I also was really impressed during my interview by how much the Fort Hays State folks loved the university,” she said. “I'm excited to get to know the library's needs and help shape its transformation during the upcoming renovation.”I am very excited to welcome our newest senior leaders, Wesley and Ginger, and their families, to Fort Hays State University as well as to our wonderful Ellis&nbsp;County neighborhood. I know they will love our close-knit community, where people smile, and their welcome is genuine and inclusive.

MASON: Welcoming two new senior leaders to Fort Hays State

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

I can’t remember if I was helping check momma cows during calving season or chopping ice during a spell of cold weather when I was inspired to do something I shouldn’t. I do know it was about this time of year when my grandfather’s storytelling found a set of eager ears and launched a journey that would be completed a few weeks later, just about the time spring break rolled around. I was in high school, and I can still envision the scene in my grandfather’s pickup truck as he told me about the time he tried to make wine when he was about my age. From my hazy recollection, the gist of the story was he poured some yeast into a bottle of grape juice and then stuffed a cork in the neck and stowed the brew away inside his closet. Eventually, he forgot about the science experiment fermenting somewhere amongst his blue jeans and boots. The days turned into weeks before there was a sudden reckoning as the cork’s grip on the glass was overcome by a buildup of carbon dioxide and shot out, followed by the rest of the bottle’s contents. “I got in a decent amount of trouble for ruining my clothes,” my grandfather told me. “But my closet sure smelled good for a long time.” Even while I was laughing at the punchline, my mind was forming a plan to conduct my own experiment. I even had the benefit of knowing a cork shouldn’t be used. I also took satisfaction in the apparent loophole my grandfather helped me see. While I was too young to buy alcohol, there was no such prohibition on sourcing all of the necessary ingredients. It didn’t take long to recruit a friend to help complete this small act of rebellion. We soon abandoned our initial plan to create our own vintage with freshly crushed grapes in favor of a couple bottles of juice off a shelf, a sack of sugar and some yeast. These supplies were artfully split between two different shopping carts so as to avoid raising any suspicions of their intended use. We retreated to the cover of my friend’s kitchen to begin mixing the elixir, an act we were old enough to know was wrong, but we were young enough to do it anyway. We spooned in sugar and added bread yeast before stretching balloons over the lips of each bottle. Then we waited. Periodically checking the concoction over the next few weeks provided a great view of chemistry in action. The yeast consumed the sugar producing enough carbon dioxide to fill the balloon, which was evidence our plan was working. When the rubber orbs started to deflate a few weeks later, it was finally time to test our winemaking skills. We were naïve enough to hope we’d brewed something amazing. We would have settled for something that was merely drinkable. Our sights were set way too high. While the liquid gave off an almost pleasant aroma as we strained it through coffee filters, the initial sip was overpowering. So much so that I had a much more intimate understanding of what Roger Miller was singing about in “Chug-a-Lug." We didn’t make it much beyond the initial tasting before abandoning the idea of drinking our wine. I’m sure it could have been repurposed to strip varnish or a ground clearing herbicide, though. The only buzz I received from the wine was the bit of wisdom that my grandfather was lucky to have forgotten that bottle in his closet.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauI can’t remember if I was helping check momma cows during calving season or chopping ice during a spell of cold weather when I was inspired to do something I shouldn’t. I do know it was about this time of year when my grandfather’s storytelling found a set of eager ears and launched a journey that would be completed a few weeks later, just about the time spring break rolled around. I was in high school, and I can still envision the scene in my grandfather’s pickup truck as he told me about the time he tried to make wine when he was about my age. From my hazy recollection, the gist of the story was he poured some yeast into a bottle of grape juice and then stuffed a cork in the neck and stowed the brew away inside his closet. Eventually, he forgot about the science experiment fermenting somewhere amongst his blue jeans and boots. The days turned into weeks before there was a sudden reckoning as the cork’s grip on the glass was overcome by a buildup of carbon dioxide and shot out, followed by the rest of the bottle’s contents. “I got in a decent amount of trouble for ruining my clothes,” my grandfather told me. “But my closet sure smelled good for a long time.” Even while I was laughing at the punchline, my mind was forming a plan to conduct my own experiment. I even had the benefit of knowing a cork shouldn’t be used. I also took satisfaction in the apparent loophole my grandfather helped me see. While I was too young to buy alcohol, there was no such prohibition on sourcing all of the necessary ingredients. It didn’t take long to recruit a friend to help complete this small act of rebellion. We soon abandoned our initial plan to create our own vintage with freshly crushed grapes in favor of a couple bottles of juice off a shelf, a sack of sugar and some yeast. These supplies were artfully split between two different shopping carts so as to avoid raising any suspicions of their intended use. We retreated to the cover of my friend’s kitchen to begin mixing the elixir, an act we were old enough to know was wrong, but we were young enough to do it anyway. We spooned in sugar and added bread yeast before stretching balloons over the lips of each bottle. Then we waited. Periodically checking the concoction over the next few weeks provided a great view of chemistry in action. The yeast consumed the sugar producing enough carbon dioxide to fill the balloon, which was evidence our plan was working. When the rubber orbs started to deflate a few weeks later, it was finally time to test our winemaking skills. We were naïve enough to hope we’d brewed something amazing. We would have settled for something that was merely drinkable. Our sights were set way too high. While the liquid gave off an almost pleasant aroma as we strained it through coffee filters, the initial sip was overpowering. So much so that I had a much more intimate understanding of what Roger Miller was singing about in “Chug-a-Lug." We didn’t make it much beyond the initial tasting before abandoning the idea of drinking our wine. I’m sure it could have been repurposed to strip varnish or a ground clearing herbicide, though. The only buzz I received from the wine was the bit of wisdom that my grandfather was lucky to have forgotten that bottle in his closet. "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: Wisdom and wine

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, was settled and named by the Delaware Indians as a campsite halfway between the Allegheny and Susquehanna Rivers. When German settlers arrived in the 1700s, they brought with them a tradition known as “Candlemas Day,” celebrated in Germany on Feb. 2nd, which happens to be the midpoint between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, (winter and spring.) Tradition held that if Feb. 2nd were sunny, the last half of winter would be nasty and cold, and vice-versa. In Germany, for whatever reason, hedgehogs were observed to see if a shadow was cast. In Pennsylvania, given the absence of hedgehogs, groundhogs were selected to assume that role. An old German saying read: For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, So far will the snow swirl until May; For as the snow swirls on Candlemas Day, So far will the sun shine until May. So, in layman’s terms, if sunny on Feb. 2nd, 6 more weeks of winter would follow.

Pennsylvania’s first official celebration of Groundhog Day was in 1886, when the legendary groundhog was named Punxsutawney Phil, and the first trip to Phil’s mythical home on Gobbler’s Knob, was made the following year. Today Phil is said to thrive on dog food and ice cream in his climate-controlled home at the Punxsutawney Library. Each Feb. 2nd, he is carried up to Gobbler’s Knob and placed in a heated burrow beneath a simulated tree stump before being pulled out at 7:25 a.m. to make his annual prediction, which, according to someone who obviously has an even more boring life than me, have been 39% correct. Common sense says there have been several Phil’s since 1886, but no one has fessed-up.

And as far as groundhog predictors go, Phil is not the only game in town. There are 6 other groundhogs on the continent that claim to share Phil’s gift. West Virginia has French Creek Freddie, Georgia has General Beauregard Lee, Michigan has Woody the Woodchuck, Ohio has Buckeye Chuck, Staten Island New York has Charles G. Hogg (Staten Island Chuck for short), Ontario, Canada has Wiarton Willie and Nova Scotia has Shubenacadie Sam (seriously, I couldn’t make this stuff up.)&nbsp;

But groundhogs don’t have a corner on this spring prognostication business, as other states around the country claim to have mammals that also share that gift. The same rules apply, the results are just given by different critters.

The Oregon Zoo has Fufu the hedgehog, and just like the German settlers who brought this legend to us, the zoo says these prickly prognosticators are the real deal. Fufu has only been in this role for a few years, but so far, she appears to have been correct about 53% of the time.

For eight years now, Groundhog Day in Brevard, North Carolina has been celebrated as “White Squirrel Day,” in honor of a couple white squirrel prognosticators. The first to hold the position was Pisgah Pete, and with Pete’s recent retirement, the star is now a white squirrel named Penelope Ella Elizabeth, Pisgah Penny for short. Again, it’s not divulged how Penny communicates her predictions, but this year she will also take a stab at picking the winner of the Super Bowl.

Relatively new to the spring-arrival-prediction scene is a chicken from the town of Katonah, New York. Since 2019, Clucksatawney Henrietta the chicken has attempted to predict spring’s arrival not with her shadow, but by when she lays an egg. Yes, you read that right; if Henrietta lays an egg during their annual Groundhog Day ceremony, there will be an early spring; if not, winter is here for 6 more weeks. There are no statistics concerning this style of prognostication, but when you’re tired of snow drifts, I guess you’ll cling to any hope available.

Residents of Eastford, Connecticut believe they have the most accurate weather-predicting groundhog alternative on the planet in the form of Scramble the duck. Scramble uses the shadow method, and Eastford claims that because she is more intelligent than a groundhog, her predictions have been 100% accurate.

Oregon residents pin their hope of an early spring on a beaver at the Oregon Zoo named Stumptown Fil, aka Filbert the beaver. Fil also applies the shadow method, but even the zoo says his predictions are suspect. Fil predicted an early spring in 2020, but a month later the zoo was forced to temporarily close due to ice and snow.

Also among the group of unusual Groundhog Day prognosticators are the burrowing owls of Florida and an armadillo in the town of Bee Cave, Texas, known as Bee Cave Bob. Bob and the owls are revered by residents of their respective states, but their careers have been less illustrious than the group listed above. &nbsp;

While I’m not quite ready to rely on a Texan armadillo, Scramble the duck from Connecticut or a white squirrel named Pisgah Penny to tell me when winter will end, I say let Henrietta lay an egg and let’s have breakfast. The past couple years have been one snow storm after another year-round, and I think we’ve all forgotten how to have fun...Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, was settled and named by the Delaware Indians as a campsite halfway between the Allegheny and Susquehanna Rivers. When German settlers arrived in the 1700s, they brought with them a tradition known as “Candlemas Day,” celebrated in Germany on Feb. 2nd, which happens to be the midpoint between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, (winter and spring.) Tradition held that if Feb. 2nd were sunny, the last half of winter would be nasty and cold, and vice-versa. In Germany, for whatever reason, hedgehogs were observed to see if a shadow was cast. In Pennsylvania, given the absence of hedgehogs, groundhogs were selected to assume that role. An old German saying read: For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, So far will the snow swirl until May; For as the snow swirls on Candlemas Day, So far will the sun shine until May. So, in layman’s terms, if sunny on Feb. 2nd, 6 more weeks of winter would follow.Pennsylvania’s first official celebration of Groundhog Day was in 1886, when the legendary groundhog was named Punxsutawney Phil, and the first trip to Phil’s mythical home on Gobbler’s Knob, was made the following year. Today Phil is said to thrive on dog food and ice cream in his climate-controlled home at the Punxsutawney Library. Each Feb. 2nd, he is carried up to Gobbler’s Knob and placed in a heated burrow beneath a simulated tree stump before being pulled out at 7:25 a.m. to make his annual prediction, which, according to someone who obviously has an even more boring life than me, have been 39% correct. Common sense says there have been several Phil’s since 1886, but no one has fessed-up.And as far as groundhog predictors go, Phil is not the only game in town. There are 6 other groundhogs on the continent that claim to share Phil’s gift. West Virginia has French Creek Freddie, Georgia has General Beauregard Lee, Michigan has Woody the Woodchuck, Ohio has Buckeye Chuck, Staten Island New York has Charles G. Hogg (Staten Island Chuck for short), Ontario, Canada has Wiarton Willie and Nova Scotia has Shubenacadie Sam (seriously, I couldn’t make this stuff up.)&nbsp;But groundhogs don’t have a corner on this spring prognostication business, as other states around the country claim to have mammals that also share that gift. The same rules apply, the results are just given by different critters.The Oregon Zoo has Fufu the hedgehog, and just like the German settlers who brought this legend to us, the zoo says these prickly prognosticators are the real deal. Fufu has only been in this role for a few years, but so far, she appears to have been correct about 53% of the time.For eight years now, Groundhog Day in Brevard, North Carolina has been celebrated as “White Squirrel Day,” in honor of a couple white squirrel prognosticators. The first to hold the position was Pisgah Pete, and with Pete’s recent retirement, the star is now a white squirrel named Penelope Ella Elizabeth, Pisgah Penny for short. Again, it’s not divulged how Penny communicates her predictions, but this year she will also take a stab at picking the winner of the Super Bowl.Relatively new to the spring-arrival-prediction scene is a chicken from the town of Katonah, New York. Since 2019, Clucksatawney Henrietta the chicken has attempted to predict spring’s arrival not with her shadow, but by when she lays an egg. Yes, you read that right; if Henrietta lays an egg during their annual Groundhog Day ceremony, there will be an early spring; if not, winter is here for 6 more weeks. There are no statistics concerning this style of prognostication, but when you’re tired of snow drifts, I guess you’ll cling to any hope available.Residents of Eastford, Connecticut believe they have the most accurate weather-predicting groundhog alternative on the planet in the form of Scramble the duck. Scramble uses the shadow method, and Eastford claims that because she is more intelligent than a groundhog, her predictions have been 100% accurate.Oregon residents pin their hope of an early spring on a beaver at the Oregon Zoo named Stumptown Fil, aka Filbert the beaver. Fil also applies the shadow method, but even the zoo says his predictions are suspect. Fil predicted an early spring in 2020, but a month later the zoo was forced to temporarily close due to ice and snow.Also among the group of unusual Groundhog Day prognosticators are the burrowing owls of Florida and an armadillo in the town of Bee Cave, Texas, known as Bee Cave Bob. Bob and the owls are revered by residents of their respective states, but their careers have been less illustrious than the group listed above. &nbsp;While I’m not quite ready to rely on a Texan armadillo, Scramble the duck from Connecticut or a white squirrel named Pisgah Penny to tell me when winter will end, I say let Henrietta lay an egg and let’s have breakfast. The past couple years have been one snow storm after another year-round, and I think we’ve all forgotten how to have fun...Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Who needs a weatherman?

This week we do a deep dive into the proposals in crafting the 2023 budget. Over the next few weeks members of the Appropriations Committee will hear from budget committee chairs on what the agencies and other government offices would like for the next budget to include. We are already in the fourth week of this legislative session and there has been so much going on that this is the first column of the year. I continue to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and am a member of the Appropriations Committee and Higher Education Budget Committee.

Kansas Hero and Statesman Laid to Rest

Last week, a beloved Kansan, former U.S. Senator Robert Dole was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. His burial site is on a hill overlooking the U.S. Capitol. Dole was eligible for an Arlington site because of his World War II service as a member of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. Kansans had the opportunity to honor and remember Dole on December 11, both in Russell and at the Statehouse. Dole’s political career started in the Kansas House, with his election in 1950. He served a two-year term (1951-52) representing Russell in what was then District 81. At that time in Kansas history, the Legislature met every other year. He was assigned to the Assessment and Taxation, Gas and Oil, Military Affairs, and Soldiers’ Compensation Committees. His seating assignment was seat 124 in that era’s seating arrangement.

Major Economic Development Legislation Considered

Also this past week, the House Committee on Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development heard SB 347, known as the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Act. APEX would ensure that companies make a minimum investment in Kansas of $1 billion over a five-year-period and in exchange, would grant tax incentives to those companies. The Department of Commerce has announced that Kansas is one of two finalists for a $4 billion, 3 million square foot advanced manufacturing facility that would employ 4,000 people and create 16,000 temporary jobs during construction. SB 347 retools the current Kansas tax incentives in an effort to win this megaproject, as well as attract others in the future.

Republicans are working to incorporate accountability and safeguards into the bill, so that this economic development initiative is not designed solely for one company but is instead designed to drive economic development across the board. The tax giveaways to attract APEX projects should help all Kansas companies – not just one - with a measured corporate tax reduction. Finally, the property tax component of the bill must be addressed to ensure local control so that economic development incentives offered by the state do not place an added tax burden on local residents and local business owners.

Governor Vetoes Fair and Balanced Congressional Map

Last Thursday, Governor Kelly vetoed the Congressional Map, known as Ad Astra 2, that had been passed by an overwhelming majority of the Legislature. Unfortunately, partisan politics tend to emerge when it comes to redistricting. Under federal law, the legislature is tasked with adjusting Congressional district boundary lines every 10 years based on U.S. Census population data. The purpose is to make sure every American has equal representation by having districts with an equal population size.

The Governor has indicated that she does not want Wyandotte and Johnson split into separate Congressional districts. However, population growth in those two counties make it legally impossible for Wyandotte and Johnson to be wholly contained in one Congressional district.

“This isn’t the first time the legislature has had to step up to protect Kansans from Laura Kelly’s partisan agenda,” said House leadership. “It is no coincidence she pulled out the veto pen just hours after the ACLU told her to. It’s clear she is beholden to New York special interests. The legislature is bound to do what is best for Kansans and we won’t back down from that responsibility."

Congressional maps must undergo court review, providing a check and balance for Kansans that the map is drawn fairly and that it does not disenfranchise minority or other voting populations. The Legislature is expected to take up a veto override in order to move the process forward.

House Republicans Propose Plan to Stabilize KPERS

House Republicans have proposed HB 2561 to utilize some of the state’s budget surplus to stabilize the KPERS retirement fund, ensuring it will be there for our teachers, our firefighters, and other public employees when they need it. The plan would appropriate $1 billion to the KPERS Trust Fund, which would:

• Bring KPERS above the 80 percent funded level, a goal in ensuring the stability of retirement systems.

• Lower future costs for taxpayers by reducing the amount needed for the state’s share of employer contributions, saving the taxpayers $82 million in Fiscal Year 2023 and $429 million over the next five years

• Fully fund 2017 and 2019 payments, paying off layering payments, and eliminating the annual $25.8 million payments on delayed employer contributions

HB 2561 will be heard in the House Insurance and Pensions Committee on February 9.

If you would like to contact me: my office is still located in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296- 7463 and email is: kenn.rahje@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.

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/2020/2/1581437228209.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hello from Topeka. This week we do a deep dive into the proposals in crafting the 2023 budget. Over the next few weeks members of the Appropriations Committee will hear from budget committee chairs on what the agencies and other government offices would like for the next budget to include. We are already in the fourth week of this legislative session and there has been so much going on that this is the first column of the year. I continue to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and am a member of the Appropriations Committee and Higher Education Budget Committee.Kansas Hero and Statesman Laid to RestLast week, a beloved Kansan, former U.S. Senator Robert Dole was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. His burial site is on a hill overlooking the U.S. Capitol. Dole was eligible for an Arlington site because of his World War II service as a member of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. Kansans had the opportunity to honor and remember Dole on December 11, both in Russell and at the Statehouse. Dole’s political career started in the Kansas House, with his election in 1950. He served a two-year term (1951-52) representing Russell in what was then District 81. At that time in Kansas history, the Legislature met every other year. He was assigned to the Assessment and Taxation, Gas and Oil, Military Affairs, and Soldiers’ Compensation Committees. His seating assignment was seat 124 in that era’s seating arrangement.Major Economic Development Legislation ConsideredAlso this past week, the House Committee on Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development heard SB 347, known as the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Act. APEX would ensure that companies make a minimum investment in Kansas of $1 billion over a five-year-period and in exchange, would grant tax incentives to those companies. The Department of Commerce has announced that Kansas is one of two finalists for a $4 billion, 3 million square foot advanced manufacturing facility that would employ 4,000 people and create 16,000 temporary jobs during construction. SB 347 retools the current Kansas tax incentives in an effort to win this megaproject, as well as attract others in the future.Republicans are working to incorporate accountability and safeguards into the bill, so that this economic development initiative is not designed solely for one company but is instead designed to drive economic development across the board. The tax giveaways to attract APEX projects should help all Kansas companies – not just one - with a measured corporate tax reduction. Finally, the property tax component of the bill must be addressed to ensure local control so that economic development incentives offered by the state do not place an added tax burden on local residents and local business owners.Governor Vetoes Fair and Balanced Congressional MapLast Thursday, Governor Kelly vetoed the Congressional Map, known as Ad Astra 2, that had been passed by an overwhelming majority of the Legislature. Unfortunately, partisan politics tend to emerge when it comes to redistricting. Under federal law, the legislature is tasked with adjusting Congressional district boundary lines every 10 years based on U.S. Census population data. The purpose is to make sure every American has equal representation by having districts with an equal population size.The Governor has indicated that she does not want Wyandotte and Johnson split into separate Congressional districts. However, population growth in those two counties make it legally impossible for Wyandotte and Johnson to be wholly contained in one Congressional district.“This isn’t the first time the legislature has had to step up to protect Kansans from Laura Kelly’s partisan agenda,” said House leadership. “It is no coincidence she pulled out the veto pen just hours after the ACLU told her to. It’s clear she is beholden to New York special interests. The legislature is bound to do what is best for Kansans and we won’t back down from that responsibility."Congressional maps must undergo court review, providing a check and balance for Kansans that the map is drawn fairly and that it does not disenfranchise minority or other voting populations. The Legislature is expected to take up a veto override in order to move the process forward.House Republicans Propose Plan to Stabilize KPERSHouse Republicans have proposed HB 2561 to utilize some of the state’s budget surplus to stabilize the KPERS retirement fund, ensuring it will be there for our teachers, our firefighters, and other public employees when they need it. The plan would appropriate $1 billion to the KPERS Trust Fund, which would:• Bring KPERS above the 80 percent funded level, a goal in ensuring the stability of retirement systems.• Lower future costs for taxpayers by reducing the amount needed for the state’s share of employer contributions, saving the taxpayers $82 million in Fiscal Year 2023 and $429 million over the next five years• Fully fund 2017 and 2019 payments, paying off layering payments, and eliminating the annual $25.8 million payments on delayed employer contributionsHB 2561 will be heard in the House Insurance and Pensions Committee on February 9.If you would like to contact me: my office is still located in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296- 7463 and email is: kenn.rahje@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.It is my honor to serve you.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: Feb. 7, 2022

Last week in the House Appropriations Committee we discussed numerous topics affecting the state of Kansas.

On Tuesday, we heard from the Executive Director of the Children’s Cabinet, Melissa Rooker, regarding the funding for children’s needs provided by the settlement from the Master Tobacco Settlement. She discussed how those settlement funds are being distributed and provided an update on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program that we instituted during the 2021 Legislative Session.

We also had a briefing from the Secretary of Transportation, Julie Lorenz, on the status of the transportation department and the IKE transportation plan.

Due to the inclement weather on Wednesday, we did not have a meeting and reconvened on Thursday. We then had a bill hearing on House Bill 2548 which would implement additional reporting requirements for informational technology projects.

Also on Thursday, we started the budgeting process and deliberated on budgets from two budget committees. From the General Government Budget Committee, we discussed the budgets for the Real Estate Appraisal Board, Real Estate Commission, and the Kansas Insurance Department. The Transportation and Public Safety Committee reported the budgets of the Abstractors Board of Examiners, Board of Technical Professionals, and the Emergency Medical Services Board.

There has been much discussion regarding an economic development bill that is focused on offering a business that is considering a move to Kansas and this business would invest $4 billion and is asking for $1 billion in incentives from the state of Kansas. Senate Bill 347 would allow for these incentives and is referred to as the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act, otherwise referred to as “APEX.” This business, which the identity is held confidential as well at the location that they would move into the state, is estimated to create 4,000 jobs in the state of Kansas. Senate Bill 347 passed the Senate, 32-7, and is continually being debated in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

During the fourth week of the Legislative session, there were many more bills discussed in the House Committees. Listed below are the details of those bills:

There was a scheduled review on one of the bills that I introduced in the 2021 session regarding mortgage financing for rural areas of the state of Kansas. House Bill 2268 would allow for the state of Kansas to guarantee home loans up to 125% of the appraised value of the home in a rural area, which is defined as a county with less than 10,000 in population. This would greatly benefit those in rural areas to secure financing for a mortgage on their home that was either new construction or renovated home.

In the House Transportation Committee, there was a hearing on Senate Bill 101. This bill would approve the operation and use of electric-assisted bicycles. There is also Senate Bill 379 that would permit the use of driverless vehicles for business-to-business use. There was only a hearing in the Senate Committee and has not been discussed in the House.

On Thursday, there was a hearing on House Bill 2540 which would allow for the construction of a memorial for Gold Star families on grounds of the Kansas State Capitol.

As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, there was a hearing on Senate Bill 318 which allows for a sales tax exemption for purchases to reconstruct, repair or replace fencing that was damaged or destroyed by wildfires. This bill passed the Senate and there was an amendment added that would make all fencing material purchases sales tax exempt effective on July 1, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th District" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th District</figcaption>
 </figure>FEBRUARY 7, 2022 TOPEKAHouse Appropriations CommitteeLast week in the House Appropriations Committee we discussed numerous topics affecting the state of Kansas.On Tuesday, we heard from the Executive Director of the Children’s Cabinet, Melissa Rooker, regarding the funding for children’s needs provided by the settlement from the Master Tobacco Settlement. She discussed how those settlement funds are being distributed and provided an update on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program that we instituted during the 2021 Legislative Session.We also had a briefing from the Secretary of Transportation, Julie Lorenz, on the status of the transportation department and the IKE transportation plan.Due to the inclement weather on Wednesday, we did not have a meeting and reconvened on Thursday. We then had a bill hearing on House Bill 2548 which would implement additional reporting requirements for informational technology projects.Also on Thursday, we started the budgeting process and deliberated on budgets from two budget committees. From the General Government Budget Committee, we discussed the budgets for the Real Estate Appraisal Board, Real Estate Commission, and the Kansas Insurance Department. The Transportation and Public Safety Committee reported the budgets of the Abstractors Board of Examiners, Board of Technical Professionals, and the Emergency Medical Services Board.Economic Development BillThere has been much discussion regarding an economic development bill that is focused on offering a business that is considering a move to Kansas and this business would invest $4 billion and is asking for $1 billion in incentives from the state of Kansas. Senate Bill 347 would allow for these incentives and is referred to as the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act, otherwise referred to as “APEX.” This business, which the identity is held confidential as well at the location that they would move into the state, is estimated to create 4,000 jobs in the state of Kansas. Senate Bill 347 passed the Senate, 32-7, and is continually being debated in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.Bill Activity in the HouseDuring the fourth week of the Legislative session, there were many more bills discussed in the House Committees. Listed below are the details of those bills:There was a scheduled review on one of the bills that I introduced in the 2021 session regarding mortgage financing for rural areas of the state of Kansas. House Bill 2268 would allow for the state of Kansas to guarantee home loans up to 125% of the appraised value of the home in a rural area, which is defined as a county with less than 10,000 in population. This would greatly benefit those in rural areas to secure financing for a mortgage on their home that was either new construction or renovated home.In the House Transportation Committee, there was a hearing on Senate Bill 101. This bill would approve the operation and use of electric-assisted bicycles. There is also Senate Bill 379 that would permit the use of driverless vehicles for business-to-business use. There was only a hearing in the Senate Committee and has not been discussed in the House.On Thursday, there was a hearing on House Bill 2540 which would allow for the construction of a memorial for Gold Star families on grounds of the Kansas State Capitol.As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, there was a hearing on Senate Bill 318 which allows for a sales tax exemption for purchases to reconstruct, repair or replace fencing that was damaged or destroyed by wildfires. This bill passed the Senate and there was an amendment added that would make all fencing material purchases sales tax exempt effective on July 1, 2022.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, Feb. 7

BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“True Grit.” That classic Hollywood western movie was remade in 2010. The characters in the film were equipped with authentic leather holsters, gunbelts and saddles — hand-made by a craftsman located in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

David Carrico is the founder and owner of Carrico Leatherworks, the business that produced these period leather items for the film industry and others. He operates the business from his home place near Edna, where he was born and raised. He is the fourth generation on the family farm. Son Denton, a K-State student, is the fifth.&nbsp;

“My dad made me a leather belt when I was a kid,” David said. He grew up cowboying and working cattle. “I learned to make these things out of leather because I couldn’t afford to buy them,” David said with a smile.&nbsp;

He found he enjoyed making leather goods. People who saw his products would often ask if he could make them one like it, too.&nbsp;

David went to Coffeyville Community College where he took a living history class. He became fascinated by American history, connected with some Civil War re-enactors, and joined in re-enactments himself. He then applied his leather-working skills to make authentic period pieces such as belts, holsters, and saddles that actors could use. He also met and married his wife Deena, a Pittsburg State grad who is now a teacher.&nbsp;

David went on to K-State where he earned a degree in agricultural education. At the time of graduation, there were no teaching jobs open so he decided to continue to do leatherwork.&nbsp;

“I told my wife that, if this didn’t work out, I’d get a real job,” David said. “I haven’t had to get a real job yet.”&nbsp;

David started making more of the authentic Cavalry leather goods. “We used to go around to re-enactments and set up a table to sell our handmade period gear,” David said. “Now, with the Internet, we don’t even have to go to those” because buyers purchase his products online.&nbsp;

David has produced multiple items for the film industry.&nbsp;

For movies set in the Civil War era, Civil War re-enactments make great content for filming because the participants are already authentically dressed. “You have a camera-ready man and a camera-ready horse,” David said. When he participated in those filmed re-enactments, David would visit with the prop crew to get ideas. He also visited Fort Riley’s cavalry museum and the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka to gather authentic designs.&nbsp;

Today, Carrico Leatherworks specializes in authentic Cavalry equipment and old west gear. David makes McLellan and Hope saddles, military belts and holsters, western belts and holsters, and horse and saddle accoutrements. He recently purchased dies, patterns, and saddle components from the famous F.A. Meanea Company of Cheyenne, Wyoming, which made products for Buffalo Bill Cody, Teddy Roosevelt and Charles M. Russell, among others.&nbsp;

“I don’t build modern saddles because I’m so busy with the period stuff,” David said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some customers are re-enactors, some are Hollywood film producers, and some simply want authentic period cowboy gear. He also rents items for Hollywood movies.&nbsp;

David’s handmade leather goods have been included in films such as&nbsp;News of the World&nbsp;with Tom Hanks;&nbsp;The Son&nbsp;with Pierce Brosnan;&nbsp;The Magnificent Seven&nbsp;with Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt; and the remake of&nbsp;True Grit&nbsp;with Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon.&nbsp;

For the movie&nbsp;Hostiles&nbsp;starring Christian Bale, David was hired as a Cavalry adviser to teach the actors how to ride like Cavalry soldiers. He’s worked with producers Bill Kurtis and Ron Howard. His products were even included in the Japanese-themed movie&nbsp;The Last Samurai&nbsp;with Tom Cruise.&nbsp;

Carrico Leatherworks has shipped products across the U.S. and beyond. It’s an impressive record for a business located in the rural community of Edna, population 442 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.carricoleather.com/">www.carricoleather.com</a>

“True Grit.” The remake of this classic movie included leather items handmade by this artisan in rural Kansas. We commend David Carrico of Carrico Leatherworks for making a difference with his craftsmanship, from horseback to Hollywood.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643811605800.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“True Grit.” That classic Hollywood western movie was remade in 2010. The characters in the film were equipped with authentic leather holsters, gunbelts and saddles — hand-made by a craftsman located in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;David Carrico is the founder and owner of Carrico Leatherworks, the business that produced these period leather items for the film industry and others. He operates the business from his home place near Edna, where he was born and raised. He is the fourth generation on the family farm. Son Denton, a K-State student, is the fifth.&nbsp;“My dad made me a leather belt when I was a kid,” David said. He grew up cowboying and working cattle. “I learned to make these things out of leather because I couldn’t afford to buy them,” David said with a smile.&nbsp;He found he enjoyed making leather goods. People who saw his products would often ask if he could make them one like it, too.&nbsp;David went to Coffeyville Community College where he took a living history class. He became fascinated by American history, connected with some Civil War re-enactors, and joined in re-enactments himself. He then applied his leather-working skills to make authentic period pieces such as belts, holsters, and saddles that actors could use. He also met and married his wife Deena, a Pittsburg State grad who is now a teacher.&nbsp;David went on to K-State where he earned a degree in agricultural education. At the time of graduation, there were no teaching jobs open so he decided to continue to do leatherwork.&nbsp;“I told my wife that, if this didn’t work out, I’d get a real job,” David said. “I haven’t had to get a real job yet.”&nbsp;David started making more of the authentic Cavalry leather goods. “We used to go around to re-enactments and set up a table to sell our handmade period gear,” David said. “Now, with the Internet, we don’t even have to go to those” because buyers purchase his products online.&nbsp;David has produced multiple items for the film industry.&nbsp;For movies set in the Civil War era, Civil War re-enactments make great content for filming because the participants are already authentically dressed. “You have a camera-ready man and a camera-ready horse,” David said. When he participated in those filmed re-enactments, David would visit with the prop crew to get ideas. He also visited Fort Riley’s cavalry museum and the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka to gather authentic designs.&nbsp;Today, Carrico Leatherworks specializes in authentic Cavalry equipment and old west gear. David makes McLellan and Hope saddles, military belts and holsters, western belts and holsters, and horse and saddle accoutrements. He recently purchased dies, patterns, and saddle components from the famous F.A. Meanea Company of Cheyenne, Wyoming, which made products for Buffalo Bill Cody, Teddy Roosevelt and Charles M. Russell, among others.&nbsp;“I don’t build modern saddles because I’m so busy with the period stuff,” David said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some customers are re-enactors, some are Hollywood film producers, and some simply want authentic period cowboy gear. He also rents items for Hollywood movies.&nbsp;David’s handmade leather goods have been included in films such as&nbsp;News of the World&nbsp;with Tom Hanks;&nbsp;The Son&nbsp;with Pierce Brosnan;&nbsp;The Magnificent Seven&nbsp;with Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt; and the remake of&nbsp;True Grit&nbsp;with Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon.&nbsp;For the movie&nbsp;Hostiles&nbsp;starring Christian Bale, David was hired as a Cavalry adviser to teach the actors how to ride like Cavalry soldiers. He’s worked with producers Bill Kurtis and Ron Howard. His products were even included in the Japanese-themed movie&nbsp;The Last Samurai&nbsp;with Tom Cruise.&nbsp;Carrico Leatherworks has shipped products across the U.S. and beyond. It’s an impressive record for a business located in the rural community of Edna, population 442 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.carricoleather.com/">www.carricoleather.com</a>“True Grit.” The remake of this classic movie included leather items handmade by this artisan in rural Kansas. We commend David Carrico of Carrico Leatherworks for making a difference with his craftsmanship, from horseback to Hollywood.&nbsp;

Opinion