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16 Mar

Posted at 14:03h in Advocacy
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On Thursday evening, the Legislature wrapped up regular session business, adjourning nearly a full week before its regularly scheduled adjournment date as concerns of COVID-19 exposure continue to grow. This shortened session prevented final legislative action on many bills. However, the adjournment resolution is scheduled to bring the legislature back on Monday, April 27, and allow one final week of possible action on bills -- all of which is dependent on the broader COVID-19 pandemic. Legislature Passes Budget for fiscal years ’20 and ’21 On Thursday, March 19, following multiple rounds of...

09 Mar

Posted at 14:42h in Advocacy
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With daily news of COVID-19 marching across the country, and concerns of a shortened Kansas legislative session, the pace of legislative activity quickened this week. Committees in the House and Senate each passed out bills on the base budget and on the state’s next transportation plan. Though gone for the weekend, legislators will consider these measures when they return on Monday. Next week will bring more quick work during the final days of activity for non-exempt committees this session. Here are some of the highlights from this week: Committees Advance Budget Bills On...

06 Mar

Posted at 21:06h in Advocacy
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Week 8 for the Kansas legislature was a short one with only two days of committee work on Wednesday and Thursday following the break for Turnaround (the mandatory movement of bills from non-exempt committees from their house of origin to the opposite chamber). Exempt bills include all those that have passed through certain committees, including House or Senate Taxation, House Appropriations/Senate Ways and Means, and House and Senate Federal and State Affairs. Next week’s calendar promises to be very busy again with committees having their say on bills passed by the...

06 Mar

Posted at 15:57h in Industry News
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This letter is to inform you that effective July 1, 2020, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will have approximately $9 million available through the State Rail Service Improvement Fund (SRSIF) for railroad improvement projects. Qualified entities that may submit an application include: any Class III (short line) railroad, as defined in 49 C.F.R., part 1201 holding a certificate of public convenience from the Surface Transportation Board; port authority (established by Kansas Statute) in coordination with the serving railroad (short line or Class 1); local units of government (city or...

03 Mar

Posted at 14:53h in Advocacy, Industry News
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Recognizing the many benefits biofuels provide to the state’s economy, agricultural industry and environment, Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed the month of March Biofuels Month in Kansas. Support for renewable fuels flows from the governor’s office through her cabinet as Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam praised the industry for its work providing high-quality products to producers and consumers alike. “Biofuels are a meaningful contributor to Kansas agriculture by adding value to the Kansas economy,” Beam said. “The livestock industry appreciates the co-products biofuels provide in the form of DDGS and soybean...

24 Feb

Posted at 16:34h in Advocacy
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This week was “Turnaround” for the Kansas legislature, where all bills that are not otherwise exempt must be passed out of their chamber of origin in order to remain alive this year. The most heavily watched issue this week was a bill passed by the Senate allowing sports betting at the four state-owned casinos, and internet gaming on professional sports and college sports, and horse racing (but not greyhound dogs). Made lawful by the U.S. Supreme Court last year, the state’s 10 percent tax on these activities is estimated to...

19 Feb

Posted at 16:39h in Advocacy
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This session, a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion is one of the highest priority items for both House and Senate leadership. The measure was passed by the Senate, but later failed by a very close margin in the House. Additionally, the Governor and a probable balance of legislators in both chambers are eager to pass Medicaid Expansion this year. Following the failure of the abortion bill, House and Senate leadership have held up floor debate on Medicaid Expansion and most of all but a handful of other bills. Next week will...

14 Feb

Posted at 15:47h in Advocacy
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Last week concluded Week 5 of the 2020 Kansas Legislature. Activities sped up again in the capitol building, especially in the House and Senate Tax Committees. Please find a summary of highlights of the week below. More Property Tax Bills Heard On Thursday, the House Committee on Taxation held a hearing on House Bill 2517, a bill which would allow a property owner to apply to the county commission for an abatement or credit of property taxes that are levied against an agricultural improvement property that is destroyed or substantially destroyed by...

06 Feb

Posted at 16:19h in Advocacy
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Last week concluded Week 4 of the 2020 Kansas Legislature. Floor votes were taken in both the House and Senate on a constitutional amendment on abortion. The legislature had slow activity outside of that issue, as all activities on Wednesday were cancelled to allow people to attend a celebration for the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory. Please find a summary of some of highlights of the week below. Property Tax Focus This week saw additional hearings on property tax-related bills in the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation. SB 295, prohibiting...

31 Jan

Posted at 15:26h in Advocacy
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While the third week of the 2020 Kansas Legislature was occupied with hearings on Medicaid expansion, a constitutional amendment on abortion, and the roll-out of the next Transportation Plan, an assortment of bills on other issues were also considered. A summary of highlights of the week is below. New Transportation Plan “FORWARD” Introduced On Wednesday, January 29th, in the House Appropriations Committee, Kansas Dept. of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz introduced the transportation plan for the next decade. The plan, referred to as "FORWARD" will permit amendments as special needs arise that require...

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