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Kansas Statehouse in Topeka

Lawrence city leaders have approved their annual list of legislative priorities, including several additions regarding state support for local government responses to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Lawrence City Commission provides the priority statement annually to the local state legislative delegation ahead of its session, and city staff uses the statement to guide input on legislation. Issues related to the pandemic in the statement include support for enforcement of local health department orders, local control regarding any changes to the Kansas Emergency Management Act, and assurances related to the availability of state and federal funding and supplies.

Regarding those aspects of the statement, Mayor Brad Finkeldei said he’s been happy with the response of the local health officer and the county to control the virus, and what the city needs is for that local approach to be able to continue.

“I think the importance of that statement is to say, let’s continue to allow health officers at the local level to make these decisions about helping the community, as opposed to the state Legislature changing the model that seems to be working for Douglas County,” Finkeldei said.

Specifically, one provision of the statement says any changes to KEMA should provide local units of government flexibility and local control in dealing with health emergency situations and should consider the role of cities in responding to disasters and emergency situations. Regarding support for enforcement of local health department orders, the statement says that local units of government should have access to the resources and tools they need, without restrictions from the state to enforce local health department orders.

The statement also addresses the current disaster declaration, saying that the city urges swift action by the Legislature to extend any emergency powers of the governor to ensure that state and federal funding and supplies are provided to local governments without interruption. The statement says that federal coronavirus relief funds delivered much needed capital, and support for that funding is vital to the local hospital, municipalities and other healthcare entities during the pandemic and beyond.

“In collaboration with our Douglas County partners we have educated, tested, and cared for our community during this unprecedented health emergency; and we will remain steadfast in this endeavor,” the statement says.

The statement also speaks to other issues related less directly to the pandemic, including broadband expansion and mental health funding and programs. Regarding broadband, the statement says the city supports the use of federal coronavirus relief funds and additional state efforts to expand broadband coverage, which the pandemic has shown to be disproportionately lacking in minority communities.

Regarding mental health, the statement says state funding for community-based mental health services must be restored and expanded to address the growing need for these services, which the pandemic has shown are more vital than ever. The statement goes on to say that the state should provide tools and programs for local governments to address growing mental health, homelessness, and affordable housing in their communities.

“Without a systemic plan for addressing these issues, those in need of shelter or mental health services will seek out other public lands to use, which leaves parks and recreation officials, librarians and other government agencies attempting to manage issues they are ill-equipped to address,” the statement says.

The Lawrence City Commission approved its Lawrence Legislative Priority Statement as part of its meeting this week. The statement comprises 25 legislative priorities overall, including overall support for home rule and local control; public and private incentives to encourage renewable energy; statewide action on criminal justice reform; Medicaid expansion; and decriminalization of marijuana and efforts to legalize the medical use of marijuana, among others. The full list of legislative priorities is available on the city’s website.