The Kansas Senate sent a powerful message to Governor Kelly regarding vaccine prioritization by adopting SR 1707, which calls upon “the Governor of Kansas to revise her Administration's current COVID-19 vaccination plan by removing prisoners from the front of the line in Phase 2 and instead prioritizing the vaccination of the elderly, the teachers and those aged 16 to 64 who have severe medical risks, seniors who live on their own and veterans.”
Chairman of the Senate Public Health & Welfare Committee carried the resolution on the Senate floor. During his remarks, he pointed out that several vulnerable populations in Phase 3 are behind prisoners in priority, who are currently in Phase 2. He noted that while eventually incarcerated populations should receive the vaccine, the current scarcity of vaccines amplified the importance of prioritizing law-abiding citizens ahead of incarcerated individuals.
Senator Hilderbrand said “I appreciate the Senate passing this resolution, which should not be controversial. We’re simply sending a strong message to the governor that her administration should re-prioritize the phases and not put incarcerated individuals ahead of law-abiding citizens.”
Several Senators spoke in favor of the resolution, with some sharing powerful, personal testimonials about the problems with certain populations not being able to obtain the vaccine, including those who have been isolated and not able to see their families. They cited the importance of prioritizing these vulnerable Kansans at the front of the line, ahead of those in prison. “SR 1707 represents a moment for the Senate to stand together in support of those in Kansas who are at most risk during this pandemic, many for whom vaccines represent the light at the end of the tunnel and a return to normal living. This resolution sends a clear message to the administration that during this time when the availability of the vaccine is limited, law-abiding citizens should be the priority over prisoners.”
People should be sure to contact their county health offices to schedule their appointments.
This week the Senate votes to establish a Kansas Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program. On Monday, the Kansas Senate adopted SB 15, which would establish the Kansas Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program, which updates the field of membership requirements of credit unions and allowing privilege tax deductions on agricultural real estate loans and single-family residence loans.
The bill is supported by a wide coalition of stakeholders in Kansas, including bankers, the restaurant and hospitality industry, and those in agriculture, all who share a mutual interest in boosting our economy by giving low interest loans to Kansas businesses who have struggled during the pandemic. As NFIB testified, “The proposed program in SB15 will provide small businesses with the critical low-interest capital that they need in these trying times.” The Kansas Bankers Association testified that the bill “will provide low-cost credit to ag producers and rural housing and create an economic recovery linked deposit loan program for small businesses, including farmers and ranchers, financially affected by the pandemic.”
It is an honor and pleasure to serve the 40th Senate District of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail at [email protected]. You may also call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785 296-7399, or my cell number is 785 899-4700.
Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is state senator of the Kansas 40th Dist.