========================================
Federal Okay of Medicaid Overhaul Expected
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Officials in Governor Sam Brownback's administration say they expect the federal government to give its go-ahead to an overhaul of the Medicaid program in Kansas. Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer said at a news conference yesterday that Kansas is seeking a waiver of federal rules on the health care program for the needy that other states previously have received.
========================================
Senate Vote on New Redistricting Map Upcoming
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New maps have emerged redrawing the Kansas Senate's boundaries and a vote on the new districts is expected next week. The Senate Reapportionment Committee endorsed the new districts yesterday, along with new lines for the 10 State Board of Education seats. The measure also includes changes already approved by the Kansas House for its 125 representative districts.
========================================
U.S. Labor Dept. Backs Off New Farm Restrictions
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas officials say they're relieved the federal government has abandoned proposed rules restricting farm work by children. Speaking yesterday in Topeka, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said the proposed rules lacked common sense. The Kansas Republican says pressure from farmers, ranchers and farm-state officials led the U.S. Labor Department to withdraw the plan.
========================================
Atchison Teen Pleads Guilty in Burglary String
ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — A northeastern Kansas teenager has admitted stealing thousands of dollars' worth of items in a series of burglaries over several months. KNZA-FM reports that 18-year-old Jonathan Lewis pleaded guilty yesterday in Atchison County District Court to burglary and theft. Several other charges were dismissed in a plea agreement. The Atchison man remains jailed pending sentencing on June 4th.