SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a man at a Kansas home and searching for a suspect.

Just after 9 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 1700 block of N. Spruce in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 Upon arrival, officers located a 65-year-old victim. EMS transported him to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed, a disturbance occurred between the victim and a known suspect when the suspect fired a shot at the victim and struck him.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647540799981.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a man at a Kansas home and searching for a suspect.Just after 9 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 1700 block of N. Spruce in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. Upon arrival, officers located a 65-year-old victim. EMS transported him to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.The investigation revealed, a disturbance occurred between the victim and a known suspect when the suspect fired a shot at the victim and struck him.&nbsp;

Police search for suspect who shot 65-year-old Kan. man

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the Cottonwood fire nearly two weeks in the past, the gears are shifting in the recovery from immediate needs to long-term solutions. The VOAD and United Way continue to work to assist families where needed.

“We’re starting to get into the long-term recovery portion of this disaster,” United Way Director Lisa Gleason said. “It’s going to start with cleaning off properties for those families to determine whether they’re going to rebuild or whether they’re going to relocate.”

Gleason says the goal of the VOAD and United Way is to simply be alongside in the recovery where needed.

“Our goal is to walk alongside them and fill in the gaps,” Gleason said. “So if they’re insured, what is their insurance not covering? If they are under-insured or not insured, how can we help support them?”

Gleason says VOAD and the United Way will be on-site Saturday to help victims with the start of the recovery process.

“We are starting to do some work now on the sites where the properties have been lost,” Gleason said. “Reno County VOAD will be out there on Saturday with a canteen for food for those who are out working, trying to get their properties recovered.”

Gleason says they are working with each victim of the fire on a case-by-case basis, knowing that each need is different.

“Some of it is just making sure they’re connected to the resources they need,” Gleason said. “We do case management with every single family who wants our assistance."

The Volunteer Center of Reno County is putting together a list of groups, organizations or individuals who would like to help with the cleanup of the area. Three dates during the month of April will be announced for those cleanup events soon. Until then, the United Way is still taking monetary donations for the relief fund. You can go to <a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/">unitedwayofrenocounty.org</a> or stop by 924 N. Main in Hutchinson, or mail it to that address.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647551021140.jpeg" alt="Damage from the Cottonwood Fire in Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Damage from the Cottonwood Fire in Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the Cottonwood fire nearly two weeks in the past, the gears are shifting in the recovery from immediate needs to long-term solutions. The VOAD and United Way continue to work to assist families where needed.“We’re starting to get into the long-term recovery portion of this disaster,” United Way Director Lisa Gleason said. “It’s going to start with cleaning off properties for those families to determine whether they’re going to rebuild or whether they’re going to relocate.”Gleason says the goal of the VOAD and United Way is to simply be alongside in the recovery where needed.“Our goal is to walk alongside them and fill in the gaps,” Gleason said. “So if they’re insured, what is their insurance not covering? If they are under-insured or not insured, how can we help support them?”Gleason says VOAD and the United Way will be on-site Saturday to help victims with the start of the recovery process.“We are starting to do some work now on the sites where the properties have been lost,” Gleason said. “Reno County VOAD will be out there on Saturday with a canteen for food for those who are out working, trying to get their properties recovered.”Gleason says they are working with each victim of the fire on a case-by-case basis, knowing that each need is different.“Some of it is just making sure they’re connected to the resources they need,” Gleason said. “We do case management with every single family who wants our assistance."The Volunteer Center of Reno County is putting together a list of groups, organizations or individuals who would like to help with the cleanup of the area. Three dates during the month of April will be announced for those cleanup events soon. Until then, the United Way is still taking monetary donations for the relief fund. You can go to <a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/">unitedwayofrenocounty.org</a> or stop by 924 N. Main in Hutchinson, or mail it to that address.

Reno Co. fire recovery attention turns to the long-term needs

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republican lawmakers on Thursday revived a proposal to weaken Kansas’ vaccination requirements for children enrolling in school and day care and to make it easier for people to get potentially dangerous treatments for COVID-19.

The Senate health committee approved a bill that would allow parents to get a no-questions-asked religious exemption from requirements to vaccinate their children against more than a dozen diseases, including measles, whopping cough, polio and chickenpox.

The measure also would limit pharmacists’ ability to refuse to fill prescriptions for the anti-worm treatment ivermectin and other drugs for off-label uses as COVID-19 treatments.

The bill goes next to the full Senate for debate. The Republican majority there also is considering&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb489_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a proposal to greatly limit&nbsp;</a>the power of the state’s public health administrator to deal with infectious diseases and another to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-judiciary-property-taxes-5c98e22e3ae6760e29a569261da1f560">ban all mask mandates</a>&nbsp;during future pandemics.

“When you put them all together, it’s a lot of negative bills,” said Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher, of Overland Park.

The measure approved Thursday would require schools to grant an exemption to parents who say vaccinations violate their religious or strongly held moral or ethical beliefs without investigating those beliefs.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-religion-822d31ed5cd6cdca053f21f4a9a965d9">A law enacted in November</a>&nbsp;granted a similar, broad exemption to workers seeking to avoid COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

“It allows the day care-aged kids’ parents and school-aged kids’ parents to enjoy the same freedom of religion that everyone else would,” said Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican.

But Sen. Kristen O’Shea, of Topeka, broke with fellow Republicans in opposing the measure and noted Thursday that the committee didn’t have a hearing on weakening childhood vaccination requirements.

She said during a meeting earlier this month: “It’s really scary to think that we’re in a society that’s going to bring back measles and polio and whooping cough, et cetera.”

The committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-kansas-topeka-dd075d06726b819037e64103ca82f288">approved a version</a>&nbsp;of the bill early last month, but it became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-congress-kansas-topeka-eaaad4bdc84fa35fe39749aa3f5b9017">tangled in a dispute over congressional redistricting</a>&nbsp;that involved Steffen. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, sent it back to the committee for what a spokesperson called “some tweaks.”

The measure also is shadowed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-worms-legislature-054e83c1a4d69704b4ed6508c301dd18">a state medical board investigation</a>&nbsp;of Steffen, an anesthesiologist and pain-management specialist from Hutchinson. While Steffen disclosed the investigation and acknowledged trying to prescribe ivermectin, he has said the probe deals with his public statements about COVID-19 and not patient care.

Steffen pushed the previous version of the bill, which would have required pharmacists to fill all prescriptions of drugs for off-label uses in treating COVID-19. Kansas law allows pharmacists not to fill prescriptions they deem inappropriate or potentially harmful.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ivermectin to treat infections of lice, roundworms and other tiny parasites in humans. The FDA has tried to debunk claims that animal-strength versions of the drug can help fight COVID-19,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-c2b50063ac65943686a4995a6cf230c3">warning that large doses</a>&nbsp;can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, delirium and even death.

The new version of the bill says pharmacists still can refuse to fill drugs for off-label COVID-19 treatments, unless they object only because it’s for treating the novel coronavirus.

The measure prohibits the state medical board from disciplining doctors over such prescriptions, but the committee dropped a provision that would have made that ban apply at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.

Steffen said Thursday that he believes doctors who prescribe ivermectin and other drugs to treat COVID-19 can show that they’re doing what other reasonable physicians would do in similar circumstances. That’s the standard the state medical board uses to determine whether a doctor is providing adequate care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647550246991.png" alt="The Senate health committee meeting on Thursday -photo Kan. legislature YouTube" />
 <figcaption>The Senate health committee meeting on Thursday -photo Kan. legislature YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republican lawmakers on Thursday revived a proposal to weaken Kansas’ vaccination requirements for children enrolling in school and day care and to make it easier for people to get potentially dangerous treatments for COVID-19.The Senate health committee approved a bill that would allow parents to get a no-questions-asked religious exemption from requirements to vaccinate their children against more than a dozen diseases, including measles, whopping cough, polio and chickenpox.The measure also would limit pharmacists’ ability to refuse to fill prescriptions for the anti-worm treatment ivermectin and other drugs for off-label uses as COVID-19 treatments.The bill goes next to the full Senate for debate. The Republican majority there also is considering&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb489_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a proposal to greatly limit&nbsp;</a>the power of the state’s public health administrator to deal with infectious diseases and another to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-judiciary-property-taxes-5c98e22e3ae6760e29a569261da1f560">ban all mask mandates</a>&nbsp;during future pandemics.“When you put them all together, it’s a lot of negative bills,” said Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher, of Overland Park.The measure approved Thursday would require schools to grant an exemption to parents who say vaccinations violate their religious or strongly held moral or ethical beliefs without investigating those beliefs.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-religion-822d31ed5cd6cdca053f21f4a9a965d9">A law enacted in November</a>&nbsp;granted a similar, broad exemption to workers seeking to avoid COVID-19 vaccine mandates.“It allows the day care-aged kids’ parents and school-aged kids’ parents to enjoy the same freedom of religion that everyone else would,” said Sen. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Republican.But Sen. Kristen O’Shea, of Topeka, broke with fellow Republicans in opposing the measure and noted Thursday that the committee didn’t have a hearing on weakening childhood vaccination requirements.She said during a meeting earlier this month: “It’s really scary to think that we’re in a society that’s going to bring back measles and polio and whooping cough, et cetera.”The committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-kansas-topeka-dd075d06726b819037e64103ca82f288">approved a version</a>&nbsp;of the bill early last month, but it became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-congress-kansas-topeka-eaaad4bdc84fa35fe39749aa3f5b9017">tangled in a dispute over congressional redistricting</a>&nbsp;that involved Steffen. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, sent it back to the committee for what a spokesperson called “some tweaks.”The measure also is shadowed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-worms-legislature-054e83c1a4d69704b4ed6508c301dd18">a state medical board investigation</a>&nbsp;of Steffen, an anesthesiologist and pain-management specialist from Hutchinson. While Steffen disclosed the investigation and acknowledged trying to prescribe ivermectin, he has said the probe deals with his public statements about COVID-19 and not patient care.Steffen pushed the previous version of the bill, which would have required pharmacists to fill all prescriptions of drugs for off-label uses in treating COVID-19. Kansas law allows pharmacists not to fill prescriptions they deem inappropriate or potentially harmful.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ivermectin to treat infections of lice, roundworms and other tiny parasites in humans. The FDA has tried to debunk claims that animal-strength versions of the drug can help fight COVID-19,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-c2b50063ac65943686a4995a6cf230c3">warning that large doses</a>&nbsp;can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, delirium and even death.The new version of the bill says pharmacists still can refuse to fill drugs for off-label COVID-19 treatments, unless they object only because it’s for treating the novel coronavirus.The measure prohibits the state medical board from disciplining doctors over such prescriptions, but the committee dropped a provision that would have made that ban apply at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.Steffen said Thursday that he believes doctors who prescribe ivermectin and other drugs to treat COVID-19 can show that they’re doing what other reasonable physicians would do in similar circumstances. That’s the standard the state medical board uses to determine whether a doctor is providing adequate care.

GOP revives anti-vax, pro-ivermectin measure in Kansas

WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has outlined President Biden's Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's alarming sentencing leniency for sex criminals, especially for those preying on children, according to a statement from his office.

On social media, the senator from Missouri wrote, " I’ve been researching the record of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, reading her opinions, articles, interviews &amp; speeches. I’ve noticed an alarming pattern when it comes to Judge Jackson’s treatment of sex offenders, especially those preying on children."

"Judge Jackson has a pattern of letting child porn offenders off the hook for their appalling crimes, both as a judge and as a policymaker. She’s been advocating for it since law school. This goes beyond “soft on crime.” I’m concerned that this a record that endangers our children."

"As far back as her time in law school, Judge Jackson has questioned making convicts register as sex offenders - saying it leads to “stigmatization and ostracism.” She’s suggested public policy is driven by a “climate of fear, hatred &amp; revenge” against sex offenders."

"Judge Jackson has also questioned sending dangerous sex offenders to civil commitment. We have a civil commitment law in Missouri, and it protects children."

"It gets worse. As a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Judge Jackson advocated for drastic change in how the law treats sex offenders by eliminating the existing mandatory minimum sentences for child porn."

"Judge Jackson has said that some people who possess child porn “are in this for either the collection, or the people who are loners and find status in their participation in the community.” What community would that be? The community of child exploiters?"

"Judge Jackson has opined there may be a type of “less-serious child pornography offender” whose motivation is not sexual but “is the challenge, or to use the technology.” A “less-serious” child porn offender?"

"In her time on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Judge Jackson said she “mistakingly assumed that child pornography offenders are pedophiles” and she wanted “to understand this category of nonpedophiles who obtain child pornography.”

"On the federal bench, Judge Jackson put her troubling views into action. In every single child porn case for which we can find records, Judge Jackson deviated from the federal sentencing guidelines in favor of child porn offenders."

"In the case of United States v. Hawkins, the sex offender had multiple images of child porn. He was over 18. The Sentencing Guidelines called for a sentence of up to 10 years. Judge Jackson sentenced the perpetrator to only 3 months in prison. Three months."

"In United States v. Stewart, the criminal possessed thousands of images of child porn and also hoped to travel across state lines to abuse a 9-year-old girl. The Guidelines called for a sentence of 97-121 months. Judge Jackson sentenced the criminal to just 57 months."

"In United States v. Cooper, in which the criminal had more than 600 images and videos and posted many on a public blog, the Guidelines called for a sentence of 151-188 months. Judge Jackson settled on 60 months, the lowest possible sentence allowed by law."

"In United States v. Chazin, the offender had 48 files of child porn, which he had accessed over a period of years. The Guidelines recommended 78-97 months. Judge Jackson gave him 28."

"In United States v. Downs, the perp posted multiple images to an anonymous instant messaging app, including an image of a child under the age of 5. The Guidelines recommended 70-87 months. Judge Jackson gave him the lowest sentence allowed by law, 60 months."

"In United States v. Sears, the sex offender distributed more than 102 child porn videos. He also sent lewd pictures of his own 10-year-old daughter. The Guidelines recommended 97-121 months in prison. Judge Jackson gave him 71 months."

"In United States v. Savage, the sex offender was convicted of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and also admitted to transporting child porn. The Guidelines recommended 46-57 months. Judge Jackson gave him 37."

"This is a disturbing record for any judge, but especially one nominated to the highest court in the land. Protecting the most vulnerable shouldn’t be up for debate. Sending child predators to jail shouldn’t be controversial."

"So far, the Sentencing Commission has refused to turn over all Judge Jackson’s records from her time there. In light of what we have learned, this stonewalling must end. We must get access to all relevant records."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646919314194.png" alt="U.S. Senator&nbsp; Josh Hawley met with Judge Brown on March 10-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator&nbsp; Josh Hawley met with Judge Brown on March 10-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has outlined President Biden's Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's alarming sentencing leniency for sex criminals, especially for those preying on children, according to a statement from his office.On social media, the senator from Missouri wrote, " I’ve been researching the record of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, reading her opinions, articles, interviews &amp; speeches. I’ve noticed an alarming pattern when it comes to Judge Jackson’s treatment of sex offenders, especially those preying on children.""Judge Jackson has a pattern of letting child porn offenders off the hook for their appalling crimes, both as a judge and as a policymaker. She’s been advocating for it since law school. This goes beyond “soft on crime.” I’m concerned that this a record that endangers our children.""As far back as her time in law school, Judge Jackson has questioned making convicts register as sex offenders - saying it leads to “stigmatization and ostracism.” She’s suggested public policy is driven by a “climate of fear, hatred &amp; revenge” against sex offenders.""Judge Jackson has also questioned sending dangerous sex offenders to civil commitment. We have a civil commitment law in Missouri, and it protects children.""It gets worse. As a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Judge Jackson advocated for drastic change in how the law treats sex offenders by eliminating the existing mandatory minimum sentences for child porn.""Judge Jackson has said that some people who possess child porn “are in this for either the collection, or the people who are loners and find status in their participation in the community.” What community would that be? The community of child exploiters?""Judge Jackson has opined there may be a type of “less-serious child pornography offender” whose motivation is not sexual but “is the challenge, or to use the technology.” A “less-serious” child porn offender?""In her time on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Judge Jackson said she “mistakingly assumed that child pornography offenders are pedophiles” and she wanted “to understand this category of nonpedophiles who obtain child pornography.”"On the federal bench, Judge Jackson put her troubling views into action. In every single child porn case for which we can find records, Judge Jackson deviated from the federal sentencing guidelines in favor of child porn offenders.""In the case of United States v. Hawkins, the sex offender had multiple images of child porn. He was over 18. The Sentencing Guidelines called for a sentence of up to 10 years. Judge Jackson sentenced the perpetrator to only 3 months in prison. Three months.""In United States v. Stewart, the criminal possessed thousands of images of child porn and also hoped to travel across state lines to abuse a 9-year-old girl. The Guidelines called for a sentence of 97-121 months. Judge Jackson sentenced the criminal to just 57 months.""In United States v. Cooper, in which the criminal had more than 600 images and videos and posted many on a public blog, the Guidelines called for a sentence of 151-188 months. Judge Jackson settled on 60 months, the lowest possible sentence allowed by law.""In United States v. Chazin, the offender had 48 files of child porn, which he had accessed over a period of years. The Guidelines recommended 78-97 months. Judge Jackson gave him 28.""In United States v. Downs, the perp posted multiple images to an anonymous instant messaging app, including an image of a child under the age of 5. The Guidelines recommended 70-87 months. Judge Jackson gave him the lowest sentence allowed by law, 60 months.""In United States v. Sears, the sex offender distributed more than 102 child porn videos. He also sent lewd pictures of his own 10-year-old daughter. The Guidelines recommended 97-121 months in prison. Judge Jackson gave him 71 months.""In United States v. Savage, the sex offender was convicted of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and also admitted to transporting child porn. The Guidelines recommended 46-57 months. Judge Jackson gave him 37.""This is a disturbing record for any judge, but especially one nominated to the highest court in the land. Protecting the most vulnerable shouldn’t be up for debate. Sending child predators to jail shouldn’t be controversial.""So far, the Sentencing Commission has refused to turn over all Judge Jackson’s records from her time there. In light of what we have learned, this stonewalling must end. We must get access to all relevant records."

Senator warns of Biden's SCOTUS pick and child porn offenders

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-senate-advances-22-8b-spending-plan-with-pay-raise-for-state-workers-no-food-tax-relief/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Sen. Caryn Tyson says public schools and legislators for too long have ignored complaints from teachers who feel compelled to pay for classroom materials out of their own pockets.

Tyson, a Republican from Parker, told members of the Senate Education Committee this week that she and her husband donate money so teachers can purchase books and other items for students. Anybody who talks to teachers knows this is a problem, Tyson said, and she is tired of not seeing anything happen to address the problem.

“Our teachers, for some reason, they feel like they’re not respected, or second class citizens of Kansas. And that is not true,” Tyson said. “They have more impact on our lives than almost any other person that we interact with, besides family members and friends.”

One of Tyson’s proposals, which would give teachers a $250 income tax credit, already passed the Senate after being included in a bundle of other tax cuts in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb282/">Senate Bill 282</a>. The annual cost to state revenue would be about $10.4 million, based on the 44,000 teachers in the state.

The education panel held a hearing Monday on Tyson’s other plan, contained in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb528/">Senate Bill 528</a>, which would require school district to reimburse teachers for up to $250 in personal expenses for classroom supplies.

“We shouldn’t have to do this through legislation,” Tyson said. “But yet, here we are.”

Lobbyists for school boards and teachers opposed the reimbursement because it doesn’t cover many of the items teachers routinely buy, and it would force districts to redirect funding that otherwise would go toward teacher salaries and benefits.

Republicans on the committee pushed back on the idea that schools couldn’t find a way to set aside $10 million from the billions in funding they now receive from the state.

Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, recalled a time as a business teacher when the school decided to cut copy paper from the budget but still found a way to pay for administrator cellphones. She pointed out the public schools are expected to receive an additional $102 million in the upcoming school year as part of a court-mandated settlement agreement over school funding.

“It seems to me with all of the talk about teachers being unhappy, teachers being stressed out, trying to retain and recruit teachers, taking approximately 10% of the increase of funding isn’t too much to ask our school districts to prioritize what students and teachers need,” Erickson said.

Under the proposed legislation, teachers could be reimbursed for documented purchases of school supplies that are intended to be used within the current school year. The bill excludes the purchase of food, beverage or equipment.

Lauren Tice Miller, of the Kansas National Education Association, said a national study indicated the average teacher spends $459 out of pocket every year on items that often include food, clothing and hygiene products.

If legislators want to help educators with out of pocket expenses, Tice Miller said, they should appropriate the extra $10 million and earmark it for this purpose. Otherwise, she said, the pool of money that would be used to pay for classroom supplies would deny teachers a pay increase or would be unavailable to offset the rising costs of health care.

“We believe it creates a situation of robbing Peter to pay Peter,” she said.

Mark Tallman, of the Kansas Association of School Boards, said he wasn’t aware of any district that doesn’t already provide school supplies or an opportunity for reimbursement.

“Teachers are very generous,” Tallman said. “If they see they want to buy something for a child or they want to do something more special for their room, the cost doesn’t hold them back. And then, understandably, they can be kind of frustrated.”

Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican who serves as chairwoman of the Education Committee, lamented the way school cafeterias dispose of leftover food instead of packaging it for students to take homes. That way, she reasoned, teachers wouldn’t feel compelled to buy food for kids.

Baumgardner encouraged local districts to find solutions for teachers who have to pay for their own classroom supplies.

“We continue to hear — not hear politely from teachers, that would be nice — but we continue to be hammered by teachers that there is no help coming from the Legislature for their out-of-pocket expenses,” Baumgardner said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647458875603.png" alt="Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, appears Monday before the Senate Education Committee to urge support for reimbursing public school teachers who pay out of pocket for classroom supplies. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, appears Monday before the Senate Education Committee to urge support for reimbursing public school teachers who pay out of pocket for classroom supplies. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-senate-advances-22-8b-spending-plan-with-pay-raise-for-state-workers-no-food-tax-relief/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Sen. Caryn Tyson says public schools and legislators for too long have ignored complaints from teachers who feel compelled to pay for classroom materials out of their own pockets.Tyson, a Republican from Parker, told members of the Senate Education Committee this week that she and her husband donate money so teachers can purchase books and other items for students. Anybody who talks to teachers knows this is a problem, Tyson said, and she is tired of not seeing anything happen to address the problem.“Our teachers, for some reason, they feel like they’re not respected, or second class citizens of Kansas. And that is not true,” Tyson said. “They have more impact on our lives than almost any other person that we interact with, besides family members and friends.”One of Tyson’s proposals, which would give teachers a $250 income tax credit, already passed the Senate after being included in a bundle of other tax cuts in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb282/">Senate Bill 282</a>. The annual cost to state revenue would be about $10.4 million, based on the 44,000 teachers in the state.The education panel held a hearing Monday on Tyson’s other plan, contained in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb528/">Senate Bill 528</a>, which would require school district to reimburse teachers for up to $250 in personal expenses for classroom supplies.“We shouldn’t have to do this through legislation,” Tyson said. “But yet, here we are.”Lobbyists for school boards and teachers opposed the reimbursement because it doesn’t cover many of the items teachers routinely buy, and it would force districts to redirect funding that otherwise would go toward teacher salaries and benefits.Republicans on the committee pushed back on the idea that schools couldn’t find a way to set aside $10 million from the billions in funding they now receive from the state.Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, recalled a time as a business teacher when the school decided to cut copy paper from the budget but still found a way to pay for administrator cellphones. She pointed out the public schools are expected to receive an additional $102 million in the upcoming school year as part of a court-mandated settlement agreement over school funding.“It seems to me with all of the talk about teachers being unhappy, teachers being stressed out, trying to retain and recruit teachers, taking approximately 10% of the increase of funding isn’t too much to ask our school districts to prioritize what students and teachers need,” Erickson said.Under the proposed legislation, teachers could be reimbursed for documented purchases of school supplies that are intended to be used within the current school year. The bill excludes the purchase of food, beverage or equipment.Lauren Tice Miller, of the Kansas National Education Association, said a national study indicated the average teacher spends $459 out of pocket every year on items that often include food, clothing and hygiene products.If legislators want to help educators with out of pocket expenses, Tice Miller said, they should appropriate the extra $10 million and earmark it for this purpose. Otherwise, she said, the pool of money that would be used to pay for classroom supplies would deny teachers a pay increase or would be unavailable to offset the rising costs of health care.“We believe it creates a situation of robbing Peter to pay Peter,” she said.Mark Tallman, of the Kansas Association of School Boards, said he wasn’t aware of any district that doesn’t already provide school supplies or an opportunity for reimbursement.“Teachers are very generous,” Tallman said. “If they see they want to buy something for a child or they want to do something more special for their room, the cost doesn’t hold them back. And then, understandably, they can be kind of frustrated.”Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican who serves as chairwoman of the Education Committee, lamented the way school cafeterias dispose of leftover food instead of packaging it for students to take homes. That way, she reasoned, teachers wouldn’t feel compelled to buy food for kids.Baumgardner encouraged local districts to find solutions for teachers who have to pay for their own classroom supplies.“We continue to hear — not hear politely from teachers, that would be nice — but we continue to be hammered by teachers that there is no help coming from the Legislature for their out-of-pocket expenses,” Baumgardner said.

Bill would force school districts to repay Kan. teachers for classroom supplies

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating as arson an early Wednesday morning fire that destroyed a wooden bridge in the northern part of the county.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a motorist driving on Interstate 70 first reported the fire just after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. As it turned out, the fire actually was on a wooden bridge that connected some farmland with the "T" intersection of N. Simpson Road and Campbell Road, a short distance south of the interstate.

The fire completely destroyed the wooden planks of the bridge owned by Saline County and is believed to have damaged a wall of the box culvert underneath. Loss was estimated at $6,000. Soldan said investigators believe the fire was started with an accelerant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647532690551.jpeg" alt="Wooden planks burn on a bridge at the N. Simpson Road-Campbell Road&nbsp; intersection. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Wooden planks burn on a bridge at the N. Simpson Road-Campbell Road&nbsp; intersection. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating as arson an early Wednesday morning fire that destroyed a wooden bridge in the northern part of the county.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a motorist driving on Interstate 70 first reported the fire just after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. As it turned out, the fire actually was on a wooden bridge that connected some farmland with the "T" intersection of N. Simpson Road and Campbell Road, a short distance south of the interstate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647532821216.jpeg" alt="Burning planks drop into the box culvert." />
 <figcaption>Burning planks drop into the box culvert.</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire completely destroyed the wooden planks of the bridge owned by Saline County and is believed to have damaged a wall of the box culvert underneath. Loss was estimated at $6,000. Soldan said investigators believe the fire was started with an accelerant.

Sheriff: Fire that destroyed Saline County bridge was arson

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and U.S. Representative Tracey Mann on Thursday urged U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to require SkyWest to continue its contracted level of service to four Kansas airports until a new carrier can be secured, according to a media release from Moran's office.

<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/1/4/14f3ce44-8824-481c-819d-adeeed06e6d4/8E063C60EEF2080D27B146883772E5A7.dot-eas-letter.3.16.22.pdf">Click here to read the full letter to Buttigieg</a>

Last week, SkyWest announced it would be ending air service to Dodge City, Hays, Liberal and Salina in the near future. The Department of Transportation recently announced their intent to bar SkyWest from ending its contract until replacement carriers could be found.

“Given the urgency of this situation, we request continued communication with our regional airport authorities on the ongoing efforts to find a new carrier to replace SkyWest Airlines,”&nbsp;the members wrote. “Additionally, we support the Department of Transportation’s requirement that SkyWest retain their contracted level of service until the conclusion of the EAS selection case, and we urge continued commitment to the Hold-In Order until a new carrier is found.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609799151484.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and U.S. Representative Tracey Mann on Thursday urged U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to require SkyWest to continue its contracted level of service to four Kansas airports until a new carrier can be secured, according to a media release from Moran's office.<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/1/4/14f3ce44-8824-481c-819d-adeeed06e6d4/8E063C60EEF2080D27B146883772E5A7.dot-eas-letter.3.16.22.pdf">Click here to read the full letter to Buttigieg</a>Last week, SkyWest announced it would be ending air service to Dodge City, Hays, Liberal and Salina in the near future. The Department of Transportation recently announced their intent to bar SkyWest from ending its contract until replacement carriers could be found.“Given the urgency of this situation, we request continued communication with our regional airport authorities on the ongoing efforts to find a new carrier to replace SkyWest Airlines,”&nbsp;the members wrote. “Additionally, we support the Department of Transportation’s requirement that SkyWest retain their contracted level of service until the conclusion of the EAS selection case, and we urge continued commitment to the Hold-In Order until a new carrier is found.”

Lawmakers urge Skywest to continue service to Kansas airports

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A middle school in Kansas City, Kansas, will stop using its Apaches mascot as part of a district-wide review of names that could be considered culturally insensitive. 

The district's school board appointed a committee last fall to review all school mascots. District spokesman Edwin Birch says the committee focused last week on changing the Apache mascot name at Arrowhead Middle School. 

The Kansas City Star reports Birch said the name could be considered offensive by stereotyping Native Americans as aggressive or savages. Birch said the district plans to gather feedback on a possible new mascot name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647531066918.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A middle school in Kansas City, Kansas, will stop using its Apaches mascot as part of a district-wide review of names that could be considered culturally insensitive. The district's school board appointed a committee last fall to review all school mascots. District spokesman Edwin Birch says the committee focused last week on changing the Apache mascot name at Arrowhead Middle School. The Kansas City Star reports Birch said the name could be considered offensive by stereotyping Native Americans as aggressive or savages. Birch said the district plans to gather feedback on a possible new mascot name.

Kansas middle school drops Apaches mascot

MOSCOW (AP) —A Moscow court announced it has extended the arrest of WNBA star and former three-time Big 12 player of the year Brittney Griner until May 19, according to the Russian state news agency Tass.

Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. They were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19,” the court said, according to Tass.

The United States embassy in Moscow did not immediately return calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.

The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor.

Griner has played in Russia for the last seven years in the winter, earning over $1 million per season — more than quadruple her WNBA salary. She last played for her Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg on Jan. 29 before the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments. She was arrested in Moscow upon returning to Russia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="Griner photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>Griner photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) —A Moscow court announced it has extended the arrest of WNBA star and former three-time Big 12 player of the year Brittney Griner until May 19, according to the Russian state news agency Tass.Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. They were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19,” the court said, according to Tass.The United States embassy in Moscow did not immediately return calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor.The WNBA season opens May 6.Griner has played in Russia for the last seven years in the winter, earning over $1 million per season — more than quadruple her WNBA salary. She last played for her Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg on Jan. 29 before the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments. She was arrested in Moscow upon returning to Russia.

Russian court extends arrest of 3-time Big 12 player of the year

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have made an arrest.

Just before midnight Sunday, police responded to the 200 block of North Walnut Street in Coffeyville after report of a shooting, according to a media release. Officers located a juvenile gunshot victim of Chanute, Kansas. 

EMS transported the victim to a local hospital and they were pronounced deceased.

Police sought one person of interest for questioning.

On Wednesday, police arrested 19-year-old Treyvin Xavier Hayes Smith. He is being held on requested charges from the Montgomery County Attorney’s for Involuntary manslaughter; Recklessly: Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18: Contribute to a child misconduct; Unknown circumstance and&nbsp; Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; felony: 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647513036564.png" alt="Smith-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have made an arrest.Just before midnight Sunday, police responded to the 200 block of North Walnut Street in Coffeyville after report of a shooting, according to a media release. Officers located a juvenile gunshot victim of Chanute, Kansas. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital and they were pronounced deceased.Police sought one person of interest for questioning.On Wednesday, police arrested 19-year-old Treyvin Xavier Hayes Smith. He is being held on requested charges from the Montgomery County Attorney’s for Involuntary manslaughter; Recklessly: Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18: Contribute to a child misconduct; Unknown circumstance and&nbsp; Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; felony:

Police: Kan. man arrested after child dies in weekend shooting

By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-16/lawmakers-look-ready-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-but-likely-wont-let-kansans-vape-or-smoke-it">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — State lawmakers find themselves on the verge 
of legalizing marijuana for medical use, but with stricter rules than 
the way cannabis has been cleared for use in other states.

The 
Kansas House passed a legalization bill last year. The Senate stood 
poised to start work on it in the opening weeks of the current session, 
but Republican Senate President Ty Masterson abruptly pulled the bill 
from the calendar.

Now the Senate Federal and State Affairs 
Committee has begun three days of hearings on the measure, a signal that
 the conservative Republicans controlling the Legislature have blessed 
tightly regulated legalization.

Masterson said he wasn’t opposed 
to legalization. Rather, he said, he wanted to make sure that bill was 
written tightly enough to guard against doctor-shopping and other 
tactics that allow people to get the drug on flimsy claims of medical 
need.

“There is some legitimate medical benefit to the derivatives
 of the cannabis plant,” Masterson said in a pre-session interview with 
the Kansas News Service. “The final hurdle is: What is a legitimate way 
to deliver it.”

Thirty-seven states have adopted medical marijuana programs. Recreational use is legal in 18 of them.

The
 Kansas legislation would allow doctors to recommend cannabis for 
chronic pain and the treatment of 22 specific diseases or conditions, 
including AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, Parkinson’s 
disease and ulcerative colitis.

Patients suffering from other 
chronic or terminal conditions that a doctor believes would respond to 
cannabis could also be eligible.

Sam Jones, a Wichita lawyer, says the drug is a safer alternative to opioids and other prescription medications.

“The medical benefits are legitimate and verifiable,” he said.

They’re backed by studies that are growing in number as more states legalize medical cannabis.

Treatment options are limited by the bill. It prohibits smoking and vaping, allowing only edibles, oils, tinctures and patches.

Several
 people who testified in support of the bill urged lawmakers to remove 
the prohibition on smoking and vaping, including Jack Mitchell, the 
owner of a medical marijuana dispensary in Kansas City, Missouri.

He said states that started with similar restrictions have abandoned them.

The bill establishes a rigorous process for doctors who want the option of recommending cannabis and their patients.

Doctors
 would have to obtain certificates from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts
 to recommend medical marijuana to patients. They would also be required
 to submit annual reports detailing the drug’s effectiveness.

Patients
 and their designated caregivers would have to go through a doctor to 
obtain the drug. The physician would submit an application on their 
behalf to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Patients
 approved to use the drug would get a secure identification card for a 
fee of $50. Veterans and low-income Kansans would pay only $25. Then 
they’d buy the drug at state-licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Disabled
 Army veteran Johnathan Lewis, from Missouri, told the Senate committee 
that medical marijuana lessens the chronic pain he suffers from injuries
 that required the amputation of one of his legs. And, he said, it helps
 him to be “an actual functioning member of society.”

Some 
supporters of the overall bill urged lawmakers to change provisions they
 said could lead to problems standing up a cannabis industry in Kansas.

Heather
 Hobbs Steppe, the president of the Kansas Cannabis Chamber of Commerce,
 said the high cost of licenses needed to cultivate, process and sell 
medical marijuana could limit its availability in rural areas.

“In order to have a successful program,” she said, “it’s going to have to … work in all four corners of the state.”

That, Steppe said, requires a program that “supports small businesses and family farmers.”

High
 licensing fees, she said, will drive up costs to consumers who might be
 forced to go back to the black market to obtain the drug.

The bill sets several milestones for establishing the rules and regulations needed to make the program operational.

If the measure passes and all those deadlines are met, medical marijuana would be available in Kansas by January 2024.

Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647464206694.png" alt="This shop sells CBD products in Lawrence, Kansas. Lawmakers are considering legalizing more cannabis products for medical purposes. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>This shop sells CBD products in Lawrence, Kansas. Lawmakers are considering legalizing more cannabis products for medical purposes. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-03-16/lawmakers-look-ready-to-legalize-medical-marijuana-but-likely-wont-let-kansans-vape-or-smoke-it">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — State lawmakers find themselves on the verge 
of legalizing marijuana for medical use, but with stricter rules than 
the way cannabis has been cleared for use in other states.The 
Kansas House passed a legalization bill last year. The Senate stood 
poised to start work on it in the opening weeks of the current session, 
but Republican Senate President Ty Masterson abruptly pulled the bill 
from the calendar.Now the Senate Federal and State Affairs 
Committee has begun three days of hearings on the measure, a signal that
 the conservative Republicans controlling the Legislature have blessed 
tightly regulated legalization.Masterson said he wasn’t opposed 
to legalization. Rather, he said, he wanted to make sure that bill was 
written tightly enough to guard against doctor-shopping and other 
tactics that allow people to get the drug on flimsy claims of medical 
need.“There is some legitimate medical benefit to the derivatives
 of the cannabis plant,” Masterson said in a pre-session interview with 
the Kansas News Service. “The final hurdle is: What is a legitimate way 
to deliver it.”Thirty-seven states have adopted medical marijuana programs. Recreational use is legal in 18 of them.The
 Kansas legislation would allow doctors to recommend cannabis for 
chronic pain and the treatment of 22 specific diseases or conditions, 
including AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, Parkinson’s 
disease and ulcerative colitis.Patients suffering from other 
chronic or terminal conditions that a doctor believes would respond to 
cannabis could also be eligible.Sam Jones, a Wichita lawyer, says the drug is a safer alternative to opioids and other prescription medications.“The medical benefits are legitimate and verifiable,” he said.They’re backed by studies that are growing in number as more states legalize medical cannabis.Treatment options are limited by the bill. It prohibits smoking and vaping, allowing only edibles, oils, tinctures and patches.Several
 people who testified in support of the bill urged lawmakers to remove 
the prohibition on smoking and vaping, including Jack Mitchell, the 
owner of a medical marijuana dispensary in Kansas City, Missouri.He said states that started with similar restrictions have abandoned them.The bill establishes a rigorous process for doctors who want the option of recommending cannabis and their patients.Doctors
 would have to obtain certificates from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts
 to recommend medical marijuana to patients. They would also be required
 to submit annual reports detailing the drug’s effectiveness.Patients
 and their designated caregivers would have to go through a doctor to 
obtain the drug. The physician would submit an application on their 
behalf to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.Patients
 approved to use the drug would get a secure identification card for a 
fee of $50. Veterans and low-income Kansans would pay only $25. Then 
they’d buy the drug at state-licensed cannabis dispensaries.Disabled
 Army veteran Johnathan Lewis, from Missouri, told the Senate committee 
that medical marijuana lessens the chronic pain he suffers from injuries
 that required the amputation of one of his legs. And, he said, it helps
 him to be “an actual functioning member of society.”Some 
supporters of the overall bill urged lawmakers to change provisions they
 said could lead to problems standing up a cannabis industry in Kansas.Heather
 Hobbs Steppe, the president of the Kansas Cannabis Chamber of Commerce,
 said the high cost of licenses needed to cultivate, process and sell 
medical marijuana could limit its availability in rural areas.“In order to have a successful program,” she said, “it’s going to have to … work in all four corners of the state.”That, Steppe said, requires a program that “supports small businesses and family farmers.”High
 licensing fees, she said, will drive up costs to consumers who might be
 forced to go back to the black market to obtain the drug.The bill sets several milestones for establishing the rules and regulations needed to make the program operational.If the measure passes and all those deadlines are met, medical marijuana would be available in Kansas by January 2024.Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.&nbsp;

Medical marijuana set to be OK'd in Kan. — but no vaping or smoking

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after the Kansas City Drug Enforcement Unit intercepted fentanyl brick which could have killed thousands, according to a social media report from KCPD.

Squad members estimate this brick would have been broken down into approximately 10,000 tablets resembling oxycodone.

This fentanyl arrived in Kansas City from California and was headed to Alabama. We believe the markings indicate a shipping destination. Suspects are facing charges.

The DEU intercepts fentanyl or fentanyl-laced pills weekly. It is a dangerous and growing issue nationwide. On Tuesday night,&nbsp;two KCPD officers went to the hospital for a possible fentanyl exposure during an arrest. The officers are fine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647479097154.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after the Kansas City Drug Enforcement Unit intercepted fentanyl brick which could have killed thousands, according to a social media report from KCPD.Squad members estimate this brick would have been broken down into approximately 10,000 tablets resembling oxycodone.This fentanyl arrived in Kansas City from California and was headed to Alabama. We believe the markings indicate a shipping destination. Suspects are facing charges.The DEU intercepts fentanyl or fentanyl-laced pills weekly. It is a dangerous and growing issue nationwide. On Tuesday night,&nbsp;two KCPD officers went to the hospital for a possible fentanyl exposure during an arrest. The officers are fine.

KCPD: Fentanyl brick from California “could have killed thousands"

The Federal Trade Commission’s 
first-ever report on e-cigarette products paints a disturbing picture of
 surging e-cigarette sales and advertising that are likely to damage the
 health of America’s youth.

The report, which is based on 
industry data provided for the years 2015 to 2018, shows that total 
e-cigarette sales, including both disposable units and those using 
changeable cartridges, increased more than six-fold from $304.2 million 
to $2.06 billion in those three years alone. The sales of fruit and 
other flavored e-cigarette cartridges preferred by youth increased 
seven-fold over that time, and nicotine concentrations in disposable 
e-cigarette products also increased. 

“The Commission’s inaugural e-cigarette 
report paints a disturbing picture, especially with e-cigarettes driving
 an unprecedented increase in youth use of tobacco products,” said 
Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The
 data show that this increase coincided with dramatic spikes in the 
market share of flavored products, higher concentrations of nicotine, 
and an industry attempt to evade a ban on free sampling.”

In October 2019, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/ftc-study-e-cigarette-manufacturers-sales-advertising-promotional">the Commission issued identical orders under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act</a> to six of the largest domestic e-cigarette manufacturers:

While the FTC has collected information on 
traditional cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales and advertising 
expenditures for many years, this was the first time it sought 
information related to e-cigarettes. The orders asked about e-cigarette 
sales and advertising and promotional activities for 2015 to 2018. The 
report issued today presents an aggregated and anonymized summary of the
 information the six companies provided to the Commission.

Total Sales. The data collected show a dramatic increase in <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/03/federal-trade-commissions-first-report-e-cigarette-sales-advertising-reveals-disturbing-trends">e-cigarette </a>sales
 in general between 2015 and 2018 (from $304.2 million to $2.06 billion,
 respectively), as well as a similarly dramatic increase in the sales of
 cartridge e-cigarette systems such as Juul’s. The companies sold $260 
million worth of such cartridge systems in 2015, with sales growing to 
$1.969 billion in just three years.

Flavored E-Cigarette Sales.
 In addition, the FTC found that there was a large shift in sales from 
tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products to fruit, candy, and dessert 
flavors. For example, tobacco-flavored e-cigarette cartridges sales 
dropped from 47.2% of those sold or given away in 2015 to 21% in 2018, 
while the sale of “other” flavored cartridges tripled in that time, 
increasing from 13.8% in 2015 to 42.1% in 2018.

Of those other flavored cartridges, 
fruit-flavored cartridges were the most popular, with sales increasing 
600% from 4.7% of all cartridges sold in 2015 to 29.7% in 2018. Similar 
increases were seen in the sale of candy and dessert-flavored 
cartridges, as well as the sale of disposable e-cigarettes with these 
flavors.

The report concludes that “the 
dramatic increase in flavored products raises serious concerns that such
 products might have maintained or increased youth use of e-cigarette 
products.” It notes that a 2018 survey of high school students 
nationwide found that more than two-thirds of e-cigarette users used 
flavored products and that research shows that young people identify 
flavors as a primary reason they use e-cigarettes. 

This was a significant increase from 
2016, when a national survey of high school and middle school students 
found that just 31% said that the availability of “flavors such as mint,
 candy, fruit, or chocolate” was the primary reason they used 
e-cigarettes. In addition, 81% of adolescents said they used flavors the
 first time they tried e-cigarettes. 

Increasing Nicotine Concentration.
 The report also reveals a large increase in the concentration of 
nicotine in disposable e-cigarettes sold between 2015 and 2018. In 2015,
 disposable products on average contained 25 mg of nicotine per ml of 
e-liquid. This concentration increased nearly 60% to 39.5 mg/ml in 2018,
 increasing their addictiveness. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes contained 
even higher nicotine concentrations, with the most popular products 
having concentrations between 51 and 61 mg/ml, while the sale of 
nicotine-free cartridges was negligible.

The report stated that, “Increased use of e-cigarette <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/03/federal-trade-commissions-first-report-e-cigarette-sales-advertising-reveals-disturbing-trends">products with high nicotine concentrations </a>raises
 serious public health and safety concerns for users . . . including 
youth and young adults, who are uniquely at risk for long-term, 
long-lasting effects, including nicotine addiction, from exposing their 
developing brains to nicotine.”

Advertising and Promotion.
 Finally, the report provides detailed information on advertising and 
promotional expenditures by domestic e-cigarettes manufacturers between 
2015 and 2018. The Commission found that spending on advertising and 
promotion more than tripled in three years, from $197.8 million in 2015 
to $643.6 million in 2018. The Commission stated that “the increased 
advertising and promotion raise public health concerns,” as public 
health authorities have concluded that e-cigarette advertising exposure 
is one of several factors that has contributed to the recent surge in 
youth e-cigarette use.

The report finds that spending on 
free or deeply discounted e-cigarette products more than doubled between
 2015 and 2018, with some companies evading the FDA’s 2016 ban on free 
e-cigarette samples by offering products for $1 or a similar amount. 

The report also states that price 
discounts paid to retailers or wholesalers to reduce the price of 
e-cigarettes to consumers increased 14-fold between 2015 and 2018, and 
spending on celebrity endorsers, social media influencers, brand 
ambassadors, and others to promote e-cigarettes products increased even 
more – nearly 15-fold during those three years. 

The Commission vote approving issuance of the FTC’s E-Cigarette Report was 4-0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe Federal Trade Commission’s 
first-ever report on e-cigarette products paints a disturbing picture of
 surging e-cigarette sales and advertising that are likely to damage the
 health of America’s youth.The report, which is based on 
industry data provided for the years 2015 to 2018, shows that total 
e-cigarette sales, including both disposable units and those using 
changeable cartridges, increased more than six-fold from $304.2 million 
to $2.06 billion in those three years alone. The sales of fruit and 
other flavored e-cigarette cartridges preferred by youth increased 
seven-fold over that time, and nicotine concentrations in disposable 
e-cigarette products also increased. “The Commission’s inaugural e-cigarette 
report paints a disturbing picture, especially with e-cigarettes driving
 an unprecedented increase in youth use of tobacco products,” said 
Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The
 data show that this increase coincided with dramatic spikes in the 
market share of flavored products, higher concentrations of nicotine, 
and an industry attempt to evade a ban on free sampling.”BackgroundIn October 2019, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/ftc-study-e-cigarette-manufacturers-sales-advertising-promotional">the Commission issued identical orders under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act</a> to six of the largest domestic e-cigarette manufacturers: <ul>
 <li>Fontem US, Inc.; </li><li>JUUL Labs, Inc. </li><li>Logic Technology Development LLC; </li><li>NJOY, LLC; </li><li>Nu Mark LLC; and</li><li>R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company. </li>
 </ul>While the FTC has collected information on 
traditional cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales and advertising 
expenditures for many years, this was the first time it sought 
information related to e-cigarettes. The orders asked about e-cigarette 
sales and advertising and promotional activities for 2015 to 2018. The 
report issued today presents an aggregated and anonymized summary of the
 information the six companies provided to the Commission.Key FindingsTotal Sales. The data collected show a dramatic increase in <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/03/federal-trade-commissions-first-report-e-cigarette-sales-advertising-reveals-disturbing-trends">e-cigarette </a>sales
 in general between 2015 and 2018 (from $304.2 million to $2.06 billion,
 respectively), as well as a similarly dramatic increase in the sales of
 cartridge e-cigarette systems such as Juul’s. The companies sold $260 
million worth of such cartridge systems in 2015, with sales growing to 
$1.969 billion in just three years.Flavored E-Cigarette Sales.
 In addition, the FTC found that there was a large shift in sales from 
tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products to fruit, candy, and dessert 
flavors. For example, tobacco-flavored e-cigarette cartridges sales 
dropped from 47.2% of those sold or given away in 2015 to 21% in 2018, 
while the sale of “other” flavored cartridges tripled in that time, 
increasing from 13.8% in 2015 to 42.1% in 2018. Of those other flavored cartridges, 
fruit-flavored cartridges were the most popular, with sales increasing 
600% from 4.7% of all cartridges sold in 2015 to 29.7% in 2018. Similar 
increases were seen in the sale of candy and dessert-flavored 
cartridges, as well as the sale of disposable e-cigarettes with these 
flavors.The report concludes that “the 
dramatic increase in flavored products raises serious concerns that such
 products might have maintained or increased youth use of e-cigarette 
products.” It notes that a 2018 survey of high school students 
nationwide found that more than two-thirds of e-cigarette users used 
flavored products and that research shows that young people identify 
flavors as a primary reason they use e-cigarettes. This was a significant increase from 
2016, when a national survey of high school and middle school students 
found that just 31% said that the availability of “flavors such as mint,
 candy, fruit, or chocolate” was the primary reason they used 
e-cigarettes. In addition, 81% of adolescents said they used flavors the
 first time they tried e-cigarettes. Increasing Nicotine Concentration.
 The report also reveals a large increase in the concentration of 
nicotine in disposable e-cigarettes sold between 2015 and 2018. In 2015,
 disposable products on average contained 25 mg of nicotine per ml of 
e-liquid. This concentration increased nearly 60% to 39.5 mg/ml in 2018,
 increasing their addictiveness. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes contained 
even higher nicotine concentrations, with the most popular products 
having concentrations between 51 and 61 mg/ml, while the sale of 
nicotine-free cartridges was negligible. The report stated that, “Increased use of e-cigarette <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/03/federal-trade-commissions-first-report-e-cigarette-sales-advertising-reveals-disturbing-trends">products with high nicotine concentrations </a>raises
 serious public health and safety concerns for users . . . including 
youth and young adults, who are uniquely at risk for long-term, 
long-lasting effects, including nicotine addiction, from exposing their 
developing brains to nicotine.”Advertising and Promotion.
 Finally, the report provides detailed information on advertising and 
promotional expenditures by domestic e-cigarettes manufacturers between 
2015 and 2018. The Commission found that spending on advertising and 
promotion more than tripled in three years, from $197.8 million in 2015 
to $643.6 million in 2018. The Commission stated that “the increased 
advertising and promotion raise public health concerns,” as public 
health authorities have concluded that e-cigarette advertising exposure 
is one of several factors that has contributed to the recent surge in 
youth e-cigarette use. The report finds that spending on 
free or deeply discounted e-cigarette products more than doubled between
 2015 and 2018, with some companies evading the FDA’s 2016 ban on free 
e-cigarette samples by offering products for $1 or a similar amount. The report also states that price 
discounts paid to retailers or wholesalers to reduce the price of 
e-cigarettes to consumers increased 14-fold between 2015 and 2018, and 
spending on celebrity endorsers, social media influencers, brand 
ambassadors, and others to promote e-cigarettes products increased even 
more – nearly 15-fold during those three years. The Commission vote approving issuance of the FTC’s E-Cigarette Report was 4-0.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

FTC: Disturbing trends surround vape sales, advertising on youngsters

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri police officer who was wounded in a shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joplin-missouri-police-shootings-991e30b2aeee2983351a6fe7dca78fb7">that killed two other officers&nbsp;</a>has been released from the hospital.

The Joplin Police Department said officer Rick Hirshey, 53, left Freeman Health System in Joplin on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.koamnewsnow.com/update-officer-rick-hirshey-walks-out-of-freeman-hospital-during-hero-send-off/">Video</a>&nbsp;on KOAM-TV shows hospital personnel lining the hallways and applauding as Hirshey was released.

The department said Hirshey, who was wearing a neck brace as he left the hospital, “still has a long recovery period.”

Hirshey was wounded on March 8 when 40-year-old Alex Felix shot him through his patrol car window, police said.

Hirshey and other Joplin officers were searching for Felix after he fatally shot Joplin police Cpl. Benjamin Cooper, 40, and Officer Jake Reed, 27, during a confrontation at a Joplin shopping area.

Another Joplin officer shot and killed Felix after Hirshey was wounded. Police have not discussed a possible motive for Felix's actions.

Cooper was laid to rest on Tuesday in a ceremony attended by more than 2,000 people, including many other law enforcement officers and emergency responders. Reed's funeral is scheduled for Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647512437482.png" alt="Officer Rick Hirshey on his way out of the hospital Wednesday-photo courtesy KOAM TV" />
 <figcaption>Officer Rick Hirshey on his way out of the hospital Wednesday-photo courtesy KOAM TV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri police officer who was wounded in a shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joplin-missouri-police-shootings-991e30b2aeee2983351a6fe7dca78fb7">that killed two other officers&nbsp;</a>has been released from the hospital.The Joplin Police Department said officer Rick Hirshey, 53, left Freeman Health System in Joplin on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.koamnewsnow.com/update-officer-rick-hirshey-walks-out-of-freeman-hospital-during-hero-send-off/">Video</a>&nbsp;on KOAM-TV shows hospital personnel lining the hallways and applauding as Hirshey was released.The department said Hirshey, who was wearing a neck brace as he left the hospital, “still has a long recovery period.”Hirshey was wounded on March 8 when 40-year-old Alex Felix shot him through his patrol car window, police said.Hirshey and other Joplin officers were searching for Felix after he fatally shot Joplin police Cpl. Benjamin Cooper, 40, and Officer Jake Reed, 27, during a confrontation at a Joplin shopping area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646959490285.png" alt="Felix -photo Joplin Police" />
 <figcaption>Felix -photo Joplin Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Another Joplin officer shot and killed Felix after Hirshey was wounded. Police have not discussed a possible motive for Felix's actions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646959719466.png" alt="Cpl. Benjamin Cooper-photo Joplin Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Cpl. Benjamin Cooper-photo Joplin Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Cooper was laid to rest on Tuesday in a ceremony attended by more than 2,000 people, including many other law enforcement officers and emergency responders. Reed's funeral is scheduled for Friday.

Missouri officer wounded in shooting released from hospital

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.

Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Anthony D. Rodriguez of Topeka following an investigation into a sexual offense that took place on March 11, at a residence in southwest Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The victim was a 14-year-old girl. Rodriguez was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of rape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647457633588.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Anthony D. Rodriguez of Topeka following an investigation into a sexual offense that took place on March 11, at a residence in southwest Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The victim was a 14-year-old girl. Rodriguez was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of rape.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of rape of 14-year-old 

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A newly released affidavit says a student at a Kansas high school began shooting after two school officials asked to search his backpack because of rumors the student had a gun. 

The affidavit released Wednesday says the confrontation on March 4 at Olathe East High School came after a student told a school counselor about rumors that a student called Jay was bringing a gun to school.

 The affidavit says 18-year-old Jaylon Desean Elmore fired five shots when assistant principal Kaleb Stoppel and Erik Clark, the school's resource officer, asked to search his backpack.

Clark returned fire, wounding Elmore. The two school officials were released from the hospital the day of the shooting. Elmore remains hospitalized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646530374745.png" alt="Jaylon Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East football" />
 <figcaption>Jaylon Elmore photo courtesy Olathe East football</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A newly released affidavit says a student at a Kansas high school began shooting after two school officials asked to search his backpack because of rumors the student had a gun. The affidavit released Wednesday says the confrontation on March 4 at Olathe East High School came after a student told a school counselor about rumors that a student called Jay was bringing a gun to school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646417385414.png" alt="Scene outside the school on the morning of the shooting -photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Scene outside the school on the morning of the shooting -photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure> The affidavit says 18-year-old Jaylon Desean Elmore fired five shots when assistant principal Kaleb Stoppel and Erik Clark, the school's resource officer, asked to search his backpack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646450835191.png" alt="Erik Clark-photo courtesy Olathe Police" />
 <figcaption>Erik Clark-photo courtesy Olathe Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Clark returned fire, wounding Elmore. The two school officials were released from the hospital the day of the shooting. Elmore remains hospitalized.

Affidavit details shooting at Kansas high school

LARNED — The baseball&nbsp; world is mourning the death of Ralph Terry who died Wednesday in Larned where he lived for many years following a successful major league baseball career with the New York Yankees, Kansas City A's, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.

He led the American League with 23 victories in 1962 and was the MVP of the&nbsp;1962 World Series, according to the Yankee web site.

Terry is also best known for pitching the walk-off home run to&nbsp;Bill Mazeroski&nbsp;that won the&nbsp;1960 World Series&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Pittsburgh Pirates. Terry was 86.

LARNED — The baseball&nbsp; world is mourning the death of Ralph Terry who died Wednesday in Larned where he lived for many years following a successful major league baseball career with the New York Yankees, Kansas City A's, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Royals mourn the loss of Kansas resident, World Series hero, and former Yankees and Kansas City A&#39;s pitcher Ralph Terry. <a href="https://t.co/BIG9WbRAol">pic.twitter.com/BIG9WbRAol</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1504168316209795072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He led the American League with 23 victories in 1962 and was the MVP of the&nbsp;1962 World Series, according to the Yankee web site.Terry is also best known for pitching the walk-off home run to&nbsp;Bill Mazeroski&nbsp;that won the&nbsp;1960 World Series&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Pittsburgh Pirates. Terry was 86.

World Series hero Ralph Terry dies in Larned

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate has advanced a $22.8 billion state spending plan that provides a 5% pay raise for state employees, doesn’t account for any reduction in the state sales tax on food, and leaves the state general fund with a balance of $359.6 million.

<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb444/">The budget bill</a>&nbsp;also invests $245 million in disability services, eliminates funding the governor set aside for an unlikely expansion of the Medicaid program, counts on federal aid to pay for the remodel of the Docking State Office Building and a new health agency lab, and reduces revenues by $255.1 million in the current fiscal year, which ends July 1, and $80.1 million next year to account for tax cuts that have already passed the Senate.

Those tax cuts include incentives for a mystery company that promises thousands of jobs if it chooses to move to Kansas, as well as credits for wildfire victims, aviation program graduates, and college graduates who move to rural areas of the state.

Not included: Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposed one-time $250 rebate on income taxes this year, which would have cost $460 million, or the elimination of the 6.5% state sales tax on food, which would cost $402 million over 12 months.

The Senate advanced the spending plan on a voice vote following a three-hour debate that centered on last-second changes. The Senate still has to take a final vote, and work out differences with a House plan that isn’t finished yet.

Senators approved an amendment from Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Republican to add a 15% pay increase for legislative staff at a cost of $240,880. Those employees were not included in the governor’s proposal to raise executive branch salaries by 5%. The raise for state workers would come in the form of a $145.5 million lump sum to be distributed based on merit.

Senators also accepted a proposal from Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, to require state contractors to use the E-Verify system to ensure employees can legally work in the U.S. The governor vetoed the same amendment a year ago.

Holland successfully proposed two additional amendments.

One of the amendments would have banned state contractors from outsourcing IT services overseas or using employees who are working in the U.S. on temporary H-1B visas. Holland said the proposal would help protect American jobs.

Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, accused Holland of “dabbling” in hate.

“I have a company in my district called Garmin,” Olson said. “They have a lot of H-1B employees. They’re all over my neighborhood. Some of them are my best friends.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647458656585.png" alt="Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, middle, objected to a budget amendment that would have banned contractors from using foreign workers on temporary visas for IT services. Olson says Garmin employees those workers in his district, and “some of them are my best friends.” (Feb. 23, 2022, photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, middle, objected to a budget amendment that would have banned contractors from using foreign workers on temporary visas for IT services. Olson says Garmin employees those workers in his district, and “some of them are my best friends.” (Feb. 23, 2022, photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/16/kansas-senate-advances-22-8b-spending-plan-with-pay-raise-for-state-workers-no-food-tax-relief/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate has advanced a $22.8 billion state spending plan that provides a 5% pay raise for state employees, doesn’t account for any reduction in the state sales tax on food, and leaves the state general fund with a balance of $359.6 million.<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.com/li/b2021_22/measures/sb444/">The budget bill</a>&nbsp;also invests $245 million in disability services, eliminates funding the governor set aside for an unlikely expansion of the Medicaid program, counts on federal aid to pay for the remodel of the Docking State Office Building and a new health agency lab, and reduces revenues by $255.1 million in the current fiscal year, which ends July 1, and $80.1 million next year to account for tax cuts that have already passed the Senate.Those tax cuts include incentives for a mystery company that promises thousands of jobs if it chooses to move to Kansas, as well as credits for wildfire victims, aviation program graduates, and college graduates who move to rural areas of the state.Not included: Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposed one-time $250 rebate on income taxes this year, which would have cost $460 million, or the elimination of the 6.5% state sales tax on food, which would cost $402 million over 12 months.The Senate advanced the spending plan on a voice vote following a three-hour debate that centered on last-second changes. The Senate still has to take a final vote, and work out differences with a House plan that isn’t finished yet.Senators approved an amendment from Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Republican to add a 15% pay increase for legislative staff at a cost of $240,880. Those employees were not included in the governor’s proposal to raise executive branch salaries by 5%. The raise for state workers would come in the form of a $145.5 million lump sum to be distributed based on merit.Senators also accepted a proposal from Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, to require state contractors to use the E-Verify system to ensure employees can legally work in the U.S. The governor vetoed the same amendment a year ago.Holland successfully proposed two additional amendments.One of the amendments would have banned state contractors from outsourcing IT services overseas or using employees who are working in the U.S. on temporary H-1B visas. Holland said the proposal would help protect American jobs.Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, accused Holland of “dabbling” in hate.“I have a company in my district called Garmin,” Olson said. “They have a lot of H-1B employees. They’re all over my neighborhood. Some of them are my best friends.”<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/P2230371-1024x576.jpg" alt="Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, expressed frustration during the budget debate with not being able to get a hearing on legislation and then being told he shouldn’t propose policies that haven’t had a hearing. (Feb. 23, 2022, photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, expressed frustration during the budget debate with not being able to get a hearing on legislation and then being told he shouldn’t propose policies that haven’t had a hearing. (Feb. 23, 2022, photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Holland’s other amendment would have capped the monthly cost of insulin for those on the state employee health plan.In both cases, Republicans complained that Holland was attempting to introduce complex policies that have never received a legislative hearing. Holland said he repeatedly introduces the legislation, and Republican leaders refuse to hold a hearing on it.“This is why this place drives me nuts,” Holland said. “I’ve had this bill in the Public Health and Welfare for several years. It’s never had a hearing. I’m sorry, if the committees aren’t going to work public policy, we need to work them here.”“Everybody acts shocked,” he added, “when it’s like, ‘How could you dare bring this to effect good policy for Kansans?’ ”Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, proposed making a $62.75 million investment in special education services. The cost would be offset by reducing a planned $80 million payment toward debt on Big Hill, Clinton and Hillsdale reservoirs.Senators narrowly rejected amendment over pleas from&nbsp;Sen. John Doll, R-Garden City, to “look into your heart and soul.”When it comes to helping people with special needs, Doll said, “they’re blowing it” at the federal level, “and we’re blowing it here.”“Government is supposed to help the ones that can’t speak for themselves,” Doll said. “And this is an emotional issue, because this is a moral issue in my mind.”The Senate budget makes adjustments to the current fiscal year that would result in spending $21.84 billion, including $8.14 billion from the state general fund. For the upcoming year, the budget expands to $22.8 billion, including $9.17 billion from the state general fund.The ending balance in July would be $1 billion. A year later, the balance is expected to shrink to $359.6 million.That balance includes a planned $400 million payment to the state pension fund.The budget removes the governor’s addition of eight full-time employees to implement the elimination of the sales tax on food, as well as five employees for a special detox unit at Osawatomie State Hospital.There is an investment of $245.5M, including $103.6M from the state, to improve reimbursement rates for disability services, Medicaid behavioral health services, and nursing care, among other services.Senators deleted $60 million for the remodel of the Docking building and $32.5 million for a new Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab, with the expectation that funding could be offset by federal aid.Instead of spending $18 million on new aircraft for the Kansas Highway Patrol, as the governor requested, the budget would redirect that money from highway funds.