Friends,

As summer is wrapping up and kids are preparing to return to school, I’m happy to be back in the district holding meetings and events with all of you. While Congress is not in session, that does not mean the work in Washington has stopped. Just last week, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) strengthened the Medicare program by finalizing its National Coverage Determination for innovative new cancer therapies that will help our seniors.

I was honored to work with CMS Administrator Seema Verma to lead this effort. Back home, this decision will ensure coverage for Kansas patients receiving care at the Cancer Center of Kansas, The University of Kansas Cancer Center, and other certified sites of care.

To learn more about this important issue and the work being done to protect our seniors, Click Here.

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance

The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Kansas businesses and residents affected by flooding that occurred June 22 – July 6, 2019. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Butler, Chase, Dickinson, Harvey, Marion, McPherson, Morris and Saline counties.

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster. An outreach center will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.

MARION COUNTY  
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Civic Center
West Community Room
118 East Grand Ave.
Hillsboro, KS  67063

Opens 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 6

Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closes 5 p.m.  Thursday, August 15

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155

The deadline to apply for property damage is Sept. 30, 2019. The deadline to apply for economic injury is May 1, 2020.

USDA Invests in Rural Infrastructure Improvements

The USDA announced  the agency is investing $181 million across 10 states, to upgrade electric systems, including financing for smart grid technologies that improve system operations and grid security.

Of those due to receive funding, Ninnescah Rural Electric Cooperative Association in Pratt will receive $6.5 million for building and improving 89 miles of electric line. Ninnescah provides electric services to over 4,200 customers in Kansas. These improvements are critical to building and expanding electric infrastructure in rural communities.

New Funding for Community Health Centers 

Last week was National Health Center Week, which is an annual celebration to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of American health centers over the past five decades.

As part of this celebration, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the agency is awarding $400 million dollars to improve mental health services and combat the opioid epidemic. $200 million of this award will go to community health centers (CHC) which are vital to the health of rural communities. These investments will enable CHCs to expand access to integrated substance use disorder and mental health services.

Seventeen health centers in Kansas will receive a total of $2,839,000, or $167,000 each, to support more patients and expand services. Funding will go towards hiring more mental health professionals, professional development and training, and IT and telehealth services.

Additionally, funding will go to efforts to defeat the opioid epidemic, by empowering communities through outreach and partnerships with local organizations.

To see the full list of awardees from Kansas, please Click Here.

Kansas Community College Ranked Best in U.S.