Kansas Common Sense
Wishing You a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Dec 30 2024
Wishing You a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Robba and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! This holiday season, let each of us remember our military men and women, first responders and law enforcement who are away from their families. Robba and I are grateful to each of them for their selfless dedication and service, and we wish them a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Happy Hanukkah
Robba and I would also like to wish those across Kansas and the nation a happy Hanukkah! May you all enjoy time with family as you celebrate the Festival of Lights.
2024 Year in Review
This past year, I traveled across the state and met with thousands of Kansans. Traveling to all 105 counties gives me the opportunity to connect with Kansans from every corner of the state, and I am extremely grateful for all of your conversations and your ideas on the many issues facing our state and country.
I am also reminded of one of the most important jobs my office does: helping Kansans navigate and resolve issues with federal agencies through casework. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if we can be of any assistance regarding Social Security, Medicare or veterans’ affairs, or if you have other concerns regarding federal issues.
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Remembering President Jimmy Carter
This weekend, the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, passed away. President Jimmy Carter lived a life of service to his nation first as a member of the U.S. Navy, then later as the Governor of Georgia and the President of the United States. Our nation is grateful for his service during the Cold War and in times of great uncertainty. He was a champion for human rights, both in the South and around the world. President Carter’s ability to find peaceful solutions to international conflict while protecting democracy earned him the Nobel Peace Prize later in life. Robba and I offer our sincerest condolences to the Carter family.
Reforming Haskell University
On Monday, I joined Rep. Tracey Mann (KS-01) in announcing a discussion draft of legislation that would federally charter Haskell Indian Nations University and transfer governance from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to the Haskell Board of Regents, while maintaining federal funding for the university. As the sole Tribal Nations University in the country, Haskell University once provided Native American students the opportunity to receive a high-quality, tuition-free education in an environment that understood and prioritized indigenous heritage and culture. However, for the last few years the university has been neglected and mismanaged by the Bureau of Indian Education. The bureau has failed to protect students and meet the basic infrastructure needs of the school. It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the Tribal community and no longer fettered to the Bureau of Indian Education.
I am grateful for the initial conversations and input from the Haskell Board of Regents and tribal members and the students and staff at Haskell University. I look forward to receiving additional feedback on this legislation to begin a new chapter in the life of this historic university.
You can read more about this draft legislation in the Kansas City Star, here.
On Friday, I met with President and CEO of The University of Kansas Health System Bob Page, Vice President Kenny Wilk and Chair of the Neurology Department Dr. Gary Gronseth to talk about The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) and The University of Kansas Health Systems (TUKSH). KUMC and TUKHS has provided care and educational opportunities to thousands of people in Kansas and across the country, and it was great to learn about their plans for the new year. We also discussed how the medical center is growing and continuing to meet the needs of patients.
Thank you for your leadership and for working to save lives of people across the nation.
Celebrating Kurt Moldrup
This week, I attended a retirement reception for Assistant Director of the Riley County Police Department, Kurt Moldrup. Kurt has served the Riley County community for nearly four decades and led the department through many difficult times. His leadership and sacrifice will long be remembered by those in the area and the Riley County Police Department.
Thank you, Kurt, for your service.
Introducing Legislation to Empower Individuals with Disabilities
Sen. Van Hollen (D-Md.) and I introduced legislation that would direct the Social Security Administration to change the way it calculates Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to not penalize individuals with disabilities who chose to marry. The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act would exclude a spouse’s income and resources when determining eligibility for (SSI) and disregard marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability. Our policies should support and empower individuals with disabilities to live a full and independent life, including the option to get married. This is sensible legislation that would change how disability payments are calculated to make certain the benefits we provide to individuals with disabilities aren’t diminished because they choose to get married.
Remembering Olen Mitchell
Olen Mitchell, a World War II veteran from Hutchinson, passed away this week. Olen served his country in WWII while stationed in Europe and returned home to Kansas receiving a purple heart in 1944. Earlier this year, Olen traveled to Normandy to be honored as a WWII veteran at the 80th D-Day Commemoration. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be missed. Robba and I are praying for his loved ones during this time.
You can read more about Olen and his life here.
Capitol Tours
Bob Paulbeck of Overland Park
Debbie Paulbeck of Overland Park
Robert Paulbeck of Overland Park
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