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The FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will hold a webinar on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 from 2:30-3:30 pm EST to provide a COVID-19 update for food operations stakeholders. During the webinar, subject matter experts will highlight key aspects of the FDA/OSHA Employee Health and Food Safety Checklist for Human Food Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic, discuss the CDC testing strategy and its application, and provide an update on FDA inspections. The webinar will be recorded and posted to the FDA...

The Economic Development and Connectivity grant program is a new COVID response program that will use $60 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide grants to small businesses and nonprofits that have incurred losses greater than 25% of revenues during the COVID pandemic, among other eligible categories. The program is being administered by the state's Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force and the Kansas Dept. of Commerce. KARA will provide more information as soon as it is available. On Monday, August 10, the...

This week, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive order No. 20-57, extending conditional and temporary relief from certain motor carrier rules and regulations. The rule is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on August 14, 2020 or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency extended by House Bill 2016 expires, whichever is earlier.   In accordance with the FMCSA's declaration under Title 49 C.F.R. § 390.23(a)(l)(i), Title 49 C.F.R §§ 390-399 are hereby suspended for motor carriers and persons operating commercial vehicles actively participating in COVID-19 relief or restoration efforts, except that...

Renew Kansas Biofuels Association is endorsing Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D., for the United States Senate. Marshall, co-chairman of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, has shown steadfast support of renewable fuels since his election to the United States House of Representatives in 2016. “Dr. Marshall has continually shown his ability to be a leader and positive voice for biofuels in Washington, D.C.,” said Lyle Schlyer, Renew Kansas Chairman and President of Pratt Energy LLC. “It is crucial the biofuels industry, and all of agribusiness, support a trusted ally to step into Sen. Pat...

Today Governor Kelly issued Drought Declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #20-54.  The declaration includes 74 out of 105 counties either in an emergency, warning or watch status. “Unfortunately, the majority of the state of Kansas has been considered in drought or abnormally dry conditions for the past several weeks, which has led to high risk of fire hazard,” said Governor Kelly. “This declaration will allow affected communities to access the water they need. I encourage Kansans to continue to be mindful of drought conditions, and work to minimize the...

As announced on Monday, Governor Laura Kelly has signed Executive Order No. 20-52 requiring face masks to be worn in public. Each Kansas county has the authority to revoke the order. "Today I issued an Executive Order requiring that most Kansans wear a mask while in public spaces, and in places where one is unable to maintain social distancing of six feet," Kelly said. "Wearing a mask is the easiest, most basic step we can take to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business." Effective 12:01 a.m., on Friday, July...

Due to increasing COVID-19 cases, Governor Laura Kelly issued a statewide mask mandate at her press conference this afternoon in Topeka. "Beginning 12:01 a.m., July 3, 2020 every Kansan in a public space must wear a mask," Kelly said. "This doesn't change where you can go or what you can do, but if you are around other people, you must wear a mask." "...

The U.S. Department of Labor will host webinars in June to discuss how the Department is reducing regulatory burdens and making it easier to understand and comply with the law. The webinars will also provide an opportunity for workers, employers, and state and local governments to ask questions. WHAT:  OSHA Compliance Assistance Webinars WHEN: Agriculture Guest Speaker: Wage and Hour Division Administrator Cheryl Stanton Tuesday, June 23, 2020, 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. EDT Register at Link Compliance Assistance Webinar 1 Manufacturing and Construction Guest Speaker: Occupational Safety and Health Administration Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt Thursday, June...

Gov. Laura Kelly on Friday issued an executive order temporarily easing restrictions on over-the-road truckers involved in efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The executive order issued today will continue to ease the burden on the workers who are critical to our state’s response capabilities,” Kelly said in a news release. That release said Friday’s order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements the state imposes upon motor carriers to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. The exceptions outlined in Friday’s...

The Kansas Legislature returned this week for two days of Special Session after being called back into session by the Governor. The Special Session was called following the Governor’s veto of a COVID-19 bill that would have restricted her authority under the Kansas Emergency Management Act (KEMA) and provided certain liability protections to businesses concerning COVID-19. The Legislature reconvened on Wednesday and quickly passed House Bill 2016 as an amended version of the previous COVID-19 legislation. House Bill 2016 provides limited liability protections for businesses who manufacture or sell personal protective...

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