Governor Kelly Vetoes GOP Tax Relief Bill
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Kansas's new Democratic governor has vetoed a tax relief bill approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature. Governor Laura Kelly rejected the measure Monday after saying that it would repeat an infamous fiscal experiment that failed under a GOP predecessor. The bill was aimed at preventing individuals and businesses from paying more in state income taxes because of changes in federal tax laws at the end of 2017. Kelly's top priorities are boosting funding for public schools and expanding the state's Medicaid health coverage for the needy. Republicans argued that their bill would prevent an unlegislated tax increase. Democrats pointed to the budget woes that Kansas experienced after Republican legislators slashed income taxes in 2012 and 2013. Bipartisan majorities reversed most of the tax cuts in 2017.
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Kansas Republicans Condemn Veto of Tax Bill
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature are condemning Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of a tax relief bill. Kelly on Monday rejected a measure aimed at preventing individuals and businesses from paying more in state income taxes because of changes in federal tax law at the end of 2017. She said the measure would have created a ``self-inflicted budget crisis.'' Senate President Susan Wagle and House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins said Kelly is breaking a promise she made in last year's campaign not to raise taxes. The two Republicans argued that the bill they championed prevented an unlegislated tax increase. Hawkins has compared the tax debate to finding a wallet full of cash on the sidewalk with the owner's ID. He said: ``She kept the money for herself.''
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Rain Could Push Swollen Missouri River Even Higher this Week
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Rain storms expected later this week could lead to another crest along the Missouri River and its tributaries just as residents are cleaning up from this spring's flooding. National Weather Service hydrologist Kevin Low said that more than an inch of rain is expected to fall in Nebraska and Iowa later this week. Low says the storms between Wednesday and Friday could create a 1-foot rise in the level of the Missouri River around Omaha and cities downstream starting next weekend. But it's not yet clear how much additional flooding that rise could create.
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Kansas City Residents Asked to Conserve Water After Flooding
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City residents are being asked to conserve water while the city's utility is dealing with the aftermath of recent flooding along the Missouri River. KC Water said Sunday the water in the river, which supplies drinking water to the city, remains murky and has been difficult to treat after the flooding. The utility notified Missouri health officials Friday that it failed to meet standards for cryptosporidium in drinking water because the water quality of the Missouri River changed because of the flooding and high water levels. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says it doesn't consider the issue an emergency, but inadequately treated water can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea and headaches. KC Water officials expect water quality issues to be resolved once the Missouri River returns to normal levels.
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Flooding Closes About 140 Roads in Missouri
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Flooding has closed about 140 roads in Missouri, even as water levels begin falling along much of the Missouri River. In Kansas City, where the river crested Sunday, the public water utility has asked residents to conserve water because it's working hard to treat the murky water. The river was cresting Monday in several smaller towns to the east, where levees have been holding. On Tuesday, the crest was expected to make its way to Jefferson City, causing no major damage there but leaving some sections of the popular Katy Trail walking and biking path under water. The worst of the damage is upstream, where about 20 levees have been breached in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. Three people are dead and four others are missing. Crop damage is widespread.
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Kansas House Gives 1st-Round Approval to Abortion 'Reversal' Bill
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House gave first-round approval Monday to a bill that would require medical facilities and doctors to inform women that some medically induced abortions could be "reversed" if a doctor intervenes. Opponents of the bill say the "reversal" method is scientifically unproven and disputed in medical circles, while supporters contend women should be made aware of the option. The bill passed by a voice vote after more than two hours of debate. After a final vote Tuesday, it's expected to head to the Senate, The Kansas City Star reported . Medical abortions involve women taking Mifepristone, generally called RU-486, followed by a medication called Misoprostol. The bill approved Monday would require women be told that an abortion can be stopped after the first medicine is taken if a doctor administers a dose of progesterone. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, a strong supporter of abortion rights, was skeptical about the bill.
"I'm not sure that's based on science," she said during a news conference Monday.
The bill claims "it may be possible to reverse its intended effect if the second pill or tablet has not been taken or administered. If you change your mind and wish to try to continue the pregnancy, you can get immediate help by accessing available resources."
"I want you to understand clearly this is a pro-women's health bill, said Rep. John Eplee, R-Atchison, a physician who introduced the measure in committee. "We're not putting a gun to their head, we're not forcing them to have this procedure. We're giving them an option."
However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2017 disputed the usefulness of the procedure.
"Claims regarding abortion 'reversal' treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards," the group said. "Unfounded legislative mandates represent dangerous political interference and compromise patient care and safety."
Democratic opponents of the bill repeatedly referred to the medical group's statement and questioned whether the process detailed in the bill is safe.
"I think this really inserts politics into a private discussion between physician and patients and complicates that and interferes with that relationship," said Rep. Eileen Horn, D-Lawrence.
If passed, any private office, surgical outpatient clinic, hospital or other facility that fails to post a sign about the reversal process could be fined up to $10,000. If a medical abortion is provided without the notification, the woman, the father of the unborn child, or the grandparent of a minor undergoing the abortion could sue for damages.
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Kansas Lawmakers Eye Bill to Address Social Worker Shortage
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at addressing a shortage of social workers in the state. KCUR Radio reports that low pay, challenging work and years of declining state funding have made it hard to hire and keep qualified social workers. Advocates say the state's unusually high standards are making the problem worse. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would bring Kansas closer to certification requirements in other states. The state Senate unanimously approved the bill last month. It now awaits a vote from the House of Representatives. Advocates say it will motivate more social workers to seek jobs or clinical certification in Kansas while at the same time making it easier for state agencies, nonprofit groups and others to recruit workers. The shortage particularly hits rural western Kansas.
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Kansas Death Penalty Case Has Implications for Those with Mental Illness
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider a Kansas death penalty case that could have implications for mentally ill defendants across the nation. The case involves James Kahler. He was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2009 fatal shootings of his estranged wife, her grandmother and his two teenage daughters. His attorneys argue that he was suffering from depression so severe that he experienced extreme emotional disturbance, dissociating him from reality. In Kansas, defendants can cite "mental disease or defect" as a partial defense but must prove that they didn't intend to commit the crime. Other states with similar laws are Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Utah. Under a traditional insanity defense in the U.S., people must understand the difference between right and wrong to be found guilty.
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Davids Not Yet Committing to Green New Deal, Medicare-for-All
OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas says she is committed to expanding health care access and combatting climate change. But during a town hall meeting Sunday in Olathe, Davids stopped short of endorsing "Medicare For All" or a "Green New Deal" pushed by many leading Democrats. The Kansas City Star reports Davids says she is focusing on health care legislation that would get bipartisan support. She says she can't say yet whether she supports a bill to give all Americans access to government-run health care. She notes she is co-sponsoring legislation to give states incentives to expand Medicaid eligibility. Davids said she isn't currently backing the Green New Deal because it contains some specific policies she doesn't support. But she agrees the country needs to find bold ways to address climate change.
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Kansas City Plans to Add 12 More Officers in New Fiscal Year
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Faced with resident concerns about violent crime, the city council in Kansas City, Missouri, is adding more police officers. The council on Thursday voted unanimously to approve a $1.7 billion budget recommended by city staff in February. The Kansas City Star reports that the budget allocates another $300,000 to hire 12 additional officers for the fiscal year that starts May 1. It's the second straight year the city is adding more police. Last year's budget added 24 officers and 15 call-takers. A SurveyUSA poll commissioned by the Star and published Sunday shows crime is the biggest issue in the minds of voters in the upcoming mayoral election. The budget also includes $7.3 million to police for wage and benefit increases, pension and health insurance increases, and other priorities.
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President Trump Grants Iowa Disaster Declaration
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says President Donald Trump has granted her request for an expedited disaster declaration for 56 counties with damage from recent flooding along the Missouri River and other parts of the state. The declaration makes assistance available to homeowners, renters, businesses, public entities and some nonprofit organizations. Reynolds said in a statement Saturday that the federal help with be instrumental in the state's recovery. She says "the road to recovery will be long, but it's clear that Iowans will have the resources we need to rebuild." She has estimated damage from flooding that began March 13 at $1.6 billion to homes, businesses, agriculture and levees. The presidential declaration makes available individual and public assistance program funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and money for hazard mitigation.
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Video Shows Kansas Officer Shooting, Wounding Man
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Dashcam video has been released of a Kansas police officer shooting and wounding a man in a case in which the rookie officer told investigators that she intended to fire her Taser but instead used her firearm. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that the video is from the patrol vehicle of an officer who pulled over 35-year-old Akira Lewis for a suspected seatbelt violation near downtown Lawrence. Lewis said in the video that he was pulled over because he is black. When he refuses to provide identification, officer Brindley Blood was summoned. She is seen shooting Lewis when he punches and tackles the other officer. Blood is charged with aggravated battery and resigned from the police force in January. Lewis was treated at a hospital and is charged with several misdemeanors.
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Police Identify Kansas Man Who Died After His Bicycle Is Hit
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A bicyclist who died after being hit by a vehicle last week was a 71-year-old Olathe man. Police said Monday Karman Wells died hours after being hit on Friday in southern Overland Park. The Kansas City Star reports police continue to investigate the crash. The driver has not been cited. Police say there is no evidence the driver of the vehicle was impaired.
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Report Gives Kansas Winter Wheat Mostly Upbeat Assessment
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The government's latest snapshot gave a mostly upbeat assessment of the winter wheat crop in Kansas amid plentiful soil moisture supplies. The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that 7 percent of the state's wheat is in excellent condition, with another 45 percent listed in good shape. It also rated 37 percent of the crop as far, 8 percent as poor and 3 percent as very poor. The agency said just 1 percent of the state had short topsoil moisture supplies.
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Kansas Man Wins $50 Million in Missouri Lottery Game
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A gas stop in Missouri paid off handsomely for a Shawnee, Kansas, man, to the tune of $50 million. The Missouri Lottery said Thursday that Hira Singh claimed a $50 million Mega Millions jackpot at the agency's office in Jefferson City. Singh stopped at a Kansas City, Missouri, QuikTrip store for gas earlier this month. While there, he bought a Mega Millions ticket for the March 12 drawing. Good choice. It matched all of the numbers: 10, 12, 16, 49 and 57, with a Mega Ball of 18. Singh didn't initially realize he won. He found out while using a Check-A-Ticket machine. Just to be sure, he checked three times.
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Court: Judge Went Too Far in Dropping Kansas Man's Drug Case
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A federal appeals court says a judge went too far by dismissing a Kansas drug indictment after finding that a prosecutor violated the defendant's right to a fair trial. The Kansas City Star reports that the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that U.S. District Court Judge Julie Robinson should retry Gregory Orozco. Robinson dismissed Orozco's two drug charges in December 2017 after finding that federal prosecutor Terra Morehead intimidated a witness into not testifying and belatedly disclosed evidence. Morehead was also accused of misconduct in her handling of a case in the 1990s that caused a man to be imprisoned for nearly 23 years for a crime he didn't commit. The appeals court says Robinson never addressed why dismissing Orozco's case was necessary to deter misconduct.
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Kansas State to Lower Tuition for Students in 5 States
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University is becoming cheaper for good students from five more states. The Manhattan Mercury reports that the Kansas Board of Regents agreed this week to allow new students from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas to begin paying less in fall 2020. To qualify, they must have at least a 3.25 overall high school GPA and scores of either 22 on the ACT or 1100 on the SAT. President Richard Myers says it will help with recruitment. Under the reduced rate, they would have paid $6,562.50 this fall for 14 credit hours. Regular out-of-state students spent $11,610, and in-state students shelled out $4,375. Qualifying students from nine other states already can receive out-of-state tuition at the same reduced rate, which is 150 percent of the in-state tuition cost.
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Wichita Art Advocates Want Public Arts Funding Proposal
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Arts advocates in Wichita are pushing an ordinance that would fund more public art projects. The Wichita Eagle reports an ordinance that will be presented Tuesday at a city council workshop would set aside a percent of the city's capital-improvement project budget for public art. If the council approves the ordinance, Wichita would join more than 350 other cities that have similar ordinances. Patricia McDonnell, director of the Wichita Art Museum, said a large group of local artists and designers wrote the proposal based on what other cities have passed. The ordinance would ensure that public projects factor art and design elements into their budgets. Currently, a citizens group makes recommendations to the City Council about integrating art into public projects, but those recommendations aren't always accepted.
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Longtime Lion at Rolling Hills Zoo Near Salina Euthanized
SALINA, Kan. (AP) — A zoo near Salina is working to find a new lion for its exhibits after one of its lions was euthanized. Officials at Rolling Hills Zoo said Motomba, an African lion, was euthanized Friday after a long term illness. He would have been 22 on March 30. The Salina Journal reports Motomba and his brother, Simba, lived at the Rolling Hills Zoo since 1997. Simba died in 2016. Neither Motomba nor Simba ever produced offspring. The staff of Rolling Hills Zoo will be working with the Association of Zoo and Aquariums to secure a new lion or lions for the zoo.
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Haynes-Jones Carries Wichita State Past Clemson 63-55 in NIT
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Samajae Haynes-Jones tallied 10 points and 10 rebounds to carry Wichita State to a 63-55 win over Clemson in the second round of the NIT on Sunday. Jaime Echenique had 18 points and three blocks for Wichita State (21-14), which has reached 20 wins in 10 straight seasons. Markis McDuffie added 16 points. Dexter Dennis had nine points, 11 rebounds and three blocks for the road team. Wichita State plays top-seeded Indiana on Tuesday night in the quarterfinals. The Tigers' 28.3 field-goal percentage represented the worst mark by a Wichita State opponent this season. Marcquise Reed had 18 points for the Tigers (20-14). Elijah Thomas added eight rebounds. David Skara had three blocks.
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