Kansas Legislature kicks off 2022 session as coronavirus, election-year politics flare
“I think (the legislative session) is going to be a train wreck, and I think it’s going to be highly partisan,” Rep. Boog Highberger, of Lawrence, said.
Carter Gaskins / The Lawrence Times
Lawrence schools’ student, staff absences up in first days back after winter break, superintendent tells board
High numbers of student and staff absences amid surging COVID-19 cases in just the first week back to school after winter break had Lawrence school board members concerned Monday about how buildings will stay open.
Kansas doctors praise governor’s ‘bold action’ as COVID-19 infections continue to spike
Kansas medical providers on Friday praised Gov. Laura Kelly for declaring a state of emergency and issuing executive orders to help confront an overwhelming surge in COVID-19 infections.
Kansas officials, advocates grapple over election integrity and voting access
After a 2021 legislative session packed with election proposals, Kansas officials and advocacy groups again are looking at both election integrity and accessibility issues.
House Democrats want Kansas voters to decide on Medicaid expansion, marijuana legalization
A trio of newly proposed Kansas constitutional amendments would see the issues of Medicaid and marijuana put up to a public vote.
Kelly signs COVID-19 disaster declaration, executive orders due to medical staff shortages
Gov. Laura Kelly responded to mounting staff shortages at Kansas hospitals and nursing homes by issuing a new COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration and companion executive orders temporarily suspending laws and regulations on health care providers.
Legislature embarks on tumultuous redrawing of political maps with skeptical public watching
The task of serving interests of nearly 3 million Kansans falls to the state’s 125 representatives, 40 senators and one governor. The annual legislative session starts Monday and redistricting must be done by June.
Lobbyists form contractor alliance to seek $315 million for university building repair backlog
A fledgling association of construction contractors led by two political lobbyists is developing a plan to persuade the Kansas Legislature to make an unprecedented seven-year, $315 million investment to shrink the academic building repair backlog at the state’s six public universities.
Tax council testimony: Kansas sales tax burden creates regressive system
Nearly 38% of Kansas’ tax revenue comes from sales taxes, according to Donna Ginther, director of the Institute for Policy and Social Research at KU.
Mac Moore / KSHSAA Covered
Lawrence school board hears details about budget impact, support for gymnastics; approves legislative priorities and more
Budget cuts were the central focus of district staff as well as the public commenters who called for reductions of administrators’ six-digit salaries at Monday’s Lawrence school board meeting.
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