Kansas Common Sense

Kansas Veteran Testifies before VA Committee

Mar 04 2024

Kansas Veteran Testifies before VA Committee
I joined my colleague Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) in leading a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA). I was pleased to have the Director of the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs, retired Brig. Gen. William Turner, testify on the operations and maintenance of veterans’ cemeteries in Kansas and his experience working in partnership with NCA to make certain that VA continues to reach veterans with access to burial options.

NCA manages 158 national cemeteries across the country and has funded 122 state and tribal veterans’ cemeteries through the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP), including four in Kansas. Thank you to Director Turner for testifying before the committee to tell us about the great work being done in Kansas and thank you for your service to our country and veterans across our state.

You can watch my opening remarks here.

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Update on the Farm Bill
I was troubled to hear from the Senate Agriculture Committee Chair, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), that she is content to end negotiations on a reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which expired last year in September. I have helped author and negotiate a number of Farm Bills, and I have never seen Congress simply walk away from negotiations. The agriculture industry has changed significantly in the last five years, and the outdated policies from 2018 are not supporting our farmers and ranchers. They deserve a new Farm Bill.

As I travel around Kansas, I regularly hear concerns from farmers and ranchers about a lack of support in farm safety net programs and frustrations with delayed conservation programs. We also need to reauthorize critical agriculture research programs that farmers rely on to keep our country and world fed.

I am committed to delivering a farm bill this year that provides meaningful and real relief and certainty to farmers and ranchers in Kansas.

You can listen to my interview with AgriTalk  here.

Speaking at the Aero Club Breakfast
On Thursday morning, I joined the Aero Club of Washington to deliver remarks to more than 200 individuals within the aviation and aerospace industry. The Aero Club of Washington is an historic aviation club, founded in 1909 in Washington D.C., with the mission of providing a forum for the discussion and advancement of aviation and aerospace. I was eager to discuss the next stages of passing a long-term FAA Reauthorization that equips the FAA and aviation industry with the necessary tools to address modern demands.

Additionally, I was able to provide an update on the agreement reached to fund several agencies, including the Department of Transportation. Avoiding a government shutdown is crucial to prevent instability that could severely derail the FAA and efficiency of our transportation ecosystem.

Thank you to the Aero Club of Washington for the invitation to speak with you all.

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Supporting the Big Brothers Big Sisters Meeting Program
On Wednesday, I met with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Kansas CEO Mary Shannon to discuss the issues facing the organization and opportunities to further my support of one-on-one youth mentoring across Kansas. BBBS does critical work to aid the youth in our state through volunteers (Bigs) who partner with the youth in our communities (Littles) to achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships and reach educational success. 

BBBS also presented me with an award for working to support BBBS. As the Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Committee, I oversee appropriations for the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, which provides grant funding for BBBS.

Thank you to Mary Shannon and all the BBBS members for the important work you do across Kansas and our country.

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Meeting with Kansans
American Alliance of Museums
I enjoyed seeing Margaret Keough with Mid-America Arts Alliance in Topeka and President of Kansas Children’s Discovery Center Dene Mosier. Margaret and Dene shared updates on their facilities’ newest projects and expansions, and I expressed my continued support for our nation’s libraries and museums through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Thank you to Margaret and Dene for their support of Kansas’ libraries and museums and efforts to expand those services in our state.

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Kansas Municipal Utilities
On Tuesday, I met with members of the Kansas Municipal Utilities to discuss critical energy supply chain issues and tax incentives for reliable, renewable energy, such as the shortage of transformers. Grid reliability remains a top priority for our utilities as harsh weather and cybersecurity remain constant threats. Additionally, we spoke about the importance of workforce development to ensure that our utilities have the resources and personnel needed to deliver dependable services to communities across the state.

KMU provides vital services to Kansans, and I thank the delegation for their time and for sharing insights into these issues.

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Jon Quinday, City Manager of Russell
This week, I met with City Manager of Russell Jon Quinday to discuss the city’s plans for sustainable water usage. Having a reliable source of clean drinking water is essential for small towns across Kansas to thrive. Additionally, it was encouraging to hear Jon describe Russell’s continued economic growth.

Thank you to John for meeting with me, and I look forward to supporting the city’s development that allows so many families and small businesses to call Russell home.

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The American Legion Department of Kansas
On Tuesday, I met with the Kansas Department of The American Legion (TAL) to discuss their legislative priorities for veterans in Kansas in the coming year. I appreciate The American Legion’s support of my Veterans’ HEALTH Act and Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, both of which I will continue working  to pass this year. We share similar priorities, including overseeing the impact of recent legislation that supports our veterans and survivors.

Addressing veteran suicide and expanding mental health support is always a top priority, and I appreciated hearing the legions thoughts and solutions. This included enhancing access to alternative therapies, expanding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suicide prevention budget and continuing to invest in mental health research as it relates to veterans. Thank you to the TAL for taking the time to meet with me and for all the important work you do for our Kansas veterans.

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Kansas Farm Bureau
On Wednesday, I met with Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Leaders Engaged and Acting in D.C. (LEAD) members. The KFB LEAD program is an opportunity for county board members from around the state to bring their families to Washington, D.C. to experience our nation’s capital, interact with members of Congress and see Farm Bureau policy in action at the federal level. I provided an update on the status of the Farm Bill and expressed my disappointment with the lack of urgency on passing an updated bill that reflects our current farm economy. We also discussed the importance of rural broadband, the lesser prairie-chicken and opportunities for the younger generation in Kansas.

Thank you to everyone with the KBF LEAD program for taking the time to visit with me.

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Council on Agriculture Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET)
On Thursday, I met leaders from the Council on Agriculture Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET). CARET is a national grassroots organization that supports agricultural research, extension and teaching and is a unit of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). During our conversation, we discussed ongoing projects in the state, such as the Feed the Future Innovation Labs at Kansas State University. We also discussed the important role research funding plays in furthering the development of agricultural products.

Thank you to Larry Justice of Olathe, Connie Kays of Pittsburg, Julie Voelker of Sycamore, Ray Flickner of Wichita, College of Agriculture Leadership Dean Ernie Minton, Associate Dean Jane Schuh, Assistant Director for Agriculture and Extension Caroline Kolins, Dr. Marshall Stewart, and Jaylen Lane of Kansas State University for the conversation.

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St. John Catholic School
This week, I met with St. John Catholic School from Lawrence. The eighth-grade class was visiting our nation’s capital for the week, and I appreciated hearing their ideas and concerns. Thank you to all the students, teachers and chaperones for meeting with me.

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Visits Across Kansas
Barton Community College
On Friday, visited Barton Community College (BCC). President Dr. Carl Heilman gave me a tour of the college’s new Ag and Transportation Complex. Dr. Heilman recently announced that he will be retiring at the end of June after serving as BCC’s president for 17 years. I am grateful for Dr. Heilman’s friendship over the years and his leadership of the college.

Thank you to Dr. Heilman for hosting me and his executive assistant Amye Schneider for helping arrange the visit. I also want to thank the Great Bend Chamber CEO Megan Barfield, Volunteers in Action of Central Kansas director Linn Hogg, Barton Community College Foundation Director Lindsey Bogner and Barton Community College Board of Trustees member Mike Johnson for joining me for the visit.

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Congratulating Scott Donovan on his Retirement
This week, I joined Scott Donovan for his last time on air after working in radio for 40 years. Scott is retiring from Eagle Communications in Great Bend, and it was great to join Scott one last time before his well-deserved retirement. Thank you, Scott, for being a trusted voice on Kansas radio and for your work in the Great Bend community.

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Kansans in the Office
Capitol Tours

Ken Burrell of Leawood

Anne Gallagher of Lawrence

Charlotte Gallagher of Lawrence

Lilian Gallagher of Lawrence

Lydia Gallagher of Lawrence

Samuel Gallagher of Lawrence

Timothy Gallagher of Lawrence

Marc Harrell of Leawood

Timothy Horton of Leavenworth

Austin Michaud of LaCrosse

Brandon Michaud of LaCrosse

Crista Michaud of LaCrosse

DeLane Michaud of LaCrosse

Elaine Stephen of Wichita

Kimberly Van Cleave of Junction City

 

American Alliance of Museums

Dene Mosier of Topeka

Margaret Keough of Topeka

 

American Association of Pediatrics

Pam Shaw of Lawrence

 

American Congenital Heart Association

Chad Chase of Manhattan

 

American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Craig Loffton of Lindsborg

Terry Humphrey of Topeka

Lisa Shaffer of Wichita

Ashley Hand of Kansas City

 

The American Legion, Dept of Kansas

Tracy Kinnick of Rose Hill

Jeanne Haas of New Strawn

Dan Wiley of Leavenworth

Christina Wiley of Leavenworth

Jeremy Elhart of Hutchinson

Michael Cole of Leavenworth

Frederick Miller of Olathe

 

American Society of Civil Engineers

Chad Johnson of Shawnee

 

American Urological Association

Eugene Lee of Overland Park

 

AMI Metals

Olivia Rockwell of Wichita

 

City Manager of Russell

John Quinday of Russell

 

Council on Agriculture Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET)

Connie Kays of Pittsburg

Julie Voelker of Sycamore

Ernie Minton of Manhattan

Jane Schuh of Manhattan

Larry Justice of Olathe

Ray Flickner of Wichita

 

Enlisted Association of the Kansas National Guard

Nicky Inskeep of Eudora

Troy Abel of Topeka

Serini Bloesser of Wichita

 

HARVEST Hydrogen

Kimberly Svaty of Topeka

Institute of Real Estate Management

Joshua Turner of Wichita

Samantha Valdez of Wichita

Jessica Felton of Wichita

 

Institute of Real Estate Management – Kansas City Chapter

Ariel Earhart of Tonganoxie

Sharra Wagner of Kansas City

 

Kansas 911

Troy Briggs of Sublette

Sarah Rains of Jetmore

 

Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters

Mary Shannon of Wichita

 

Kansas Municipal Utilities

Brad Mears of McPherson

Josh Bedel of McPherson

David Mehlhaff of Kansas City

Mike Muirhead of Garden City

Stan Luke of Burlington

Lou Thurston of Hillsboro

Bill Johnson of Kansas City

Jeremy Ash of Kansas City

 

Kansas National Guard

Keith Marshall of Wichita

Kory Whitmore of Wichita

 

Kansas National Science Foundation

Dough Byers of Lawrence

 

Kansas Wesleyan University

Matt Thompson of Salina

 

Kansas Wing Civil Air Patrol

Roger Buller, II of Wichita

Adriana Dorr of Overland Park

Savannah Dorr of Overland Park

Mark Lahan of Junction City

Samuel Laird of Gardner

A.W. Pickel of Olathe

 

KTWU, Topeka

Valerie VanDerSluis of Topeka

 

Mental Health America

Mary Jones of Wichita

 

National Association of Surety Bond Producers and Surety and Fidelity Association of America

Charles Artis of Overland Park

Monica Donatelli of Overland Park

Patrick Pribyl of Shawnee

John Sanders of Olathe

Lauren Scott of Lockton

 

National Fragile X Foundation

Bruce Brodie of Prairie Village

Kathy Brodie of Prairie Village

Jean James of Overland Park

 

National Kidney Foundation

Megan Elliott of Olathe

Shana Warkenstine of Wichita

Melissa Tolzien of Abilene

 

National Marrow Donor Program

Haley Hammar of Louisburg

 

Rare Diseases Legislative Advocates

Jewel Akpan of Wichita

Kerri Christian of Lawrence

Hannah Christian of Lawrence

Ronald Christian of Lawrence

Paloma Juarez of Prairie Village

Michael Lane of Stillwell

Rachel Tinsley of Olathe

 

State Department’s YES Students

Tanay Amrut Patel of Emporia (India)

Venancio Estevao Marcos Chavala of Newton (Mozambique)

 

Tribal Education Departments National Assembly Organization

Morgan Murakami of Eudora

Alex Red Corn of De Soto

 

TSCRP Kansans

Alexandra Dahlgren of Prairie Village

 

Wichita State University

Zach Gearhart of Wichita

Andy Schlapp of Wichita

 

ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer

Vivian Avery of Olathe

John Avery of Olathe

Darrel McKaig of Olathe

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