TOPEKA-Nominations for the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2015 Business Appreciation Month awards are now open. The awards recognize successful Kansas companies that create jobs, support their local communities and enhance the quality of life in Kansas.
Regional finalists are recognized in June during the Team Kansas awards banquet, with the top nominee receiving the Governor’s Award of Excellence, the highest award given to a business by the state. The 2014 winner was Galaxy Technologies of Winfield.
Nominations are accepted from chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, small business development centers, organizations and individuals. Companies may also nominate themselves.
Nominations will be accepted through 5 p.m., Friday, March 20. Regional winners will be selected in the manufacturing/distribution, service, retail and hospital/non-profit sectors. Regional winners will then give presentations about their companies and community involvement to a panel of judges. The recipient of the Governor’s Award of Excellence will be announced at the Team Kansas awards ceremony. Late nominations cannot be accepted.
Award qualifications include:
Business expansion in Kansas.
Successful employee retention and recruitment practices.
Employee training/educational programs.
Capital investment in Kansas.
Support of local activities including school activities, community events, economic development and leadership programs.
To submit an online nomination, visit KansasCommerce.com/BAM. For more information, contact Sarah Heinen at (785) 296-3805 or [email protected]
TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has launched a free online customer service training course called “Kansas At Your Service” (KAYS).
KAYS was developed to help the tourism industry train its employees to provide outstanding customer experiences. The training centers on the everyday customer interactions which can make or break an otherwise memorable experience and demonstrate that service, attitude, attention and sincerity make the difference.
Tourism is one the state’s largest industries in terms of jobs, impacting more than 90,000 Kansans directly and indirectly. It includes workers in hotels, restaurants, museums, performing arts centers, convention centers, retail stores, campgrounds, state parks, visitor attractions, wineries and many others.
The success of tourism directly depends on first-class customer service so guests and visitors feel welcome and respected. KAYS training will equip employees with techniques and resources to better serve visitors so they will return time and time again – benefiting the business and the Kansas economy.
The web-based training is available in both English and Spanish. After completing the course, the employee can print a personalized certificate to show their employer.
Once the KAYS course is completed, users can take a regional destination course designed to give more information about the Manhattan area or the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway in central Kansas. Other regional courses will be added over time. Certificates can also be printed for completion of a regional course.
“Great customer service is important to Kansas,” said Robin Jennison, KDWPT Secretary. “Visitors to our state and its many businesses and destinations need to feel welcome and know they can get the help they need to enjoy their time with us. If they have a good experience, they will share that with their family and friends, which creates even more customers.”
Several bills under consideration by the Kansas legislature would affect hunting, wildlife, bed and breakfasts and declaring the channel catfish as the official fish of the state of Kansas.
Following is a brief summary of the bills.
2015 Bills
SB46 — This bill would require domesticated deer that enter a premises alive or leave a premises alive or dead for any purpose, other than for direct movement to a licensed or registered slaughter facility in Kansas, have official identification, as prescribed by rules and regulations of the animal health commissioner. The bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
SB50 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 79-1439, which deals with property tax valuation classification of bed and breakfast properties. The proposed amendment would allow outbuildings or adjacent properties to be included as long as the total number of bedrooms does not exceed five. This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB97 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 32-1301 which regulates contact with dangerous animals. The amendment would allow clouded leopards and certain dangerous animals weighing 25 pounds or less full physical contact with members of the public and incidental contact with the public for animals weighing 40 pounds or less.This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and has a hearing scheduled on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m., RM 159-S.
SB112 — This bill amends K.S.A 32-1049, relating to violations of wildlife, parks and tourism laws to clarify that county attorneys can file charges without a written citation. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
SB113 — This bill amends K.S.A. 32-1001, relating to KDWPT licenses, permits, stamps, specifying that only physical licenses, permits or stamps shall be surrendered under judges’ orders of forfeiture or suspension. This amendment is proposed to prepare for the advent of electronic licensing. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
SB120 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 32-833, relating to land purchases by KDWPT, to exempt lands purchased with Natural Resource Damage Restoration Funds from required legislative approval. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.
HB2029 — This is the companion bill of SB46 regarding identification of domesticated deer. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and had a hearing on Jan. 27.
HB2116 — This bill would designate the channel catfish as the official fish of the state of Kansas. The department supports this bill. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
HB2117 — This will would require anyone born on or after January 1, 1995 to complete an approved boater safety education course before operating a motorboat or sailboat on Kansas waters. The current law only requires boater safety education of boaters younger than 21. The department supports this bill. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
HB2168 — This is the House companion bill for SB50, which would allow outbuildings or adjacent properties to be classified as a bed and breakfast for tax valuation purposes. This bill was referred to the House Committee on Taxation.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 5008 — This resolution would amend the state constitution to guarantee Kansas residents the right to hunt, fish and trap wildlife. If approved by two-thirds of the Senate and House, the proposed amendment would be voted on in a November general election.
WICHITA–Two hunting guides were sentenced Wednesday for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act during hunts in Reno County, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Each of them pleaded guilty to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by exceeding the daily bag limit. They were sentenced to one year unsupervised probation and a fine of $1,000. In addition, they are prohibited from hunting, fishing, trapping or accompanying anyone in those activities for one year.
Both men were working for Misty Morning Outfitters of Haven, Kan., at the time they violated federal law.
In his plea, Hensley admitted the crime occurred Dec. 15, 2011, when he took two undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents on a hunt in Reno County, Kan. He exceeded the daily bag limit of three Canada geese.
In his plea, Cox admitted the crime occurred Sept. 1 and 2, 2011, on a hunt in Reno County. He exceeded the daily bag limit of 15 mourning doves.
Grissom commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.
Major Mark Bruce, Kansas Highway PatrolTopeka – Governor Sam Brownback today announced the nomination of Major Mark A. Bruce as Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Bruce is a 25-year veteran of the Kansas Highway Patrol. He has served as interim superintendent since Jan. 6, 2015 following the departure of Col. Ernie Garcia.
“Mark Bruce is a true trooper’s trooper,” said Governor Brownback in making the announcement. “Each member of the Kansas Highway Patrol knows and respects Major Bruce and his record of service. I am pleased to nominate him to lead the Kansas Highway Patrol and his fellow troopers.”
Bruce received his master’s degree in criminal justice from Washburn University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. He previously served with the Kansas Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force.
The appointment will require confirmation by the Kansas Senate.
LAWRENCE — President Obama’s visit to Lawrence was a rarity. Thursday he became the first sitting president in more than 100 years to speak at the University of Kansas.
Although a presidential visit is uncommon in Kansas, the President’s message addressed the common concerns of those in attendance.
Photo by Nick Budd, Hays Post
Obama emphasized three points of middle-class economics: the nation’s need for affordable child care, access to affordable education, and build the most competitive economy possible, all points he touched on in Tuesday’s State of the Union address.
“When I look out at this crowd, it’s your generation in particular that is going to have to decide what this future looks like,” Obama said. “Are we going to accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well or do we commit ourselves to an economy that generates opportunity and rising income for everybody who’s willing to work hard to make it happen?”
Kansas residents are considered middle class with median household incomes at $51,000, according to the United States Census Bureau. In Lawrence, 78.6 percent of KU students are considered middle class, according the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access.
A blue poster hung behind the stage Thursday printed with the same words Obama reiterated throughout his speech: middle-class economics. He said the phrase means making sure every American has a fair shot at contributing to the success of the United States.
“We’ve got to make sure that all people have the tools and support that they need to take advantage of this growing economy,” he said.
The economy is just beginning to see wages rise, Obama said, and he believes the proposed policies will offer security to families, provide access to improving work skills, and support a competitive economy. “Let’s keep it going.”
KU student Alyssa Cole, a Lawrence resident, McNair scholar and single mother, introduced Obama on Thursday. In her speech she said she was almost forced to choose between obtaining an education, working, or staying home to care for her children.
“In the United States, we should have the opportunity to pursue a career and an education while at the same time building quality lives for ourselves and for our children,” Cole said. “I am happy to see that the president is pushing to expand these opportunities.”
If individuals flourish, then families will flourish, which means the entire economy is more productive, Obama said. But, he said, right now high quality child care is expensive, costing more than one year of attending a state university in 31 states.
His plan includes providing affordable child care for more than 1 million children, offering tax cuts up to $3,000 per child, per year, improving the quality of childcare options and increasing the quality of facilities.
He drew a correlation between the time young adults begin to pay off student loans and the time they decide to start a family.
“I’m assuming some of you will have a little bit of school debt,” he said. “Just a little.”
Obama continues to support affordable education. In June, he capped student loan payments at 10 percent of monthly income. Most recently in the State of the Union address and Thursday, he said he’d like to offer free community college to make it as universal as high school.
Kaitlyn Foster, a senior from Free State High School, said she hoped Obama would address income inequality and college affordability.
“I thought his dedication to helping students obtain education to entertain an evolving workforce was admirable,” Foster said.
The third part of middle-class economics, Obama said, is building the most competitive economy possible to encourage investment in new resources, products and jobs. He used Lawrence’s expansion of high speed broadband as an example, a topic widely debated among residents.
By putting money back into American’s pockets, adding a little bit of cushion gives people a fair shot at success, but Obama said too often Congress gets stuck wondering how to pay for such investments.
“As Americans, we don’t mind paying our fair share of taxes as long as everyone else does too,” he said.
In his introduction, Obama said during the past six years the nation rose to No. 1 in the production of wind power, created 11 million new jobs, increased the number of young people graduating from college to an all-time high, and provided health coverage to 10 million Americans who were previously uninsured.
Although he said he knows it can seem politics are more divided than ever, he believes Americans have more in common than not.
Alan Martin, a musical education Ph.D. student from Scotland, said Obama touched on topics important for Americans and people from outside of the United States who face similar circumstances.
“I think that what he’s doing is bridging a gap in politics that’s going to not just affect domestic politics but international politics as well,” Martin said.
Amelia Arvesen is a University of Kansas senior from San Ramon, Calif., majoring in journalism.
Jess Parks is presented the ESGR Patriot Award by Dennis Hansen, ESGR Area Chairman
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
MCPHERSON — Kansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, announced that Jess Parks with Jomax was honored with a Patriot Award December 23 in recognition of extraordinary support of Spc. Ryan Dryer, his employee and a member of 1438th Multi-Role Bridge Company, Army National Guard located in Macon, Missouri.
According to ESGR State Chairman Walt Frederick , “the Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees.”
Dryer said “Jess hired me August 20th not knowing I had to drive to Missouri for Drill the 23rd and the 24th of the same month. I had told him that I had to leave for the weekend after he hired me and he was more than happy to let me off. Two weeks later on the 13th and 14th of September I had to report back to drill. Once again he was fine with it. He understands that drill is supposed to only be once a month. The weekend of the 27th and 28th my unit advised that October drill was not only the following weekend (Oct. 3-5) but it would be a two and a half day event. I was stressed to the point I thought I was going to lose my job because of the inconvenience the military was creating for my employer. At Jomax we work on the pipeline in Kansas Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The company is under stress when employees do not show up, yet Jess Parks was always understanding and supportive of my time off, even with short notice. I recommend Jess Parks for a higher award than the ‘My Boss is a Patriot’ award for the following reasons:
“He discusses my military duties with my immediate supervisor (Gary Stigall) and was more than happy to let me off for military training. Mr. Parks has paid me for the time off for military duty,” said Dryer.
Jess Parks accepted the award from Dennis Hansen, Kansas ESGR Area Chairman. Afterward, Jess Parks signed a Statement of Support recognizing the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) on behalf of Jomax.
For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A state district court panel has ruled that Kansas isn’t spending enough money on its public schools to provide a suitable education for every child.
The three judges on Tuesday did not set a specific figure but said evidence indicates the state needs to spend at least $548 million more a year.
An attempt by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and the GOP-dominated Legislature to comply would complicate efforts to close state budget shortfalls. It also would jeopardize aggressive personal income tax cuts enacted at Brownback’s urging to boost the economy.
The state is expected to appeal the Shawnee County District Court panel’s decision to the Kansas Supreme Court.
The ruling came in a lawsuit filed in 2010 by the parents of more than 30 students and four school districts.
PRATT–The New Year may be ringing in, but there’s still time for hunters to use any unfilled permits from the 2014 deer season. Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, hunters make take antlerless white-tailed deer using any legal equipment. Deer Management Unit (DMU) restrictions listed on the permits are still in effect, and season length varies, depending on the DMU. While hunters must have a permit that allows the harvest of an antlered deer before purchasing antlerless-only permits during the regular seasons, whitetail antlerless permits can be purchased over the counter by anyone during the extended season.
Hunters may purchase up to five whitetail antlerless-only permits; however, unit and public land restrictions may apply. See your2014 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary, or visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting/Big Game Information/Deer”, for details.
2015 Extended Firearm Season dates, by DMU, are as follows:
Units 6, 9, 10, 17: Jan 1-4
Units 1-5, 7, 8, 11-14, and 16: Jan. 1-11
Units 10A, 15, and 19: Jan. 1-18
There is also an Extended Whitetail Antlerless-only Archery Season in DMU 19 Jan. 19-31, 2015.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of $2,730,000 of funding for Environmental Education Local Grants. The maximum allowed grant under the program is $91,000.
The purpose of the Environmental Education Local Grants Program is to support locally-focused environmental education projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues. The grants program also provides participants with the opportunity to develop skills needed in order to make informed environmental decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment.
This grant program provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques. Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 and $3.5 million in grant funding per year, supporting more than 3,600 grants.
The deadline to apply for a grant is March 6, 2015. Please refer to the full announcement, including Section IV, for additional information on submission methods and due dates. The full announcement is available at the following website: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=270656.
MANHATTAN–Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement regarding his support for modifying U.S.-Cuba trade policy:
“I have long fought to change the unilateral U.S. sanctions and regulations that restrict the ability of our farmers and ranchers to sell their products to Cuba.
“Cuba is only 90 miles from our border, making it a natural market for U.S. agricultural commodities, including Kansas wheat. Cuba imports approximately 80 percent of the food they consume. Wheat is Cuba’s largest food commodity import and second-largest import overall, only behind oil. While the United States has unilaterally erected trade barriers that harm our own farmers, other countries are more than happy to fill this market. For example, this year Cuba has purchased $150 million worth of wheat from the European Union alone.
“It simply does not make sense to continue policies and regulations blocking U.S. farmers from this market only for it to be filled by our competitors. Industry experts believe that U.S. wheat could grow to 80-90 percent of the market share in Cuba if the trade restrictions are eased, similar to our market share in other Caribbean nations. Considering it costs an average of $20-25 per ton to ship grain from Europe to Cuba versus about $6-7 per ton from the United States, it makes economic sense for U.S. commodities to make up the lion’s share of the Cuban market.
“Wheat is especially important to me since Kansas leads the nation in wheat milling and production. However, many other U.S. and Kansas commodities would benefit from opening the Cuban market. A 2010 Texas A&M study estimates that easing restrictions and lifting the travel ban could result in $365 million in additional sales of U.S. agricultural commodities, boost the U.S. economy by $1.1 billion, and create 6000 new jobs.
“Beyond providing a new market for U.S. farmers, easing restrictions on trade and travel with Cuba may bring about reforms in the repressive Cuban government – reforms that more than 50 years of the current policy have not achieved. Current U.S. policy only serves to limit American’s freedom to trade and travel with the island nation while contributing to the ongoing misery of the Cuban people. A change in our nation’s approach that can open Cuba up economically and politically through the exchange of commodities and ideas is necessary.
“I have often said, in Kansas we will try anything once – sometimes twice or even three times. However, if we have been trying something for over five decades and it has yet to work, it is time to change direction. It is time to change our Cuba policies. It is time for U.S. farmers and ranchers to truly have market access to Cuba’s 11 million consumers.”
Background:
Sen. Moran has long fought for changes to U.S. trade policy with Cuba – which must import nearly 85 percent of its food – in order to open up more markets for American farmers. On July 20, 2000, an amendment (H.Amdt.1031 to H.R.4871) offered by then Rep. Moran prohibiting funds being used to enforce sanctions for food, medicine and agriculture products in a sale to Cuba passed the House of Representatives (301-116) The adoption of this amendment opened another needed market to farmers throughout the country. Unfortunately, changes in regulations by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2005 once again severely restricted this market.
In February 2010, then-Congressman Moran introduced – and the House Agriculture Committee passed – H.R. 4645, legislation to expand agricultural trade with Cuba
In Sept. 2011, Sen. Moran’s legislation to remove a trade barrier with Cuba by allowing direct cash payments from Cuban buyers to U.S. financial institutions during the 2012 fiscal year (FY), was adopted by the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations as an amendment to the FY2012 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill. By allowing direct cash payments, Sen. Moran’s amendment will fuel economic growth and enable agricultural producers to compete on a level playing field.
Nearly 150 U.S. organizations have voiced their strong support for doing so, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Farmers Union.
TOPEKA–With the 2014 elections behind us and newly elected officials about to be sworn in, the Kansas Health Institute (KHI) is releasing a report chronicling the early days of health reform implementation in Kansas, and how the decisions of the state’s key players at the time shaped the response to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This report is part of a series of 21 state and regional studies examining the rollout of the ACA. The national network-with 36 states and 61 researchers-is led by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, the public policy research arm of the State University of New York, the Brookings Institution, and the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Kansas report highlights the diverse approaches to implementation taken by elected officials including Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, Governor Sam Brownback and the Kansas Legislature. The political landscape changed this year when Commissioner Praeger decided not to seek re-election. Her replacement, Commissioner-Elect Ken Selzer, has expressed opposition to the ACA.
“KHI is pleased to participate in this national study, which examines the dramatic changes underway in our health care system due to private sector forces and the rollout of the ACA,” said Robert F. St. Peter, M.D., president and CEO of the Kansas Health Institute. “Now that the federal health insurance marketplace is in operation here in Kansas, it is important to understand how state policy leadership and decisions affect oversight, outreach, and, ultimately, enrollment in marketplace plans.”
Licensees will be able to monitor their license accounts and the status of their applications, said ABC Licensing Manager Debbie Beavers in a news release.
“The user-friendly system will guide applicants through licensing process and simplify renewals,” she added.
From the portal, customers will be able to renew licenses and permits, pay license and registration fees or fines with a credit card or electronic check and summit new license and permit applications.
Previously, all applications and renewals had to be done by paper and ABC could not accept credit cards.
“We are excited to offer this new simplified service for our licensees,” said Beavers. “This will speed up our process for all customers.”
Kansas Department of Commerce
