Tag: Kansas

Fifty Schmidts and a few Schmitts put name behind Gov. Laura Kelly’s reelection bid

by Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

Topeka — The Kansas Democratic Party tracked down more than 50 Kansans with Schmidt-sounding surnames who endorsed Gov. Laura Kelly’s reelection rather than support Republican frontrunner Derek Schmidt in the 2022 campaign.

The partisan roster, including dozens of Schmidts and a sprinkling of Schmitts, offered endorsements used Monday by the Democratic Party to renew an assertion Attorney General Schmidt’s election would return Kansas to the financially troubled era of GOP Gov. Sam Brownback.

“As a Schmidt, I’m proud to support Governor Laura Kelly for reelection,” said Rep. Chuck Schmidt, a Wichita Democrat. “Governor Kelly’s fiscally responsible policies have saved Kansas from the drastic underfunding of our public schools and an economy in freefall. Meanwhile, her opponent, Derek Schmidt, threatens to take us back to the Brownback days we’ve worked so hard to put behind us these last four years.”

The list of like-minded Schmidts included Chuck Schmidt of Wichita, Melissa Schmidt of Strong City, Kathleen Schmidt of Wathena, Nancy Schmidt of Abilene, Louis Schmitt of Lawrence, Archie Schmidt of Newton, Carol Schmidt of Leavenworth, April Schmidt of Prairie Village and Jessica Schmitt of Overland Park.

In the past week, the Kansas Livestock Association threw its support to candidate Schmidt for fostering “a positive business climate for livestock producers” as a state senator and the attorney general. He also secured an endorsement of Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who offered his “full support.” The Missouri Republican governor praised Schmidt for opposing President Joe Biden.

“Simply put, Kansas can do better than the Kelly-Biden agenda that’s creating hardship for families and businesses, not helping them thrive,” Schmidt said.

Also Monday, the Kansas State AFL-CIO endorsed Kelly in recognition of her administration’s advocacy for working families and for bringing jobs to the state.

“The successes that Governor Kelly accomplished these past few years is nothing short of incredible. Businesses are flocking to Kansas, unemployment has hit an all-time low and there are more job opportunities than ever before,” said Tony Spicer, president of the state’s AFL-CIO.

Kansas Reflector stories, www.kansasreflector.com, may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
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Kansas health department alerts communities to increased risk of West Nile Virus infections

by Noah Taborda, Kansas Reflector

Topeka — Communities across Kansas are at an increased risk for West Nile virus infections, the state health department announced Friday.

West Nile virus is the most common cause of mosquito-borne illnesses in the country and spreads from the bug’s bite rather than person-to-person contact. Those in the north-central, south-central, northeast and southeast parts of the state are at high risk, while northwest and southwest Kansas are at moderate risk for infection.

Of those infected, about 1 in 5 develop a fever, and about 1 in 150 develop swelling of the brain and, in some cases, die.

“As more Kansans head outdoors this summer, it is important to know your risk and take action to prevent mosquito bites to protect you and your family against West Nile virus,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, the state health officer.

There are no vaccines or medications to treat the virus. Those who previously have contracted West Nile are considered immune.

Most infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Thus far, none have been reported in Kansas in 2022.

KDHE recommends using insect repellent with ingredients such as picaridin oil and oil of lemon eucalyptus when going outside, on your clothes and skin. The elderly or those with weaker immune systems are advised to limit exposure during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Kansas Reflector stories, www.kansasreflector.com, may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
See more at https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/15/kansas-health-department-alerts-communities-to-increased-risk-of-west-nile-virus-infections/

New broadband initiative promises to aid 21,000-plus Kansas homes access internet

by Noah Taborda, Kansas Reflector

Topeka — More than 21,000 Kansas homes and businesses in areas that lack high-speed internet will soon see major improvements in web access for the first time through a state Department of Commerce initiative.

The state will pay for the work using $83.5 million from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury. The CPF provides $10 billion to states, territories and Tribal governments to pay for capital projects to ensure work, education and health systems are stable in an emergency through reliable and affordable broadband infrastructure.

Gov. Laura Kelly announced the start of the plan Thursday, focusing on areas that lack internet speeds of 100/20 Mbps. Kansas estimates this program will cover 8% of locations still lacking high-speed access in the state.

“By connecting 21,000 more Kansas homes to high-speed internet, we’re continuing to deliver on our bold and ambitious goal to make Kansas a top 10 state for broadband access by 2030,” Kelly said. “No one in our state should be without the means to connect to the world, and this new grant program will help ensure that it happens.”

The U.S. Treasury approved plans for Kansas, Maine, Maryland and Minnesota to connect more than 200,000 homes and businesses. In addition, 50 Tribal governments have also had awards approved.

The states will require service providers who obtain grants through the Capital Projects Fund to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program. That program aims to give discounted high-speed internet service to families whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty guidelines. The FCC estimates that about 48 million families are eligible for the program.

The $83.5 million represents 58% of Kansas’s available CPF allocation and will connect an estimated 21,300 homes and businesses.

“The Capital Projects Fund represents the largest grant opportunity to date from the Office of Broadband Development,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “We are excited about partnering with providers to make a positive impact in communities that have fallen in the digital divide.”

Those eligible to seek assistance from the CPF broadband infrastructure program include internet service providers, political subdivisions, cooperatives and nonprofit organizations who will work to ensure families and businesses have connection.

Grant awardees will be announced in October and November. The grant application window will open July 18 for four weeks online. The Office of Broadband Development will hold an online seminar to review the program guidelines and application process July 21.

“These broadband investments through the American Rescue Plan will help lay the foundation to ensure that every American household and small business has access to affordable, high-speed internet,” Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said in a news release. “Treasury commends Kansas for using this funding to bring high-speed internet access to areas where there is demonstrated need and to reduce broadband bills for low-income families.”

Kansas Reflector stories, www.kansasreflector.com, may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.


See more at https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/15/new-broadband-initiative-promises-to-aid-21000-plus-kansas-homes-access-internet/