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Kansas government

Media campaign launched to lobby governor on behalf of those with developmental disabilities
April 26, 2013
Advocates announced on Friday a campaign urging Gov. Sam Brownback to exclude long-term care services for those with developmental disabilities from KanCare. By Scott Rothschild
Turnpike leader Johnston is leaving
April 26, 2013
Michael Johnston, the president and chief executive officer of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, who was thrust into the middle of a political battle this legislative session over control of the turnpike, announced on Friday he will retire from his position. The announcement came one week after Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a bill that would make his appointed secretary of transportation also the director of operations of the Turnpike Authority, which oversees the 236-mile Kansas Turnpike. By Scott Rothschild
Legislators question paying more for NBAF
April 25, 2013
In past years, elected officials in Kansas have been nearly unanimous in support of the proposed $1.15 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility to be located near Kansas State University in Manhattan. No longer. On Thursday, several members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee voiced concerns about the cost and safety of NBAF, a federal biosecurity lab that will conduct research on deadly animal diseases and develop measures to protect the nation’s food supply. By Scott Rothschild
Lawrence school board taking independent lobbying stance
April 24, 2013
After a public split with the Kansas Association of School Boards earlier this year over collective bargaining rights, the Lawrence school board is planning to lobby more independently in the future. But the board hasn’t yet talked about hiring its own lobbyist. By Peter Hancock
KU officials dispute cash balance list circulated by House Republican leaders who want to cut higher ed
April 24, 2013
House Republican leaders who are calling for higher education to take a 4 percent state budget cut say that public universities are sitting on $422 million in various funds that could be redirected to pay for other expenses. But Kansas University officials on Wednesday disputed the meaning of the cash balance list circulated by top GOP officials in the House. By Scott Rothschild
Brownback signs into law bill establishing adult stem cell research and treatment at KU Medical Center
April 22, 2013
The center will be charged with working on adult stem cell, cord blood and related stem cell research, providing therapies to patients and serving as a clearinghouse for physicians on cutting-edge treatments. By Scott Rothschild
Opponents of drug testing for welfare benefits see it as hassling the poor; Brownback says it will help
April 21, 2013
By next year, applicants for welfare and unemployment benefits who are suspected of taking illegal drugs will be tested, and if they fail the test they will lose their benefits. Some groups see this as mean-spirited hassling of the poor, but Gov. Sam Brownback and supporters of the new law say it will help break the cycle of poverty because those who fail will be required to take substance abuse and jobs training. By Scott Rothschild
It’s official: Brownback signs bill saying life begins at fertilization
April 20, 2013
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed sweeping anti-abortion legislation Friday, giving his state a new law to block tax breaks for abortion providers, ban sex-selection abortions and declare that life begins “at fertilization.”
Brownback administration cites more savings from KanCare, wants to use funds for those with disabilities
April 19, 2013
Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration on Friday announced that its recent privatization of Medicaid is saving more than expected, and it wants to use those savings to provide services to people with disabilities and help pay for a new education building at the Kansas University Medical Center. By Scott Rothschild
Brownback signs into law measure making KDOT secretary the director of operations of Kansas Turnpike
April 19, 2013
Gov. Sam Brownback on Friday signed into law legislation that will make his appointed secretary of transportation also director of operations of the Kansas Turnpike Authority. By Scott Rothschild
Gov. Brownback signs into law concealed carry measure; campuses exempt for four years
April 17, 2013
Gov. Sam Brownback signed into law a bill that loosens restrictions on carrying concealed weapons into public buildings, but don’t expect any guns to be allowed on campus at Kansas University any time soon.
KBA committee approves new policy for investments
April 16, 2013
A Kansas Bioscience Authority committee Tuesday approved a new policy to guide the state-funded body’s investments and grants. But the specifics remain closed to the public until it’s approved by the KBA’s board of directors, possibly later this month. By Matt Erickson
Kansas law aimed at gang crime signed
April 16, 2013
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas prosecutors are receiving a new measure aimed at curbing gang activities by targeting higher-level individuals in the gangs.
Gov. Brownback signs Kansas drug test law for aid recipients
April 16, 2013
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback said Tuesday that a new law requiring applicants for a welfare program to submit to drug testing was a step toward ending a scourge on the state and break the cycle of poverty.
Gov. Brownback says he’ll attend President Obama’s event in Lawrence if he’s invited
April 16, 2013
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says he hopes to see President Barack Obama when he makes a visit Friday to Lawrence.

Contact Scott Rothschild