Critics denounce measure as misguided blowback in wake of COVID-19 pandemic

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/20/kansas-hospital-officials-say-new-criminal-penalties-needed-to-deter-patient-visitor-violence/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature narrowly passed a bill forbidding state and county public health officials from issuing test, isolation and closure mandates to counter spread of infectious disease and blocking the state from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations of children in schools or daycare facilities.

The measure was sent Friday to Gov. Laura Kelly on the final day of the 2023 legislative session despite bipartisan opposition. The bill also would require the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to conduct a study of overdose deaths in Kansas with an emphasis on the role of fentanyl poisoning.

Proponents seeking to restraint authority of public health officials argued personal liberty interests should supersede government action on behalf of the overall population. Supporters bristled at appointed health professionals directing disease response rather than relying on elected officials with authority derived from voters.

“Really, this bill is very simple,” said Rep. Will Carpenter, a Republican from El Dorado. “It’s about accountability to elected officials. It’s about personal responsibility and personal freedom.”

Skeptics characterized the bill’s limitations as a dangerous and politically motivated response to the COVID-19 pandemic. KDHE says the virus contributed to the death of more than 10,000 people in Kansas.

Sen. Kristin O’Shea, R-Topeka, said she couldn’t understand why a majority in the Legislature was willing to view the act of knowingly infecting people with a potentially deadly illness such as COVID-19 as less of an offense than knowingly exposing an animal to infection. As an example, she said Kansas considered it a crime to make chickens sick in a bid to inflate egg prices.

“How do you justify legislation that would result in our statute putting a higher value on the price of eggs than the life and health of its citizens?” O’Shea said.

Following lengthy debates, the bill emerged with little wiggle room from the Senate on a vote of 22-18 and the House at 63-56.

Sen. Beverly Gossage, a Eudora Republican and one of the GOP negotiators on the bill, said constituents demanded the Legislature restraint government ahead of the next public health calamity. She said constituents who survived COVID-19 complained temporary closure of businesses culminated with many never reopening. She said others objected to closing public K-12 school buildings and moving students to an online model, which set children back academically.

“We heard from our constituents: Has anything been done about that? Could this happen again?” Gossage said.

Under House Bill 2285, authority of health officers to prohibit “public gatherings” in response to spread of contagious disease would evaporate. KDHE secretaries could not direct people to undergo testing, evaluation, treatment or quarantine if exposed to infectious disease.

KDHE secretaries and local health officials could no longer issue formal orders in response to health emergencies, but could make recommendations intended to slow spread of disease.

Sen. Jeff Longbine, a Republican from Emporia, said the bill presented to legislators by House and Senate negotiators included a bizarre provision requiring KDHE to submit rules and regulations for dealing with infectious disease directly to the Kansas House speaker and Kansas Senate president.

He said the bill contained contradictory language on how public health officials would handle disease outbreaks.

“I think this conference committee report will cause huge havoc in public health,” Longbine said. “It is confusing to employers and is not great public policy.”

Under the bill, the KDHE secretary would be limited to making suggestions about how to prevent introduction or spread of disease among physicians and nurses, people working in clinical or forensic laboratories, emergency medical services, firefighting, law enforcement, correctional facilities and any individual with an occupation in which a person could be exposed to blood or infectious material.

No longer would law enforcement officers be expected to enforce compliance with infectious disease rules or regulations. The legislation also would forbid public or private employers from dismissing an employ because the person for following isolation recommendations of health officers.

Longbine said he was concerned some legislators didn’t understand the gravity of adopting a bill designed to erode the state’s health system.

He said his father died at age 63 after contracting Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder sometimes referred to as mad cow disease.

“There are diseases out there that need to be controlled — that have to be controlled,” said Longbine, who argued health freedom of one person shouldn’t mean other people had to be exposed to lethal illnesses.

Shawnee GOP Sen. Mike Thompson said people convinced public health officials or “anyone can control a disease, you don’t understand science.” He said the Legislature was forced to act because of flawed local, state and federal decisions made in response to COVID-19.

Unelected health agency employees at the state or local levels shouldn’t be allowed to force people to comply with government overreach that usurped individual liberty, Thompson said. Government’s role was to attempt to educate people about options and get out of the way, he said.

“The farther we get away from COVID, the more our memories fade about what actually happened,” Thompson said. “If we wait too long some future Legislature is going to have to deal with this again. We will have to relearn the lessons.”

Rep. Pat Proctor, the Leavenworth Republican, said Kansans endured three years of abuse as bureaucrats made decisions about COVID-19 without proper checks and balances. He said health officials sought to politicize the pandemic, even when those decisions ran the state’s economy off a cliff.

“It seemed the more people objected to the nonsensical rules the more unelected bureaucrats doubled down,” Proctor said. “Our Constitution does not get suspended because people are scared. Our Constitution, our inalienable rights, are given to us by God, not by government. They don’t get suspended because of an emergency.”

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, rattled off a series of questions she said GOP advocates of the bill couldn’t answer. She said the legislation was far from simple and proposed development of solid public health law ought to be taken up during the 2024 session.

“Our Founding Fathers did not rush to make the decisions that did give us the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We should do the same on this,” she said. “Let’s truly stand up for freedom, but let’s do it the right way.”

John Eplee, a physician and an Atchison Republican in the House, said the bill was a mistake. He said it was a political reflection of anger felt by some Kansans who believed health officials came down on them in a negative way during the pandemic.

“This is a knee-jerk reaction to what we’ve just lived through,” he said. “We’re still trying to recover from what happened during the pandemic. I understand that we had restaurants that closed and they’ll never come back, but who’s to say that not even more would have closed if we hadn’t had isolation, we hadn’t had shutdowns.”

He said implementation of the bill was an attempt to dismantle the vision of public health that had endured throughout his career in medicine.

Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, D-Lenexa, agreed removing authority of health experts to devise a response to spread of horrible diseases was short-sighted and dangerous.

“If a plane arrives to Kansas and they realize somebody tested positive on that plane, there would be no authority to make sure those folks are tested before they go back into our communities,” Hoye said.

She said a likely consequence of the legislation would be to discourage Kansans from getting vaccinations for COVID-19 and preventable diseases.

“I don’t think we should be putting ourselves out and trying to make people afraid to get vaccines that could save their lives,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/P4271143-1024x576.jpg" alt="Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican and family physician, said the Legislature’s passage of a bill restricting authority of state and local&nbsp;public health officials was a misguided response to government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic that contributed to the death of more than 10,000 people in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican and family physician, said the Legislature’s passage of a bill restricting authority of state and local&nbsp;public health officials was a misguided response to government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic that contributed to the death of more than 10,000 people in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Critics denounce measure as misguided blowback in wake of COVID-19 pandemic</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/20/kansas-hospital-officials-say-new-criminal-penalties-needed-to-deter-patient-visitor-violence/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature narrowly passed a bill forbidding state and county public health officials from issuing test, isolation and closure mandates to counter spread of infectious disease and blocking the state from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations of children in schools or daycare facilities.The measure was sent Friday to Gov. Laura Kelly on the final day of the 2023 legislative session despite bipartisan opposition. The bill also would require the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to conduct a study of overdose deaths in Kansas with an emphasis on the role of fentanyl poisoning.Proponents seeking to restraint authority of public health officials argued personal liberty interests should supersede government action on behalf of the overall population. Supporters bristled at appointed health professionals directing disease response rather than relying on elected officials with authority derived from voters.“Really, this bill is very simple,” said Rep. Will Carpenter, a Republican from El Dorado. “It’s about accountability to elected officials. It’s about personal responsibility and personal freedom.”Skeptics characterized the bill’s limitations as a dangerous and politically motivated response to the COVID-19 pandemic. KDHE says the virus contributed to the death of more than 10,000 people in Kansas.Sen. Kristin O’Shea, R-Topeka, said she couldn’t understand why a majority in the Legislature was willing to view the act of knowingly infecting people with a potentially deadly illness such as COVID-19 as less of an offense than knowingly exposing an animal to infection. As an example, she said Kansas considered it a crime to make chickens sick in a bid to inflate egg prices.“How do you justify legislation that would result in our statute putting a higher value on the price of eggs than the life and health of its citizens?” O’Shea said.Following lengthy debates, the bill emerged with little wiggle room from the Senate on a vote of 22-18 and the House at 63-56.<h2>Just do something</h2>Sen. Beverly Gossage, a Eudora Republican and one of the GOP negotiators on the bill, said constituents demanded the Legislature restraint government ahead of the next public health calamity. She said constituents who survived COVID-19 complained temporary closure of businesses culminated with many never reopening. She said others objected to closing public K-12 school buildings and moving students to an online model, which set children back academically.“We heard from our constituents: Has anything been done about that? Could this happen again?” Gossage said.Under House Bill 2285, authority of health officers to prohibit “public gatherings” in response to spread of contagious disease would evaporate. KDHE secretaries could not direct people to undergo testing, evaluation, treatment or quarantine if exposed to infectious disease.KDHE secretaries and local health officials could no longer issue formal orders in response to health emergencies, but could make recommendations intended to slow spread of disease.Sen. Jeff Longbine, a Republican from Emporia, said the bill presented to legislators by House and Senate negotiators included a bizarre provision requiring KDHE to submit rules and regulations for dealing with infectious disease directly to the Kansas House speaker and Kansas Senate president.He said the bill contained contradictory language on how public health officials would handle disease outbreaks.“I think this conference committee report will cause huge havoc in public health,” Longbine said. “It is confusing to employers and is not great public policy.”Under the bill, the KDHE secretary would be limited to making suggestions about how to prevent introduction or spread of disease among physicians and nurses, people working in clinical or forensic laboratories, emergency medical services, firefighting, law enforcement, correctional facilities and any individual with an occupation in which a person could be exposed to blood or infectious material.No longer would law enforcement officers be expected to enforce compliance with infectious disease rules or regulations. The legislation also would forbid public or private employers from dismissing an employ because the person for following isolation recommendations of health officers.Longbine said he was concerned some legislators didn’t understand the gravity of adopting a bill designed to erode the state’s health system.He said his father died at age 63 after contracting Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder sometimes referred to as mad cow disease.“There are diseases out there that need to be controlled — that have to be controlled,” said Longbine, who argued health freedom of one person shouldn’t mean other people had to be exposed to lethal illnesses.<h2>Can’t control disease</h2>Shawnee GOP Sen. Mike Thompson said people convinced public health officials or “anyone can control a disease, you don’t understand science.” He said the Legislature was forced to act because of flawed local, state and federal decisions made in response to COVID-19.Unelected health agency employees at the state or local levels shouldn’t be allowed to force people to comply with government overreach that usurped individual liberty, Thompson said. Government’s role was to attempt to educate people about options and get out of the way, he said.“The farther we get away from COVID, the more our memories fade about what actually happened,” Thompson said. “If we wait too long some future Legislature is going to have to deal with this again. We will have to relearn the lessons.”Rep. Pat Proctor, the Leavenworth Republican, said Kansans endured three years of abuse as bureaucrats made decisions about COVID-19 without proper checks and balances. He said health officials sought to politicize the pandemic, even when those decisions ran the state’s economy off a cliff.“It seemed the more people objected to the nonsensical rules the more unelected bureaucrats doubled down,” Proctor said. “Our Constitution does not get suspended because people are scared. Our Constitution, our inalienable rights, are given to us by God, not by government. They don’t get suspended because of an emergency.”<h2>A knee-jerk response</h2>Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, rattled off a series of questions she said GOP advocates of the bill couldn’t answer. She said the legislation was far from simple and proposed development of solid public health law ought to be taken up during the 2024 session.“Our Founding Fathers did not rush to make the decisions that did give us the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We should do the same on this,” she said. “Let’s truly stand up for freedom, but let’s do it the right way.”John Eplee, a physician and an Atchison Republican in the House, said the bill was a mistake. He said it was a political reflection of anger felt by some Kansans who believed health officials came down on them in a negative way during the pandemic.“This is a knee-jerk reaction to what we’ve just lived through,” he said. “We’re still trying to recover from what happened during the pandemic. I understand that we had restaurants that closed and they’ll never come back, but who’s to say that not even more would have closed if we hadn’t had isolation, we hadn’t had shutdowns.”He said implementation of the bill was an attempt to dismantle the vision of public health that had endured throughout his career in medicine.Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, D-Lenexa, agreed removing authority of health experts to devise a response to spread of horrible diseases was short-sighted and dangerous.“If a plane arrives to Kansas and they realize somebody tested positive on that plane, there would be no authority to make sure those folks are tested before they go back into our communities,” Hoye said.She said a likely consequence of the legislation would be to discourage Kansans from getting vaccinations for COVID-19 and preventable diseases.“I don’t think we should be putting ourselves out and trying to make people afraid to get vaccines that could save their lives,” she said.

Kan. Legislature approves bill stripping authority from health officials

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 31 people convicted of nonviolent drug crimes who were serving time in home confinement, the White House announced Friday.

Many would have gotten a lower sentence if they were charged today with the same offense&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-prisons-donald-trump-police-reform-069bac28c0c05869faf15e2e879e2732">because of changes in the laws</a>. A commuted sentence means they’ll spend less time in home confinement.

The commutations came as the White House announced a set of policy actions across 20 different agencies meant to improve the criminal justice system,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-crime-massachusetts-courts-gun-politics-6349ecf90445bca896b33ae77f841538">which disproportionately affects</a>&nbsp;Black and other non-white communities. The president announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Joe,president%20for%20another%20four%20years.">his reelection campaign this week</a>, and must keep Black voters in his coalition if he wants to win in 2024.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/04/28/clemency-recipient-list-3/" target="_blank">Those whose sentences were commuted included</a>&nbsp;men and women convicted of drug possession in Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii and Texas, and they will all finish serving time June 30. If any are in prison, they will finish out their terms in home confinement, and won’t have to pay the rest of their fines which range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Kathy Alexander&nbsp;– Kennett, Missouri Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Western District of Missouri). Sentence: 84 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (March 13, 2019). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Chiquita Acker&nbsp;– Pearlington, Mississippi Offense:&nbsp;Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Southern District of Mississippi).&nbsp; Sentence:&nbsp;120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release, $5,000 fine (March 16, 2017). Commutation Grant:&nbsp;Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release and the unpaid remainder, if any, of the $5,000 fine.

Camille Diane Armstrong&nbsp;– Corpus Christi, Texas Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 84 grams of actual methamphetamine (Southern District of Texas). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (January 5, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Connie Avalos&nbsp;– Menifee, California Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (Eastern District of Kentucky). Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 30, 2009); commuted to 235 months of imprisonment (January 19, 2017). Commutation Grant:&nbsp;Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement.

Lori Broadway&nbsp;– Winnfield, Louisiana Offense: Possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin (Eastern District of Louisiana). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (September 8, 2016). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Kevin Lee Burdock&nbsp;– Keswick, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute marijuana (Southern District of Iowa). Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (February 2, 2009); amended to 240 months of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (June 24, 2010). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release.

Bongani Charles Calhoun&nbsp;– Houston, Texas Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (Western District of Texas) Sentence: 180 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (June 21, 2011). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Jennifer Marie Chastain&nbsp;– Delhi, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine (Northern District of Iowa). Sentence: 121 months of imprisonment, three-year term of supervised release (June 13, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the three-year term of supervised release.

Aaron Courter&nbsp;– Evansville, Indiana Offense: Conspiracy with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Southern District of Indiana). Sentence: 87 months of imprisonment, three-year term of supervised release (October 20, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the three-year term of supervised release.

Catherine Crotts&nbsp;– Mulberry, Florida Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine (Middle District of Florida). Sentence:&nbsp;120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (September 20, 2016). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Scottie Ladon Dixon&nbsp;– Atmore, Alabama Offense:

Commutation Grant: Total sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release.

Samuel Gemple&nbsp;– Fort Wayne, Indiana Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana (Northern District of Indiana). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, eight-year term of supervised release (February 2, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the eight-year term of supervised release.

Mario Francisco Gomez, Jr.&nbsp;– Laredo, Texas Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting (Eastern District of Michigan). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (January 30, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Daniel Graap&nbsp;– Wausau, Wisconsin Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Western District of Wisconsin). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (June 30, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Lisa Gribble&nbsp;– La Fayette, Georgia Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Eastern District of Tennessee). Sentence: 150 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (March 19, 2015). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Andre Richard Harris&nbsp;– Detroit, Michigan Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine (Northern District of Alabama). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (October 10, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Bart Hyde&nbsp;– Clinton, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine (Southern District of Iowa). Sentence: 235 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (November 4, 2011); amended to 188 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (September 18, 2015). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Rebecca Lawrence&nbsp;– Omega, Georgia Offense:&nbsp;Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Middle District of Georgia). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (October 26, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Rogelio Murillo&nbsp;– Riverview, Florida

Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity exceeding 100 kilograms, that is, approximately 194 kilograms of marijuana (Southern District of Texas). Sentence: 108 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release, $5,000 fine (June 20, 2016). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release and the unpaid remainder, if any, of the $5,000 fine.

Ricky Lee Newton&nbsp;– Otisville, Michigan Offense: Conspiracy to possess more than 100 kilograms but less than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana (with intent to distribute) (Eastern District of Michigan) Sentence: 360 months of imprisonment, eight-year term of supervised release, $20,000 fine (December 19, 2002). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release and the unpaid remainder, if any, of the $20,000 fine.

Shawn Paaaina&nbsp;– Ewa Beach, Hawaii Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute (District of Hawaii). Sentence: 78 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (September 24, 2019). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Robert Raymond Palmer&nbsp;– Waynesboro, Mississippi Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Southern District of Alabama). Sentence: 89 months and 23 days of imprisonment, four-year term of supervised release (July 28, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the four-year term of supervised release.

Gregory Todd Peasley&nbsp;– Onawa, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (Northern District of Iowa). Sentence: 150 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (May 11, 2015). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Maria Peterson&nbsp;– New York, New York Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin (District of New Jersey). Sentence: 60 months of imprisonment, three-year term of supervised release (March 20, 2019). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the three-year term of supervised release.

Samuel Rivera&nbsp;– Utica, New York Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine (Northern District of New York). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (April 5, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

German Roman-Oliver&nbsp;– Grove City, Ohio Offense: Conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine (Southern District of Ohio). Sentence: 192 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (March 8, 2012). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Vickie Sanders&nbsp;– Olney, Illinois Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; attempt to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance – methamphetamine (four counts) (Southern District of Illinois). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, eight-year term of supervised release, $300 fine (May 9, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the eight-year term of supervised release and the unpaid remainder, if any, of the $300 fine.

Phillip Steely&nbsp;– Morris Chapel, Tennessee Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (Western District of Tennessee). Sentence: 121 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (June 18, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Ryan Vick&nbsp;– Cedar Rapids, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine or 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense (Northern District of Iowa). Sentence: 235 months of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (March 1, 2012); amended to 211 months of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (September 20, 2012). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release.

Gregory Warrick&nbsp;– Capital Heights, Maryland

Commutation Grant: Total sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.

Raymond Washington&nbsp;– Corinth, Texas Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine (Eastern District of Texas). Sentence: 276 months of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (October 19, 2011); amended to 240 months, 10-year term of supervised release (May 25, 2016). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 31 people convicted of nonviolent drug crimes who were serving time in home confinement, the White House announced Friday.Many would have gotten a lower sentence if they were charged today with the same offense&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-prisons-donald-trump-police-reform-069bac28c0c05869faf15e2e879e2732">because of changes in the laws</a>. A commuted sentence means they’ll spend less time in home confinement.The commutations came as the White House announced a set of policy actions across 20 different agencies meant to improve the criminal justice system,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-crime-massachusetts-courts-gun-politics-6349ecf90445bca896b33ae77f841538">which disproportionately affects</a>&nbsp;Black and other non-white communities. The president announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Joe,president%20for%20another%20four%20years.">his reelection campaign this week</a>, and must keep Black voters in his coalition if he wants to win in 2024.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/04/28/clemency-recipient-list-3/" target="_blank">Those whose sentences were commuted included</a>&nbsp;men and women convicted of drug possession in Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii and Texas, and they will all finish serving time June 30. If any are in prison, they will finish out their terms in home confinement, and won’t have to pay the rest of their fines which range from $5,000 to $20,000.The complete list is belowKathy Alexander&nbsp;– Kennett, Missouri Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Western District of Missouri). Sentence: 84 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (March 13, 2019). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Chiquita Acker&nbsp;– Pearlington, Mississippi Offense:&nbsp;Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Southern District of Mississippi).&nbsp; Sentence:&nbsp;120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release, $5,000 fine (March 16, 2017). Commutation Grant:&nbsp;Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release and the unpaid remainder, if any, of the $5,000 fine.Camille Diane Armstrong&nbsp;– Corpus Christi, Texas Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 84 grams of actual methamphetamine (Southern District of Texas). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (January 5, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Connie Avalos&nbsp;– Menifee, California Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (Eastern District of Kentucky). Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 30, 2009); commuted to 235 months of imprisonment (January 19, 2017). Commutation Grant:&nbsp;Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement.Lori Broadway&nbsp;– Winnfield, Louisiana Offense: Possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin (Eastern District of Louisiana). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (September 8, 2016). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Kevin Lee Burdock&nbsp;– Keswick, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute marijuana (Southern District of Iowa). Sentence: Life imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (February 2, 2009); amended to 240 months of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (June 24, 2010). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release.Bongani Charles Calhoun&nbsp;– Houston, Texas Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (Western District of Texas) Sentence: 180 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (June 21, 2011). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Jennifer Marie Chastain&nbsp;– Delhi, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine (Northern District of Iowa). Sentence: 121 months of imprisonment, three-year term of supervised release (June 13, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the three-year term of supervised release.Aaron Courter&nbsp;– Evansville, Indiana Offense: Conspiracy with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Southern District of Indiana). Sentence: 87 months of imprisonment, three-year term of supervised release (October 20, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the three-year term of supervised release.Catherine Crotts&nbsp;– Mulberry, Florida Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine (Middle District of Florida). Sentence:&nbsp;120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (September 20, 2016). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Scottie Ladon Dixon&nbsp;– Atmore, Alabama Offense:<ol>
 <li>Supervised release violation (conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine);</li><li>Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine (Southern District of Alabama).</li>
 </ol>Sentence:<ol>
 <li>33 months of imprisonment (concurrent) (May 18, 2010);</li><li>Life imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (May 18, 2010); commuted to 221 months of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (August 3, 2016).</li>
 </ol>Commutation Grant: Total sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release.Samuel Gemple&nbsp;– Fort Wayne, Indiana Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana (Northern District of Indiana). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, eight-year term of supervised release (February 2, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the eight-year term of supervised release.Mario Francisco Gomez, Jr.&nbsp;– Laredo, Texas Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting (Eastern District of Michigan). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (January 30, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Daniel Graap&nbsp;– Wausau, Wisconsin Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Western District of Wisconsin). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (June 30, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Lisa Gribble&nbsp;– La Fayette, Georgia Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (Eastern District of Tennessee). Sentence: 150 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (March 19, 2015). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Andre Richard Harris&nbsp;– Detroit, Michigan Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine (Northern District of Alabama). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (October 10, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Bart Hyde&nbsp;– Clinton, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine (Southern District of Iowa). Sentence: 235 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (November 4, 2011); amended to 188 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (September 18, 2015). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Rebecca Lawrence&nbsp;– Omega, Georgia Offense:&nbsp;Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Middle District of Georgia). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (October 26, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Rogelio Murillo&nbsp;– Riverview, FloridaOffense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity exceeding 100 kilograms, that is, approximately 194 kilograms of marijuana (Southern District of Texas). Sentence: 108 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release, $5,000 fine (June 20, 2016). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release and the unpaid remainder, if any, of the $5,000 fine.Ricky Lee Newton&nbsp;– Otisville, Michigan Offense: Conspiracy to possess more than 100 kilograms but less than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana (with intent to distribute) (Eastern District of Michigan) Sentence: 360 months of imprisonment, eight-year term of supervised release, $20,000 fine (December 19, 2002). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release and the unpaid remainder, if any, of the $20,000 fine.Shawn Paaaina&nbsp;– Ewa Beach, Hawaii Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute (District of Hawaii). Sentence: 78 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (September 24, 2019). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Robert Raymond Palmer&nbsp;– Waynesboro, Mississippi Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Southern District of Alabama). Sentence: 89 months and 23 days of imprisonment, four-year term of supervised release (July 28, 2017). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the four-year term of supervised release.Gregory Todd Peasley&nbsp;– Onawa, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (Northern District of Iowa). Sentence: 150 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (May 11, 2015). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Maria Peterson&nbsp;– New York, New York Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin (District of New Jersey). Sentence: 60 months of imprisonment, three-year term of supervised release (March 20, 2019). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the three-year term of supervised release.Samuel Rivera&nbsp;– Utica, New York Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine (Northern District of New York). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (April 5, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.German Roman-Oliver&nbsp;– Grove City, Ohio Offense: Conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine (Southern District of Ohio). Sentence: 192 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (March 8, 2012). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Vickie Sanders&nbsp;– Olney, Illinois Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; attempt to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance – methamphetamine (four counts) (Southern District of Illinois). Sentence: 120 months of imprisonment, eight-year term of supervised release, $300 fine (May 9, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the eight-year term of supervised release and the unpaid remainder, if any, of the $300 fine.Phillip Steely&nbsp;– Morris Chapel, Tennessee Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (Western District of Tennessee). Sentence: 121 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (June 18, 2018). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Ryan Vick&nbsp;– Cedar Rapids, Iowa Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine or 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense (Northern District of Iowa). Sentence: 235 months of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (March 1, 2012); amended to 211 months of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (September 20, 2012). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release.Gregory Warrick&nbsp;– Capital Heights, MarylandOffense:<ol>
 <li>Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine (District of Maryland);</li><li>Attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (cocaine) (District of Columbia Superior Court).</li>
 </ol>Sentence:<ol>
 <li>168 months of imprisonment, five-year term of supervised release (April 28, 2014);</li><li>18 months of imprisonment (concurrent), five-year term of supervised release (June 13, 2014).</li>
 </ol>Commutation Grant: Total sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the five-year term of supervised release.Raymond Washington&nbsp;– Corinth, Texas Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine (Eastern District of Texas). Sentence: 276 months of imprisonment, 10-year term of supervised release (October 19, 2011); amended to 240 months, 10-year term of supervised release (May 25, 2016). Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on June 30, 2023, with the remainder to be served in home confinement, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release.

Biden commutes sentences of 31 convicted of drug crimes

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas clinics will be required to tell patients that medication abortions can be stopped using a drug regimen that the providers consider ineffective and potentially dangerous after a key legislative vote Thursday in the nation's ongoing partisan culture war.

The Republican-controlled state Senate voted 29-11 along party lines to override Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medication-reversal-kansas-veto-55f16c0a47c2b023998cae68b5a5901b">Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of the medication abortion “reversal” measure</a>. The GOP-controlled House overrode the veto Wednesday on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230426134525_689128/">an 84-40 vote</a>&nbsp;and the new law takes effect July 1.

Kelly vetoed more than a dozen bills restricting abortion providers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-bathroom-law-kansas-b3d068afa2bc02bb15314ee04e8e3899">rolling back transgender rights</a>&nbsp;or enacting other conservative policies that have been pursued by Republicans across the U.S. While top GOP lawmakers prevailed on a majority of the Kansas measures, Kelly had some key victories.

Republicans moved ahead on anti-abortion measures despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">a decisive statewide vote</a>&nbsp;in August 2022 affirming abortion rights. Democrats accused abortion opponents of breaking faith with voters, but Republicans argued that the vote didn't preclude “reasonable” restrictions on providers.

Republicans overrode Kelly's veto of $2 million in state funds for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-united-states-government-kansas-health-c0c8a6cbe211ca4970e3a38b3aa7faf9">centers run by abortion opponents</a>&nbsp;that provide counseling and other free services to discourage people from getting abortions, as well as a measure that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-restrictions-born-alive-kansas-3bf5b23d13f5dc41d6d799c64ccafc33">could have providers facing criminal charges</a>&nbsp;over allegations about their care for newborns delivered during abortion procedures.

They also overrode four of Kelly's vetoes of anti-transgender legislation, as well as a measure designed to combat the smuggling of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally. They rejected the governor's argument that the latter bill was written so broadly that a “good Samaritan” might face a prison sentence for taking gas money after driving an immigrant to work.

“It shows you that the governor is not currently in the middle of the road,” Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, said after lawmakers finished a spate of votes overriding vetoes. “She’s off on the left edge somewhere. We’re trying to find her.”

Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-donald-trump-kansas-topeka-39afdff811fd2f30a212036d5ec6e3fa">narrowly won reelection</a>&nbsp;last year after her campaign broadcast ads showing her in the middle of a rural Topeka-area road as a metaphor for her politics. She said Thursday that her vetoes were "a check on legislation that is too extreme one way or the other.”

“I’m disappointed some legislators are eager to force through extremist legislation that will hurt our economy and tarnish our reputation as the Free State," Kelly said in a statement, alluding to how Kansas became a state with an anti-slavery constitution just before the American Civil War started.

The new requirement on medication abortions will become part of a longstanding state law spelling out what information clinics must give patients 24 hours in advance of an abortion — in print. Supporters said it makes sure women know of an option if they have doubts about terminating their pregnancies.

A San Diego doctor developed the “reversal” regimen more than a decade ago and anti-abortion groups have promoted it since. It involves large doses of the hormone progesterone within 24 hours of a patient taking the first of two abortion medication doses. Doctors have used progesterone to stave off miscarriages.

Jeanne Gawdun, lobbyist for Kansans for Life, the state's most politically influential anti-abortion group, praised lawmakers for demonstrating “the courage to stand against the Governor’s extremist views.”

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says there is no scientific evidence that the regimen works, and critics say studies touting the regimen are deeply flawed. They've also repeatedly noted that a California university stopped a small study of the regimen in 2019 when several participants' health was endangered.

Kansas providers also say patients almost never reconsider after taking the first dose of abortion medication. Dr. Selina Sandoval said she hasn't seen a single case in 10 months as a provider for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates three Kansas clinics.

“People don’t drive 19 hours from Texas if they don’t know what they want,” Sandoval said, noting that appointments in Kansas are in demand because of other states' abortion bans. “They really want to paint the picture that patients that come for abortions are uncertain when they are not.”

Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers but GOP leaders couldn't consistently get all Republicans to vote to override Kelly's vetoes, and some efforts failed.

Those efforts included votes on measures to allow parents to:

—Pull their public school students out of lessons or activities that offend their beliefs.

—Prevent state universities from using diversity, equity and inclusion principles in hiring decisions.

—Bar the board licensing mental health professionals from requiring them to undergo diversity, equity and inclusion training.

—Require public schools offering gun safety courses to base them on a National Rifle Association program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682646360080.png" alt="Kan. House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty&nbsp; Masterson watch Gov. Laura Kelly during the State of the State address." />
 <figcaption>Kan. House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty&nbsp; Masterson watch Gov. Laura Kelly during the State of the State address.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas clinics will be required to tell patients that medication abortions can be stopped using a drug regimen that the providers consider ineffective and potentially dangerous after a key legislative vote Thursday in the nation's ongoing partisan culture war.The Republican-controlled state Senate voted 29-11 along party lines to override Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medication-reversal-kansas-veto-55f16c0a47c2b023998cae68b5a5901b">Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of the medication abortion “reversal” measure</a>. The GOP-controlled House overrode the veto Wednesday on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230426134525_689128/">an 84-40 vote</a>&nbsp;and the new law takes effect July 1.Kelly vetoed more than a dozen bills restricting abortion providers,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-rights-bathroom-law-kansas-b3d068afa2bc02bb15314ee04e8e3899">rolling back transgender rights</a>&nbsp;or enacting other conservative policies that have been pursued by Republicans across the U.S. While top GOP lawmakers prevailed on a majority of the Kansas measures, Kelly had some key victories.Republicans moved ahead on anti-abortion measures despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">a decisive statewide vote</a>&nbsp;in August 2022 affirming abortion rights. Democrats accused abortion opponents of breaking faith with voters, but Republicans argued that the vote didn't preclude “reasonable” restrictions on providers.Republicans overrode Kelly's veto of $2 million in state funds for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-united-states-government-kansas-health-c0c8a6cbe211ca4970e3a38b3aa7faf9">centers run by abortion opponents</a>&nbsp;that provide counseling and other free services to discourage people from getting abortions, as well as a measure that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-restrictions-born-alive-kansas-3bf5b23d13f5dc41d6d799c64ccafc33">could have providers facing criminal charges</a>&nbsp;over allegations about their care for newborns delivered during abortion procedures.They also overrode four of Kelly's vetoes of anti-transgender legislation, as well as a measure designed to combat the smuggling of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally. They rejected the governor's argument that the latter bill was written so broadly that a “good Samaritan” might face a prison sentence for taking gas money after driving an immigrant to work.“It shows you that the governor is not currently in the middle of the road,” Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, said after lawmakers finished a spate of votes overriding vetoes. “She’s off on the left edge somewhere. We’re trying to find her.”Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-donald-trump-kansas-topeka-39afdff811fd2f30a212036d5ec6e3fa">narrowly won reelection</a>&nbsp;last year after her campaign broadcast ads showing her in the middle of a rural Topeka-area road as a metaphor for her politics. She said Thursday that her vetoes were "a check on legislation that is too extreme one way or the other.”“I’m disappointed some legislators are eager to force through extremist legislation that will hurt our economy and tarnish our reputation as the Free State," Kelly said in a statement, alluding to how Kansas became a state with an anti-slavery constitution just before the American Civil War started.The new requirement on medication abortions will become part of a longstanding state law spelling out what information clinics must give patients 24 hours in advance of an abortion — in print. Supporters said it makes sure women know of an option if they have doubts about terminating their pregnancies.A San Diego doctor developed the “reversal” regimen more than a decade ago and anti-abortion groups have promoted it since. It involves large doses of the hormone progesterone within 24 hours of a patient taking the first of two abortion medication doses. Doctors have used progesterone to stave off miscarriages.Jeanne Gawdun, lobbyist for Kansans for Life, the state's most politically influential anti-abortion group, praised lawmakers for demonstrating “the courage to stand against the Governor’s extremist views.”The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says there is no scientific evidence that the regimen works, and critics say studies touting the regimen are deeply flawed. They've also repeatedly noted that a California university stopped a small study of the regimen in 2019 when several participants' health was endangered.Kansas providers also say patients almost never reconsider after taking the first dose of abortion medication. Dr. Selina Sandoval said she hasn't seen a single case in 10 months as a provider for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates three Kansas clinics.“People don’t drive 19 hours from Texas if they don’t know what they want,” Sandoval said, noting that appointments in Kansas are in demand because of other states' abortion bans. “They really want to paint the picture that patients that come for abortions are uncertain when they are not.”Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers but GOP leaders couldn't consistently get all Republicans to vote to override Kelly's vetoes, and some efforts failed.Those efforts included votes on measures to allow parents to:—Pull their public school students out of lessons or activities that offend their beliefs.—Prevent state universities from using diversity, equity and inclusion principles in hiring decisions.—Bar the board licensing mental health professionals from requiring them to undergo diversity, equity and inclusion training.—Require public schools offering gun safety courses to base them on a National Rifle Association program.

Culture war clash gives Kansas new medication abortion law

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred just before 4:30p.m. Saturday in the 1800 Block of Steele Road in Wyandotte County, according to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

First responders discovered one vehicle with two adults and two minors inside. EMS transported them an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

The adult driver of the second vehicle was pronounced deceased on scene.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division. Police has not released names of the victims or additional details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred just before 4:30p.m. Saturday in the 1800 Block of Steele Road in Wyandotte County, according to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.First responders discovered one vehicle with two adults and two minors inside. EMS transported them an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The adult driver of the second vehicle was pronounced deceased on scene.This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division. Police has not released names of the victims or additional details.

One dead, 4 injured in 2-vehicle Kansas crash

OSKALOOSA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who spent 16 years in prison for a rape and murder he didn't commit will receive $7.5 million from the county where he was arrested and convicted of the crime.

Jefferson County commissioners approved the settlement last week with Floyd Bledsoe, who was released from prison in 2015 after DNA evidence showed he could not have been the killer of 14-year-old Camille Arfmann in Oskaloosa.

Bledsoe will receive $1.5 million initially, with the rest to be paid over the next 10 years, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article274828306.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

Bledsoe, who is now 46, was 23 when he was convicted in 2000 of killing the girl. He was arrested even though his brother, Tom, confessed to the killing in 1999, turned himself in and led authorities to the girl's body.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/d8e00f2ed6d24f40a954f56d3a8d944e">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Floyd Bledsoe filed in 2016, Jefferson County authorities persuaded Tom Bledsoe to recant his confession and “framed” his brother by hiding evidence of his innocence.

In 2015, DNA testing revealed Tom Bledsoe was the likely source of sperm found in the victim. Tom Bledsoe died by suicide that year after writing a note again confessing to killing Arfmann.

The charges against Floyd Bledsoe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c30142071892457aa0c3b46ba2e798db">were dismissed</a>&nbsp;and he was freed from prison that year.

One of Bledsoe’s attorneys, Russell Ainsworth of Loevy &amp; Loevy in Chicago, said Jefferson County was facing up to $40 million in liability if the case went to trial.

Jefferson County Commissioner Richard Malm said the county's annual budget is about $20 million and the commission would have had to propose a bond if Bledsoe had not agreed to have the payment spread over 10 years.

In 2019, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/93cecdea95494971aa75d8729ff3ae53">agreed to pay</a>&nbsp;Bledsoe $1.03 million under a mistaken conviction law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668633834190.png" alt="Bledsoe-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Bledsoe-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>OSKALOOSA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who spent 16 years in prison for a rape and murder he didn't commit will receive $7.5 million from the county where he was arrested and convicted of the crime.Jefferson County commissioners approved the settlement last week with Floyd Bledsoe, who was released from prison in 2015 after DNA evidence showed he could not have been the killer of 14-year-old Camille Arfmann in Oskaloosa.Bledsoe will receive $1.5 million initially, with the rest to be paid over the next 10 years, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article274828306.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.Bledsoe, who is now 46, was 23 when he was convicted in 2000 of killing the girl. He was arrested even though his brother, Tom, confessed to the killing in 1999, turned himself in and led authorities to the girl's body.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/d8e00f2ed6d24f40a954f56d3a8d944e">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;Floyd Bledsoe filed in 2016, Jefferson County authorities persuaded Tom Bledsoe to recant his confession and “framed” his brother by hiding evidence of his innocence.In 2015, DNA testing revealed Tom Bledsoe was the likely source of sperm found in the victim. Tom Bledsoe died by suicide that year after writing a note again confessing to killing Arfmann.The charges against Floyd Bledsoe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c30142071892457aa0c3b46ba2e798db">were dismissed</a>&nbsp;and he was freed from prison that year.One of Bledsoe’s attorneys, Russell Ainsworth of Loevy &amp; Loevy in Chicago, said Jefferson County was facing up to $40 million in liability if the case went to trial.Jefferson County Commissioner Richard Malm said the county's annual budget is about $20 million and the commission would have had to propose a bond if Bledsoe had not agreed to have the payment spread over 10 years.In 2019, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/93cecdea95494971aa75d8729ff3ae53">agreed to pay</a>&nbsp;Bledsoe $1.03 million under a mistaken conviction law.

Wrongfully convicted Kansas man to get $7.5 million payment

SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. Army identified on Saturday the three soldiers who were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-helicopters-crashes-ca1fd876ca7908a35aef224b8cae4f1a">killed when two helicopters collided</a>&nbsp;in Alaska while returning from a training mission.

The helicopters were headed to Fort Wainwright from a mission in the Donnelly Training Area when they crashed at 1:39 p.m. Thursday, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Healy.

The U.S. Army announced Friday that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-army-helicopter-crash-alaska-fb1bac08c2392f6ada33a0e4c1958f1b">grounded aviation units for training</a>&nbsp;after 12 soldiers died within the last month in helicopter crashes in Alaska and Kentucky.

“The move grounds all Army aviators, except those participating in critical missions, until they complete the required training,” the Army said in a statement.

Killed in Thursday's crash were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Robert Eramo, 39, of Oneonta, New York; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle D. McKenna, 28, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Warrant Officer 1 Stewart Duane Wayment, 32, of North Logan, Utah.

A fourth soldier was injured and was taken to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and was listed in stable condition. He was not identified Saturday.

“The battalion is devastated and mourning the loss of three of our best,” said Lt. Col. Matthew C. Carlsen, the 1-25th AB commander. Their loss can't be compared to the suffering felt by the soldiers' families, he said.

“The entire team has come together to focus our thoughts, prayers, and actions to provide and sustain them with whatever comfort and support they need at this time, and I promise that this will continue long into the future,” he said.

A Safety Investigation Team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, based at Fort Novosel, Alabama, is leading the safety investigation, officials said in an email.

Department of Defense instructions and Army regulations prohibit the investigators from releasing any information to the public concerning the causes, analysis or internal recommendations, the statement said.

“The loss of these Soldiers is devastating and is being felt by family, friends and military communities across Alaska,” said Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division. “The families of Fort Wainwright and 1-25 are as strong a team as I’ve ever seen. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of the fallen.”

SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. Army identified on Saturday the three soldiers who were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-helicopters-crashes-ca1fd876ca7908a35aef224b8cae4f1a">killed when two helicopters collided</a>&nbsp;in Alaska while returning from a training mission.The helicopters were headed to Fort Wainwright from a mission in the Donnelly Training Area when they crashed at 1:39 p.m. Thursday, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Healy.The U.S. Army announced Friday that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-army-helicopter-crash-alaska-fb1bac08c2392f6ada33a0e4c1958f1b">grounded aviation units for training</a>&nbsp;after 12 soldiers died within the last month in helicopter crashes in Alaska and Kentucky.“The move grounds all Army aviators, except those participating in critical missions, until they complete the required training,” the Army said in a statement.Killed in Thursday's crash were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Robert Eramo, 39, of Oneonta, New York; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle D. McKenna, 28, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Warrant Officer 1 Stewart Duane Wayment, 32, of North Logan, Utah.A fourth soldier was injured and was taken to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and was listed in stable condition. He was not identified Saturday.“The battalion is devastated and mourning the loss of three of our best,” said Lt. Col. Matthew C. Carlsen, the 1-25th AB commander. Their loss can't be compared to the suffering felt by the soldiers' families, he said.“The entire team has come together to focus our thoughts, prayers, and actions to provide and sustain them with whatever comfort and support they need at this time, and I promise that this will continue long into the future,” he said.A Safety Investigation Team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, based at Fort Novosel, Alabama, is leading the safety investigation, officials said in an email.Department of Defense instructions and Army regulations prohibit the investigators from releasing any information to the public concerning the causes, analysis or internal recommendations, the statement said.“The loss of these Soldiers is devastating and is being felt by family, friends and military communities across Alaska,” said Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division. “The families of Fort Wainwright and 1-25 are as strong a team as I’ve ever seen. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of the fallen.”

Army identifies 3 soldiers killed in helicopter crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges involving children and drugs.

On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 1800 Block SW Burnett Road related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

&nbsp;Officers located marijuana, LSD, Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Psilocybin, magic mushrooms), firearms and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, police arrested 57-year-old Jeffery Everett and 37-year-old Jacqulyne Jones on requested charges of Contributing to child misconduct, Aggravated child endangerment, Possession of hallucinogenic drug and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682504979380.png" alt="Jones-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges involving children and drugs.On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 1800 Block SW Burnett Road related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682504926247.png" alt="Everett-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Everett-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Officers located marijuana, LSD, Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Psilocybin, magic mushrooms), firearms and drug paraphernalia.As a result, police arrested 57-year-old Jeffery Everett and 37-year-old Jacqulyne Jones on requested charges of Contributing to child misconduct, Aggravated child endangerment, Possession of hallucinogenic drug and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police found magic mushrooms, LSD and children at Kan. home

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/kansas-house-agrees-to-raise-legal-smoking-age-to-21/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature sent Gov. Laura Kelly a bill bundling elements from more than a dozen bills, including a property tax exemption for fitness, restaurant and child care businesses able to demonstrate they were in direct competition with operations of state or local government.

The Senate approved the package Thursday on a vote of 26-13 despite bipartisan complaints Senate Bill 8 was decorated like a holiday tree with special-interest tax policy. The deal previously passed by the House 76-43 contained 18 distinct policy changes. It now goes to Gov. Laura Kelly, and could be added to the Democratic governor’s list of vetoed bills.

Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a Baxter Springs Republican and former speaker of the Kansas House, said he was disturbed the tax measure was packed with changes in tax code his constituents weren’t demanding of the Legislature. He said House and Senate members ought to be devoted to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/28/kansas-senates-attempt-to-override-gov-kelly-on-tax-reduction-bill-falls-short-again/">salvaging important reform vetoed by Kelly</a>, including provisions lowering the state sales tax on groceries and adoption of a flat-rate state income tax.

“This bill is not going to make it through the process,” said Shallenburger, who did vote with his GOP colleagues for the bundled bill. “I’m confident that if the governor vetoed a much better bill than this, that had real provisions that Kansans want, she will surely veto this one.”

The list of tax benefits in the latest bill forwarded to Kelly included $14 million for a sales tax break on equipment and machinery purchases by telecommunications companies, $10.6 million for tax credits related to adoption expenses and $10 million in tax credits for pregnancy resource centers dedicated to reducing abortion. Property tax relief also would be provided for businesses engaged in agricultural tourism, such as farm wineries.

Sen. Caryn Tyson, the Parker Republican and the Senate’s top negotiator on tax policy, said the bill was designed to restrain state, city, county, township, university, school district and community college investment in facilities or services that could be provided by private businesses. She said child care, restaurant and fitness businesses shouldn’t pay taxes to government entities using that money to establish functions the free market could handle.

“I think this is a good bill,” Tyson said. “We should not be in fear of government competition. This is legislation that directly takes on the issue of government competing with private industry.”

The lone proponent for this tax exemption was the Kansas Chamber, but Tyson said supportive business owners were afraid to testify at the Capitol because of potential “retaliation” by local government officials.

The effort to provide tax breaks to specific sectors of the economy had been championed for years by owners of Genesis Health Clubs, which reportedly operated at least 58 fitness gyms in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Iowa. Genesis, which has invested heavily in lobbying for sales and property tax breaks at the statehouse, laid claim to being the largest privately owned health club organization in the United States.

In 2021, Genesis owner Rodney Steven pursued a property tax exemption for his clubs while delinquent on at least $549,000 in property taxes owed in Shawnee, Johnson and Douglas counties. His objective was to insert into a tax transparency bill a clause delivering Genesis an estimated $2.5 million annually in property tax reductions.

A search of property tax records showed the Wichita-based company was currently delinquent on $349,000 in property taxes in Johnson, Douglas and Shawnee counties. Genesis is apparently current on property tax obligations in Sedgwick County, where the company is headquartered.

Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat who voted against the tax bill, said the Legislature’s selection of three types of businesses to benefit from targeted tax reform was “extremely problematic.”

He said government taxing entities undercut by the bill, if signed into law by the governor or made law through a veto override by the Legislature, would likely be forced to make up lost property tax revenue from businesses by raising residential property taxes.

“This is really more that we’re trying to figure out a clever way to somehow subsidize a business model that just won’t work,” Holland said.

Under the bill, the property tax benefit would be available to businesses located in a city or within five miles of the government-initiated competition. The tax exemption would target business offering substantially the same goods or services as government. The preferential tax treatment wouldn’t be retroactive to past taxing years, advocates of the bill said, and would be restricted to companies with taxes paid in full.

Provisions of the bill would apply to the 2024 tax year. The property tax exemption, however, wouldn’t be open to businesses started after July 1, 2023, if the rival government operation had already been put in place.

In the future, ballot propositions for government financing of operations related to fitness, child care and restaurant facilities would be required to include language indicating a private business could later claim an exemption from property taxes.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Republican from Shawnee who supported Senate Bill 8, said motivation for the reform emerged from philosophical ideas about limited government. He said it was time the Legislature pushed back against public investments best left to private businesses.

“The reason property taxes are out of control is that government has overstepped its role in spending and trying to develop (services) and trying to be part of the free market,” Thompson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/P4060215-1024x576.jpg" alt="- Sen. Tim Shallenburger, R-Baxter Springs, voted for to send a bundledtax reform bill to Gov. Laura Kelly despite concerns about so many policy changes in one bill and apprehension other tax changes sought by his constituents had yet to be made law. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>- Sen. Tim Shallenburger, R-Baxter Springs, voted for to send a bundledtax reform bill to Gov. Laura Kelly despite concerns about so many policy changes in one bill and apprehension other tax changes sought by his constituents had yet to be made law. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/kansas-house-agrees-to-raise-legal-smoking-age-to-21/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature sent Gov. Laura Kelly a bill bundling elements from more than a dozen bills, including a property tax exemption for fitness, restaurant and child care businesses able to demonstrate they were in direct competition with operations of state or local government.The Senate approved the package Thursday on a vote of 26-13 despite bipartisan complaints Senate Bill 8 was decorated like a holiday tree with special-interest tax policy. The deal previously passed by the House 76-43 contained 18 distinct policy changes. It now goes to Gov. Laura Kelly, and could be added to the Democratic governor’s list of vetoed bills.Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a Baxter Springs Republican and former speaker of the Kansas House, said he was disturbed the tax measure was packed with changes in tax code his constituents weren’t demanding of the Legislature. He said House and Senate members ought to be devoted to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/28/kansas-senates-attempt-to-override-gov-kelly-on-tax-reduction-bill-falls-short-again/">salvaging important reform vetoed by Kelly</a>, including provisions lowering the state sales tax on groceries and adoption of a flat-rate state income tax.“This bill is not going to make it through the process,” said Shallenburger, who did vote with his GOP colleagues for the bundled bill. “I’m confident that if the governor vetoed a much better bill than this, that had real provisions that Kansans want, she will surely veto this one.”The list of tax benefits in the latest bill forwarded to Kelly included $14 million for a sales tax break on equipment and machinery purchases by telecommunications companies, $10.6 million for tax credits related to adoption expenses and $10 million in tax credits for pregnancy resource centers dedicated to reducing abortion. Property tax relief also would be provided for businesses engaged in agricultural tourism, such as farm wineries.<h2>Fear of government</h2>Sen. Caryn Tyson, the Parker Republican and the Senate’s top negotiator on tax policy, said the bill was designed to restrain state, city, county, township, university, school district and community college investment in facilities or services that could be provided by private businesses. She said child care, restaurant and fitness businesses shouldn’t pay taxes to government entities using that money to establish functions the free market could handle.“I think this is a good bill,” Tyson said. “We should not be in fear of government competition. This is legislation that directly takes on the issue of government competing with private industry.”The lone proponent for this tax exemption was the Kansas Chamber, but Tyson said supportive business owners were afraid to testify at the Capitol because of potential “retaliation” by local government officials.The effort to provide tax breaks to specific sectors of the economy had been championed for years by owners of Genesis Health Clubs, which reportedly operated at least 58 fitness gyms in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Iowa. Genesis, which has invested heavily in lobbying for sales and property tax breaks at the statehouse, laid claim to being the largest privately owned health club organization in the United States.In 2021, Genesis owner Rodney Steven pursued a property tax exemption for his clubs while delinquent on at least $549,000 in property taxes owed in Shawnee, Johnson and Douglas counties. His objective was to insert into a tax transparency bill a clause delivering Genesis an estimated $2.5 million annually in property tax reductions.A search of property tax records showed the Wichita-based company was currently delinquent on $349,000 in property taxes in Johnson, Douglas and Shawnee counties. Genesis is apparently current on property tax obligations in Sedgwick County, where the company is headquartered.<h2>Residential property tax</h2>Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat who voted against the tax bill, said the Legislature’s selection of three types of businesses to benefit from targeted tax reform was “extremely problematic.”He said government taxing entities undercut by the bill, if signed into law by the governor or made law through a veto override by the Legislature, would likely be forced to make up lost property tax revenue from businesses by raising residential property taxes.“This is really more that we’re trying to figure out a clever way to somehow subsidize a business model that just won’t work,” Holland said.Under the bill, the property tax benefit would be available to businesses located in a city or within five miles of the government-initiated competition. The tax exemption would target business offering substantially the same goods or services as government. The preferential tax treatment wouldn’t be retroactive to past taxing years, advocates of the bill said, and would be restricted to companies with taxes paid in full.Provisions of the bill would apply to the 2024 tax year. The property tax exemption, however, wouldn’t be open to businesses started after July 1, 2023, if the rival government operation had already been put in place.In the future, ballot propositions for government financing of operations related to fitness, child care and restaurant facilities would be required to include language indicating a private business could later claim an exemption from property taxes.Sen. Mike Thompson, a Republican from Shawnee who supported Senate Bill 8, said motivation for the reform emerged from philosophical ideas about limited government. He said it was time the Legislature pushed back against public investments best left to private businesses.“The reason property taxes are out of control is that government has overstepped its role in spending and trying to develop (services) and trying to be part of the free market,” Thompson said.

Kan. lawmakers adopt property tax break for restaurant, child care and fitness club businesses

WASHINGTON (AP) —As a growing number of overweight Americans clamor for Ozempic and Wegovy — drugs touted by celebrities and on TikTok to pare pounds — an even more powerful obesity medicine is poised to upend treatment.

Tirzepatide, an Eli Lilly and Co. drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro, helped people with the disease who were overweight or had obesity lose up to 16% of their body weight, or more than 34 pounds, over nearly 17 months, the company said on Thursday.

The late-stage study of the drug for weight loss adds to earlier evidence that similar participants without diabetes lost up to 22% of their body weight over that period with weekly injections of the drug. For a typical patient on the highest dose, that meant shedding more than 50 pounds.

Having diabetes makes it notoriously difficult to lose weight, said Dr. Nadia Ahmad, Lilly’s medical director of obesity clinical development, which means the recent results are especially significant. “We have not seen this degree of weight reduction,” she said.

Based on the new results, which have not yet been published in full, company officials said they will finalize an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for fast-track approval to sell tirzepatide for chronic weight management. A decision could come later this year. A company spokeswoman would not confirm whether the drug would be marketed for weight loss in the U.S. under a different brand name.

If approved for weight loss, tirzepatide could become the most effective drug to date in an arsenal of medications that are transforming the treatment of obesity, which affects more than 4 in 10 American adults and is linked to dozens of diseases that can lead to disability or death.

“If everybody who had obesity in this country lost 20% of their body weight, we would be taking patients off all of these medications for reflux, for diabetes, for hypertension,” said Dr. Caroline Apovian, a director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women's Hospital. “We would not be sending patients for stent replacement.”

Industry analysts predict that tirzepatide could become one of the top-selling drugs ever, with annual sales topping $50 billion. It is expected to outpace Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic — a diabetes drug used so commonly to shed pounds that comedian Jimmy Kimmel joked about it at the Oscars — and Wegovy, a version of the drug also known as semaglutide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-obesity-lifestyle-business-health-c6f992d717c6461ef20f40e6d4ee9d25">approved for weight loss in 2021</a>. Together, those drugs made nearly $10 billion in 2022, with prescriptions continuing to soar, company reports show.

In separate trials, tirzepatide has resulted in greater weight loss than semaglutide, whose users shed about 15% of their body weight over 16 months. A head-to-head trial comparing the two drugs is planned.

Mounjaro was first approved to treat diabetes last year. Since then, thousands of patients have obtained the drug from doctors and telehealth providers who prescribed it “off-label" to help them slim down.

In California, Matthew Barlow, a 48-year-old health technology executive, said he has lost more than 100 pounds since November by using Mounjaro and changing his diet.

“Psychologically, you don’t want to eat,” said Barlow. “Now I can eat two bites of a dessert and be satisfied.”

Rather than relying solely on diet, exercise and willpower to reduce weight, tirzepatide and other new drugs target the digestive and chemical pathways that underlie obesity, suppressing appetite and blunting cravings for food.

“They have entirely changed the landscape,” said Dr. Amy Rothberg, a University of Michigan endocrinologist who directs a virtual weight loss and diabetes program.

Research has shown that with diet and exercise alone, about a third of people will lose 5% or more of their body weight, said Dr. Louis Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. In the latest tirzepatide trial, more than 86% of patients using the highest dose of the drug lost at least 5% of their body weight. More than half on that dose lost at least 15%, the company said.

The obesity medications help overcome a biological mechanism that kicks in when people diet, triggering a coordinated effort by the body to prevent weight loss.

“That is a real physical phenomenon,” Aronne said. “There are a number of hormones that respond to reduced calorie intake.”

Ozempic and Wegovy are two versions of semaglutide. That drug mimics a key gut hormone, known as GLP-1, that is activated after people eat, boosting the release of insulin and slowing release of sugar from the liver. It delays digestion and reduces appetite, making people feel full longer.

Tirzepatide is the first drug that uses the action of two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, for greater effects. It also targets the chemical signals sent from the gut to the brain, curbing cravings and thoughts of food.

Though the drugs appear safe, they can cause side effects, some serious. Most common reactions include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain. Some users have developed pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas, others have had gallbladder problems. Mounjaro’s product description warns that it could cause thyroid tumors, including cancer.

There are other downsides: Versions of semaglutide have been on the market for several years, but the long-term effects of taking drugs that override human metabolism are not yet clear. Early evidence suggests that when people stop taking the medications, they gain the weight back.

Plus, the medications are expensive — and in recent months, hard to get because of intermittent shortages. Wegovy is priced at about $1,300 a month. Mounjaro used for diabetes starts at about $1,000 per month.

Apovian said that only about 20% to 30% of patients with private insurance in her practice find the medications are covered. Some insurers who previously paid for the drugs are enacting new rules, requiring six months of documented lifestyle changes or a certain amount of weight loss for continued coverage. Medicare is largely prohibited from paying for weight-loss drugs, though there have been efforts by drugmakers and advocates for Congress to change that.

Still, experts say that the striking effects of tirzepatide — along with Ozempic, Wegovy and other drugs — underscore that losing weight is not merely a matter of willpower. Like high blood pressure, which affects about half of U.S. adults and is managed with medication, obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease, not a character flaw, Aronne emphasized.

It remains to be seen what effect new drug treatments will have on pervasive bias against people with obesity, said Rebecca Puhl, a professor in the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, who studies weight stigma. U.S. culture has “deep-rooted beliefs about body weight and physical appearance” that are hard to change, she said.

“Weight stigma could persist or worsen if taking medication is equated with ‘taking the easy way out’ or ‘not trying hard enough,’” she said.

WASHINGTON (AP) —As a growing number of overweight Americans clamor for Ozempic and Wegovy — drugs touted by celebrities and on TikTok to pare pounds — an even more powerful obesity medicine is poised to upend treatment.Tirzepatide, an Eli Lilly and Co. drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro, helped people with the disease who were overweight or had obesity lose up to 16% of their body weight, or more than 34 pounds, over nearly 17 months, the company said on Thursday.The late-stage study of the drug for weight loss adds to earlier evidence that similar participants without diabetes lost up to 22% of their body weight over that period with weekly injections of the drug. For a typical patient on the highest dose, that meant shedding more than 50 pounds.Having diabetes makes it notoriously difficult to lose weight, said Dr. Nadia Ahmad, Lilly’s medical director of obesity clinical development, which means the recent results are especially significant. “We have not seen this degree of weight reduction,” she said.Based on the new results, which have not yet been published in full, company officials said they will finalize an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for fast-track approval to sell tirzepatide for chronic weight management. A decision could come later this year. A company spokeswoman would not confirm whether the drug would be marketed for weight loss in the U.S. under a different brand name.If approved for weight loss, tirzepatide could become the most effective drug to date in an arsenal of medications that are transforming the treatment of obesity, which affects more than 4 in 10 American adults and is linked to dozens of diseases that can lead to disability or death.“If everybody who had obesity in this country lost 20% of their body weight, we would be taking patients off all of these medications for reflux, for diabetes, for hypertension,” said Dr. Caroline Apovian, a director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women's Hospital. “We would not be sending patients for stent replacement.”Industry analysts predict that tirzepatide could become one of the top-selling drugs ever, with annual sales topping $50 billion. It is expected to outpace Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic — a diabetes drug used so commonly to shed pounds that comedian Jimmy Kimmel joked about it at the Oscars — and Wegovy, a version of the drug also known as semaglutide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-obesity-lifestyle-business-health-c6f992d717c6461ef20f40e6d4ee9d25">approved for weight loss in 2021</a>. Together, those drugs made nearly $10 billion in 2022, with prescriptions continuing to soar, company reports show.In separate trials, tirzepatide has resulted in greater weight loss than semaglutide, whose users shed about 15% of their body weight over 16 months. A head-to-head trial comparing the two drugs is planned.Mounjaro was first approved to treat diabetes last year. Since then, thousands of patients have obtained the drug from doctors and telehealth providers who prescribed it “off-label" to help them slim down.In California, Matthew Barlow, a 48-year-old health technology executive, said he has lost more than 100 pounds since November by using Mounjaro and changing his diet.“Psychologically, you don’t want to eat,” said Barlow. “Now I can eat two bites of a dessert and be satisfied.”Rather than relying solely on diet, exercise and willpower to reduce weight, tirzepatide and other new drugs target the digestive and chemical pathways that underlie obesity, suppressing appetite and blunting cravings for food.“They have entirely changed the landscape,” said Dr. Amy Rothberg, a University of Michigan endocrinologist who directs a virtual weight loss and diabetes program.Research has shown that with diet and exercise alone, about a third of people will lose 5% or more of their body weight, said Dr. Louis Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. In the latest tirzepatide trial, more than 86% of patients using the highest dose of the drug lost at least 5% of their body weight. More than half on that dose lost at least 15%, the company said.The obesity medications help overcome a biological mechanism that kicks in when people diet, triggering a coordinated effort by the body to prevent weight loss.“That is a real physical phenomenon,” Aronne said. “There are a number of hormones that respond to reduced calorie intake.”Ozempic and Wegovy are two versions of semaglutide. That drug mimics a key gut hormone, known as GLP-1, that is activated after people eat, boosting the release of insulin and slowing release of sugar from the liver. It delays digestion and reduces appetite, making people feel full longer.Tirzepatide is the first drug that uses the action of two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, for greater effects. It also targets the chemical signals sent from the gut to the brain, curbing cravings and thoughts of food.Though the drugs appear safe, they can cause side effects, some serious. Most common reactions include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain. Some users have developed pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas, others have had gallbladder problems. Mounjaro’s product description warns that it could cause thyroid tumors, including cancer.There are other downsides: Versions of semaglutide have been on the market for several years, but the long-term effects of taking drugs that override human metabolism are not yet clear. Early evidence suggests that when people stop taking the medications, they gain the weight back.Plus, the medications are expensive — and in recent months, hard to get because of intermittent shortages. Wegovy is priced at about $1,300 a month. Mounjaro used for diabetes starts at about $1,000 per month.Apovian said that only about 20% to 30% of patients with private insurance in her practice find the medications are covered. Some insurers who previously paid for the drugs are enacting new rules, requiring six months of documented lifestyle changes or a certain amount of weight loss for continued coverage. Medicare is largely prohibited from paying for weight-loss drugs, though there have been efforts by drugmakers and advocates for Congress to change that.Still, experts say that the striking effects of tirzepatide — along with Ozempic, Wegovy and other drugs — underscore that losing weight is not merely a matter of willpower. Like high blood pressure, which affects about half of U.S. adults and is managed with medication, obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease, not a character flaw, Aronne emphasized.It remains to be seen what effect new drug treatments will have on pervasive bias against people with obesity, said Rebecca Puhl, a professor in the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, who studies weight stigma. U.S. culture has “deep-rooted beliefs about body weight and physical appearance” that are hard to change, she said.“Weight stigma could persist or worsen if taking medication is equated with ‘taking the easy way out’ or ‘not trying hard enough,’” she said.—-

Powerful new obesity drug poised to upend weight loss care

NESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating reports of oilfield pipe being stolen from leases in Ness County, according to the sheriff's office.

 Theft from oil leases is very easy, due to the rural access and oilfield pipe is not traceable. However, these cases are not unsolvable, according to the sheriff's office.

 If you believe pipe or other other property has been stolen from oilfield properties, or have information about oifield thefts, please reach out to law enforcement. We take property crime very seriously.&nbsp;

"Ness County is a oilfield community. It's our livelihood. Our passion will always be protecting the way of life we all love here in Ness County, Kansas, USA."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682713236329.png" alt="photo Ness Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photo Ness Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>NESS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating reports of oilfield pipe being stolen from leases in Ness County, according to the sheriff's office. Theft from oil leases is very easy, due to the rural access and oilfield pipe is not traceable. However, these cases are not unsolvable, according to the sheriff's office. If you believe pipe or other other property has been stolen from oilfield properties, or have information about oifield thefts, please reach out to law enforcement. We take property crime very seriously.&nbsp;"Ness County is a oilfield community. It's our livelihood. Our passion will always be protecting the way of life we all love here in Ness County, Kansas, USA."

Sheriff investigating Kansas oilfield pipe thefts

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kansas who say parents need alternatives to public schools couldn't pass even a scaled-back version of the “school choice” plans enacted in other states with GOP-controlled Legislatures.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly strongly opposed using state tax dollars to help parents pay for private or home schooling, and GOP conservatives had trouble winning over rural Republicans who didn't think families living in areas with few private schools would receive much of a benefit.

That meant as Republican leaders pondered a final push Friday on the last day of the Legislature’s annual session, supporters never seemed likely to get the two-thirds majorities needed to override Kelly's expected veto. GOP leaders instead dropped plans to consider the bill shortly before gaveling out for the year.

The bill would have created a program to help families with low or modest incomes pay for private or home schooling. It was targeted at the 10 most populous counties and would have given those parents $4,848 for the upcoming school year, with the amount rising in the future.

The struggles of advocates for such programs in Kansas contrast sharply with their successes in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-florida-nebraska-kim-reynolds-iowa-1fdab7c898730873b8c3b880223c5306">Iowa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-state-government-arizona-iowa-south-carolina-kansas-091e6094fcea2852ec279fedf11759d8">Utah,</a>&nbsp;where GOP lawmakers approved statewide programs in January and saw GOP governors sign them. But Kansas voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-donald-trump-kansas-topeka-39afdff811fd2f30a212036d5ec6e3fa">narrowly reelected Kelly</a>&nbsp;in November.

“Iowa families knew this was coming because the governor that they elected campaigned on this,” said Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Kansas City-area Republican. “The state of Kansas is very different because we don’t have a governor that campaigned on that.”

Lawmakers did approve a bill providing $6.3 billion for K-12 public schools, the bulk of their operating funds for the 2023-24 school year, including an expansion of an existing program that gives income tax credits to donors to funds offering private school scholarships to low-income students. Total credits would remain capped at $10 million a year.

By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kansas who say parents need alternatives to public schools couldn't pass even a scaled-back version of the “school choice” plans enacted in other states with GOP-controlled Legislatures.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly strongly opposed using state tax dollars to help parents pay for private or home schooling, and GOP conservatives had trouble winning over rural Republicans who didn't think families living in areas with few private schools would receive much of a benefit.That meant as Republican leaders pondered a final push Friday on the last day of the Legislature’s annual session, supporters never seemed likely to get the two-thirds majorities needed to override Kelly's expected veto. GOP leaders instead dropped plans to consider the bill shortly before gaveling out for the year.The bill would have created a program to help families with low or modest incomes pay for private or home schooling. It was targeted at the 10 most populous counties and would have given those parents $4,848 for the upcoming school year, with the amount rising in the future.The struggles of advocates for such programs in Kansas contrast sharply with their successes in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-florida-nebraska-kim-reynolds-iowa-1fdab7c898730873b8c3b880223c5306">Iowa</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/utah-state-government-arizona-iowa-south-carolina-kansas-091e6094fcea2852ec279fedf11759d8">Utah,</a>&nbsp;where GOP lawmakers approved statewide programs in January and saw GOP governors sign them. But Kansas voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-donald-trump-kansas-topeka-39afdff811fd2f30a212036d5ec6e3fa">narrowly reelected Kelly</a>&nbsp;in November.“Iowa families knew this was coming because the governor that they elected campaigned on this,” said Senate Education Committee Chair Molly Baumgardner, a Kansas City-area Republican. “The state of Kansas is very different because we don’t have a governor that campaigned on that.”Lawmakers did approve a bill providing $6.3 billion for K-12 public schools, the bulk of their operating funds for the 2023-24 school year, including an expansion of an existing program that gives income tax credits to donors to funds offering private school scholarships to low-income students. Total credits would remain capped at $10 million a year.The votes Friday were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230428154559_445655/">87-37</a>&nbsp;in the House and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230428190509_369943/">23-16</a>&nbsp;in the Senate, sending the measure to Kelly. Public education groups have urged a veto, arguing in part that it does not sufficiently fund special education. A veto would likely force the governor to call a special session to ensure that schools could operate for a full year.Supporters of using state funds for school choice argue that it would benefit students who struggle in public schools, and they also contend that competition would force those schools to improve. Pandemic-era school closures and battles over curriculum — particularly on race and gender — have further fueled GOP interest.“Every child in the state of Kansas should have an opportunity for success, and if they’re not succeeding in our public schools, we need to provide them an opportunity somewhere, somehow,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, a Wichita-area Republican, who chairs a House committee on K-12 spending.But Democrats and moderates, along with teachers and administrators, fear such programs would siphon money from public schools because their state funding is tied to enrollment. Some rural Republicans were also skeptical because of their concerns over the lack of private schools in their areas.This week Kelly attended a Statehouse news conference held by a dozen former state teachers of the year who oppose the use of tax dollars to pay for private or home schooling. Later, speaking from the podium, Kelly said the state needs to be fully funding its public schools instead of “diverting public funds to private schools.”“This is the foundation of our state,” Kelly said, with the teachers standing behind her. “Without the work that these people do in our school buildings, there would be no Kansas. We would have no work force.”Tracy Taylor Callard, a Wichita educator and the 2002 teacher of the year, said public schools allow children of different backgrounds and from different neighborhoods to interact.“We all know that public schools are under attack,” she said at the same event.The school choice proposal — derided as a voucher plan by critics — would have piggybacked onto a program created by Kelly.That program, funded through U.S. government coronavirus relief, provides $1,000 a year to low-income parents of public school students to help them cover education expenses.The $4,848 payments envisioned under the GOP proposal would have been available to families with a household income of 250% or less of&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines">the U.S. poverty level</a>, or $75,000 for a family of four.The measure would have been doomed by Kelly's expected veto. Electing a GOP governor would have made the difference, said Senate President Ty Masterson, another Wichita-area Republican.“I think of all the things that would have gone with just simple majorities,” Masterson said. ___