Kansas

June 17, 2008 -- Following the recent storms that devastated several Kansas communities, storm survivors may be missing important personal information or account information. While many survivors are busy cleaning up, it is important that they move quickly to protect themselves from identity theft.

Members of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division visited Chapman and Manhattan today to provide the following information to storm survivors.

If a storm survivor is missing important personal information like credit or debit cards, Social Security Cards, or passports, they need to contact the appropriate agency to prevent identity theft.

Tips to protect storm survivors from identity theft:    » read more »

Oil is fueling an economic resurgence in Kansas

16 June 2008 -- The world's largest oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, plans to increase its oil production by 200,000 barrels a day, to a total of 9.7 million barrels a day, in an effort to ease soaring world oil prices.

Oil-consuming nations have been pressing the Saudis to pump more oil for some time, but members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries say a shortage of crude oil is not the problem. OPEC says high prices are caused by the weak dollar, speculators and international political tensions.    » read more »

June 16, 2008 -- Kansas Attorney General Steve Six today warned Kansans to be wary as they begin the clean-up and rebuilding process following the recent severe weather that damaged Kansas communities.

"The rebuilding efforts following the recent storms demonstrate the courage and strength of Kansans," Six said. "Still, some unscrupulous individuals may see our tragedy as an opportunity to scam or con Kansas consumers."

Six encourages everyone in storm ravaged areas to be aware that some businesses may come to Kansas with the intention to help themselves, not our communities.    » read more »

Anticipates spending in excess of $15 Million for recent disasters

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2008 — The American Red Cross anticipates spending millions as it moves forward with relief efforts for the victims of flooding and tornadoes across seven states, an enormous geographic area. From Kansas to West Virginia, the Red Cross is present with vast amounts of clean up supplies, dozens of shelters and tens of thousands of meals.    » read more »

Governor highlights strong business climate and popularity of Kansas wind

June 2, 2008 -- HOUSTON -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius addressed the American Wind Energy Association’s Wind Power 2008 Conference to highlight the work in Kansas to be a leader in renewable energy.

Wind turbines and cattle, Kansas: Photo by Brent Danley (CC)

Below are excerpts of her remarks, as prepared for delivery:

“A recent poll by the Land Institute showed that three out of four Kansans want the state to increase its commitment to wind-powered energy.    » read more »

Responds to news that Legislature will not waste more time on coal plant override

May 21, 2008 -- In response to the announcement that there will be no veto override attempt on HB 2412, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius issued the following statement:

“I am pleased that we can close this contentious chapter of our debate on energy policy, and begin to work collaboratively on a comprehensive plan that provides for the power needed to continue to grow our economy, while protecting our environment and maximizing our alternative energy potential.    » read more »

May 19, 2008 -- Topeka, KS - Kansas Democratic Party Chair Larry Gates announced his endorsement for Senator Barack Obama for president this afternoon, citing his proven ability to win in red states and his positive campaign for change.

Barack Obama has been endorsed by 302.5 superdelegates. He is 111 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Barack Obama: Photo by selena marie (CC)    » read more »

May 14, 2008 -- With the death of Representative Ted Powers, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius said:

“Representative Powers was a good man who worked hard for his district during his fourteen years in the Kansas Legislature. Having recently filed for an eighth term, he was still focused on working for his constituents.

"His service was not limited to the Legislature, however, as he served many years as a music teacher, touching many young Kansans’ lives. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Betty Mae, their three children, his entire family, and his friends and colleagues.”    » read more »

May 14, 2008 -- Kansas Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson is voicing his concern with the Air Force’s decision to outsource American military tankers to French-based Airbus.

“There are simply too many questions related to economic impact, national security, construction costs, mission capabilities and above all, the integrity of the Air Force’s selection process, to allow this decision to go unchallenged,” Parkinson said. “The Air Force’s decision to send a $35 billion contract - the second largest in U.S. history - and 19,000 jobs to Europe is not only bad for American workers, but a threat to our long-term national security.”    » read more »

Affordable housing important to attracting workers to Kansas

May 13, 2008 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed a bill to help more rural communities meet their housing needs.

“Right now there are more than 35,000 open jobs in Kansas,” Sebelius said. “In order to attract workers to fill these jobs, we need to make sure there is affordable housing for them and their families. It is common sense solutions like this that have kept the Kansas economy strong despite troubling national trends.”

HB 2123 raises the population limits with the Kansas Rural Housing Incentive District Act. This Act encourages housing development in rural cities and counties, where housing shortages exist, by providing grants and loans for public improvements.    » read more »

4-22-08 -- Lincoln, Nebraska -- Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning issued the following comment about a letter from the Kansas Department of Agriculture alleging Nebraska owes more than $72 million in damages for 2006.

“While we remain committed to working with Kansas to resolve the compact issues, we’re disappointed to receive a damage claim that has no basis in reality. Kansas’ method of calculating damages was rejected by a special master and the U.S. Supreme Court in the Arkansas River case,” said Bruning.

Republican River: Photo by Ron Schott (CC)    » read more »

April 9, 2008 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed House Bill 2714 enacting the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The compact is intended to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families caused by frequent moves and deployment of their parents.

A Navy sailor holds his child for the first time: Photo by Jane Campbell, USN

“Changing schools and making new friends can be hard on children whose parents are in the military,” Sebelius said. “This bill will help ease the transition between schools by seamlessly transferring records.”    » read more »

San Antonio, April 8, 2008 (By David Byrd) -- The University of Kansas has defeated Memphis, 75-68, to take the American men's big-college basketball title. As VOA's David Byrd reports from San Antonio, the game came down to some crucial shots in the waning minutes.

The game was evenly-matched and fast paced for most of Monday night. The lead changed hands nine times and the contest was tied eight times. The biggest lead was Memphis by nine in the second half, but Kansas was able to cut the lead to just two points with less than a minute to play.

Memphis freshman Derrick Rose made one of two free throws, to give the Tigers a 63-60 lead. But Kansas guard Mario Chalmers was able to hit a three-point shot with less than two seconds left, to send the game into overtime.    » read more »

Specialized plate available to mother whose child died while on active duty

April 8, 2008 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed HB 2691, establishing a ‘Gold Star Mother’ license plate available to mothers of soldiers who died in active duty.

“Each of these license plates represents the loss of a soldier,” Sebelius said. “I hope they will serve as a constant reminder of ultimate sacrifice these sons and daughters have made.”

Kansas is the 23rd state to begin issuing ‘Gold Star Mother’ license plates.

Governor Sebelius signed an additional 9 bills today, bringing the total number of bills signed during the 2008 Legislative Session to 59. One bill has been vetoed.

Requiring Internet Service Providers to Contribute to Service Fund    » read more »

April 3, 2008 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed SB 443 today, establishing the Long-Term Care Partnership Program.

“As the average life expectancy continues to increase so does the need for long-term care,” Sebelius said. “Since the cost of long-term care can be very expensive, it is my hope that this bill will provide an incentive for more Kansans to purchase long-term care insurance.”

The Long-Term Care Partnership Program will provide for the financing of long-term care through a combination of private insurance and medical assistance. The bill requires that the program:

* Provide incentives for individuals to insure against the costs of providing for their long-term care needs.    » read more »