The 2023 Kansas Legislative Session officially commenced on Monday, January 9, 2023. It truly is an honor to serve the constituents of the 109th Kansas House District and to remain as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

On Tuesday, January 10, House and Senate Leadership unveiled their plan for the 2023 Legislative Session in regards to an array of areas from taxes to the economy.

The plan calls to pass a balanced budget that eliminates wasteful spending, pay down our debt, and adds more money to the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy-Day Fund.

During the announcement, leadership expressed the desire to make the tax code flatter and simple to assist families and businesses. Reducing the tax burden on retirees and families was also included in the “A Better Way.”

In regards to the economy, the plan prohibits ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing in the state retirement system and post-secondary institutions. It would authorize the Attorney General to investigate companies that conspire to constrain the fossil fuel industry. It would also prohibit state investment in entities owned or operated by hostile foreign governments.

There were also other areas of interest in the “A Better Way” plan that would address education, workforce development, healthcare, law enforcement and the state budget, which I will address in subsequent newsletters.

This announcement of the “A Better Way” was introduced prior to Governor Kelly’s budget on Thursday, January 12.

The first week of the Kansas Legislative Session was a light week for the House Appropriations Committee. On January 12, we held a joint committee meeting with the members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee to have the details of the Governor’s budget publicly released. The Budget Director for the state of Kansas released the details of the budget, which I will discuss in the next section. On January 18, we had an update on the Budget Stabilization Fund, the expenditures from the SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) process, and update on the Docking Building. Thursday, we discussed the report from the Legislative Task Force on Community and Technical Colleges and had a discussion of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grants for economic development purposes with the institutions of higher education.

As mentioned above, the Governor’s proposed budget was introduced on Thursday, January 12. Here are some of the details of her budget:

· Full elimination of the state level sales tax on food to this year;

· Adding a four day “Back-to-School” sales tax holiday starting September 2023;

· Increasing the exemption on Social Security income tax.

· Deposit $500 million in the Budget Stabilization Fund;

· Add $220 million to the Infrastructure Leveraging

· Fund to unlock streams of Federal dollars that have either matching requirements or competitive grants;

· The retiring of two lake reservoir debts early and paying cash for the state share of the new Veterans Home.

The Governor’s proposed budget estimates that the ending balance in fiscal year 2024 would be $1.984 billion and that would not include the $500 million transferred to the Budget Stabilization, which make the balance of that fund over $1.5 billion.

· The Legislative Research Department is now dissecting the Governor’s budget. We will soon have the budgets reported back to the House Appropriations Committee.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by visiting the live footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the

Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:

* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities: Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens, Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center, Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa, Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center (part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver (part), Cedron, Elkhorn (part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner, Center, Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Kansas House" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Kansas House</figcaption>
 </figure>January 23, 2023The "A Better Way"The 2023 Kansas Legislative Session officially commenced on Monday, January 9, 2023. It truly is an honor to serve the constituents of the 109th Kansas House District and to remain as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.On Tuesday, January 10, House and Senate Leadership unveiled their plan for the 2023 Legislative Session in regards to an array of areas from taxes to the economy.The plan calls to pass a balanced budget that eliminates wasteful spending, pay down our debt, and adds more money to the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy-Day Fund.During the announcement, leadership expressed the desire to make the tax code flatter and simple to assist families and businesses. Reducing the tax burden on retirees and families was also included in the “A Better Way.”In regards to the economy, the plan prohibits ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing in the state retirement system and post-secondary institutions. It would authorize the Attorney General to investigate companies that conspire to constrain the fossil fuel industry. It would also prohibit state investment in entities owned or operated by hostile foreign governments.There were also other areas of interest in the “A Better Way” plan that would address education, workforce development, healthcare, law enforcement and the state budget, which I will address in subsequent newsletters.This announcement of the “A Better Way” was introduced prior to Governor Kelly’s budget on Thursday, January 12.Appropriations CommitteeThe first week of the Kansas Legislative Session was a light week for the House Appropriations Committee. On January 12, we held a joint committee meeting with the members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee to have the details of the Governor’s budget publicly released. The Budget Director for the state of Kansas released the details of the budget, which I will discuss in the next section. On January 18, we had an update on the Budget Stabilization Fund, the expenditures from the SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) process, and update on the Docking Building. Thursday, we discussed the report from the Legislative Task Force on Community and Technical Colleges and had a discussion of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grants for economic development purposes with the institutions of higher education.Governor’s BudgetAs mentioned above, the Governor’s proposed budget was introduced on Thursday, January 12. Here are some of the details of her budget:· Full elimination of the state level sales tax on food to this year;· Adding a four day “Back-to-School” sales tax holiday starting September 2023;· Increasing the exemption on Social Security income tax.She has also proposed the following:· Deposit $500 million in the Budget Stabilization Fund;· Add $220 million to the Infrastructure Leveraging· Fund to unlock streams of Federal dollars that have either matching requirements or competitive grants;· The retiring of two lake reservoir debts early and paying cash for the state share of the new Veterans Home.The Governor’s proposed budget estimates that the ending balance in fiscal year 2024 would be $1.984 billion and that would not include the $500 million transferred to the Budget Stabilization, which make the balance of that fund over $1.5 billion.· The Legislative Research Department is now dissecting the Governor’s budget. We will soon have the budgets reported back to the House Appropriations Committee.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by visiting the live footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of theTroy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities: Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens, Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center, Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa, Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center (part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver (part), Cedron, Elkhorn (part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner, Center, Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Jan. 23, 2023

Sen. Rick Billinger Newsletter January 23, 2023

The 2023 legislative session began on Monday, January 9th&nbsp;with the swearing in of Senator Ron Ryckman, Sr., and new Senator Chase Blasi. Ron Ryckman Sr. replaced Senator Bud Estes two years ago and was reelected for two more years. Senator Chase Blasi is familiar with the Senate having served on staff for both President Wagle and currently President Masterson the past few sessions. Senator Blasi was elected to serve the remaining two years of Senator Suellentrop’s term.

Newly elected Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson is taking a hard look at whether ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) policy influences pension fund investment and who manages the investments. Johnson said one of his priorities is making sure that state pension funds are focused on the best return on investment and not ESG principles.

Normally in the first week of session the State of the State is held. Because Governor Kelly tested positive for Covid her address has been postponed until January 24th.

Even though the Governor did not have her State of the State, budget director Adam Proffitt laid out the Governors $24.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2024. Some of the proposals in the budget include accelerating the elimination of the food sales tax, adding $500 million to the rainy day fund, additional money for special education, 5% salary increase for state employees,

Chief Justice Marla Luckert, from northwest Kansas, delivered the state of the Judiciary address in a joint session to the legislature. Ms. Luckert highlighted the specialty courts across the state, the need for attorneys in rural Kansas, and raising judicial pay.

America has always been the land of opportunity, a land where freedom is secure, and our hopes and dreams can be achieved with hard work and perseverance. In the last few years, this optimism has been replaced by a profound pessimism, as employers struggle to find workers, paychecks remain stagnant, and the cost of living is going through the roof. The good news is that we are Kansans, and we value hard work, faith, freedom, and family which will guide us through the current challenges and toward a better future. Republicans from the House and the Senate joined together in a press conference to announce a comprehensive legislature agenda entitled, “A Better Way: Our Commitment to Kansas.”

In the last three elections, the winner of the Kansas Governor’s race failed to crack 50% of the vote. Lawmakers are looking at the trend and wondering whether Kansas might need a runoff election if a candidate for statewide office fails to get a majority of the vote in the general election. A bill was introduced late Tuesday in the House Elections Committee that would establish runoff elections for statewide elected officials: governor, secretary of state, insurance commissioner, treasurer, and attorney general. The proposal would cover general elections and not apply to any other campaigns of the Legislature, state school board or local offices. The runoff would be held on the first Tuesday of December after the final canvass of votes.

My office has several dates available for 6th&nbsp;graders through high school to serve as a page. Working as a page in the Kansas Legislature is an excellent way to learn more about the legislative process. If your child is interested in being a page for my office the following dates are available:

Please contact Donna at 785-296-7399 to reserve a date.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th&nbsp;Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call me with your questions or concerns, my office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th District senator which includes:

* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Sen. Rick Billinger Newsletter January 23, 2023The 2023 legislative session began on Monday, January 9th&nbsp;with the swearing in of Senator Ron Ryckman, Sr., and new Senator Chase Blasi. Ron Ryckman Sr. replaced Senator Bud Estes two years ago and was reelected for two more years. Senator Chase Blasi is familiar with the Senate having served on staff for both President Wagle and currently President Masterson the past few sessions. Senator Blasi was elected to serve the remaining two years of Senator Suellentrop’s term.Newly elected Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson is taking a hard look at whether ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) policy influences pension fund investment and who manages the investments. Johnson said one of his priorities is making sure that state pension funds are focused on the best return on investment and not ESG principles.Normally in the first week of session the State of the State is held. Because Governor Kelly tested positive for Covid her address has been postponed until January 24th.Even though the Governor did not have her State of the State, budget director Adam Proffitt laid out the Governors $24.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2024. Some of the proposals in the budget include accelerating the elimination of the food sales tax, adding $500 million to the rainy day fund, additional money for special education, 5% salary increase for state employees,Chief Justice Marla Luckert, from northwest Kansas, delivered the state of the Judiciary address in a joint session to the legislature. Ms. Luckert highlighted the specialty courts across the state, the need for attorneys in rural Kansas, and raising judicial pay.America has always been the land of opportunity, a land where freedom is secure, and our hopes and dreams can be achieved with hard work and perseverance. In the last few years, this optimism has been replaced by a profound pessimism, as employers struggle to find workers, paychecks remain stagnant, and the cost of living is going through the roof. The good news is that we are Kansans, and we value hard work, faith, freedom, and family which will guide us through the current challenges and toward a better future. Republicans from the House and the Senate joined together in a press conference to announce a comprehensive legislature agenda entitled, “A Better Way: Our Commitment to Kansas.”In the last three elections, the winner of the Kansas Governor’s race failed to crack 50% of the vote. Lawmakers are looking at the trend and wondering whether Kansas might need a runoff election if a candidate for statewide office fails to get a majority of the vote in the general election. A bill was introduced late Tuesday in the House Elections Committee that would establish runoff elections for statewide elected officials: governor, secretary of state, insurance commissioner, treasurer, and attorney general. The proposal would cover general elections and not apply to any other campaigns of the Legislature, state school board or local offices. The runoff would be held on the first Tuesday of December after the final canvass of votes.My office has several dates available for 6th&nbsp;graders through high school to serve as a page. Working as a page in the Kansas Legislature is an excellent way to learn more about the legislative process. If your child is interested in being a page for my office the following dates are available:February 6, 13, 20 or March 6thPlease contact Donna at 785-296-7399 to reserve a date.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th&nbsp;Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call me with your questions or concerns, my office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th District senator which includes:* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update, Jan. 23, 2023

<a>2023 Senate Scene Week 1 and 2</a>

As we get settled into the first and second week of the 2023 legislative session, most of our work is concentrated in committees where bills are being prioritized and vetted. The Senate has 19 standing committees which cover many different topics, including education, agriculture, judiciary, budget, and utilities—to name a few.&nbsp; Once a committee completes hearings and votes on a bill, if passed, it will then make its way to the Senate floor and the full body will begin to debate and vote on the measure. Floor debates and votes will begin in the coming weeks. At the end of the 2nd&nbsp;week, over 170 bills have been introduced.&nbsp; 

If you’re interested in tracking our work, you can follow us at our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YDBQy8-rsja0IE-azP2XHdnoiX7Ql4nNWrgHxHHtC7o4HeAA-0Aqe73zytd32tHFJOLxmvcn9GmLmACkPZbxMCH8a9zXNkiD1EVgLLAQsAwZitpKf2khnVK0mX6afJLmB2EKV17zX7f7tcasgCeiEQ==&amp;c=i2w4lkseQgtBVS4zSQ_aahnejaFbU1aDQFBhokGNh0NtT6pPxPG4Kg==&amp;ch=zcIfvSl6GRRuKxTv2Gjm07rByrF453B_cAk8d6LJKMN6JaX0CJJ3gA==" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp; A daily calendar is available as well as directions on how to view committee work live-time and view archive past committee and floor action.&nbsp;

My committees remain the same as last year - the Ethics, Elections and Local Government committee is two committees renamed Transparency and Ethics and Local Government.&nbsp; I will Chair Transparency and Ethics and will serve as the Vice-Chair of Local Government.&nbsp; I continue to serve on the Transportation, Judiciary, and Utilities committees and remain on the Historical Preservation Committee, the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight, and most recently selected to serve on&nbsp;the Kansas Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial committee established last year with HB2712.

<a>SWEARING IN CEREMONIES – SESSION OPENING</a>

On Monday, January 9th, Governor Laura Kelly was sworn into office for her second term.&nbsp; Her speech reflected on the past four years, the impact of COVID-19 on the state of Kansas, and the plan for her final term.&nbsp; In addition, the new Attorney General Kris Kobach and State Treasurer Steven Johnson, as well as re-elected Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt and the Secretary of State Scott Schwab were sworn in.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a></a>The 2023&nbsp;Senate legislative session began on Monday, January 9thth, at 2:00 p.m. with the swearing in of Senator Ron Ryckman, Sr. and new Senator Chase Blasi.&nbsp; Senator Blasi is familiar with the Senate, having served on staff for both Presidents Wagle and Masterson the past few sessions.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Senator Tom Hawk (D-Manhattan) gave his retirement speech and his replacement, Senator Usha Reddi, was sworn into office on Wednesday.&nbsp;

On Wednesday afternoon, Chief Justice Marla Luckert delivered the state of the Judiciary address in a joint session of the legislature.&nbsp; Luckert highlighted the specialty courts across the state, raising judicial pay, and the need for attorneys in rural Kansas.&nbsp; Near the end of 2022, Chief Justice Luckert signed an order to create the Kansas Rural Justice Initiative.&nbsp; The goal of the committee is to examine the legal needs of rural Kansans related to a lower ratio of attorneys to population in contrast to urban areas.&nbsp; According to statistics given in their news release, 43% of Kansans live in rural areas, but only 20% of Kansas attorneys live in rural communities.&nbsp; This leaves an attorneys to population ratio of one active attorney for every 808 residents.&nbsp; In contrast, Kansans in urban areas have two active attorneys for every 535 residents.&nbsp; This is a select committee I was assigned to.&nbsp; I am looking forward to working with the Judicial branch and others in our 18-month time frame to offer solutions for this problem which exists in other states across the nation as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

State law in Kansas requires that certain appointments by the Governor or other state officials be confirmed by the Senate prior to the appointee exercising any power, duty, or function of the office.

Judge Rachel Pickering had her confirmation hearing in the Judiciary Committee and was confirmed in the Senate on Thursday to the Kansas Court of Appeals.&nbsp; In addition to Judge Pickering, fifteen additional appointments to boards and commissions were also confirmed by the Senate on Thursday, January 19th.&nbsp; Among these confirmations,&nbsp;Ray C. Walling was confirmed as the 18th&nbsp;Kansas State Librarian since 1870.&nbsp;

SB3 –&nbsp;AN ACT designating Silvisaurus condrayi as the official state land fossil

Senate District #36 – Ottawa County

In 1955, Warren Condray, a farmer and rancher in Ottawa County, discovered this fossil in his pasture.&nbsp; His son, Jettie Condray who was the Ottawa County Historical Museum director, and his son Joel now a teacher in Goddard School district, promoted this fossil to be named a state fossil.&nbsp; Joel’s 6th&nbsp;grade class worked on this bill as a project to learn about the process of a bill (an idea) turning into a Kansas statute.&nbsp; The fossil was&nbsp;a one-ton armored ankylosaur approximately 13-feet long that walked across Kansas during the late cretaceous period of the mesozoic era.&nbsp; SB3 was heard in Senate Federal and State affairs on Wednesday, January 18th, and will be on the Senate Calendar next week.&nbsp; It will pass over to the House of Representatives, the students again will testify in committee (41 students and a few administrators attended the hearing), then a full House vote, and to Governor for her signature.&nbsp; With an early start on their project, there is a very good chance it will be signed in law before session and school ends.&nbsp;&nbsp; The fossil is currently on display in Lawrence at the KU Natural History Museum.&nbsp;

Kansas Insurance Department

Having problems with your insurance company?&nbsp; Contact the Kansas Insurance Department for assistance with your claim.&nbsp; File a complaint online at&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">insurance.ks.gov</a>, by phone at 785-296-3071, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov" target="_blank">KID.webcomplaints.ks.gov</a>.

During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law.&nbsp; One change is a first step in a property tax freeze for low-income seniors and disabled veterans via a rebate program administered by the KS Department of Revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp; Applications for property tax relief must be submitted by April 18, 2023 and can be found here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf/" target="_blank">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf/</a> **Please note that to qualify for the “freeze” a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000.&nbsp; A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled.&nbsp; Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to KDOR for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze.&nbsp;

Storefront business – property tax relief

To help small storefront businesses shutdown or negatively impacted by the shutdown during COVID, the legislature established a program to provide some property tax relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Details can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxnotices/notice22-04.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxnotices/notice22-04.pdf</a> Applications can be found at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/Misc/PropTaxAssistance/StoreFront" target="_blank">https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/Misc/PropTaxAssistance/StoreFront</a>

You can view video streaming of both chambers via the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. In addition, many committees are now audio streamed and can also be viewed on the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. The Kansas Legislature website is easy to use with Senate and House calendars and journals as well as the rosters of both chambers. Here are the relevant links:

Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YDBQy8-rsja0IE-azP2XHdnoiX7Ql4nNWrgHxHHtC7o4HeAA-0Aqe73zytd32tHFJOLxmvcn9GmLmACkPZbxMCH8a9zXNkiD1EVgLLAQsAwZitpKf2khnVK0mX6afJLmB2EKV17zX7f7tcasgCeiEQ==&amp;c=i2w4lkseQgtBVS4zSQ_aahnejaFbU1aDQFBhokGNh0NtT6pPxPG4Kg==&amp;ch=zcIfvSl6GRRuKxTv2Gjm07rByrF453B_cAk8d6LJKMN6JaX0CJJ3gA==" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org</a>

YouTube Streaming:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YDBQy8-rsja0IE-azP2XHdnoiX7Ql4nNWrgHxHHtC7o4HeAA-0Aqe73zytd32tHF34R6w-q9Yyc4qETkM4i0oK77_HAcUcgnTEzGR0bc3XlkSfwIv7NNomoykZXxAe6JYkaUz8mVZZ4=&amp;c=i2w4lkseQgtBVS4zSQ_aahnejaFbU1aDQFBhokGNh0NtT6pPxPG4Kg==&amp;ch=zcIfvSl6GRRuKxTv2Gjm07rByrF453B_cAk8d6LJKMN6JaX0CJJ3gA==" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2CZj9O0</a>

Committee Hearings:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YDBQy8-rsja0IE-azP2XHdnoiX7Ql4nNWrgHxHHtC7o4HeAA-0Aqe73zytd32tHFxPF3ofZot5nNQg29dl4IyyVwRxdehplaQI7UbFxYaMuHnBMclSTctfgUBGJFJhfBo5ERAz73sU3LnGPhP0mE6TsXQN3ZnpUtIzuCJEE31Q7s8BoUqzHzoE_0wonREwYfL5UydW56Tj2K886u6fhh9w==&amp;c=i2w4lkseQgtBVS4zSQ_aahnejaFbU1aDQFBhokGNh0NtT6pPxPG4Kg==&amp;ch=zcIfvSl6GRRuKxTv2Gjm07rByrF453B_cAk8d6LJKMN6JaX0CJJ3gA==" target="_blank">http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/</a>

Each year we are assigned dates for students to page for the Senate.&nbsp; The students should be twelve and over and will spend the full day with us including running errands for all Senators and a tour and trip to the Capitol Dome top.&nbsp; I was a page myself for Representative Bill Fuller from Miltonvale in 1981!&nbsp; Our dates this year are -&nbsp;Wednesday, February 8; Wednesday, February 15; Wednesday, February 22; Wednesday, March 1; and Wednesday, March 15th.&nbsp;

My office remains in the same suite, 223E (East wing second floor) next to the cage elevator.&nbsp; Randi Walters who has worked in the Capitol for 20 years as an assistant and a committee assistant is in our office.

As session progresses, not every bill introduced will make it to the Governor’s desk, but that doesn’t mean opinions, facts and testimony wasn’t heard. Your participation in the state legislature is vital. As we continue to weed through the different bills, I hope to hear from you. I want to know how legislation will impact you and our district, or the ideas you have to improve a bill.&nbsp; A personal email with your thoughts is the best way to reach us as we sit in committees for most of the day and seldom get to stay at our desks for long periods.&nbsp;

Thank you for the honor of serving you! Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes:

* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer and Logan * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Plum, Rushville, Solomon (part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure><a>2023 Senate Scene Week 1 and 2</a>SENATE HIGHLIGHTSAs we get settled into the first and second week of the 2023 legislative session, most of our work is concentrated in committees where bills are being prioritized and vetted. The Senate has 19 standing committees which cover many different topics, including education, agriculture, judiciary, budget, and utilities—to name a few.&nbsp; Once a committee completes hearings and votes on a bill, if passed, it will then make its way to the Senate floor and the full body will begin to debate and vote on the measure. Floor debates and votes will begin in the coming weeks. At the end of the 2nd&nbsp;week, over 170 bills have been introduced.&nbsp; If you’re interested in tracking our work, you can follow us at our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YDBQy8-rsja0IE-azP2XHdnoiX7Ql4nNWrgHxHHtC7o4HeAA-0Aqe73zytd32tHFJOLxmvcn9GmLmACkPZbxMCH8a9zXNkiD1EVgLLAQsAwZitpKf2khnVK0mX6afJLmB2EKV17zX7f7tcasgCeiEQ==&amp;c=i2w4lkseQgtBVS4zSQ_aahnejaFbU1aDQFBhokGNh0NtT6pPxPG4Kg==&amp;ch=zcIfvSl6GRRuKxTv2Gjm07rByrF453B_cAk8d6LJKMN6JaX0CJJ3gA==" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp; A daily calendar is available as well as directions on how to view committee work live-time and view archive past committee and floor action.&nbsp;COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTSMy committees remain the same as last year - the Ethics, Elections and Local Government committee is two committees renamed Transparency and Ethics and Local Government.&nbsp; I will Chair Transparency and Ethics and will serve as the Vice-Chair of Local Government.&nbsp; I continue to serve on the Transportation, Judiciary, and Utilities committees and remain on the Historical Preservation Committee, the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight, and most recently selected to serve on&nbsp;the Kansas Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial committee established last year with HB2712.<a>SWEARING IN CEREMONIES – SESSION OPENING</a>On Monday, January 9th, Governor Laura Kelly was sworn into office for her second term.&nbsp; Her speech reflected on the past four years, the impact of COVID-19 on the state of Kansas, and the plan for her final term.&nbsp; In addition, the new Attorney General Kris Kobach and State Treasurer Steven Johnson, as well as re-elected Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt and the Secretary of State Scott Schwab were sworn in.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a></a>The 2023&nbsp;Senate legislative session began on Monday, January 9thth, at 2:00 p.m. with the swearing in of Senator Ron Ryckman, Sr. and new Senator Chase Blasi.&nbsp; Senator Blasi is familiar with the Senate, having served on staff for both Presidents Wagle and Masterson the past few sessions.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Senator Tom Hawk (D-Manhattan) gave his retirement speech and his replacement, Senator Usha Reddi, was sworn into office on Wednesday.&nbsp;STATE OF THE JUDICIARYOn Wednesday afternoon, Chief Justice Marla Luckert delivered the state of the Judiciary address in a joint session of the legislature.&nbsp; Luckert highlighted the specialty courts across the state, raising judicial pay, and the need for attorneys in rural Kansas.&nbsp; Near the end of 2022, Chief Justice Luckert signed an order to create the Kansas Rural Justice Initiative.&nbsp; The goal of the committee is to examine the legal needs of rural Kansans related to a lower ratio of attorneys to population in contrast to urban areas.&nbsp; According to statistics given in their news release, 43% of Kansans live in rural areas, but only 20% of Kansas attorneys live in rural communities.&nbsp; This leaves an attorneys to population ratio of one active attorney for every 808 residents.&nbsp; In contrast, Kansans in urban areas have two active attorneys for every 535 residents.&nbsp; This is a select committee I was assigned to.&nbsp; I am looking forward to working with the Judicial branch and others in our 18-month time frame to offer solutions for this problem which exists in other states across the nation as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a>CONFIRMATIONS</a>State law in Kansas requires that certain appointments by the Governor or other state officials be confirmed by the Senate prior to the appointee exercising any power, duty, or function of the office.Judge Rachel Pickering had her confirmation hearing in the Judiciary Committee and was confirmed in the Senate on Thursday to the Kansas Court of Appeals.&nbsp; In addition to Judge Pickering, fifteen additional appointments to boards and commissions were also confirmed by the Senate on Thursday, January 19th.&nbsp; Among these confirmations,&nbsp;Ray C. Walling was confirmed as the 18th&nbsp;Kansas State Librarian since 1870.&nbsp;SB3 –&nbsp;AN ACT designating Silvisaurus condrayi as the official state land fossilSenate District #36 – Ottawa CountyIn 1955, Warren Condray, a farmer and rancher in Ottawa County, discovered this fossil in his pasture.&nbsp; His son, Jettie Condray who was the Ottawa County Historical Museum director, and his son Joel now a teacher in Goddard School district, promoted this fossil to be named a state fossil.&nbsp; Joel’s 6th&nbsp;grade class worked on this bill as a project to learn about the process of a bill (an idea) turning into a Kansas statute.&nbsp; The fossil was&nbsp;a one-ton armored ankylosaur approximately 13-feet long that walked across Kansas during the late cretaceous period of the mesozoic era.&nbsp; SB3 was heard in Senate Federal and State affairs on Wednesday, January 18th, and will be on the Senate Calendar next week.&nbsp; It will pass over to the House of Representatives, the students again will testify in committee (41 students and a few administrators attended the hearing), then a full House vote, and to Governor for her signature.&nbsp; With an early start on their project, there is a very good chance it will be signed in law before session and school ends.&nbsp;&nbsp; The fossil is currently on display in Lawrence at the KU Natural History Museum.&nbsp;HELPFUL KANSAS INFORMATONKansas Insurance DepartmentHaving problems with your insurance company?&nbsp; Contact the Kansas Insurance Department for assistance with your claim.&nbsp; File a complaint online at&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">insurance.ks.gov</a>, by phone at 785-296-3071, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov" target="_blank">KID.webcomplaints.ks.gov</a>.Property Tax ReliefDuring the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law.&nbsp; One change is a first step in a property tax freeze for low-income seniors and disabled veterans via a rebate program administered by the KS Department of Revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp; Applications for property tax relief must be submitted by April 18, 2023 and can be found here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf/" target="_blank">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf/</a> **Please note that to qualify for the “freeze” a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000.&nbsp; A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled.&nbsp; Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to KDOR for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze.&nbsp;Storefront business – property tax reliefTo help small storefront businesses shutdown or negatively impacted by the shutdown during COVID, the legislature established a program to provide some property tax relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Details can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxnotices/notice22-04.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxnotices/notice22-04.pdf</a> Applications can be found at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/Misc/PropTaxAssistance/StoreFront" target="_blank">https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/Misc/PropTaxAssistance/StoreFront</a>Following the Kansas LegislatureYou can view video streaming of both chambers via the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. In addition, many committees are now audio streamed and can also be viewed on the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. The Kansas Legislature website is easy to use with Senate and House calendars and journals as well as the rosters of both chambers. Here are the relevant links:Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YDBQy8-rsja0IE-azP2XHdnoiX7Ql4nNWrgHxHHtC7o4HeAA-0Aqe73zytd32tHFJOLxmvcn9GmLmACkPZbxMCH8a9zXNkiD1EVgLLAQsAwZitpKf2khnVK0mX6afJLmB2EKV17zX7f7tcasgCeiEQ==&amp;c=i2w4lkseQgtBVS4zSQ_aahnejaFbU1aDQFBhokGNh0NtT6pPxPG4Kg==&amp;ch=zcIfvSl6GRRuKxTv2Gjm07rByrF453B_cAk8d6LJKMN6JaX0CJJ3gA==" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org</a>YouTube Streaming:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YDBQy8-rsja0IE-azP2XHdnoiX7Ql4nNWrgHxHHtC7o4HeAA-0Aqe73zytd32tHF34R6w-q9Yyc4qETkM4i0oK77_HAcUcgnTEzGR0bc3XlkSfwIv7NNomoykZXxAe6JYkaUz8mVZZ4=&amp;c=i2w4lkseQgtBVS4zSQ_aahnejaFbU1aDQFBhokGNh0NtT6pPxPG4Kg==&amp;ch=zcIfvSl6GRRuKxTv2Gjm07rByrF453B_cAk8d6LJKMN6JaX0CJJ3gA==" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2CZj9O0</a>Committee Hearings:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YDBQy8-rsja0IE-azP2XHdnoiX7Ql4nNWrgHxHHtC7o4HeAA-0Aqe73zytd32tHFxPF3ofZot5nNQg29dl4IyyVwRxdehplaQI7UbFxYaMuHnBMclSTctfgUBGJFJhfBo5ERAz73sU3LnGPhP0mE6TsXQN3ZnpUtIzuCJEE31Q7s8BoUqzHzoE_0wonREwYfL5UydW56Tj2K886u6fhh9w==&amp;c=i2w4lkseQgtBVS4zSQ_aahnejaFbU1aDQFBhokGNh0NtT6pPxPG4Kg==&amp;ch=zcIfvSl6GRRuKxTv2Gjm07rByrF453B_cAk8d6LJKMN6JaX0CJJ3gA==" target="_blank">http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/</a><a>Page Dates</a>Each year we are assigned dates for students to page for the Senate.&nbsp; The students should be twelve and over and will spend the full day with us including running errands for all Senators and a tour and trip to the Capitol Dome top.&nbsp; I was a page myself for Representative Bill Fuller from Miltonvale in 1981!&nbsp; Our dates this year are -&nbsp;Wednesday, February 8; Wednesday, February 15; Wednesday, February 22; Wednesday, March 1; and Wednesday, March 15th.&nbsp;Office InformationMy office remains in the same suite, 223E (East wing second floor) next to the cage elevator.&nbsp; Randi Walters who has worked in the Capitol for 20 years as an assistant and a committee assistant is in our office.As session progresses, not every bill introduced will make it to the Governor’s desk, but that doesn’t mean opinions, facts and testimony wasn’t heard. Your participation in the state legislature is vital. As we continue to weed through the different bills, I hope to hear from you. I want to know how legislation will impact you and our district, or the ideas you have to improve a bill.&nbsp; A personal email with your thoughts is the best way to reach us as we sit in committees for most of the day and seldom get to stay at our desks for long periods.&nbsp;Thank you for the honor of serving you! Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes: * Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer and Logan * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Plum, Rushville, Solomon (part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: 2023 Senate Scene Weeks 1 and 2

The Rahjes Report January 23, 2023

We are already in week 3 of the 2023 Kansas Legislative session. It has been a slow go with mainly bill introductions and overviews in committee meetings. 

Once again, I am Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and member of Appropriations and Higher Education Budget Committee. 

The Governor delivers the State of the State this week, as it was delayed by a possible illness a couple of weeks ago when it was originally planned. We have already received her budget so this state of the state presentation will be one of applause lines and broad ideas with the budget serving as the roadmap we begin when producing the next budget.

Here are some of the highlights in the Governor’s budget: Back to School Tax Holiday - This idea also is nothing new; back in 2015, House Republicans introduced House Bill 2076, which would have created a weekend-long sales tax holiday for back-to-school purchases. At the time, Democrats, and the Kansas Association of School Boards, opposed the bill because it would "decrease state revenue." House Republicans are committed to helping Kansas families, especially low-income families, save money as they prepare to send their children back to school and to assist local businesses to sell more merchandise, which is why we have consistently supported these kinds of low-tax policies. A 4-day sales tax holiday for back to school was proposed. Only a list of items will be subject to this tax holiday. Estimated tax relief is $5.5 million.

Social Security Income Tax Relief - Though House Republicans are glad to see the Governor has finally recognized the wisdom of former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt's "Retire Tax-Free" plan, the timing of her endorsement of his proposal does seem politically convenient, coming as it does after the November election. Furthermore, rather than providing relief to all Social Security income tax recipients as Republicans had proposed, the Governor has proposed a "smoothing of the cliff" only for certain retirees. The Governor's plan: Retirees falling between $75,000 and $100,000 will see this "smoothing of the cliff." Estimated tax relief of only $20.5 million. Retire Tax-Free plan: If effective in the 2023 tax year, exempting all Social Security income is estimated to provide about $32.5 million in relief, $109.2 million in 2024, and $112.5 million in 2025. Entirely exempting all private retirement income would provide about $69.9 million in relief in 2023, $233.8 million in 2024, and $236.1 million in 2025.

Additional Facts Regarding the Budget:

ONE TIME EXPENDITURES, Rainy Day Fund- $500 million added to the Budget Stabilization fund which will put the state’s rainy-day fund at $1.5 billion.

Infrastructure Leveraging Fund - $220 million added to the Infrastructure Leveraging Fund which was created by the Infrastructure Hub as a special fund to invest in infrastructure projects identified as priority.

Debt Buydown/Debt Avoidance - $53 million taken from State General Fund (SGF) to eliminate Kansas Water Office debt. Eliminates 2 remaining reservoir debts related to Milford and Perry reservoirs. Estimated interest payment savings of $29.4 million. $16.4 million taken from State Institutions Building Fund to pay cash for new Veteran’s Home, estimated interest payment saving of $10 million, contingent on VA awarding federal funds.

KanCare Program - $1.5 million of SGF to increase rates for targeted case management $7.1 million of SGF to standardize key reimbursements rates across waivers. Examples include: increasing service rates for Brain Injury, Physical Disability, Autism and Technology Assisted waivers to match the rates for Frail Elderly waiver. Eliminating service rate disparity between waivers, $3.7 million of SGF to increase rates for brain injury facilities, $5.1 million of SGF to increase placement rates for relative &amp; non-kinship foster homes

K-12 Education - K-12 funding for FY24 and FY25, $3 million from SGF to expand Mental Health Intervention Team Pilot (expand to 15-25 districts), $5.0 million from SGF for Safe and Secure grants. $50,000 in partial year funding for FY23 and $273,000 in FY24 from the State General Fund for 2 Full-Time Equivalent School Resource Officers for the School of the Blind and 2 Full-Time Equivalent School Resource Officers for the School of the Deaf. $72.4 million each of next 5 years for Special Education to get all school districts to 92% by FY28.

Higher Education - $107.9 million of SGF to keep no to low tuition increases. $65.9 million broken down as follows: $20 million to expand financial aid for the state’s public universities, $21.8 million to mitigate impact from inflation, $10.6 million for university specific programs, $8mil for implementation of National Institute of Student Success Academic Playbooks, $42 million in one-time expenses broken down as follows: $20 million for deferred maintenance, with a dollar-for-dollar match requirement, $12 million for IT and cybersecurity upgrades, $10 million for demolition

Workforce Development - $4 million of SGF to Board of Regent for micro-internship program. Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF): . $3 million of EDIF for Department of Commerce marketing, $500,000 of EDIF for Office of Registered Apprenticeship, $1 million of EDIF for early childhood education and care, $2.5 million of SGF for childcare facility pilot project, $20 million of SGF to Housing Revolving Loan Program- Kansas Housing Resource Corporation

State Employees - 5% Statewide pay adjustment (Excludes Judicial Branch, KSSB and KSSD teachers, elected officials, and agencies on approved career progression plan.)

Cybersecurity and IT -&nbsp;Total of $41.6 million over FY23 and FY24.

These are just some of the highlights contained in the Governor’s budget and I am sure there will be additions and subtractions as the session moves along.

You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a> and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the Kansas Legislature’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">YouTube channel</a>.

I have moved offices and now located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. If you would like to contact me, email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session 785-296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at 785-302-8416. 

If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.

Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;

* Norton and Phillips Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog (part),&nbsp;Lookout (part) and Wheatland (part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City (part) and Nicodemus (part) * Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich;&nbsp;Townships: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (part), 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646612827522.jpeg" alt="State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Rahjes Report January 23, 2023 Hello from Topeka. We are already in week 3 of the 2023 Kansas Legislative session. It has been a slow go with mainly bill introductions and overviews in committee meetings. Once again, I am Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and member of Appropriations and Higher Education Budget Committee. The Governor delivers the State of the State this week, as it was delayed by a possible illness a couple of weeks ago when it was originally planned. We have already received her budget so this state of the state presentation will be one of applause lines and broad ideas with the budget serving as the roadmap we begin when producing the next budget.Here are some of the highlights in the Governor’s budget: Back to School Tax Holiday - This idea also is nothing new; back in 2015, House Republicans introduced House Bill 2076, which would have created a weekend-long sales tax holiday for back-to-school purchases. At the time, Democrats, and the Kansas Association of School Boards, opposed the bill because it would "decrease state revenue." House Republicans are committed to helping Kansas families, especially low-income families, save money as they prepare to send their children back to school and to assist local businesses to sell more merchandise, which is why we have consistently supported these kinds of low-tax policies. A 4-day sales tax holiday for back to school was proposed. Only a list of items will be subject to this tax holiday. Estimated tax relief is $5.5 million.Social Security Income Tax Relief - Though House Republicans are glad to see the Governor has finally recognized the wisdom of former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt's "Retire Tax-Free" plan, the timing of her endorsement of his proposal does seem politically convenient, coming as it does after the November election. Furthermore, rather than providing relief to all Social Security income tax recipients as Republicans had proposed, the Governor has proposed a "smoothing of the cliff" only for certain retirees. The Governor's plan: Retirees falling between $75,000 and $100,000 will see this "smoothing of the cliff." Estimated tax relief of only $20.5 million. Retire Tax-Free plan: If effective in the 2023 tax year, exempting all Social Security income is estimated to provide about $32.5 million in relief, $109.2 million in 2024, and $112.5 million in 2025. Entirely exempting all private retirement income would provide about $69.9 million in relief in 2023, $233.8 million in 2024, and $236.1 million in 2025.Additional Facts Regarding the Budget: ONE TIME EXPENDITURES, Rainy Day Fund- $500 million added to the Budget Stabilization fund which will put the state’s rainy-day fund at $1.5 billion.Infrastructure Leveraging Fund - $220 million added to the Infrastructure Leveraging Fund which was created by the Infrastructure Hub as a special fund to invest in infrastructure projects identified as priority.Debt Buydown/Debt Avoidance - $53 million taken from State General Fund (SGF) to eliminate Kansas Water Office debt. Eliminates 2 remaining reservoir debts related to Milford and Perry reservoirs. Estimated interest payment savings of $29.4 million. $16.4 million taken from State Institutions Building Fund to pay cash for new Veteran’s Home, estimated interest payment saving of $10 million, contingent on VA awarding federal funds.KanCare Program - $1.5 million of SGF to increase rates for targeted case management $7.1 million of SGF to standardize key reimbursements rates across waivers. Examples include: increasing service rates for Brain Injury, Physical Disability, Autism and Technology Assisted waivers to match the rates for Frail Elderly waiver. Eliminating service rate disparity between waivers, $3.7 million of SGF to increase rates for brain injury facilities, $5.1 million of SGF to increase placement rates for relative &amp; non-kinship foster homesK-12 Education - K-12 funding for FY24 and FY25, $3 million from SGF to expand Mental Health Intervention Team Pilot (expand to 15-25 districts), $5.0 million from SGF for Safe and Secure grants. $50,000 in partial year funding for FY23 and $273,000 in FY24 from the State General Fund for 2 Full-Time Equivalent School Resource Officers for the School of the Blind and 2 Full-Time Equivalent School Resource Officers for the School of the Deaf. $72.4 million each of next 5 years for Special Education to get all school districts to 92% by FY28.Higher Education - $107.9 million of SGF to keep no to low tuition increases. $65.9 million broken down as follows: $20 million to expand financial aid for the state’s public universities, $21.8 million to mitigate impact from inflation, $10.6 million for university specific programs, $8mil for implementation of National Institute of Student Success Academic Playbooks, $42 million in one-time expenses broken down as follows: $20 million for deferred maintenance, with a dollar-for-dollar match requirement, $12 million for IT and cybersecurity upgrades, $10 million for demolitionWorkforce Development - $4 million of SGF to Board of Regent for micro-internship program. Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF): . $3 million of EDIF for Department of Commerce marketing, $500,000 of EDIF for Office of Registered Apprenticeship, $1 million of EDIF for early childhood education and care, $2.5 million of SGF for childcare facility pilot project, $20 million of SGF to Housing Revolving Loan Program- Kansas Housing Resource CorporationState Employees - 5% Statewide pay adjustment (Excludes Judicial Branch, KSSB and KSSD teachers, elected officials, and agencies on approved career progression plan.)Cybersecurity and IT -&nbsp;Total of $41.6 million over FY23 and FY24.These are just some of the highlights contained in the Governor’s budget and I am sure there will be additions and subtractions as the session moves along.You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org</a> and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the Kansas Legislature’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">YouTube channel</a>. I have moved offices and now located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. If you would like to contact me, email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session 785-296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at 785-302-8416. If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;* Norton and Phillips Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog (part),&nbsp;Lookout (part) and Wheatland (part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City (part) and Nicodemus (part) * Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich;&nbsp;Townships: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (part), 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12

RAHJES REPORT: January 23, 2023

By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review

     On Saturday morning, more snow was falling upon older snow as I pulled into the icy Phillipsburg Post Office parking area.

     The day was dreary and grayish-white, with the division of sky and earth being barely perceptible against a similarly dreary and grayish-white background, as a light but persistant snow was drifting down.

     Parking next to  the only other vehicle at the post office, a flatbed truck I recognized, I exited my car thinking "this just might get interesting."

     Approaching the entrance to the building, an elderly man stepped out, mail in hand, saying, “Hello Kirby, I’ll hold the door open for you.  My daughter-in-law probably wouldn’t hold it open for you, but I will.”

     Chuckling, I responded “It doesn’t surprise me that you say she wouldn’t.”

     “You know who my daughter-in-law is,” he said more as a statement of fact than as a question.

     “Do you know who I am?” he asked in follow up.

     “Yes I do. Maybe your daughter-in-law will be willing to hold the door open once she sees the value of investing in growth in Phillips County like I do,” I responded.

     “I doubt if that happens.  I know I won’t live to see the value of that growth you’re talking about,” he said.  Pausing a moment and scrunching his face, he added, “I doubt if you’ll see it either.”

     “So is it worth it?” he asked as he turned and walked away without waiting for my answer.

     As I continued on my original mission and got my mail, the elderly man’s question immediately brought to mind my own grandmother, Fern Elder.

     Grandma Fern lived to the ripe old age of 92.  In her “younger” days when her years numbered  around 80, she was planting a tree in her yard in Kirwin.  

     I asked her the usual questions regarding its species and such.  In the course of the conversation she commented that eventually her tree will grow to be tall and strong, and “provide a good shade in the hot Kansas summer sun.”

     Which quickly led my questioning to come around to “how long will it be until it gets that way?”

     “Oh, around 30 years or so,” she said.

     “Thirty years! Is it  worth it?  That  won’t benefit you.  Why are you going to all this trouble?” I said.

     “Kirby,” she answered, “I’m not doing this for myself.  I’m doing this for the next one.”

     The profound nature of her answer quickly ended any debate on the matter, and even made me feel a bit small, although that was certainly not her intent.  It also made me feel proud.  

     The 30 years she spoke of have since come to pass, and when I’m in Kirwin I sometimes go by and look at her tree.  It’s tall and strong, and provides a good shade in the hot Kansas summer sun, for the next one, just as her wise counsel predicted it would.

     Back in the 1870s and '80s and '90s our ancestors  — yours and mine — set the stage for Phillips  County to become one of the economic crown jewels of northwest Kansas.

     Likewise in the '30s, '40s and '50s, there was another major surge of large-scale investment in the future of the county from which we have all, every single one of us, benefited.

     And for those old-timers who invested heavily into the future of Phillips County, you and I were “the next one.”

     Those heady Phillips County boom times in the mid-20th century even set the stage for the business that the family of the now-elderly man from the post office started in the 1960s.  That business continues to prosper to this very day.

     Each generation of the man’s family has since improved upon that business — not because the results of their hard work which they will pass on through “for the next one” is something the older generation will be seeing, but because it is our duty to make sure that those who follow us are placed on solid footing for the future.

     Right now we are at a monumental crossroads in the history of Phillips County, and as a consequence are going through a terrible debate in regard to growth, and whether it is “worth it” or not.

     With a third of one BILLION dollars being invested in Phillips County right now, what is happening out at TAMKO, and Amber Wave, along with the possible addition of hugely significant major industry coat-tailing behind Amber Wave, will affect the future of Phillips County for the next hundred years — just as the work of those who came before us did for us.

     And it is the obligation of every one of us to provide the support needed for that future at this key moment in time, including investing financially in it.

     If not for ourselves, then “for the next one.”

     Now, back to the old man’s question to me at the post office on Saturday — “So is it worth it?”

Phillips County Review editor Kirby Ross was named the top Kansas editorial writer in his circulation class by the Kansas Press Association in 2018 and 2022. The overall editorial pages of the Phillips County Review were named as the best in their class in Kansas by the KPA in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Republished with permission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594071502884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KIRBY ROSS Phillips County Review On Saturday morning, more snow was falling upon older snow as I pulled into the icy Phillipsburg Post Office parking area. The day was dreary and grayish-white, with the division of sky and earth being barely perceptible against a similarly dreary and grayish-white background, as a light but persistant snow was drifting down. Parking next to the only other vehicle at the post office, a flatbed truck I recognized, I exited my car thinking "this just might get interesting."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Approaching the entrance to the building, an elderly man stepped out, mail in hand, saying, “Hello Kirby, I’ll hold the door open for you. My daughter-in-law probably wouldn’t hold it open for you, but I will.” Chuckling, I responded “It doesn’t surprise me that you say she wouldn’t.” “You know who my daughter-in-law is,” he said more as a statement of fact than as a question. “Yep.” “Do you know who I am?” he asked in follow up. “Yes I do. Maybe your daughter-in-law will be willing to hold the door open once she sees the value of investing in growth in Phillips County like I do,” I responded. “I doubt if that happens. I know I won’t live to see the value of that growth you’re talking about,” he said. Pausing a moment and scrunching his face, he added, “I doubt if you’ll see it either.” “Maybe not,” I said. “So is it worth it?” he asked as he turned and walked away without waiting for my answer.************** As I continued on my original mission and got my mail, the elderly man’s question immediately brought to mind my own grandmother, Fern Elder. Grandma Fern lived to the ripe old age of 92. In her “younger” days when her years numbered around 80, she was planting a tree in her yard in Kirwin. I asked her the usual questions regarding its species and such. In the course of the conversation she commented that eventually her tree will grow to be tall and strong, and “provide a good shade in the hot Kansas summer sun.” Which quickly led my questioning to come around to “how long will it be until it gets that way?” “Oh, around 30 years or so,” she said. “Thirty years! Is it worth it? That won’t benefit you. Why are you going to all this trouble?” I said. “Kirby,” she answered, “I’m not doing this for myself. I’m doing this for the next one.”************** The profound nature of her answer quickly ended any debate on the matter, and even made me feel a bit small, although that was certainly not her intent. It also made me feel proud. The 30 years she spoke of have since come to pass, and when I’m in Kirwin I sometimes go by and look at her tree. It’s tall and strong, and provides a good shade in the hot Kansas summer sun, for the next one, just as her wise counsel predicted it would.************** Back in the 1870s and '80s and '90s our ancestors — yours and mine — set the stage for Phillips County to become one of the economic crown jewels of northwest Kansas. Likewise in the '30s, '40s and '50s, there was another major surge of large-scale investment in the future of the county from which we have all, every single one of us, benefited. And for those old-timers who invested heavily into the future of Phillips County, you and I were “the next one.” Those heady Phillips County boom times in the mid-20th century even set the stage for the business that the family of the now-elderly man from the post office started in the 1960s. That business continues to prosper to this very day. Each generation of the man’s family has since improved upon that business — not because the results of their hard work which they will pass on through “for the next one” is something the older generation will be seeing, but because it is our duty to make sure that those who follow us are placed on solid footing for the future. Right now we are at a monumental crossroads in the history of Phillips County, and as a consequence are going through a terrible debate in regard to growth, and whether it is “worth it” or not. With a third of one BILLION dollars being invested in Phillips County right now, what is happening out at TAMKO, and Amber Wave, along with the possible addition of hugely significant major industry coat-tailing behind Amber Wave, will affect the future of Phillips County for the next hundred years — just as the work of those who came before us did for us. And it is the obligation of every one of us to provide the support needed for that future at this key moment in time, including investing financially in it. If not for ourselves, then “for the next one.” Now, back to the old man’s question to me at the post office on Saturday — “So is it worth it?” My answer? You damn right it is. Phillips County Review editor Kirby Ross was named the top Kansas editorial writer in his circulation class by the Kansas Press Association in 2018 and 2022. The overall editorial pages of the Phillips County Review were named as the best in their class in Kansas by the KPA in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Republished with permission.

OPINION: 'So is it worth it?' — the future of Phillips County

As I sit here this morning&nbsp;in the warm comfort of my living room&nbsp;watching the snow flakes&nbsp;fall,&nbsp;I’m reminded&nbsp;just&nbsp;how&nbsp;magnificent our Creator is. First the flakes were huge like&nbsp;doily’s&nbsp;and filled the sky. Next thing I knew, they were tiny,&nbsp;scarcely&nbsp;qualifying as snow flakes and&nbsp;barely coming down. Back and forth that cycle went for the rest of the morning.

Show&nbsp;me one person who doesn’t have some&nbsp;sort of love-hate relationship with snow.&nbsp;It

seems as though a person either love it or hates it, and for some of us it depends upon the

day.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;hard to explain how something that makes the landscape&nbsp;suddenly&nbsp;seem so sparkling clean and pure can turn on you in an instant and&nbsp;ruin your day. I was reminded today&nbsp;how much I love to watch snow fall and how beautiful it makes everything it touches, but also how much I hate removing it from my driveway.&nbsp;I’m kind of a purist in that I believe God put it there and I don’t want to shovel it and take away any satisfaction He might get from taking it away himself!&nbsp;Yes, to the traveler, home owner, maintenance man&nbsp;and commuter,&nbsp;snow is&nbsp;often&nbsp;an&nbsp;unwelcome inconvenience. To the outdoorsman, however, snow opens up a whole&nbsp;new world of&nbsp;opportunities.&nbsp;

For the&nbsp;outdoors&nbsp;photographer&nbsp;or painter there is no other canvas that compares to&nbsp;an outdoor scene&nbsp;sporting&nbsp;a&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;snowfall.&nbsp;Suddenly, as if by magic, the mundane becomesmajestic,&nbsp;the drab becomes&nbsp;dynamic and the everyday becomes&nbsp;extraordinary. Outdoor spots&nbsp;we pass&nbsp;daily with no recognition suddenly become&nbsp;scenes&nbsp;from a calendar.&nbsp;Likethe lava lamps of days gone by,&nbsp;the look of the landscape&nbsp;slowly&nbsp;changes from hour to hour with the wind.&nbsp;

Obviously,&nbsp;skiers and snowboarders live for fresh snow. After an overnight snowfall,hills&nbsp;too steep to climb become mere carnival rides beneath their feet. Cross country skiers can, in one day, see country it would take them several days to see on foot without the snow.&nbsp;And let’s not forget the farmers. As a rule of thumb, ten inches of snow equal one inch of rain,&nbsp;and snow supposedly brings with it good nutrients too, so&nbsp;even though we will not be getting&nbsp;any amount near ten inches, every little bit of moisture is welcome, given the dry state of our land.

Hunters and trappers can benefit&nbsp;greatly from a fresh snowfall. Tracks of deer, coyotes, bobcats and other game animals are tough to&nbsp;spot in our&nbsp;often-dry&nbsp;Kansas soil,&nbsp;so&nbsp;trying to learn&nbsp;their&nbsp;movement patterns&nbsp;can rely&nbsp;on being&nbsp;fortunate enough to see the animals themselves. Remember going to dances back-in-the-day when your hand was stamped with a mark that only showed up under a special “black light?”&nbsp;That mark was there the whole time but only became visible when put under the light. Just like the black light, snow suddenly shows tracks of wildlife that have been traveling those same paths for months, but leaving no visible signs.

After a significant&nbsp;snowfall a few years ago, I spent time scouting an area I still had yet to trap. It was a soybean stubble field along the river where my wife harvested&nbsp;her first deer several years before. Besides hordes of deer tracks, I followed 2 sets of bobcat tracks as they meandered&nbsp;back and forth across the field&nbsp;and between several freshly made brush piles.&nbsp;I tracked a coyote for several&nbsp;hundred yards and was able to observe exactly how it related to certain land features. I followed coyote tracks on&nbsp;a frozen drainage ditch and could see where it had stopped to nose around under logs and other attractions. Its tracks showed me&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;trails it had traveled&nbsp;along the steep banks&nbsp;and where it had entered and left the ditch. Closing&nbsp;my eyes, I could&nbsp;almost see&nbsp;these animals as they&nbsp;left the footprints that held&nbsp;my attention.

So, the next time it snows, after you’ve shoveled the driveway, cleaned the walks, swept the deck and cursed the weatherman, grab your camera or walking stick and head for the woods. It will definitely&nbsp;influence your relationship with the “white stuff”&nbsp;as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>As I sit here this morning&nbsp;in the warm comfort of my living room&nbsp;watching the snow flakes&nbsp;fall,&nbsp;I’m reminded&nbsp;just&nbsp;how&nbsp;magnificent our Creator is. First the flakes were huge like&nbsp;doily’s&nbsp;and filled the sky. Next thing I knew, they were tiny,&nbsp;scarcely&nbsp;qualifying as snow flakes and&nbsp;barely coming down. Back and forth that cycle went for the rest of the morning.Show&nbsp;me one person who doesn’t have some&nbsp;sort of love-hate relationship with snow.&nbsp;Itseems as though a person either love it or hates it, and for some of us it depends upon theday.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;hard to explain how something that makes the landscape&nbsp;suddenly&nbsp;seem so sparkling clean and pure can turn on you in an instant and&nbsp;ruin your day. I was reminded today&nbsp;how much I love to watch snow fall and how beautiful it makes everything it touches, but also how much I hate removing it from my driveway.&nbsp;I’m kind of a purist in that I believe God put it there and I don’t want to shovel it and take away any satisfaction He might get from taking it away himself!&nbsp;Yes, to the traveler, home owner, maintenance man&nbsp;and commuter,&nbsp;snow is&nbsp;often&nbsp;an&nbsp;unwelcome inconvenience. To the outdoorsman, however, snow opens up a whole&nbsp;new world of&nbsp;opportunities.&nbsp;For the&nbsp;outdoors&nbsp;photographer&nbsp;or painter there is no other canvas that compares to&nbsp;an outdoor scene&nbsp;sporting&nbsp;a&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;snowfall.&nbsp;Suddenly, as if by magic, the mundane becomesmajestic,&nbsp;the drab becomes&nbsp;dynamic and the everyday becomes&nbsp;extraordinary. Outdoor spots&nbsp;we pass&nbsp;daily with no recognition suddenly become&nbsp;scenes&nbsp;from a calendar.&nbsp;Likethe lava lamps of days gone by,&nbsp;the look of the landscape&nbsp;slowly&nbsp;changes from hour to hour with the wind.&nbsp;Obviously,&nbsp;skiers and snowboarders live for fresh snow. After an overnight snowfall,hills&nbsp;too steep to climb become mere carnival rides beneath their feet. Cross country skiers can, in one day, see country it would take them several days to see on foot without the snow.&nbsp;And let’s not forget the farmers. As a rule of thumb, ten inches of snow equal one inch of rain,&nbsp;and snow supposedly brings with it good nutrients too, so&nbsp;even though we will not be getting&nbsp;any amount near ten inches, every little bit of moisture is welcome, given the dry state of our land.Hunters and trappers can benefit&nbsp;greatly from a fresh snowfall. Tracks of deer, coyotes, bobcats and other game animals are tough to&nbsp;spot in our&nbsp;often-dry&nbsp;Kansas soil,&nbsp;so&nbsp;trying to learn&nbsp;their&nbsp;movement patterns&nbsp;can rely&nbsp;on being&nbsp;fortunate enough to see the animals themselves. Remember going to dances back-in-the-day when your hand was stamped with a mark that only showed up under a special “black light?”&nbsp;That mark was there the whole time but only became visible when put under the light. Just like the black light, snow suddenly shows tracks of wildlife that have been traveling those same paths for months, but leaving no visible signs.After a significant&nbsp;snowfall a few years ago, I spent time scouting an area I still had yet to trap. It was a soybean stubble field along the river where my wife harvested&nbsp;her first deer several years before. Besides hordes of deer tracks, I followed 2 sets of bobcat tracks as they meandered&nbsp;back and forth across the field&nbsp;and between several freshly made brush piles.&nbsp;I tracked a coyote for several&nbsp;hundred yards and was able to observe exactly how it related to certain land features. I followed coyote tracks on&nbsp;a frozen drainage ditch and could see where it had stopped to nose around under logs and other attractions. Its tracks showed me&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;trails it had traveled&nbsp;along the steep banks&nbsp;and where it had entered and left the ditch. Closing&nbsp;my eyes, I could&nbsp;almost see&nbsp;these animals as they&nbsp;left the footprints that held&nbsp;my attention.So, the next time it snows, after you’ve shoveled the driveway, cleaned the walks, swept the deck and cursed the weatherman, grab your camera or walking stick and head for the woods. It will definitely&nbsp;influence your relationship with the “white stuff”&nbsp;as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Snow — love it or hate it

​While some&nbsp;folks negatively refer to Kansas as&nbsp;Flyover Country, I&nbsp;consider&nbsp;the term&nbsp;as one of our state’s best descriptors. 

Because of our location and the presence of&nbsp;features such as Cheyenne Bottoms&nbsp;and Quivira Marsh,&nbsp;the migratory bird&nbsp;Central&nbsp;Flyway&nbsp;crosses&nbsp;right&nbsp;overKansas.&nbsp;

Due to&nbsp;this, we&nbsp;see and hear&nbsp;massive migrations each spring and fall that few experience. As a bonus, geese and ducks that nest in Canada&nbsp;fly&nbsp;this far south in the winter&nbsp;before&nbsp;stopping&nbsp;on our lakes&nbsp;and reservoirs to feed and fuel the rest of their&nbsp;journey. Making it a double bonus, bald eagles that also&nbsp;reproduce&nbsp;in the North Country, follow those&nbsp;honking, quacking&nbsp;flocks&nbsp;to&nbsp;hunt&nbsp;weaker,&nbsp;slower&nbsp;members.&nbsp;Growing&nbsp;populations&nbsp;made&nbsp;this a banner year for&nbsp;fans of our national bird.

Kansas Birding&nbsp;on Facebook&nbsp;shared&nbsp;recently completed Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)&nbsp;that&nbsp;documented at least 100 eagles at Kirwin Reservoir. Nearby Webster Lake CBC reported at least 125 bald eagles&nbsp;following&nbsp;Canada goose, snow goose, and duck flocks this winter. If you want to nature watch, it’s worth a&nbsp;drive&nbsp;to view&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;geese on the water as well as&nbsp;the&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;circling&nbsp;and landing in&nbsp;surrounding&nbsp;farm fields.&nbsp;Park safely, crank up the heat,&nbsp;roll&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;window,&nbsp;and&nbsp;listen to&nbsp;them&nbsp;gabble and honk.&nbsp;

​Once&nbsp;you get&nbsp;close enough to the lake to watch massive rafts of water fowl,&nbsp;grab binoculars, spotting scopes, or telescopic lenses to look for accompanying bald eagles. In the past, seeing&nbsp;more than&nbsp;a&nbsp;couple&nbsp;thrilled&nbsp;a birder’s heart, but this year,&nbsp;lucky viewers&nbsp;might see&nbsp;a&nbsp;score&nbsp;or two&nbsp;sitting on ice,&nbsp;picking at&nbsp;remnants of goose&nbsp;or&nbsp;duck&nbsp;or fish, preening to keep feathers in prime condition, or resting between feasts.&nbsp;

​On a recent trip to Webster, we first spied several bald eagles perched high in trees lining the north shore camping and boating areas. With&nbsp;distinctive&nbsp;heads and hooked beaks&nbsp;turned to&nbsp;focus&nbsp;on thousands of waterfowl on the lake, they&nbsp;searched&nbsp;for&nbsp;those&nbsp;weak&nbsp;birds&nbsp;that&nbsp;provide a quick protein boost.&nbsp;

​We&nbsp;then&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;high vantage point that&nbsp;gave&nbsp;an open view of&nbsp;much of&nbsp;the ice-covered&nbsp;water. Once I zoomed in with my telescopic lens&nbsp;to&nbsp;scan&nbsp;the area, I’d see anywhere from 5 to 10 eagles situated not far from each&nbsp;group&nbsp;of hundreds if not thousands of&nbsp;waterfowl.&nbsp;

​Later, we&nbsp;investigated&nbsp;the campground/cove areas,&nbsp;pulling&nbsp;into one&nbsp;where we promptly spotted&nbsp;more&nbsp;eagles&nbsp;watching from&nbsp;trees near water.&nbsp;We found a parking&nbsp;spot&nbsp;that offered a&nbsp;distant&nbsp;view of&nbsp;a&nbsp;semi-protected cove&nbsp;and&nbsp;counted&nbsp;39&nbsp;eagles&nbsp;in&nbsp;that spot.&nbsp;Once again,&nbsp;they pecked at&nbsp;scraps, preened,&nbsp;and&nbsp;snoozed&nbsp;while&nbsp;a couple of&nbsp;lazy ones&nbsp;sneaked close enough&nbsp;to&nbsp;raise a fuss over&nbsp;a fellow&nbsp;eagle’s food cache.

​While eagles&nbsp;have&nbsp;historically followed&nbsp;migrating waterfowl&nbsp;across Kansas&nbsp;during fall and winter, this year’s bird count&nbsp;suggests&nbsp;that conservation efforts have boosted their recovery. It also makes&nbsp;Flyover Country&nbsp;sound&nbsp;so much&nbsp;more intriguing than the original&nbsp;disparaging remark&nbsp;intended.

Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674228972077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN​While some&nbsp;folks negatively refer to Kansas as&nbsp;Flyover Country, I&nbsp;consider&nbsp;the term&nbsp;as one of our state’s best descriptors. Because of our location and the presence of&nbsp;features such as Cheyenne Bottoms&nbsp;and Quivira Marsh,&nbsp;the migratory bird&nbsp;Central&nbsp;Flyway&nbsp;crosses&nbsp;right&nbsp;overKansas.&nbsp;Due to&nbsp;this, we&nbsp;see and hear&nbsp;massive migrations each spring and fall that few experience. As a bonus, geese and ducks that nest in Canada&nbsp;fly&nbsp;this far south in the winter&nbsp;before&nbsp;stopping&nbsp;on our lakes&nbsp;and reservoirs to feed and fuel the rest of their&nbsp;journey. Making it a double bonus, bald eagles that also&nbsp;reproduce&nbsp;in the North Country, follow those&nbsp;honking, quacking&nbsp;flocks&nbsp;to&nbsp;hunt&nbsp;weaker,&nbsp;slower&nbsp;members.&nbsp;Growing&nbsp;populations&nbsp;made&nbsp;this a banner year for&nbsp;fans of our national bird.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/PmXnldNV-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Eagle Flyover Country" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Kansas Birding&nbsp;on Facebook&nbsp;shared&nbsp;recently completed Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)&nbsp;that&nbsp;documented at least 100 eagles at Kirwin Reservoir. Nearby Webster Lake CBC reported at least 125 bald eagles&nbsp;following&nbsp;Canada goose, snow goose, and duck flocks this winter. If you want to nature watch, it’s worth a&nbsp;drive&nbsp;to view&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;geese on the water as well as&nbsp;the&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;circling&nbsp;and landing in&nbsp;surrounding&nbsp;farm fields.&nbsp;Park safely, crank up the heat,&nbsp;roll&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;window,&nbsp;and&nbsp;listen to&nbsp;them&nbsp;gabble and honk.&nbsp;​Once&nbsp;you get&nbsp;close enough to the lake to watch massive rafts of water fowl,&nbsp;grab binoculars, spotting scopes, or telescopic lenses to look for accompanying bald eagles. In the past, seeing&nbsp;more than&nbsp;a&nbsp;couple&nbsp;thrilled&nbsp;a birder’s heart, but this year,&nbsp;lucky viewers&nbsp;might see&nbsp;a&nbsp;score&nbsp;or two&nbsp;sitting on ice,&nbsp;picking at&nbsp;remnants of goose&nbsp;or&nbsp;duck&nbsp;or fish, preening to keep feathers in prime condition, or resting between feasts.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​On a recent trip to Webster, we first spied several bald eagles perched high in trees lining the north shore camping and boating areas. With&nbsp;distinctive&nbsp;heads and hooked beaks&nbsp;turned to&nbsp;focus&nbsp;on thousands of waterfowl on the lake, they&nbsp;searched&nbsp;for&nbsp;those&nbsp;weak&nbsp;birds&nbsp;that&nbsp;provide a quick protein boost.&nbsp;​We&nbsp;then&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;high vantage point that&nbsp;gave&nbsp;an open view of&nbsp;much of&nbsp;the ice-covered&nbsp;water. Once I zoomed in with my telescopic lens&nbsp;to&nbsp;scan&nbsp;the area, I’d see anywhere from 5 to 10 eagles situated not far from each&nbsp;group&nbsp;of hundreds if not thousands of&nbsp;waterfowl.&nbsp;​Later, we&nbsp;investigated&nbsp;the campground/cove areas,&nbsp;pulling&nbsp;into one&nbsp;where we promptly spotted&nbsp;more&nbsp;eagles&nbsp;watching from&nbsp;trees near water.&nbsp;We found a parking&nbsp;spot&nbsp;that offered a&nbsp;distant&nbsp;view of&nbsp;a&nbsp;semi-protected cove&nbsp;and&nbsp;counted&nbsp;39&nbsp;eagles&nbsp;in&nbsp;that spot.&nbsp;Once again,&nbsp;they pecked at&nbsp;scraps, preened,&nbsp;and&nbsp;snoozed&nbsp;while&nbsp;a couple of&nbsp;lazy ones&nbsp;sneaked close enough&nbsp;to&nbsp;raise a fuss over&nbsp;a fellow&nbsp;eagle’s food cache.​While eagles&nbsp;have&nbsp;historically followed&nbsp;migrating waterfowl&nbsp;across Kansas&nbsp;during fall and winter, this year’s bird count&nbsp;suggests&nbsp;that conservation efforts have boosted their recovery. It also makes&nbsp;Flyover Country&nbsp;sound&nbsp;so much&nbsp;more intriguing than the original&nbsp;disparaging remark&nbsp;intended.Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: Bald eagles in Flyover Country

Consistent with conservative wishes when it comes to K-12 education, the 2023 “A Better Way” legislative agenda Kansas Republicans released a few days ago leans toward support for school choice Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).

Any significant upside here is that the legislative process provides plenty of time for the public to voice their own goals for public school improvement.&nbsp;

ESA legislation likely to be introduced in 2023 would allow parents to draw down individual per student state funding to use at a private school or for other educational expenses such as tutoring, transportation or extra-curricular services.&nbsp;

Can providing Kansas taxpayer dollars to parents to spend on their child’s learning be the magic bullet for education or do ESAs drain the Kansas school system of needed resources and nullify the intent of state and federal law?

Kansas already offers a wide array of school choice options for parents—traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies and homeschooling.&nbsp;

Open enrollment, which will go into effect in the 2024-25 school year,&nbsp;will permit any Kansas student to transfer schools based on the receiving school’s capacity.

An ESA is not a 529 education savings account plan, in Kansas called Learning Quest, where parents/anyone can invest their own dollars toward a child’s education.&nbsp; Funds accrued in a 529&nbsp;account can be withdrawn tax-free if used to pay for college or other qualified education expenses including private schools.

The proposed ESA program is similar to voucher programs which originally allowed states to convert the amount of tax dollars going to support a child in public school to vouchers handed directly to parents for use at approved private schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The first voucher programs emerged in Southern states, during the 1950s shortly after American schools were desegregated. These vouchers were found unconstitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court in part because of selective-admission private school policies. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A resurgence in conservatism and voucher popularity began around 2000 and 15 states now have some form of revised voucher plans often called ESAs. These states’ laws are not uniform. Some limit recipients to high need students.&nbsp; Others allow funds for select learning services beyond private school tuition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent successful lawsuits&nbsp;in&nbsp;Tennessee, South Carolina and&nbsp;Kentucky&nbsp;blocked the diversion of millions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to private school vouchers.

The Education Law Center Public Funds Public Schools tracks challenges to ESAs and found a recently filed New Hampshirelawsuit revealed Amazon as the largest ESA beneficiary in 2021, receiving 18% of funds released to parents.

ESA supporters point to West Virginia, Florida and Arizona as examples where ESAs contribute to student success, but verification is difficult to determine because it is often based on short-term, non-scientific data collection.

There is an enormous difference between parents’ right to choose education for their own children and parents having power to decide where distribution of taxpayer dollars will go.

In Kansas, ESAs may be less about the opportunity for school choice than about shifting taxpayer education dollars to corporate entities and selective-admission private schools.

There are other, better ways to fix problem schools.&nbsp;

Whether it’s rural, suburban or city schools, anytime taxpayer money goes out-the-door to private enterprise, schools lose resources and the American ideal of free public education for all is diminished. &nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>Consistent with conservative wishes when it comes to K-12 education, the 2023 “A Better Way” legislative agenda Kansas Republicans released a few days ago leans toward support for school choice Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).Any significant upside here is that the legislative process provides plenty of time for the public to voice their own goals for public school improvement.&nbsp;ESA legislation likely to be introduced in 2023 would allow parents to draw down individual per student state funding to use at a private school or for other educational expenses such as tutoring, transportation or extra-curricular services.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Can providing Kansas taxpayer dollars to parents to spend on their child’s learning be the magic bullet for education or do ESAs drain the Kansas school system of needed resources and nullify the intent of state and federal law?Kansas already offers a wide array of school choice options for parents—traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies and homeschooling.&nbsp;Open enrollment, which will go into effect in the 2024-25 school year,&nbsp;will permit any Kansas student to transfer schools based on the receiving school’s capacity.An ESA is not a 529 education savings account plan, in Kansas called Learning Quest, where parents/anyone can invest their own dollars toward a child’s education.&nbsp; Funds accrued in a 529&nbsp;account can be withdrawn tax-free if used to pay for college or other qualified education expenses including private schools.The proposed ESA program is similar to voucher programs which originally allowed states to convert the amount of tax dollars going to support a child in public school to vouchers handed directly to parents for use at approved private schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first voucher programs emerged in Southern states, during the 1950s shortly after American schools were desegregated. These vouchers were found unconstitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court in part because of selective-admission private school policies. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A resurgence in conservatism and voucher popularity began around 2000 and 15 states now have some form of revised voucher plans often called ESAs. These states’ laws are not uniform. Some limit recipients to high need students.&nbsp; Others allow funds for select learning services beyond private school tuition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent successful lawsuits&nbsp;in&nbsp;Tennessee, South Carolina and&nbsp;Kentucky&nbsp;blocked the diversion of millions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to private school vouchers.The Education Law Center Public Funds Public Schools tracks challenges to ESAs and found a recently filed New Hampshirelawsuit revealed Amazon as the largest ESA beneficiary in 2021, receiving 18% of funds released to parents.ESA supporters point to West Virginia, Florida and Arizona as examples where ESAs contribute to student success, but verification is difficult to determine because it is often based on short-term, non-scientific data collection.There is an enormous difference between parents’ right to choose education for their own children and parents having power to decide where distribution of taxpayer dollars will go.In Kansas, ESAs may be less about the opportunity for school choice than about shifting taxpayer education dollars to corporate entities and selective-admission private schools.There are other, better ways to fix problem schools.&nbsp;Whether it’s rural, suburban or city schools, anytime taxpayer money goes out-the-door to private enterprise, schools lose resources and the American ideal of free public education for all is diminished. &nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Can Education Savings Accounts be a better way?

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

That statement from a young woman’s three-year old daughter helped launch a business of producing handmade soaps and other skin care products in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Dixie Pachta is founder and owner of Rose Creek Suds. Her products not only avoid the allergic reactions suffered by her daughter, they provide the wonderful scents and luxurious lather that her customers enjoy. She also supports worthy local causes.&nbsp;

Pachta grew up in the Linn and Washington area. She met and married Andrew who is from Linn. They attended Kansas State University where Dixie studied accounting and Andrew studied animal sciences.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After graduation, they moved to Andrew’s grandparents’ farm near the rural community of Munden, population 96 people. Now, that’s rural. For 10 years, Dixie Pachta worked in tax preparation and now does internal audits for a bank in Belleville.&nbsp;

At Christmas time in 2020, Andrew bought a bar of soap that he thought sounded appealing. “We were disappointed in it,” Dixie said. She remembered her grandmother had made soap at home, so Dixie decided to see if she could make a better soap herself.&nbsp;

“Both of our grandmothers made lard soap for laundry purposes,” Dixie said. “We still have chunks of her laundry soap.” Dixie also knew that several members of her family had issues with sensitive skin.&nbsp;

Dixie Pachta researched the process of making soap by hand and gave it a try. When her three-year old daughter used the soap and found that it didn’t sting her hands like the store products did, Dixie knew she was on the right track. Soon, friends and family members wanted the products, so Dixie started a business venture.&nbsp;

Because they live on Rose Creek, she named the business Rose Creek Suds. Today, Rose Creek Suds produces handmade soaps and other products, such as candles, wax melts, face mists and sugar scrubs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The key base product for many of her soaps is lard, as pioneer women used more than a century ago. “Lard soap is more creamy and it’s especially good for extra sensitive skin,” Dixie said. One of their family members raised hogs as a 4-H project so the Pachtas were able to access lard directly.&nbsp;

“I add various scents and castor oil and coconut oil for more bubbles,” Dixie said. In January 2021, she began taking her products to craft shows. Her products are sold locally and online, and have gone as far away as Florida, Canada, and Australia.&nbsp;

“I love to experiment,” Dixie said. “What can I use to make it smell better or have a smoother lather?” Her Lumberyard soap and scents with cedar, lavender and musk have been really popular with guys.&nbsp;

One day a friend of Dixie’s gave her a supply of glass jars for recycling, but Dixie wasn’t sure what to do with them. Then Dixie learned about her nephew’s friend who was having many challenges.&nbsp;

He was an eighth-grade boy who came to the U.S. from Bulgaria and spoke no English.&nbsp;&nbsp;The boy was in the process of being adopted by a local pastor’s family when he started having a sinus infection – not realizing that the very serious infection was going into his brain.&nbsp;

“His adoption was finalized in adoption court one morning, and by midnight of that day, he was having his brain operated on at Children’s Mercy,” Dixie said. The boy is now recuperating and is getting fitted with a skullcap.&nbsp;

Dixie decided to use those glass jars to make a special product to sell as a fundraiser to help with this young man’s medical expenses. These are candles with a red, white, and blue design, using the scents of Roarin’ Raspberry, Whistlin’ Wicks, and Bloomin’ Blueberry.&nbsp;

The product is called Red, White, and Believin.’ “I’m willing to make special products for other fundraisers too,” Dixie said.&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rosecreeksuds.com/">www.rosecreeksuds.com</a>.&nbsp;

“Mommy, it doesn’t sting!”&nbsp;&nbsp;That comment from her daughter helped this young mother realize that her product was healthy as well as enjoyable. We commend Dixie Pachta for making a difference with Rose Creek Suds.&nbsp;

Her potential success works me into a lather.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674050223164.png" alt="Courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;“Mommy, it doesn’t sting!”&nbsp;That statement from a young woman’s three-year old daughter helped launch a business of producing handmade soaps and other skin care products in rural Kansas.&nbsp;Dixie Pachta is founder and owner of Rose Creek Suds. Her products not only avoid the allergic reactions suffered by her daughter, they provide the wonderful scents and luxurious lather that her customers enjoy. She also supports worthy local causes.&nbsp;Pachta grew up in the Linn and Washington area. She met and married Andrew who is from Linn. They attended Kansas State University where Dixie studied accounting and Andrew studied animal sciences.&nbsp;&nbsp;After graduation, they moved to Andrew’s grandparents’ farm near the rural community of Munden, population 96 people. Now, that’s rural. For 10 years, Dixie Pachta worked in tax preparation and now does internal audits for a bank in Belleville.&nbsp;At Christmas time in 2020, Andrew bought a bar of soap that he thought sounded appealing. “We were disappointed in it,” Dixie said. She remembered her grandmother had made soap at home, so Dixie decided to see if she could make a better soap herself.&nbsp;“Both of our grandmothers made lard soap for laundry purposes,” Dixie said. “We still have chunks of her laundry soap.” Dixie also knew that several members of her family had issues with sensitive skin.&nbsp;Dixie Pachta researched the process of making soap by hand and gave it a try. When her three-year old daughter used the soap and found that it didn’t sting her hands like the store products did, Dixie knew she was on the right track. Soon, friends and family members wanted the products, so Dixie started a business venture.&nbsp;Because they live on Rose Creek, she named the business Rose Creek Suds. Today, Rose Creek Suds produces handmade soaps and other products, such as candles, wax melts, face mists and sugar scrubs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The key base product for many of her soaps is lard, as pioneer women used more than a century ago. “Lard soap is more creamy and it’s especially good for extra sensitive skin,” Dixie said. One of their family members raised hogs as a 4-H project so the Pachtas were able to access lard directly.&nbsp;“I add various scents and castor oil and coconut oil for more bubbles,” Dixie said. In January 2021, she began taking her products to craft shows. Her products are sold locally and online, and have gone as far away as Florida, Canada, and Australia.&nbsp;“I love to experiment,” Dixie said. “What can I use to make it smell better or have a smoother lather?” Her Lumberyard soap and scents with cedar, lavender and musk have been really popular with guys.&nbsp;One day a friend of Dixie’s gave her a supply of glass jars for recycling, but Dixie wasn’t sure what to do with them. Then Dixie learned about her nephew’s friend who was having many challenges.&nbsp;He was an eighth-grade boy who came to the U.S. from Bulgaria and spoke no English.&nbsp;&nbsp;The boy was in the process of being adopted by a local pastor’s family when he started having a sinus infection – not realizing that the very serious infection was going into his brain.&nbsp;“His adoption was finalized in adoption court one morning, and by midnight of that day, he was having his brain operated on at Children’s Mercy,” Dixie said. The boy is now recuperating and is getting fitted with a skullcap.&nbsp;Dixie decided to use those glass jars to make a special product to sell as a fundraiser to help with this young man’s medical expenses. These are candles with a red, white, and blue design, using the scents of Roarin’ Raspberry, Whistlin’ Wicks, and Bloomin’ Blueberry.&nbsp;The product is called Red, White, and Believin.’ “I’m willing to make special products for other fundraisers too,” Dixie said.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rosecreeksuds.com/">www.rosecreeksuds.com</a>.&nbsp;“Mommy, it doesn’t sting!”&nbsp;&nbsp;That comment from her daughter helped this young mother realize that her product was healthy as well as enjoyable. We commend Dixie Pachta for making a difference with Rose Creek Suds.&nbsp;Her potential success works me into a lather.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural:  Dixie Pachta, Rose Creek Suds 

I like to start my day reading “Light’s Daily Dose.”&nbsp;Author Light Watkins’&nbsp;daily&nbsp;message is short and impactful. The other day, as I was thinking about new year’s resolutions&nbsp;– the hopes&nbsp;and aspirations&nbsp;for each new year.&nbsp;I was&nbsp;inspired&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;Light’s&nbsp;Daily Dose&nbsp;email&nbsp;entitled, “Be that person.”

It begins with Light sharing a tweet from an author named Clint Smith. It said, “One of the reasons I’m a writer today is because I had a&nbsp;teacher in&nbsp;third-&nbsp;grade who looked at my poem about clouds&nbsp;and said, “you can be a writer when you grow up.” Powerful words of inspiration and aspiration.

I smiled and thought&nbsp;immediately about the people&nbsp;in my life who encouraged&nbsp;me. And I thoughtabout the truly remarkable ethic of care that guides this university. It is exactly why our strategic plan is named “Unlocking Untapped Potential.”&nbsp;

Take,&nbsp;for example,&nbsp;this letter written to a freshman seminar instructor by Logan – a May 2018 graduate. And I know in my heart the&nbsp;inspiring message that was the&nbsp;essence of this letter could have been written to anyone at Fort Hays State&nbsp;University:

I just wanted to reach out to let you know that I am doing well. My life is busier and fuller than I ever could have imagined. And through it all, I have never forgotten what you did for me. During freshman seminar, we took a self-evaluation quiz. Afterwards, I met with you in your office, where we learned that the evaluation gave me a 25% chance of ever earning a college degree. I was devastated. Until I heard your response: ‘That’s a bunch of BS.’&nbsp;

Those words gave me motivation like you wouldn’t believe. You gave me confidence that I could actually graduate. You even gave me a graduation tassel to keep me focused on that goal.&nbsp;This past May, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, a minor in Business Administration, and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems.

I never thought I would be half as successful as I have already been, and each time I achieve something new in my career, the first thing I think of is my time at FHSU, sitting in your office, scared that I would never graduate. I think of the motivation and confidence you provided that put me in the position I am in today. That graduation tassel still hangs on my wall as a reminder of all the opportunities I had because you invested in me. &nbsp;

Hearing these testimonies to our university’s&nbsp;ethic of care never gets old. I savor each remarkable&nbsp;story&nbsp;as my heart basks in gratitude for this community&nbsp;and&nbsp;our&nbsp;relentless&nbsp;focus on&nbsp;creating a&nbsp;university&nbsp;with a level of personalized care that connects deeply and sincerely&nbsp;and seeks to lift others&nbsp;up.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>I like to start my day reading “Light’s Daily Dose.”&nbsp;Author Light Watkins’&nbsp;daily&nbsp;message is short and impactful. The other day, as I was thinking about new year’s resolutions&nbsp;– the hopes&nbsp;and aspirations&nbsp;for each new year.&nbsp;I was&nbsp;inspired&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;Light’s&nbsp;Daily Dose&nbsp;email&nbsp;entitled, “Be that person.”It begins with Light sharing a tweet from an author named Clint Smith. It said, “One of the reasons I’m a writer today is because I had a&nbsp;teacher in&nbsp;third-&nbsp;grade who looked at my poem about clouds&nbsp;and said, “you can be a writer when you grow up.” Powerful words of inspiration and aspiration.I smiled and thought&nbsp;immediately about the people&nbsp;in my life who encouraged&nbsp;me. And I thoughtabout the truly remarkable ethic of care that guides this university. It is exactly why our strategic plan is named “Unlocking Untapped Potential.”&nbsp;Take,&nbsp;for example,&nbsp;this letter written to a freshman seminar instructor by Logan – a May 2018 graduate. And I know in my heart the&nbsp;inspiring message that was the&nbsp;essence of this letter could have been written to anyone at Fort Hays State&nbsp;University:I just wanted to reach out to let you know that I am doing well. My life is busier and fuller than I ever could have imagined. And through it all, I have never forgotten what you did for me. During freshman seminar, we took a self-evaluation quiz. Afterwards, I met with you in your office, where we learned that the evaluation gave me a 25% chance of ever earning a college degree. I was devastated. Until I heard your response: ‘That’s a bunch of BS.’&nbsp;Those words gave me motivation like you wouldn’t believe. You gave me confidence that I could actually graduate. You even gave me a graduation tassel to keep me focused on that goal.&nbsp;This past May, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, a minor in Business Administration, and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems.I never thought I would be half as successful as I have already been, and each time I achieve something new in my career, the first thing I think of is my time at FHSU, sitting in your office, scared that I would never graduate. I think of the motivation and confidence you provided that put me in the position I am in today. That graduation tassel still hangs on my wall as a reminder of all the opportunities I had because you invested in me. &nbsp;Hearing these testimonies to our university’s&nbsp;ethic of care never gets old. I savor each remarkable&nbsp;story&nbsp;as my heart basks in gratitude for this community&nbsp;and&nbsp;our&nbsp;relentless&nbsp;focus on&nbsp;creating a&nbsp;university&nbsp;with a level of personalized care that connects deeply and sincerely&nbsp;and seeks to lift others&nbsp;up.As Light wrote, “the world is full of folks discouraging, criticizing, and snuffing out dreams and hopes in the name of being realistic. But it can always use more people who encourage and inspire.”&nbsp;I cannot think of a better way to lead forward into 2023 than to&nbsp;resolve to&nbsp;be a force for good&nbsp;in the lives of&nbsp;all who cross our paths&nbsp;this year.&nbsp;Won’t you join me to be that person for someone today?

Opinion