KCAIC

TOPEKA — The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission is now accepting applications for its two main grant categories. The deadline for application submission is Nov. 6, 2017 and the review dates in early December 2017. The grant period is from Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2018. Projects with an end date prior to June 30, 2018 may be given priority based on funding. An additional round will be scheduled for the spring. The programs and their sub-categories are as follows:

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The Strategic Investment Program recognizes the important role creative organizations play in building and sustaining cultural and economic vibrancy in Kansas. By funding a variety of professional and organizational development opportunities that impact cultural programming, these grants support initiatives that use the arts to enhance community vitality, revitalize neighborhoods, generate local business, create and preserve job opportunities and impact tourism. Applicants must make a compelling case as to why this particular self-identified activity or opportunity was selected, how it will have a substantial impact on their work and community, and how it will enhance the national reputation of Kansas.

Strategic Investment Program grants are awarded in three categories:

Organizational Development: This category provides funding for professional development opportunities for Kansas based arts organizations that help strengthen business practices, increase organizational viability and promote long term sustainability.

New and Expanded Works: This program provides funding for new or significantly expanded productions, exhibitions, programs or events by Kansas-based nonprofit arts organizations. Projects should either be an entirely new type of program for the organization designed to diversify its services or an expansion of an existing program designed to significantly enhance the quality of current offerings.

Equipment and Technology: This program provides funding to purchase equipment, materials, and/or technology upgrades to expand or improve an applicant’s organization.

ARTS INTEGRATION PROGRAM

Arts Integration Programs support the role the arts play in all levels of education, community service, and workforce development. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, and enhance community development.

Arts Integration Programs are awarded in three categories:

Visiting Artists: This category provides funding for eligible organizations to engage and deepen the impact of arts programming on local and underserved audiences through exposure to and interaction with professional visiting arts. Presenters may book artists in any discipline, not just in performing arts. Projects should strive to integrate an arts discipline into non-arts content areas; help interpret an exhibition, performance, or presentation; and support community development goals and objectives. Booking artists on the Kansas Touring Roster allow for a $1,000 credit for the applicant organization: http://www.kansascommerce.gov/705/KS-Roster
Note: KCAIC will review applications for roster inclusion in early October. Please check the website at that time for an expanded list and encourage qualified artists to apply.

Integrated Arts Education: This category supports new or expanded educational programming that integrates arts learning into non-arts curriculum and content areas to address emerging technologies, areas of skills shortages, STEM curricula, workforce readiness, and increase student performance.

Innovative Partnerships: This category supports innovative programming between arts organizations and non-arts organizations to impact a variety of community and/or economic development goals. Arts organizations are encouraged to partner with other community entities (hospitals, prisons, etc.) to develop arts-centered programs that address community needs such as public health, transportation, tourism, unemployment, aging, corrections, etc.
To review the application process, as well as program and category specific policies and guidelines visit KansasCommerce.gov/CAIC. Applications can be submitted online at https://kansascaic.submittable.com.

Grants will be reviewed by peer panel and awarded at the quarterly commission meeting in December.

All grants are made possible through a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and are subject to KCAIC and NEA standards and regulations.

For more on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission go to KansasCommerce.gov/caic.

DCF

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) employees raised money throughout the months of July and August to ensure that children in foster care can enjoy a day at the Kansas State Fair. DCF West Region staff hosted a friendly competition against Wichita Region staff to raise funds that will provide carnival ride tickets to more than 850 children.

The West Region raised $2,480, and the Wichita Region raised $1,945. Together, DCF employees raised $4,425, an increase of more than $1,600 from last year’s fundraiser.

The $4,425 funds raised will be used to purchase tickets for fair attractions, which will be provided to youth in foster care and their families who attend the Saint Francis Community Services (SFCS)-sponsored Resource Parent Appreciation Day on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the fair.

Resource Parent Appreciation Day, a celebration and promotion of foster parents, has been sponsored by SFCS for the past five years. SFCS provides the participants with free admission to the fair and a free meal during the day.

“Saint Francis Community Services looks forward to the Resource Parent Appreciation Day at the State Fair, as it’s one way we can show our appreciation to the foster and kinship families caring for children in custody,” said Director of Foster Care Homes for SFCS Patrice Claasen. “We were so excited that DCF employees in the West and Wichita Regions participated in the fundraiser so that all the children could receive ride tickets. Children and youth will be delighted to receive this wonderful surprise.”

“I am proud of the West Region for working so hard to ensure a fun day for children in foster care across Kansas,” said DCF West Regional Director Pamela Beach. “It was also exciting to have the Wichita Region join our fundraiser this year, providing some friendly competition to help DCF staff raise more funds than ever.”

DCF’s Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (FBCI) will be on hand with SFCS at the Resource Parent Appreciation Day on Saturday, but they will also be present at the Kansas State Fair throughout the entire week promoting the need for foster families across the State of Kansas. Recently, DCF launched a recruitment campaign, Foster Kansas Kids, to raise awareness about the need for foster parents.

“The need for foster parents is great in Kansas, as well as across the nation, as there is a growing number of children who require a safe and secure environment outside of their own home,” said FBCI Director Peggy Mast. “We are excited to be out at the fair, because it not only allows us to interact with current foster parents at Resource Parent Appreciation Day, but it also gives us an opportunity to speak to people from across the state and educate them about the lack of foster homes in their own communities.”

To learn more about resources available to foster parents, visit fosterkskids.org.

OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA – Governor Brownback on Thursday authorized state agencies to grant a 2.5 percent raise to any unclassified employee in the Executive Branch who was left out of the Legislature’s pay plan.

The decision comes after consultation with members of the Governor’s Cabinet, the Director of the Budget, and state employees.

The Governor does not have the legal authority to extend raises to only those classified employees who did not receive an increase from the Legislature, only further legislative action could do that. Therefore, the raise only applies to unclassified workers who fell through the pay plan criteria established by the legislature.

“This effort furthers the Governor’s commitment to rewarding employees for their performance and trust in their employer,” said Secretary of Administration Sarah Shipman said. “The administration is currently looking at the agency budgets for Fiscal Year 2019 to determine how inequities and salary compression can be further addressed. We look forward to working with the 2018 Legislature to further address this situation.”

The pay increases will utilize existing agency funds and take effect the pay period that starts Sunday, September 24th.

While most large agencies will utilize existing funds to allocate the raise via paychecks on an ongoing basis, some agencies will use one-time funds to give a bonus equivalent to the 2.5 percent increase.

Additional information will be provided to employees by agencies, including opportunities for classified employees to receive a pay increase by voluntarily accepting an unclassified position.

SUBMITTED

TOPEKA – Jim Barnett, candidate for the 2018 Republican nomination for Kansas governor, held a Tuesday news conference to detail his plans for improving economic development and bringing jobs to Kansas as governor.

Calling the plan a “full court press” for more and better paying jobs and an adequately trained workforce, Barnett outlined a multi-pronged program designed to break the current jobs stalemate in Kansas.

“Kansas lost over 12,000 private sector jobs in the last year, and we have 60,000 jobs across the state going unfilled,” Barnett stated.

“The bottom line is we have a state with a stagnant economy, where too many jobs are leaving, and others go unfilled because workers don’t have the required skills or training. No wonder our young people don’t stay and others of all ages get discouraged.

“My plan recognizes that job growth comes from the ground up, not the top down. Yes, the state has a role, but that role needs to be tailored to the needs of individual communities and businesses. A one-size-fits-all approach just won’t work.”

Barnett said his framework for more skilled workers and better paying jobs is built on four key pillars.

“First, we need to get the basics right.  State government is finally on track to get its fiscal house in order. Now we need to build on that progress in a variety of areas, including work force, infrastructure, education, health care, and overall quality of life,” he said.

“Second, we need a regional approach to economic development, one that recognizes local control and input. Southwest is different than southeast Kansas, which is different from central and northern Kansas, which is different than Johnson County. We need to recognize the assets of each region.

“Third, within each region we need to identify high performing and high potential industries and convene industry leaders to identify areas for further economic growth. I think the most important appointment I make will be the Secretary of Commerce, who along with me will put this plan into action.

“Fourth, is what I call “Enterprising Academics. What I mean by that is an education system and a business system that work in partnership to provide the knowledge and skills that our workers need to succeed and our businesses need to compete, ” Barnett said.

Barnett’s economic development news conference will be followed by the first phase of a statewide tour to discuss his jobs plan with business and community leaders.

Jim Barnett is a practicing physician in Topeka, past president of the Emporia School Board, and former state senator for Emporia and neighboring areas. In 2006, Barnett won a seven-way primary and was the Republican candidate for governor.

 

KAG

TOPEKA – School has started, the days are growing shorter and the weather is – gradually – getting cooler. That means it’s time for the State Fair in Hutchinson and Kansas Preparedness Month. This year, Kansas Preparedness Day at the State Fair will be held Monday, Sept. 11.
Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclamation designating September as Kansas Preparedness Month. The month is observed each September to place a special emphasis on reminding Kansans to be prepared for tornadoes, floods, wildfires, blizzards and other disasters by assembling an emergency kit and making emergency plans for homes and businesses.

Annually, as part of Preparedness Month, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and first responder agencies across the state invite the public to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson for Kansas Preparedness Day. Numerous state and local agencies, and community emergency response organizations will be set up near the Administration Building at the south end of the fairgrounds across from the entrance gate to provide disaster preparedness and public safety information, and display emergency response equipment. The public may also register for prize drawings.

Agencies and organizations participating in the Kansas Preparedness Day event include the Adjutant General’s Department/Kansas Division of Emergency Management/Kansas National Guard, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office, Kansas Citizen Corps, Hutchinson Fire Department, Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Reno County Emergency Communications, South Hutchinson Police Department, Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association, Salvation Army, Reno Community Emergency Response Team, Reno County Emergency Management, Reno County Health Department, Reno County Sheriff’s Department, Reno County Volunteers Organizations Active in Disasters, South Central Regional Animal Response Team, Kansas State Animal Coalition, National Weather Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Sept. 11 is Dillons’ Dollar Day at the Fair; admission is $1 or free with a Dillons’ card.

During Preparedness Month, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management is also reminding the public to take part in its monthly online “Preparedness Challenge” at www.ksready.gov. Additional information on disaster kits and family preparedness can be found at www.ksready.gov and www.ready.gov.

KCAIC

TOPEKA – To help promote Kansas-based performing artists, The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) maintains an approved Touring Roster of Kansas-based touring companies and artists. The roster enables those looking to book performers to identify acts available for bookings. The KCAIC is now accepting applications for inclusion on the roster.

“If you are an artist, becoming a Kansas Touring Performer helps you to be found by presenters and allows you to be considered for increased grant amounts in both the KCAIC AIP-Visiting Artist program and the Mid-America Arts Alliance Regional Touring Program,” said Peter Jasso, Director of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission.

In this program, the artist or artist’s management sets the fee and negotiates the booking. To be eligible for inclusion, applicants:

• Can come from any artistic discipline (including, but not limited to: music, theater, dance, visual arts, literary, comedy, graphic novels, film, podcasting, etc.).
• Should be either a Kansas-based nonprofit, individual artist, university, or unincorporated/for-profit group providing arts performances and experiences.
• Must have a history of touring and maintain a reasonable fee range.
• Are required to perform outside their community regularly.
• Must offer single performances or exhibitions as well as complementary services that may include workshops, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, arts education components, residencies, or short performances.

The fact that an artist is approved to the roster does not imply or guarantee that the artist will receive bookings in the coming year.

The deadline for consideration this round is Sept. 29, 2017. The review panel will convene in early October. There may be an additional opportunity in the Spring based on interest. The current roster can be viewed here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/705/KS-Roster.

All applications must be submitted via an online form: https://kansascaic.submittable.com. Current Touring Roster artists do not need to reapply each year although they are subject to re-evaluation upon request.
Applicants will provide the following information:

• Biographical information
• Brief description of the artist’s programs
• Contact information including website
• Program fees

Support Materials may include:

• Performances/Programs: Panelists will limit their review to 3-5 minute segments. Video of a staged performance or public program offering is preferred to a video production.
• Marketing: brochure; sample program; sample news release; reviews; artist/presenter contract
• Reviews, previous presenters, audience, and noteworthy individuals (cite source)
• Resume(s) of artists/touring manager (2 pages maximum per person)
• Letters of Recommendation (3 maximum)

Applications will be evaluated on the following:

• Artistic Quality: Artistic merit of the applicant and quality of services. This is the primary consideration for inclusion in the roster.
• Capability and Experience: Evidence of experience and reliability. Ability of applicant for effective implementation, management, and promotion of programs.
• Impact: Ability of applicant to impact teaching and learning in, about and through the arts and/or innovative integration of an arts discipline into non-arts curriculum or content areas. The quality of complementary activities will be considered.

The performance fee indicates the cost of presenting a program an average distance from the artist’s home area and includes transportation and lodging, unless otherwise noted. Factors affecting the performance fee include: number and type of performances at a specific location; size and type of audience expected; actual distance traveled; block booking arrangements; and equipment required. All fees listed are negotiable and subject to change.

KCAIC does not serve as a booking agent for artists listed, nor does a listing guarantee employment. The most successful artists use this as a tool to help promote themselves to potential booking agents. Eligible organizations may request funding from KCAIC through the AIP-Visiting Artists program to present artists on this roster to their community for an increased grant amount. Roster artists are also eligible for an increased grant amount through the Mid-America Arts Alliance Regional Touring Program.

About KCAIC: The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC), a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, is focused on the creative industries sector of the Kansas economy. The Commission is dedicated to measuring, promoting, supporting and expanding the creative industries to grow the state’s economy and create creative industry-related jobs. For more on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission go to KansasCommerce.gov/caic.

KDC

TOPEKA – Registration is now open for the first, large-scale cyber security event in Kansas which will take place October 4, 2017 at the Wichita State University Hughes Metroplex, 5015 East 29th St North. The inaugural Cyber Security Forum will offer invaluable insight for business and security decision makers in small businesses, non-profits, and government, as well as provide a platform for students and educators to engage with industry professionals. The Forum also aims to raise the awareness of Kansas’ position as a leader in the cyber security field.

The daylong event which is free and open to the public will feature experts in cyber security from across the state, nationally recognized industry and government professionals, educators and researchers from higher education, and military personnel from McConnell Air Force Base. The detailed event program and complete list of speakers can be found on the event website at https://www.wichitacybersecurityforum.com/.

“The idea behind the event was generated by a conversation with a Wichita-based small business that wanted to raise the awareness level of cyber defense for other small businesses across our state,” said Lisa Roberts, Kansas SBDC associate state director. “That conversation led to reaching out to other organizations interested in achieving the same goals. Over time our work evolved into what we are sure will be an amazing day in October.”

The planning team, led by the Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC), is a collaboration of multiple community organizations, educational institutions, and private sector businesses, all who are involved in cyber security industry or cyber defense. The event is in line with the Blueprint for Regional Economic Growth, a 10-county regional cluster based economic development plan led by the Greater Wichita Partnership. “Cyber security is a growing field across the country and globe, and is significant to our local economy here in Wichita. The 184th Intelligence Wing at McConnell Air Force Base and expanding local educational and degree attainment programs are reinforcing the infrastructure to drive job creation in our region,” said Andrew Nave, Executive Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Wichita Partnership.

Sponsors include:

Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC)

Kansas Department of Commerce

Greater Wichita Partnership

Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas

Wichita State University

Friends University

Butler Community College

Booz Allen Hamilton

Kansas Air National Guard

Better Business Bureau, Inc.

Ennovar Technology Solutions

Keller Leopold Insurance

Kansas PTAC

TriCorps Security

TriCorps Cybersecurity

In addition to the all-day forum on October 4, there will be closing reception from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the Wichita State University Experiential Engineering Building 4110 E 17th St North, Wichita. Kansas Interim Secretary of Commerce Nick Jordan will address the group to start the evening networking event.

A full schedule, registration details and speaker list may be found on the event website at

https://www.wichitacybersecurityforum.com/.

About Kansas Small Business Development Center

We help business. We are small business advisors.

The Kansas Small Business Development Center (Kansas SBDC) is a statewide small business (typically less than 500 employees) advising, consulting, and training service funded by federal, state, and local partners. Funding through tax dollars allows the Kansas SBDC to provide advising and training (i.e. cash flow, marketing, and market data) to businesses across the state at low or no cost. The SBDC is part of a larger national association committed to helping small businesses reach their development, improvement, and transition goals.

To learn more, visit https://www.kansassbdc.net or call 877-625-7232.

KID

TOPEKA — Cooperation between government and school district entities is keeping the Kansas Financial Scholars Program part of the high school curriculum for schools throughout Kansas.

The Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner, the Kansas Insurance Department and the Kansas State Bank Commissioner’s Office have signed agreements to continue funding the scholars program for the 2017-18 school year. The agencies partner with Everfi, Inc., a digitally-based learning management company used by many of the world’s largest financial institutions, to deliver the online curriculum.

EverFi has a network of more than 16 million learners among consumers, employees, business partners and communities. In Kansas, the Financial Scholars Program is part of more than 185 classroom learning platforms. The Kansas program is fully funded by the agencies and is provided at no cost to public, private and home schools.

A recent study conducted by George Washington University and the National Endowment for Financial Education revealed that only 24 percent of millennials demonstrate a basic understanding of personal finance. Through participation in the Kansas Financial Scholars Program, students receive interactive instruction on important financial topics such as credit scores, insurance, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, taxes, investing and saving.

The platform uniquely tracks the progress and score of every student, and it provides students who successfully complete the course with a Certification of Financial Literacy. That certification can be a valuable mark of distinction on college applications and resumes.

Additionally, high school seniors who have completed the Financial Scholars Program are eligible to compete for more than $8,000 in scholarships in an annual essay contest sponsored by the Securities and Bank Commissioners’ offices.

To date, students have received more than $24,000 in scholarships to attend schools of higher learning in Kansas.

To learn more about the Kansas Financial Scholars Program or to acquire the platform for your students, contact Shannon Santschi at 785 296-1055 or [email protected].

More about the Kansas Financial Scholars Program is online at https://www.ksc.ks.gov/index.aspx?nid=183.

TOPEKA – Foster Kansas Kids, an initiative funded by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), is excited to launch new resources to prospective and current foster families across the state, including a website expansion that features a live-chat function, calendar of events, foster parent and former youth-in-care blogs, video testimonials and a robust resource center.

The live-chat feature is staffed by trained child welfare professionals who can answer a wide variety of questions from both current and prospective foster parents in real-time. Live chat is available on the Foster Kansas Kids website from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Due to the complexity of the Kansas foster care system, it can be difficult for families to know where to go or who to talk to about their needs and concerns,” DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said. “Foster Kansas Kids acts as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for both current and prospective foster families, to provide concrete information, support and resources for Kansans at every juncture in their journey.”

Other new features include a comprehensive calendar of foster care events across the state, including trainings, support groups and appreciation events. In addition, the website now features foster parent and former youth-in-care blogs, where bloggers can share their experiences and insight with readers. This feature serves as both an encouragement to prospective foster parents and a supportive community for current families who share similar experiences.

Foster Kansas Kids was initially launched in May, at a news conference and informational fair at the Kansas State Capitol, Topeka, in honor of National Foster Care Month. The first phase, which fully launched May 15, established a website designed to centralize the foster care process, and make it easier for families to begin their foster care journey.

This month, Foster Kansas Kids launched its second commercial. The 30-second public service announcement is airing across the state, as well as on Pandora radio and on social media over the coming months.

As part of DCF’s growing efforts to recruit foster families, staff members are available for presentations and informational fairs to spread the word about the need for temporary, loving homes in Kansas. Requests for presentations can be made on the Foster Kansas Kids website homepage.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please visit www.fosterkskids.org or call 1-844-380-2009. To stay up to date on foster care in Kansas, follow Foster Kansas Kids on Facebook and Twitter.

KDA

MANHATTAN — Feel the squish of the grapes in the time-honored tradition of grape stomping as you help celebrate the grape and wine industry in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host the 12th annual Kansas Grape Stomp on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m. on the Lake Talbott Stage at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.

Gather around the grape tubs to watch Kansas State Fair board members, state FFA officers, 4-H Council leaders and others stomp grapes to salute the Kansas grape and wine industry. The competitive stomp-off will kick off the event and an open stomp for all Kansas State Fair attendees will follow.

As of August 2017, there are 41 farm wineries throughout Kansas. The wine industry in Kansas contributes nearly $47 million to the state’s economy and employs more than 200 Kansans.

KDA is committed to advocating for and promoting the agriculture industry, the state’s largest industry, employer and economic contributor, and encourages all fair-goers to attend the grape stomp to have fun while learning about the grape and wine industries in Kansas.

For more information about the event please contact Robin Blume, KDA education and events coordinator, at [email protected] or 785-564-6756.

KID

TOPEKA— The Kansas Insurance Department has completed the review of rate filings for individual and small group health plans in Kansas for 2018.

The range of average rate revisions by insurance companies is from -8.8 percent to 29 percent. The proposed changes are for health plans sold on the federal marketplace and also for plans not sold through the government website. The plans affect approximately 4 percent of the Kansas population who may purchase individual plans.

For 2018, 38 plans have been proposed for sale during open enrollment in Kansas on the federally-facilitated online marketplace.

Currently, the federal healthcare.gov website only displays plans with a rate revision for 2018. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Medica and Sunflower State Health Plan will offer new plans in 2018, and these plans may not display as rate revisions on healthcare.gov.

The marketplace information given to the department shows Medica has filed plans for all 105 counties in Kansas. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has filed plans for 103 counties—all except Johnson and Wyandotte. Sunflower State Health Plan (a division of Centene) has filed plans in Johnson and Wyandotte counties (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, which operates in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas, previously announced the company will discontinue operating on the online marketplace as of Dec. 31, 2017).

The federal government has not indicated whether consumers will be able to “window shop” for all plans on the federal website prior to November 1, 2017, the official date for 2018 open enrollment to begin.

All rate filings are subject to analysis by the insurance department’s Health and Life Division. The division reviews the insurance companies’ actuarial data and assumptions. All rates are required to be final by Sept. 6, 2017.

Open enrollment for the marketplace begins Nov. 1, 2017, and ends Dec. 15, 2017. This is a shorter open enrollment period than in years past.

OFFICE OF GOV.

TOPEKA—Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer, a physician, issued the following statement Thursday in regards to new data that shows Kansas was the only state in the nation to reduce the adult obesity rate in 2016.

The State of Obesity is a project of the Trust for America’s Health
and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“I applaud Kansans for leading the nation in reducing obesity,” said Colyer, a Hays native.

“Losing weight is often a difficult task, and I am very proud of the residents of our state who took the initiative to improve their health and wellness. While there is still a tremendous amount of progress that can be made in this area, our state is proving to the country that significant reduction in obesity is an achievable goal.”

Adult Obesity in the United States
Updated August 31, 2017: According to the most recent data, adult obesity rates now exceed 35 percent in five states, 30 percent in 25 states, and 25 percent in 46 states. West Virginia has the highest adult obesity rate at 37.7 percent and Colorado has the lowest at 22.3 percent. The adult obesity rate decreased in Kansas between 2015 and 2016, increased in Colorado, Minnesota, Washington, and West Virginia, and remained stable in the rest of states. This supports trends that have shown overall leveling off of obesity rates in recent years.