LEAVENWORTH COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has identified the man killed Saturday night in an officer-involved shooting in Leavenworth, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

Micheal L. Mills, 44, of Indianola, Iowa, was shot during the incident, and later died at a local hospital.

The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be presented to the Leavenworth County Attorney for review.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Leavenworth, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Just before 9 p.m. Saturday, a man called 911 to request police so that he could report a crime. He also stated that he was armed.

A short time later officers from the Leavenworth Police Department arrived at the location, which was in the 400 block of N. 5th&nbsp;Street in Leavenworth.

When officers arrived, they observed a 44-year-old man in the front yard of the residence armed with a knife. Several verbal commands were given to him to stop and to drop the knife. The man charged toward an officer and that officer fired multiple rounds striking him.

Medical aid was provided, and EMS transported the man to a Leavenworth hospital. Despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries. The KBI did not release the name of the man who died.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has identified the man killed Saturday night in an officer-involved shooting in Leavenworth, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.Micheal L. Mills, 44, of Indianola, Iowa, was shot during the incident, and later died at a local hospital.The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once completed the findings will be presented to the Leavenworth County Attorney for review.-----------LEAVENWORTH COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Leavenworth, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Just before 9 p.m. Saturday, a man called 911 to request police so that he could report a crime. He also stated that he was armed.A short time later officers from the Leavenworth Police Department arrived at the location, which was in the 400 block of N. 5th&nbsp;Street in Leavenworth.When officers arrived, they observed a 44-year-old man in the front yard of the residence armed with a knife. Several verbal commands were given to him to stop and to drop the knife. The man charged toward an officer and that officer fired multiple rounds striking him.Medical aid was provided, and EMS transported the man to a Leavenworth hospital. Despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries. The KBI did not release the name of the man who died.

Man who died in Kansas officer-shooting indentified

WASHINGTON (AP) — Both the White House and Pentagon said Monday they would look into why President Joe Biden and other top officials weren’t informed for days that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-hospitalized-biden-859cc79631d6c96dbdff161faf8e4f96">had been hospitalized</a>. A Pentagon spokesman pointed to one reason: A key staffer was out sick with the flu.

Even as the Biden administration pledged to look into what rules or procedures weren’t followed, it maintained its silence about why Austin has been hospitalized for a week. Some Republicans have demanded Austin’s resignation, but the Pentagon said he has no plans to step down.

Austin, 70, went to the hospital on Dec. 22 for what the Pentagon press secretary called an “elective procedure” but one serious enough that Austin temporarily transferred some of his authorities to his deputy, without telling her or other U.S. leaders why. He went home the following day.

He also transferred some of his authorities after experiencing severe pain and being taken back to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center by ambulance and put into intensive care on Jan. 1. The White House was not informed until Jan. 4.

Austin, who has resumed his duties, is no longer in intensive care. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said his prognosis is “good” but it is not known when he will be released from the hospital.

The failure to properly inform government and defense leaders will be the subject of what John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, called a “hotwash” to see if procedures need to be changed.

Kirby, speaking to reporters on Air Force One as Biden traveled to South Carolina, said there is an “expectation” among members of Biden’s Cabinet that if one of them is hospitalized, “that will be notified up the chain of command.”

Ryder acknowledged that he and other public affairs and defense aides were told Jan. 2 that Austin had been hospitalized but did not make it public and did not tell the military service leaders or the National Security Council until Jan. 4.

“I want to offer my apologies and my pledge to learn from this experience, and I will do everything I can to meet the standard that you expect from us," he said.

Ryder said staff in Austin’s front office will review notification procedures, including whether regulations, rules or laws were broken, and will take steps to improve the notification process. Those staff members, however, are among those who did not disclose the secretary's hospitalization.

In a statement issued Saturday evening, Austin took responsibility for the delays in notification.

“I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better,” he said, acknowledging the concerns about transparency. “But this is important to say: this was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure.”

Ryder provided some more detail on who knew about the hospitalization and when they were told.

He said when Austin was taken back to the hospital on Jan. 1 he “was conscious but in quite a bit of pain.” He spent that evening undergoing tests and evaluation. The next day, “due to the secretary’s condition and on the basis of medical advice,” some authorities were transferred to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks, through a standard email notification that often does not provide the reason for transfer, Ryder said.

Hicks, who was in Puerto Rico, was not told the reason for the transfer of authorities until Jan. 4.

Ryder said Austin’s chief of staff, senior military adviser and Gen. CQ Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were notified of the defense secretary’s hospitalization on Jan. 2.

Ryder said the chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, did not inform the White House because she had the flu. He said Magsamen told Hicks on Jan. 4 and they began drafting a public statement and developing plans to notify government and congressional officials that day.

But the congressional notifications did not begin until the evening of Jan. 5, just minutes before the Pentagon issued its first public statement on Austin's status.

Asked who approved the U.S. military strike in Baghdad that killed a militia leader on Jan. 4, Ryder said it was pre-approved by Austin and the White House before Austin was hospitalized.

Sen. Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, called it a “serious incident” and said there needs to be accountability from the Pentagon.

“This lack of disclosure must never happen again," Reed said in a statement. "I am tracking the situation closely and the Department of Defense is well aware of my interest in any and all relevant information.”

Still, White House officials on Monday emphasized that Austin retains Biden's confidence. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden appreciated Austin's statement on Saturday, in which he took responsibility for the lack of transparency.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon released new details Sunday about Defense Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lloyd-austin">Lloyd Austin's</a>&nbsp;continued hospitalization, saying he had a medical procedure Dec. 22, went home a day later and was admitted to intensive care Jan. 1 when he began experiencing severe pain.

The latest information came as members of both parties in Congress expressed sharp concerns about the secrecy of Austin's hospital stay and the fact that the president and other senior leaders were kept in the dark about it for days.

The statement, released by Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, did not, however, provide any details about the medical procedure or what actually happened on Monday to require Austin to be in intensive care at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Ryan said Austin was placed in the hospital’s intensive care unit "due to his medical needs, but then remained in that location in part due to hospital space considerations and privacy.”

The Pentagon’s failure to disclose Austin’s hospitalization, including to President Joe Biden, the National Security Council and top Pentagon leaders, for days reflects a stunning lack of transparency about his illness, how serious it was and when he may be released. Such secrecy, when the United States is juggling myriad national security crises, runs counter to normal practice with the president and other senior U.S. officials and Cabinet members.

Ryder said the National Security Council and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks were not notified until Thursday, Jan. 4, that Austin had been hospitalized since Jan. 1. Ryder said Austin's chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, was ill and “unable to make notifications before then.” He said she informed Hicks and the national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, on Thursday.

Once notified, Hicks began preparing statements to send to Congress and made plans to return to Washington. Hicks was in Puerto Rico on leave but had communications equipment with her to remain in contact and had already been tasked with some secretary-level duties on Tuesday.

The Pentagon did not say if Hicks was given an explanation on Tuesday for why she was assuming some of Austin’s duties, but temporary transfers of authority are not unusual and are often done without detailed explanations. Hicks decided not to return after she was informed that Austin would resume full control on Friday.

Biden was told of Austin's medical stay on Thursday by Sullivan, according to three people with knowledge of the hospitalization who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Austin, 70, remains hospitalized and officials have been unable to say how long he will be at Walter Reed. In his statement, Austin said he is on the mend and is looking forward to returning to the Pentagon soon, but he provided no other details about his ailment.

Sen. Roger Wicker, the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the episode erodes trust in the Biden administration and called on the department to provide lawmakers with a "full accounting of the facts immediately.”

“I am glad to hear Secretary Austin is in improved condition and I wish him a speedy recovery," Wicker said in a statement. “However, the fact remains that the Department of Defense deliberately withheld the Secretary of Defense’s medical condition for days. That is unacceptable.”

It's not just Republicans expressing alarm. In a joint statement, Reps. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Adam Smith, D-Wash., said they were “concerned with how the disclosure of the Secretary's condition was handled.”

Among the questions they had were what the medical procedure was and what the resulting complications were, how and when the delegation of his responsibilities was made, and the reason for the delay in notification to the president and lawmakers. Rogers is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and Smith is the panel's top Democrat.

“Transparency is vitally important," said the two lawmakers. “Austin ”must provide these additional details on his health and the decision-making process that occurred in the past week as soon as possible."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced support for Austin at a news conference in Qatar on Sunday.

“He is an extraordinary leader in this country, in uniform and now out of uniform," Blinken said. “And it’s been a highlight of my service to be able to serve alongside him,.” He added: "I’m very much looking forward to see him fully recovered and working side by side in the year ahead.”

Ryder said Austin is able to do his full duties, has secure communications at Walter Reed, and is in contact with his senior team, getting updates and providing guidance. He said he doesn't know if Austin will do in-person briefings this coming week.

The Pentagon Press Association, which represents journalists who cover the Defense Department, sent a letter of protest on Friday evening, calling the delay in alerting the public “an outrage.”

“At a time when there are growing threats to U.S. military service members in the Middle East and the U.S. is playing key national security roles in the wars in Israel and Ukraine, it is particularly critical for the American public to be informed about the health status and decision-making ability of its top defense leader," the group said in its letter.

Other senior U.S. leaders have been much more transparent about hospital stays. When Attorney General Merrick Garland went in for a routine medical procedure in 2022, his office informed the public a week in advance and outlined how long he was expected to be out and when he would return to work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702947351254.png" alt="Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III greets Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv, Israel, Dec. 18, 2023. -photo Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III greets Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv, Israel, Dec. 18, 2023. -photo Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Both the White House and Pentagon said Monday they would look into why President Joe Biden and other top officials weren’t informed for days that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-hospitalized-biden-859cc79631d6c96dbdff161faf8e4f96">had been hospitalized</a>. A Pentagon spokesman pointed to one reason: A key staffer was out sick with the flu.Even as the Biden administration pledged to look into what rules or procedures weren’t followed, it maintained its silence about why Austin has been hospitalized for a week. Some Republicans have demanded Austin’s resignation, but the Pentagon said he has no plans to step down.Austin, 70, went to the hospital on Dec. 22 for what the Pentagon press secretary called an “elective procedure” but one serious enough that Austin temporarily transferred some of his authorities to his deputy, without telling her or other U.S. leaders why. He went home the following day.He also transferred some of his authorities after experiencing severe pain and being taken back to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center by ambulance and put into intensive care on Jan. 1. The White House was not informed until Jan. 4.Austin, who has resumed his duties, is no longer in intensive care. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said his prognosis is “good” but it is not known when he will be released from the hospital.The failure to properly inform government and defense leaders will be the subject of what John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, called a “hotwash” to see if procedures need to be changed.Kirby, speaking to reporters on Air Force One as Biden traveled to South Carolina, said there is an “expectation” among members of Biden’s Cabinet that if one of them is hospitalized, “that will be notified up the chain of command.”Ryder acknowledged that he and other public affairs and defense aides were told Jan. 2 that Austin had been hospitalized but did not make it public and did not tell the military service leaders or the National Security Council until Jan. 4.“I want to offer my apologies and my pledge to learn from this experience, and I will do everything I can to meet the standard that you expect from us," he said.Ryder said staff in Austin’s front office will review notification procedures, including whether regulations, rules or laws were broken, and will take steps to improve the notification process. Those staff members, however, are among those who did not disclose the secretary's hospitalization.In a statement issued Saturday evening, Austin took responsibility for the delays in notification.“I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better,” he said, acknowledging the concerns about transparency. “But this is important to say: this was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure.”Ryder provided some more detail on who knew about the hospitalization and when they were told.He said when Austin was taken back to the hospital on Jan. 1 he “was conscious but in quite a bit of pain.” He spent that evening undergoing tests and evaluation. The next day, “due to the secretary’s condition and on the basis of medical advice,” some authorities were transferred to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks, through a standard email notification that often does not provide the reason for transfer, Ryder said.Hicks, who was in Puerto Rico, was not told the reason for the transfer of authorities until Jan. 4.Ryder said Austin’s chief of staff, senior military adviser and Gen. CQ Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were notified of the defense secretary’s hospitalization on Jan. 2.Ryder said the chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, did not inform the White House because she had the flu. He said Magsamen told Hicks on Jan. 4 and they began drafting a public statement and developing plans to notify government and congressional officials that day.But the congressional notifications did not begin until the evening of Jan. 5, just minutes before the Pentagon issued its first public statement on Austin's status.Asked who approved the U.S. military strike in Baghdad that killed a militia leader on Jan. 4, Ryder said it was pre-approved by Austin and the White House before Austin was hospitalized.Sen. Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, called it a “serious incident” and said there needs to be accountability from the Pentagon.“This lack of disclosure must never happen again," Reed said in a statement. "I am tracking the situation closely and the Department of Defense is well aware of my interest in any and all relevant information.”Still, White House officials on Monday emphasized that Austin retains Biden's confidence. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden appreciated Austin's statement on Saturday, in which he took responsibility for the lack of transparency.-------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon released new details Sunday about Defense Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lloyd-austin">Lloyd Austin's</a>&nbsp;continued hospitalization, saying he had a medical procedure Dec. 22, went home a day later and was admitted to intensive care Jan. 1 when he began experiencing severe pain.The latest information came as members of both parties in Congress expressed sharp concerns about the secrecy of Austin's hospital stay and the fact that the president and other senior leaders were kept in the dark about it for days.The statement, released by Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, did not, however, provide any details about the medical procedure or what actually happened on Monday to require Austin to be in intensive care at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.Ryan said Austin was placed in the hospital’s intensive care unit "due to his medical needs, but then remained in that location in part due to hospital space considerations and privacy.”The Pentagon’s failure to disclose Austin’s hospitalization, including to President Joe Biden, the National Security Council and top Pentagon leaders, for days reflects a stunning lack of transparency about his illness, how serious it was and when he may be released. Such secrecy, when the United States is juggling myriad national security crises, runs counter to normal practice with the president and other senior U.S. officials and Cabinet members.Ryder said the National Security Council and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks were not notified until Thursday, Jan. 4, that Austin had been hospitalized since Jan. 1. Ryder said Austin's chief of staff, Kelly Magsamen, was ill and “unable to make notifications before then.” He said she informed Hicks and the national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, on Thursday.Once notified, Hicks began preparing statements to send to Congress and made plans to return to Washington. Hicks was in Puerto Rico on leave but had communications equipment with her to remain in contact and had already been tasked with some secretary-level duties on Tuesday.The Pentagon did not say if Hicks was given an explanation on Tuesday for why she was assuming some of Austin’s duties, but temporary transfers of authority are not unusual and are often done without detailed explanations. Hicks decided not to return after she was informed that Austin would resume full control on Friday.Biden was told of Austin's medical stay on Thursday by Sullivan, according to three people with knowledge of the hospitalization who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.In a statement issued Saturday evening, Austin took responsibility for the delays in notification.“I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better,” he said, acknowledging the concerns about transparency. “But this is important to say: this was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure.”Austin, 70, remains hospitalized and officials have been unable to say how long he will be at Walter Reed. In his statement, Austin said he is on the mend and is looking forward to returning to the Pentagon soon, but he provided no other details about his ailment.Sen. Roger Wicker, the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the episode erodes trust in the Biden administration and called on the department to provide lawmakers with a "full accounting of the facts immediately.”“I am glad to hear Secretary Austin is in improved condition and I wish him a speedy recovery," Wicker said in a statement. “However, the fact remains that the Department of Defense deliberately withheld the Secretary of Defense’s medical condition for days. That is unacceptable.”It's not just Republicans expressing alarm. In a joint statement, Reps. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Adam Smith, D-Wash., said they were “concerned with how the disclosure of the Secretary's condition was handled.”Among the questions they had were what the medical procedure was and what the resulting complications were, how and when the delegation of his responsibilities was made, and the reason for the delay in notification to the president and lawmakers. Rogers is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and Smith is the panel's top Democrat.“Transparency is vitally important," said the two lawmakers. “Austin ”must provide these additional details on his health and the decision-making process that occurred in the past week as soon as possible."Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced support for Austin at a news conference in Qatar on Sunday.“He is an extraordinary leader in this country, in uniform and now out of uniform," Blinken said. “And it’s been a highlight of my service to be able to serve alongside him,.” He added: "I’m very much looking forward to see him fully recovered and working side by side in the year ahead.”Ryder said Austin is able to do his full duties, has secure communications at Walter Reed, and is in contact with his senior team, getting updates and providing guidance. He said he doesn't know if Austin will do in-person briefings this coming week.The Pentagon Press Association, which represents journalists who cover the Defense Department, sent a letter of protest on Friday evening, calling the delay in alerting the public “an outrage.”“At a time when there are growing threats to U.S. military service members in the Middle East and the U.S. is playing key national security roles in the wars in Israel and Ukraine, it is particularly critical for the American public to be informed about the health status and decision-making ability of its top defense leader," the group said in its letter.Other senior U.S. leaders have been much more transparent about hospital stays. When Attorney General Merrick Garland went in for a routine medical procedure in 2022, his office informed the public a week in advance and outlined how long he was expected to be out and when he would return to work.

Defense Secretary's mysterious hospital stay under review

Legislation delves into Kansas property, sales and income tax cuts.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly and a bipartisan group of two dozen state legislators Monday proposed a $1 billion, three-year tax reform bill designed to provide every Kansan relief by reducing income, sales and property taxes.

The Democratic governor, two Republican senators, an independent senator as well as House and Senate Democrats endorsed the comprehensive strategy at a Statehouse news conference hours before the 2024 session would begin.

The legislation would eliminate immediately the state’s sales tax on groceries rather than wait until existing state law accomplished that step on Jan. 1, 2025. It would create a four-day, back-to-school sales tax holiday every August for families buying school supplies, computers and clothing. That could save Kansas consumers $5 million annually.

The plan would end the state’s policy of taxing Social Security benefits. Kansas is among 11 states that impose a state tax on Social Security benefits, resulting in seniors leaving the state in search of a lower tax burden. Retired Kansans would save more than $525 million in the first five years of this plan.

The legislation would include an increase the standard deduction on state income taxes. For a single Kansan, it would rise from $3,500 to $5,000. For married couples filing jointly, it would climb from $8,000 to $10,000. This component of the plan would save Kansans over $200 million in three years.

It would exempt the first $100,000 in state property taxes for all Kansans homeowners. Fully implemented, the residential property tax provision would help Kansans save $100 million annually and lower the state property tax for 370,000 homeowners to less than $20 per year.

In addition, the proposal would double the child and dependent care tax credit for savings of $18 million over three years.

“We’re going to be putting money back in your pockets,” said Kelly, with GOP and Democratic lawmakers at her side at the Capitol. “We’re going to do it in a fiscally responsible, targeted and sustainable way. I don’t think anyone had this team on their 2024 predictions list, but here we are, united in our desire to cut taxes for every single Kansan.”

Kelly affirmed her intention to veto, as she did in 2023, legislation shifting Kansas to a single-rate individual income tax. Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, both Republicans, have indicated their legislative agenda made adoption of a flat-tax one of their top priorities this session.

“A simpler, single-rate tax is needed to keep Kansas’ economy competitive with surrounding states,” Hawkins said. “It seems we’re going to pick up right where we left off last session. I’m disappointed, but not surprised, to see the governor playing politics with taxpayers’ money once again.”

One year ago, Republican leadership in the House and Senate pushed through a bill containing a 5.15% flat rate regardless of whether a person made $25,000, $250,000 or $2.5 million annually. Kelly vetoed it, and the Senate fell short of votes necessary to override her.

“Let me be clear, the flat tax is a nonstarter,” the governor said. “The people who would benefit the most from a flat tax by far are those making $250,000 per year or more. There is no evidence to suggest a flat tax does anything to drive growth.”

Sen. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican who voted to sustain Kelly’s veto of the 2023 flat tax legislation, said he supported the bipartisan tax reform plan outlined by the governor.

“It’s got a lot of really good pieces,” he said. “I believe it’s a fair tax plan. It helps everybody from top to bottom. I really applaud the governor for putting this bill together with the parties that worked together on it. I look forward to this passing.”

Sen. Dinah Sykes, a Democrat from Lenexa, said she appreciated formation of a bipartisan tax reform bill that would provide a cut for every Kansan. She said provisions related to property tax and child care tax credits would benefit the middle class.

The bipartisan package is a “fair and responsible” policy beneficial to Kansas families and helpful in terms of expanding the state’s economy, said Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha independent. He lauded inclusion of a tax cut on Social Security benefits because that reform would stop incentivizing the elderly to move away from Kansas.

“I’ve signed onto this plan because eliminating the tax on Social Security benefits is a commonsense way retired Kansans can stay close to family and not feel the need to move out of the state for tax relief,” Pyle said. “And it will provide a tax cut for my hardworking constituents. It’s also inclusive for the middle class.”

Sen. John Doll, a Garden City Republican, said there was truth to the notion that working on bills and laws looked as if someone was making sausage. He said that held true for this bipartisan proposal on taxes.

“You look at the bill and and go, ‘Oh my, gosh. This piece of sausage is pretty good,'” Doll said.

<h2>Legislation delves into Kansas property, sales and income tax cuts.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704735479931.png" alt="-Gov. Laura Kelly and bipartisan group of legislators propose a property, sales and income tax reduction bill on the first day of the 2024 session.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>-Gov. Laura Kelly and bipartisan group of legislators propose a property, sales and income tax reduction bill on the first day of the 2024 session.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly and a bipartisan group of two dozen state legislators Monday proposed a $1 billion, three-year tax reform bill designed to provide every Kansan relief by reducing income, sales and property taxes.The Democratic governor, two Republican senators, an independent senator as well as House and Senate Democrats endorsed the comprehensive strategy at a Statehouse news conference hours before the 2024 session would begin.The legislation would eliminate immediately the state’s sales tax on groceries rather than wait until existing state law accomplished that step on Jan. 1, 2025. It would create a four-day, back-to-school sales tax holiday every August for families buying school supplies, computers and clothing. That could save Kansas consumers $5 million annually.The plan would end the state’s policy of taxing Social Security benefits. Kansas is among 11 states that impose a state tax on Social Security benefits, resulting in seniors leaving the state in search of a lower tax burden. Retired Kansans would save more than $525 million in the first five years of this plan.The legislation would include an increase the standard deduction on state income taxes. For a single Kansan, it would rise from $3,500 to $5,000. For married couples filing jointly, it would climb from $8,000 to $10,000. This component of the plan would save Kansans over $200 million in three years.It would exempt the first $100,000 in state property taxes for all Kansans homeowners. Fully implemented, the residential property tax provision would help Kansans save $100 million annually and lower the state property tax for 370,000 homeowners to less than $20 per year.In addition, the proposal would double the child and dependent care tax credit for savings of $18 million over three years.“We’re going to be putting money back in your pockets,” said Kelly, with GOP and Democratic lawmakers at her side at the Capitol. “We’re going to do it in a fiscally responsible, targeted and sustainable way. I don’t think anyone had this team on their 2024 predictions list, but here we are, united in our desire to cut taxes for every single Kansan.”Kelly affirmed her intention to veto, as she did in 2023, legislation shifting Kansas to a single-rate individual income tax. Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, both Republicans, have indicated their legislative agenda made adoption of a flat-tax one of their top priorities this session.“A simpler, single-rate tax is needed to keep Kansas’ economy competitive with surrounding states,” Hawkins said. “It seems we’re going to pick up right where we left off last session. I’m disappointed, but not surprised, to see the governor playing politics with taxpayers’ money once again.”One year ago, Republican leadership in the House and Senate pushed through a bill containing a 5.15% flat rate regardless of whether a person made $25,000, $250,000 or $2.5 million annually. Kelly vetoed it, and the Senate fell short of votes necessary to override her.“Let me be clear, the flat tax is a nonstarter,” the governor said. “The people who would benefit the most from a flat tax by far are those making $250,000 per year or more. There is no evidence to suggest a flat tax does anything to drive growth.”Sen. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican who voted to sustain Kelly’s veto of the 2023 flat tax legislation, said he supported the bipartisan tax reform plan outlined by the governor.“It’s got a lot of really good pieces,” he said. “I believe it’s a fair tax plan. It helps everybody from top to bottom. I really applaud the governor for putting this bill together with the parties that worked together on it. I look forward to this passing.”Sen. Dinah Sykes, a Democrat from Lenexa, said she appreciated formation of a bipartisan tax reform bill that would provide a cut for every Kansan. She said provisions related to property tax and child care tax credits would benefit the middle class.The bipartisan package is a “fair and responsible” policy beneficial to Kansas families and helpful in terms of expanding the state’s economy, said Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha independent. He lauded inclusion of a tax cut on Social Security benefits because that reform would stop incentivizing the elderly to move away from Kansas.“I’ve signed onto this plan because eliminating the tax on Social Security benefits is a commonsense way retired Kansans can stay close to family and not feel the need to move out of the state for tax relief,” Pyle said. “And it will provide a tax cut for my hardworking constituents. It’s also inclusive for the middle class.”Sen. John Doll, a Garden City Republican, said there was truth to the notion that working on bills and laws looked as if someone was making sausage. He said that held true for this bipartisan proposal on taxes.“You look at the bill and and go, ‘Oh my, gosh. This piece of sausage is pretty good,'” Doll said.

Kelly, legislators promote multiyear $1 billion tax reduction plan

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent attack that injured a baby.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the east part of Garden City for a reported battery, according to a media release.

Officers learned that 29-year-old Brandon Pugh and a woman known to him got into an argument when Pugh allegedly began punching the woman as she held a 2-month-old child.

 At some point while battering the woman, Pugh struck the infant in the head. The infant was transported to St. Catherine Hospital by Finney County EMS and later flown to Wichita due to the extent of their injuries. 

Pugh was arrested and is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Domestic Battery, Abuse of a Child and Aggravated Child Endangerment. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704733188240.png" alt="Pugh-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Pugh-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent attack that injured a baby.Just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the east part of Garden City for a reported battery, according to a media release.Officers learned that 29-year-old Brandon Pugh and a woman known to him got into an argument when Pugh allegedly began punching the woman as she held a 2-month-old child. At some point while battering the woman, Pugh struck the infant in the head. The infant was transported to St. Catherine Hospital by Finney County EMS and later flown to Wichita due to the extent of their injuries. Pugh was arrested and is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Domestic Battery, Abuse of a Child and Aggravated Child Endangerment.

Baby air-lifted to Kan. hospital after alleged violent attack

RENO COUNTY —One person was injured in a fire at a home in Hutchinson on Monday.

Just after 5a.m. Monday, crews were sent to a house fire in the 900 block of east 5th Street in Hutchinson, according to a media release.

First responders found heavy fire and smoke was coming out of the front of the residence. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, but over 50% of the home was damaged and there was smoke damage throughout the home.

One person was taken to Hutchinson Regional due to smoke inhalation. There were no other injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704733702718.png" alt="Photo Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —One person was injured in a fire at a home in Hutchinson on Monday.Just after 5a.m. Monday, crews were sent to a house fire in the 900 block of east 5th Street in Hutchinson, according to a media release.First responders found heavy fire and smoke was coming out of the front of the residence. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, but over 50% of the home was damaged and there was smoke damage throughout the home.One person was taken to Hutchinson Regional due to smoke inhalation. There were no other injuries..

One hospitalized after Kansas house fire

COWLEY COUNTY —Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a fire in Winfield.

Just after 4:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp; crews were dispatched to the VFW building in the 100 Block of East 10th Street in Winfield. First arriving crews found fire on the east side exterior of the building extending to the second floor, according to Chad Mayberry, Winfield Fire Marshal.

&nbsp;The approximately 15 people in the building were evacuated. Investigators have identified the area where the fire started but continue working to determine what caused the fire, according to Mayberry.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.&nbsp;

The building is a total loss, according to Mayberry.&nbsp; Investigators have not released a damage estimate. The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is assisting with the investigation.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

COWLEY COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire in Winfield.

Just after 4:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp; crews were dispatched to the VFW building in the 100 Block of East 10th Street in Winfield that was showing smoke, according to a media release from Winfield Fire and EMS. The building was evacuated and no injuries were reported.

Nine fire departments responded from across the local area. Over 60 firefighters were on scene. As of 7p.m. the building remained an active fire and the building partially collapsed. 

In response to the effort, the City of Winfield put one circuit in outage affecting approximately 450 customers. Electric crew were working to isolate the area to bring as many other customers up as possible.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704712866092.png" alt="Crews on the scene of the fire at the VFW in Winfield. -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of the fire at the VFW in Winfield. -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a fire in Winfield.Just after 4:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp; crews were dispatched to the VFW building in the 100 Block of East 10th Street in Winfield. First arriving crews found fire on the east side exterior of the building extending to the second floor, according to Chad Mayberry, Winfield Fire Marshal.&nbsp;The approximately 15 people in the building were evacuated. Investigators have identified the area where the fire started but continue working to determine what caused the fire, according to Mayberry.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.&nbsp;The building is a total loss, according to Mayberry.&nbsp; Investigators have not released a damage estimate. The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is assisting with the investigation.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.----------COWLEY COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire in Winfield.Just after 4:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp; crews were dispatched to the VFW building in the 100 Block of East 10th Street in Winfield that was showing smoke, according to a media release from Winfield Fire and EMS. The building was evacuated and no injuries were reported.Nine fire departments responded from across the local area. Over 60 firefighters were on scene. As of 7p.m. the building remained an active fire and the building partially collapsed. In response to the effort, the City of Winfield put one circuit in outage affecting approximately 450 customers. Electric crew were working to isolate the area to bring as many other customers up as possible.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Fire Marshal: Building a total loss after fire at VFW in Kansas

SUMNER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Sumner County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ford Explorer driven by Mario Alberto Gonzalez-Cuellar, 52, Wichita, was northbound on the Kansas Turnpike just south of Belle Plaine.&nbsp;

The SUV traveled off the right side of the road. When the driver overcorrected, the SUV struck the barrier wall and overturned. A northbound 2004 Toyota Corolla driven by&nbsp;Truong Van Nguyen, 66, Wichita, struck the SUV.

Gonzalez-Cuellar was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Cornejo Funeral Home.

EMS transported Nguyen and a passenger in the SUV identified as Jose Resto-Alamo, 60, Wichita, to Wesley Medical Center. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SUMNER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Sumner County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ford Explorer driven by Mario Alberto Gonzalez-Cuellar, 52, Wichita, was northbound on the Kansas Turnpike just south of Belle Plaine.&nbsp;The SUV traveled off the right side of the road. When the driver overcorrected, the SUV struck the barrier wall and overturned. A northbound 2004 Toyota Corolla driven by&nbsp;Truong Van Nguyen, 66, Wichita, struck the SUV.Gonzalez-Cuellar was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Cornejo Funeral Home.EMS transported Nguyen and a passenger in the SUV identified as Jose Resto-Alamo, 60, Wichita, to Wesley Medical Center. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, 2 injured after car strikes overturned SUV 

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA AP Political Writer</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is more aggressive and openly political in pushing to expand Medicaid in Kansas as the Republican-controlled Legislature prepares to open its annual session Monday following five years of failed efforts to provide state health coverage to another 150,000 people.

Kelly faces leaders of GOP supermajorities whose priorities are to cut income taxes and rein in local property taxes, not to expand Medicaid.

But Kelly's new plan includes hitting expansion-opposing Republicans hard later this year during races for legislative seats, an approach that cuts against years of self-branding as a bipartisan problem-solver who doesn't care about politics.

“My previous approach, which has always been to try to bring people together and work collaboratively and come up with consensus and then get good policy on the books — that hasn’t worked,” Kelly said during a recent interview.

“Taking a more aggressive approach and — to be direct, a more political approach to it — might be the answer," she added.

For months, Kelly has toured the state for news conferences and roundtables to build support for Medicaid expansion. She said she modeled her campaign on one by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-medicaid-expansion-health-care-5c97a73a2d09b77ee9e499928590674a">in North Carolina</a>, where a GOP-dominated legislature expanded coverage as of Dec. 1.

Kansas is among only 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid in line with the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act, which promises federal funds to cover 90% of the new costs. In two other states,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-medicaid-expansion-brian-kemp-health-care-e6931d588c12c9cc13532dbd9b1e78b9">Georgia and Mississippi</a>, top Republicans have signaled willingness to discuss expansion this year so the issue isn't a dead letter.

In Kansas, conservative opposition is rooted in small-government beliefs and decades of skepticism about social services. In the fall, House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, both Wichita-area Republicans, derided Kelly's events with business leaders, hospital administrators and health advocates as a “Welfare Express Tour” for “more government dependency.”

“It’s about not using taxpayer dollars to fund free healthcare for a new population of able-bodied childless adults who don’t want to work,” Hawkins said in an email.

For some Kansas residents, the issue is getting by.

In Newton, 46-year-old Robyn Adams works 15 to 20 hours a week while she cares for her 15-year-old daughter and uses a manufacturer's program to avoid paying $1,500 every two weeks for shots to manage her rheumatoid arthritis.

She lost Medicaid coverage by working more hours, but not enough to qualify for federal subsidies for private insurance. Even covering a $40 copay before a doctor's visit can be a financial challenge, so paying a larger monthly insurance premium is out of the question, she said.

“We need insurance, too,” she said of low-income families. “Without the expansion, I don’t know — a lot of families are going to be in trouble.”

To attract GOP votes, Kelly has mandated that those who would newly qualify for Medicaid verify annually they are working. But Masterson told reporters, "It really doesn’t change the underlying facts.”

In Kansas, childless adults without disabilities don't qualify for Medicaid. Parents like Adams aren't covered when their household incomes hit 38% of the federal poverty level. For a single parent of one child, it's less than $7,500; for a family of four, it's $11,400.

An expansion would make both groups eligible if they earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. A single, childless adult could earn $20,100; a single parent and one child, about $27,200; and a family of four, $41,400.

Of the people who would qualify, 73% are in families with at least one full- or part-time worker, according to KFF, the research organization formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation. Many work in services and others are independent contractors, said Sean Gatewood, a former Kansas House member and spokesperson for the KanCare Advocates Network, a pro-expansion coalition.

Kelly's plan would increase the cost of the Kansas Medicaid program by 31%, about $1.35 billion a year. However, federal funds would cover all but $135 million, with the state imposing fees on hospitals and large private health insurance companies for most of the rest.

The federal government also is offering remaining non-expansion states another financial bonus. A promise of an additional $1.8 billion over two years was crucial for GOP lawmakers in North Carolina. Kelly’s office expects Kansas to receive a total bonus of between $370 million and $450 million.

But even if there is enough support to pass a bill expanding eligibility, Hawkins, Masterson and their allies can keep a plan from even clearing committees. Democrats' attempts to offer expansion plans during debates on other measures have been ruled out of order, and even Republicans backing expansion have stood with their leaders on that point.

Yet Kelly and other advocates see plenty of reasons to keep pushing, including North Carolina Gov. Cooper's success.

Cooper argued GOP lawmakers in his state felt pressure from an unusual coalition that included rural chambers of commerce and “tough-on-crime Republican sheriffs” who felt they were dealing with too many people who simply needed access to health care, “not handcuffs.”

As for non-expansion states, Cooper said in a news conference: “I hope that they can take some of the lessons of the coalitions of people that we’ve been able to put together to try to succeed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704631381127.png" alt="In December, Governor Kelly unveiled her new plan to expand Medicaid in Kansas." />
 <figcaption>In December, Governor Kelly unveiled her new plan to expand Medicaid in Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA AP Political Writer</a>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is more aggressive and openly political in pushing to expand Medicaid in Kansas as the Republican-controlled Legislature prepares to open its annual session Monday following five years of failed efforts to provide state health coverage to another 150,000 people.Kelly faces leaders of GOP supermajorities whose priorities are to cut income taxes and rein in local property taxes, not to expand Medicaid.But Kelly's new plan includes hitting expansion-opposing Republicans hard later this year during races for legislative seats, an approach that cuts against years of self-branding as a bipartisan problem-solver who doesn't care about politics.“My previous approach, which has always been to try to bring people together and work collaboratively and come up with consensus and then get good policy on the books — that hasn’t worked,” Kelly said during a recent interview.“Taking a more aggressive approach and — to be direct, a more political approach to it — might be the answer," she added.For months, Kelly has toured the state for news conferences and roundtables to build support for Medicaid expansion. She said she modeled her campaign on one by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-medicaid-expansion-health-care-5c97a73a2d09b77ee9e499928590674a">in North Carolina</a>, where a GOP-dominated legislature expanded coverage as of Dec. 1.Kansas is among only 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid in line with the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act, which promises federal funds to cover 90% of the new costs. In two other states,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-medicaid-expansion-brian-kemp-health-care-e6931d588c12c9cc13532dbd9b1e78b9">Georgia and Mississippi</a>, top Republicans have signaled willingness to discuss expansion this year so the issue isn't a dead letter.In Kansas, conservative opposition is rooted in small-government beliefs and decades of skepticism about social services. In the fall, House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, both Wichita-area Republicans, derided Kelly's events with business leaders, hospital administrators and health advocates as a “Welfare Express Tour” for “more government dependency.”“It’s about not using taxpayer dollars to fund free healthcare for a new population of able-bodied childless adults who don’t want to work,” Hawkins said in an email.For some Kansas residents, the issue is getting by.In Newton, 46-year-old Robyn Adams works 15 to 20 hours a week while she cares for her 15-year-old daughter and uses a manufacturer's program to avoid paying $1,500 every two weeks for shots to manage her rheumatoid arthritis.She lost Medicaid coverage by working more hours, but not enough to qualify for federal subsidies for private insurance. Even covering a $40 copay before a doctor's visit can be a financial challenge, so paying a larger monthly insurance premium is out of the question, she said.“We need insurance, too,” she said of low-income families. “Without the expansion, I don’t know — a lot of families are going to be in trouble.”To attract GOP votes, Kelly has mandated that those who would newly qualify for Medicaid verify annually they are working. But Masterson told reporters, "It really doesn’t change the underlying facts.”In Kansas, childless adults without disabilities don't qualify for Medicaid. Parents like Adams aren't covered when their household incomes hit 38% of the federal poverty level. For a single parent of one child, it's less than $7,500; for a family of four, it's $11,400.An expansion would make both groups eligible if they earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. A single, childless adult could earn $20,100; a single parent and one child, about $27,200; and a family of four, $41,400.Of the people who would qualify, 73% are in families with at least one full- or part-time worker, according to KFF, the research organization formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation. Many work in services and others are independent contractors, said Sean Gatewood, a former Kansas House member and spokesperson for the KanCare Advocates Network, a pro-expansion coalition.Kelly's plan would increase the cost of the Kansas Medicaid program by 31%, about $1.35 billion a year. However, federal funds would cover all but $135 million, with the state imposing fees on hospitals and large private health insurance companies for most of the rest.The federal government also is offering remaining non-expansion states another financial bonus. A promise of an additional $1.8 billion over two years was crucial for GOP lawmakers in North Carolina. Kelly’s office expects Kansas to receive a total bonus of between $370 million and $450 million.But even if there is enough support to pass a bill expanding eligibility, Hawkins, Masterson and their allies can keep a plan from even clearing committees. Democrats' attempts to offer expansion plans during debates on other measures have been ruled out of order, and even Republicans backing expansion have stood with their leaders on that point.Yet Kelly and other advocates see plenty of reasons to keep pushing, including North Carolina Gov. Cooper's success.Cooper argued GOP lawmakers in his state felt pressure from an unusual coalition that included rural chambers of commerce and “tough-on-crime Republican sheriffs” who felt they were dealing with too many people who simply needed access to health care, “not handcuffs.”As for non-expansion states, Cooper said in a news conference: “I hope that they can take some of the lessons of the coalitions of people that we’ve been able to put together to try to succeed.”

A push to expand Medicaid has Kan. governor embracing politics, cutting against her brand

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly house fire in Kansas City and have recovered the body of a teen girl.

Just after 2:30a.m. Sunday, crews responded to the report a house fire in the 8300 block of NE 103rd Terrace, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders reported heavy fire and smoke from the two-story house. Evacuated occupants reported that one individual was still in the structure. 

Crews attempted an interior attack, but the fire was two far advanced. EMS transported five individuals for further evaluation of injuries and smoke inhalation. Three children were transported to Children's Mercy and two adults were transported to North Kansas City Hospital.

Fire crews initially reported they were unable to locate one additional occupant identified as a 17-year-old girl with special needs, due to the extensive fire damage to the house.

Several hours later, investigators found the body of the girl in the basement of the home, according to Hopkins.

Officials have not released a damage estimate or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704635613163.png" alt="A view of the rear of the home -photo KCMO Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>A view of the rear of the home -photo KCMO Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly house fire in Kansas City and have recovered the body of a teen girl.Just after 2:30a.m. Sunday, crews responded to the report a house fire in the 8300 block of NE 103rd Terrace, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders reported heavy fire and smoke from the two-story house. Evacuated occupants reported that one individual was still in the structure. Crews attempted an interior attack, but the fire was two far advanced. EMS transported five individuals for further evaluation of injuries and smoke inhalation. Three children were transported to Children's Mercy and two adults were transported to North Kansas City Hospital.Fire crews initially reported they were unable to locate one additional occupant identified as a 17-year-old girl with special needs, due to the extensive fire damage to the house.Several hours later, investigators found the body of the girl in the basement of the home, according to Hopkins.Officials have not released a damage estimate or additional details.

17-year-old girl dead, 5 injured in fire at Kansas City home

JERUSALEM (AP) — Hezbollah has struck an air traffic control base in northern Israel, the Israeli military said Sunday, and warned of “another war” with the Iran-backed militant group

The increase in fighting across the border with Lebanon as Israel battles Hamas militants in Gaza gave new urgency to U.S. diplomatic efforts as Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jordan-israel-gaza-hamas-war-59407385030f96c3cbdc219c80f692f5">prepared to visit Israel</a>&nbsp;on his latest Mideast tour.

“This is a conflict that could easily metastasize, causing even more insecurity and even more suffering,” Blinken told reporters after talks in Qatar, a key mediator. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-01-06-2024-4ea42d6459496468ae39258e31832011">escalation of cross-border fighting</a>&nbsp;between Israel and Hezbollah has complicated a U.S. push to prevent a regional conflict.

The Israeli military said Hezbollah fire hit the sensitive air traffic control base on Mount Meron on Saturday but air defenses were not affected because backup systems were in place. It said that no soldiers were hurt and all damage will be repaired.

Nonetheless, it was one of the most serious attacks by Hezbollah in the months of fighting that has accompanied Israel's war in Gaza and forced tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate communities near the Lebanese border.

Hezbollah described its rocket barrage as an “initial response” to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-01-03-2024-286d5fad24b8ddbbd2e1cb1bfbb306eb">targeted killing of a top Hamas leader</a>&nbsp;in a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut last week, which is presumed to have been carried out by Israel.

The Israeli military chief of staff, Lt. Col. Herzi Halevi, said military pressure on Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, was rising and it would either be effective “or we will get to another war.” Military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari asserted that Israel’s focus on Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force was pushing it away from the border.

Israel has mostly sought to limit the fighting in its north.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-nasrallah-gaza-burkan-drones-07701a32f07c172bccbf6bc6a3086ce8">Hezbollah’s military capabilities</a>&nbsp;are far superior to those of Hamas. But Israeli leaders have said their patience is wearing thin, and that if the tensions cannot be resolved through diplomacy, they are prepared to use force.

“I suggest that Hezbollah learn what Hamas has already learned in recent months: No terrorist is immune," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet. We are determined to defend our citizens and to return the residents of the north safely to their homes.”

Lower-intensity fighting along Israel’s northern border broke out when Hezbollah began firing rockets shortly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel</a>&nbsp;triggered the war in Gaza, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking some 250 people hostage. Hezbollah has said its attacks aim to ease pressure on Gaza.

In a joint news briefing with Blinken, Qatar’s government acknowledged that the killing of the senior Hamas leader in Lebanon can affect the complicated negotiations for the potential release of more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza but “we are continuing our discussions with the parties and trying to achieve as soon as possible an agreement.”

Inside Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war</a>&nbsp;against the militant group entered its fourth month Sunday.

The Israeli military has signaled that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-01-03-2024-3b77b0c36bf2cd9922b7a484234bef5f">wrapped up major combat</a>&nbsp;in northern Gaza, saying it has completed dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure there. Now it presses its offensive in the south, where most of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-refugee-israel-palestinian-rafah-a7e14cc4d7029019f59183b3b0225975">squeezed into smaller areas</a>&nbsp;in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-21-2023-7d9718b32bf0d308c44c7c9e3c4e0deb">humanitarian disaster</a>&nbsp;while being pounded by Israeli airstrikes.

Netanyahu insists the war will not end until the objectives of eliminating Hamas, getting Israel’s hostages returned and ensuring that Gaza won’t host a threat to Israel are met.

Biden administration officials have urged Israel to wind down its blistering air and ground offensive and shift to more targeted attacks against Hamas leaders.

More than 22,800 Palestinians have been killed and more than 58,000 wounded since the war began, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.</a>&nbsp;The death toll does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Health officials say about two-thirds of those killed have been women and minors.

Israel blames Hamas for civilian casualties because the group operates in heavily populated residential areas.

An airstrike near the southern city of Rafah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-journalist-killed-jazeera-86db4604dde19caa9c29366225a6648e">killed two journalists</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, including Hamza Dahdouh, the oldest son of Wael Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's chief correspondent in Gaza, according to the Qatari-owned Arabic-language channel and local medical officials. Al Jazeera broadcast footage of Dahdouh weeping and holding his son's hand. Israel's military had no immediate comment.

Al Jazeera strongly condemned the killings and other “brutal attacks against journalists and their families” by Israeli forces. Dahdouh also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dahdouh-aljazeera-war-israel-palestinians-968a24495e1ce420dfe2f9257528c5c4">lost his wife, two children and a grandchild</a>&nbsp;in an Oct. 26 airstrike, and was wounded in an Israeli strike last month that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-dahdouh-aljazeera-conflict-journalism-b17e6f5c5d987e4f834a0cc3fdc043de">killed a co-worker</a>.

“The world is blind to what’s happening in the Gaza Strip,” he said, blinking back tears.

Another airstrike hit a house between Khan Younis and the southern city of Rafah, killing at least seven people whose bodies were taken to the nearby European Gaza Hospital, according to an Associated Press journalist at the facility. One man hurried in carrying a baby, and later walked the blanket-wrapped child to the morgue.

“Everything happening here is outside the realms of law, outside the realms of reason. Our brains can’t fully comprehend all this that is happening to us,” said a grieving relative, Inas Abu al-Najja, her quavering voice rising. Men worked the rubble with picks and bare hands.

On Sunday, officials at Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis received the bodies of 18 people, including 12 children, killed in an Israeli strike late Saturday on a home in the Khan Younis camp set up decades ago to house refugees from the 1948 war over Israel’s creation.

Israeli forces pushed deeper into the central city of Deir al-Balah, where residents in several neighborhoods were warned that they must evacuate.

The international medical charity Doctors Without Borders, known by the French acronym MSF, said it was evacuating its medical staff from Deir al-Balah's Al Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital.

A bullet penetrated a wall of the hospital’s intensive care unit on Friday, and “drone attacks and sniper fire were just a few hundred meters from the hospital” over the past couple of days, said Carolina Lopez, the group’s emergency coordinator there. She said the hospital received between 150 and 200 wounded people daily in recent weeks.

The International Rescue Committee and Medical Aid for Palestinians said they also were forced to withdraw from the hospital. “The amount of injuries being brought in over the last few days has been horrific,” surgeon Nick Maynard with the IRC medical team said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704675337845.png" alt="Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the Middle East Sunday- State Department&nbsp; social media" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the Middle East Sunday- State Department&nbsp; social media</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — Hezbollah has struck an air traffic control base in northern Israel, the Israeli military said Sunday, and warned of “another war” with the Iran-backed militant groupThe increase in fighting across the border with Lebanon as Israel battles Hamas militants in Gaza gave new urgency to U.S. diplomatic efforts as Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jordan-israel-gaza-hamas-war-59407385030f96c3cbdc219c80f692f5">prepared to visit Israel</a>&nbsp;on his latest Mideast tour.“This is a conflict that could easily metastasize, causing even more insecurity and even more suffering,” Blinken told reporters after talks in Qatar, a key mediator. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-01-06-2024-4ea42d6459496468ae39258e31832011">escalation of cross-border fighting</a>&nbsp;between Israel and Hezbollah has complicated a U.S. push to prevent a regional conflict.The Israeli military said Hezbollah fire hit the sensitive air traffic control base on Mount Meron on Saturday but air defenses were not affected because backup systems were in place. It said that no soldiers were hurt and all damage will be repaired.Nonetheless, it was one of the most serious attacks by Hezbollah in the months of fighting that has accompanied Israel's war in Gaza and forced tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate communities near the Lebanese border.Hezbollah described its rocket barrage as an “initial response” to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-01-03-2024-286d5fad24b8ddbbd2e1cb1bfbb306eb">targeted killing of a top Hamas leader</a>&nbsp;in a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut last week, which is presumed to have been carried out by Israel.The Israeli military chief of staff, Lt. Col. Herzi Halevi, said military pressure on Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, was rising and it would either be effective “or we will get to another war.” Military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari asserted that Israel’s focus on Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force was pushing it away from the border.Israel has mostly sought to limit the fighting in its north.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-nasrallah-gaza-burkan-drones-07701a32f07c172bccbf6bc6a3086ce8">Hezbollah’s military capabilities</a>&nbsp;are far superior to those of Hamas. But Israeli leaders have said their patience is wearing thin, and that if the tensions cannot be resolved through diplomacy, they are prepared to use force.“I suggest that Hezbollah learn what Hamas has already learned in recent months: No terrorist is immune," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet. We are determined to defend our citizens and to return the residents of the north safely to their homes.”Lower-intensity fighting along Israel’s northern border broke out when Hezbollah began firing rockets shortly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel</a>&nbsp;triggered the war in Gaza, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking some 250 people hostage. Hezbollah has said its attacks aim to ease pressure on Gaza.In a joint news briefing with Blinken, Qatar’s government acknowledged that the killing of the senior Hamas leader in Lebanon can affect the complicated negotiations for the potential release of more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza but “we are continuing our discussions with the parties and trying to achieve as soon as possible an agreement.”Inside Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war</a>&nbsp;against the militant group entered its fourth month Sunday.The Israeli military has signaled that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-01-03-2024-3b77b0c36bf2cd9922b7a484234bef5f">wrapped up major combat</a>&nbsp;in northern Gaza, saying it has completed dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure there. Now it presses its offensive in the south, where most of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-refugee-israel-palestinian-rafah-a7e14cc4d7029019f59183b3b0225975">squeezed into smaller areas</a>&nbsp;in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-21-2023-7d9718b32bf0d308c44c7c9e3c4e0deb">humanitarian disaster</a>&nbsp;while being pounded by Israeli airstrikes.Netanyahu insists the war will not end until the objectives of eliminating Hamas, getting Israel’s hostages returned and ensuring that Gaza won’t host a threat to Israel are met.Biden administration officials have urged Israel to wind down its blistering air and ground offensive and shift to more targeted attacks against Hamas leaders.More than 22,800 Palestinians have been killed and more than 58,000 wounded since the war began, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.</a>&nbsp;The death toll does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Health officials say about two-thirds of those killed have been women and minors.Israel blames Hamas for civilian casualties because the group operates in heavily populated residential areas.An airstrike near the southern city of Rafah&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-journalist-killed-jazeera-86db4604dde19caa9c29366225a6648e">killed two journalists</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, including Hamza Dahdouh, the oldest son of Wael Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's chief correspondent in Gaza, according to the Qatari-owned Arabic-language channel and local medical officials. Al Jazeera broadcast footage of Dahdouh weeping and holding his son's hand. Israel's military had no immediate comment.Al Jazeera strongly condemned the killings and other “brutal attacks against journalists and their families” by Israeli forces. Dahdouh also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dahdouh-aljazeera-war-israel-palestinians-968a24495e1ce420dfe2f9257528c5c4">lost his wife, two children and a grandchild</a>&nbsp;in an Oct. 26 airstrike, and was wounded in an Israeli strike last month that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-dahdouh-aljazeera-conflict-journalism-b17e6f5c5d987e4f834a0cc3fdc043de">killed a co-worker</a>.“The world is blind to what’s happening in the Gaza Strip,” he said, blinking back tears.Another airstrike hit a house between Khan Younis and the southern city of Rafah, killing at least seven people whose bodies were taken to the nearby European Gaza Hospital, according to an Associated Press journalist at the facility. One man hurried in carrying a baby, and later walked the blanket-wrapped child to the morgue.“Everything happening here is outside the realms of law, outside the realms of reason. Our brains can’t fully comprehend all this that is happening to us,” said a grieving relative, Inas Abu al-Najja, her quavering voice rising. Men worked the rubble with picks and bare hands.On Sunday, officials at Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis received the bodies of 18 people, including 12 children, killed in an Israeli strike late Saturday on a home in the Khan Younis camp set up decades ago to house refugees from the 1948 war over Israel’s creation.Israeli forces pushed deeper into the central city of Deir al-Balah, where residents in several neighborhoods were warned that they must evacuate.The international medical charity Doctors Without Borders, known by the French acronym MSF, said it was evacuating its medical staff from Deir al-Balah's Al Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital.A bullet penetrated a wall of the hospital’s intensive care unit on Friday, and “drone attacks and sniper fire were just a few hundred meters from the hospital” over the past couple of days, said Carolina Lopez, the group’s emergency coordinator there. She said the hospital received between 150 and 200 wounded people daily in recent weeks.The International Rescue Committee and Medical Aid for Palestinians said they also were forced to withdraw from the hospital. “The amount of injuries being brought in over the last few days has been horrific,” surgeon Nick Maynard with the IRC medical team said.

Terror group Hezbollah warns of 'another war' in Middle East

PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted bank robbery and continue to search for a suspect.

Agents with Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City are searching for a suspect involved in an attempted bank robbery in Platte City, Missouri.

Just before 11a.m.&nbsp; Friday, a suspect entered the Bank of Weston,&nbsp;4001 State Rte 92, Platte City, according to a media release. The suspect demanded cash, threatened staff with a weapon and left without receiving any money. No injuries were reported.

The suspect was described as a man, 5-foot-7, with long hair and a stocky build. He was wearing a black jacket, black pants, black gloves and a medical mask. The suspect fled the bank in a black car westbound on US 92 Highway.&nbsp; Anyone with information on the crime should contact law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704640104548.png" alt="Security camera images FBI Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images FBI Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted bank robbery and continue to search for a suspect.Agents with Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City are searching for a suspect involved in an attempted bank robbery in Platte City, Missouri.Just before 11a.m.&nbsp; Friday, a suspect entered the Bank of Weston,&nbsp;4001 State Rte 92, Platte City, according to a media release. The suspect demanded cash, threatened staff with a weapon and left without receiving any money. No injuries were reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704640246023.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect was described as a man, 5-foot-7, with long hair and a stocky build. He was wearing a black jacket, black pants, black gloves and a medical mask. The suspect fled the bank in a black car westbound on US 92 Highway.&nbsp; Anyone with information on the crime should contact law enforcement.

KC-area bank robbery suspect had long hair, wore medical mask

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest at a Kansas home.

On January 4, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 500 Block of NE Fairchild Street in Topeka, related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

&nbsp;Officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and stolen property.

As a result police arrested 40-year-old Candice King; 24-year-old Tiffani Armstrong; 33-year-old Thomas Lathrom and 25-year-old Dillon Sonnier.

Candice King is being held on requested charges of Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution of a Simulated Controlled Substance.

Dillon Sonnier is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine,&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Stolen Property and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Tiffani Armstrong is in jail on a requested charge of Possession of Methamphetamine

Thomas Lathrom is no longer in custody on a requested charge for Possession of Marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704464597326.png" alt="Armstrong-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Armstrong-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest at a Kansas home.On January 4, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 500 Block of NE Fairchild Street in Topeka, related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704464671968.png" alt="Sonnier-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Sonnier-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and stolen property.As a result police arrested 40-year-old Candice King; 24-year-old Tiffani Armstrong; 33-year-old Thomas Lathrom and 25-year-old Dillon Sonnier.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704464528833.png" alt="King-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>King-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Candice King is being held on requested charges of Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution of a Simulated Controlled Substance.Dillon Sonnier is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of Methamphetamine,&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Stolen Property and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704464597326.png" alt="Armstrong-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Armstrong-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tiffani Armstrong is in jail on a requested charge of Possession of Methamphetamine<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704465108426.png" alt="Lathrom-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lathrom-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas Lathrom is no longer in custody on a requested charge for Possession of Marijuana.

Police find stolen property during drug bust at Kansas home

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after following chase in McPherson County.

Just before 10p.m. Friday, a deputy with the McPherson County Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Interstate 135, according to a media release.

 The vehicle fled into the City of Moundridge where it wrecked and two individuals fled from the vehicle.

A McPherson County Sheriff K-9 unit was deployed. The K-9 located one of the suspects and he was apprehended. The man was evaluated and transported to McPherson Hospital by Moundridge EMS. He was later released and transported to the McPherson County Jail.

Newton Police Department deployed their UAV drone where it located the second suspect. He was taken into custody, evaluated by McPherson EMS, and then transported to McPherson County Jail.

Kasey Haag, 31, is being held on requested charges of assault of a law enforcement officer; use of a deadly weapon, flee or attempt to elude; driving the wrong way in opposing traffic, interference with law enforcement, reckless driving, driving while suspended, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, failure to stop at an accident, probation violation, transporting an open container and possession of opiates and drug paraphernalia. Haag has four previous convictions for burglary and additional convictions for theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Malek Halabi, 22, is being held on requested charges that include interference with law enforcement, knowingly flee, drug possession and transporting an open container.

&nbsp;Newton Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Inman Police Department, Moundridge Police Department, Moundridge EMS, &amp; McPherson EMS all assisted in the sheriff's office with the arrest and transport.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704632339056.png" alt="Halabi-photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Halabi-photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after following chase in McPherson County.Just before 10p.m. Friday, a deputy with the McPherson County Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Interstate 135, according to a media release. The vehicle fled into the City of Moundridge where it wrecked and two individuals fled from the vehicle.A McPherson County Sheriff K-9 unit was deployed. The K-9 located one of the suspects and he was apprehended. The man was evaluated and transported to McPherson Hospital by Moundridge EMS. He was later released and transported to the McPherson County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704631722442.png" alt="Haag-photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Haag-photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Newton Police Department deployed their UAV drone where it located the second suspect. He was taken into custody, evaluated by McPherson EMS, and then transported to McPherson County Jail.Kasey Haag, 31, is being held on requested charges of assault of a law enforcement officer; use of a deadly weapon, flee or attempt to elude; driving the wrong way in opposing traffic, interference with law enforcement, reckless driving, driving while suspended, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, failure to stop at an accident, probation violation, transporting an open container and possession of opiates and drug paraphernalia. Haag has four previous convictions for burglary and additional convictions for theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Malek Halabi, 22, is being held on requested charges that include interference with law enforcement, knowingly flee, drug possession and transporting an open container.&nbsp;Newton Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Inman Police Department, Moundridge Police Department, Moundridge EMS, &amp; McPherson EMS all assisted in the sheriff's office with the arrest and transport.

Drone helped catch wanted Kansas felon after chase, crash 

Business lobbying organization’s political roadmap conflicts with governor’s plans

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704491116037.png" alt=" Kansas Chamber executives Alan Cobb, left, and Eric Stafford outlined Thursday elements of the business lobbying organization’s priorities for the 2024 legislative session that opens Monday. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Chamber executives Alan Cobb, left, and Eric Stafford outlined Thursday elements of the business lobbying organization’s priorities for the 2024 legislative session that opens Monday. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Business lobbying organization’s political roadmap conflicts with governor’s plans</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Chamber released a legislative policy agenda Thursday endorsing a proposed single rate state income tax, opposing expansion of Medicaid health coverage to 150,000 low-income Kansans and supporting investment of state tax dollars in private K-12 education.These issues are poised to receive plenty of attention during the 2024 legislative session convening Monday, but it’s not clear the business lobbying organization and conservative Republican allies can push through the tax reform vetoed last year by Gov. Laura Kelly.Nor is it known whether the Democratic governor could complete a six-year campaign as governor to broaden Medicaid eligibility to the working poor. Or, whether enough members of the House and Senate were willing to advance the cause of school choice by shifting hundreds of millions of dollars in public school funding to finance vouchers for private school students.Alan Cobb, president and CEO of the Kansas Chamber, said the projected $2.5 billion cash surplus in the state treasury was sufficient to implement tax reductions. The 2023 version of the 5.15% single-rate approach would slice as much as $330 million annually from state revenue. It would deliver a $250 per month benefit to Kansans earning $250,000 per year, but $8 per month for people making $75,000 annually.“Lots of states, including blue states, are moving — some rushing — to a single-rate tax,” Cobb said. “It’s partly keeping Kansas competitive. And, it is a tax reduction for everyone.”Eric Stafford, vice president of government affairs for the influential business lobbying organization, said Kansas would be “very, very competitive” with neighboring states if it dropped the single-rate personal income tax closer to 4%. He said Kansas had the highest individual income tax rate in the region.Under Kansas law, the state income tax obligation of a single person or a married individual filing separately or as head of a household would be 3.1% on the first $15,000 of taxable income, 5.25% on the next $15,000 and at 5.7% on all income above $30,000.In an interview, Kelly compared the push for a massive personal income tax cut to the law signed in 2012 by GOP Gov. Sam Brownback that aggressively diminished state income tax collections. His approach led to years of extreme budget problems and eventually to a substantial increase in the state’s sales tax. The Brownback agenda, which centered on gradually eliminating the state income tax in Kansas, was repealed by bipartisan action in 2017 over his objections.Kelly ran successful campaigns for governor in 2018 and 2022 that relentlessly pointed to financial lessons learned from the Brownback-style income tax cuts. The former state senator from Topeka urged Republican legislators not to repeat that taxation misstep.“Flat tax will ultimately have the same impact as Brownback’s tax experiment. Just won’t be quite as abrupt and quite as deep, but over time it would have the same impact,” Kelly said.<h2>Health care: Medicaid</h2>The Kansas Chamber, which operates a political action committee to influence elections, released its 2024 agenda during a news conference in Topeka. The document touched on taxes, workforce development, legal and regulatory reform, energy policy, education, government efficiency and health care.Cobb said the Kansas Chamber would join House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, and Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, to block the governor’s call for expansion of Medicaid.Kelly conducted a statewide tour last fall to promote expansion and vowed to include her sixth plan for expansion in next week’s State of the State speech.&nbsp;Forty states and the four states surrounding Kansas have expanded Medicaid eligibility under a federal law in which the U.S. government pays 90% of expansion costs and states cover 10%.“There is a cost. It’s not free,” Cobb said. “I think we’ve made the better fiscal argument. You look at the cost overruns that in some states have been astronomical.”Stafford said approximately half of 150,000 people who would benefit from Medicaid expansion in Kansas had some form of private health insurance. It would be imprudent to remove those Kansans from the private marketplace in favor of a government program, he said.In a twist, Kelly has sought to win over GOP lawmakers in 2024 by including a work requirement for individuals who would benefit from Medicaid expansion. A work mandate has been among the GOP’s frequent demands in terms of Medicaid reform.“I&nbsp;think&nbsp;we’ve&nbsp;got&nbsp;an&nbsp;honest&nbsp;shot&nbsp;at&nbsp;it,” the governor said. “Most&nbsp;people&nbsp;who&nbsp;are&nbsp;eligible&nbsp;for&nbsp;Medicaid&nbsp;expansion,&nbsp;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;73% or 75%&nbsp;of&nbsp;them,&nbsp;are&nbsp;working.&nbsp;I&nbsp;would&nbsp;rather&nbsp;propose&nbsp;this,&nbsp;even&nbsp;though&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;never&nbsp;been&nbsp;a&nbsp;fan&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;work&nbsp;requirements,&nbsp;I’d&nbsp;rather&nbsp;do&nbsp;this&nbsp;and&nbsp;get&nbsp;Medicaid&nbsp;expansion&nbsp;out.”<h2>School choice: Vouchers</h2>The Kansas Chamber said it would lobby on behalf of legislation that would earmark state tax dollars to private schools or homeschools. In the 2023 legislative session, there were insufficient votes to advance a bill that would have provided $5,000 to state support to every private school student in Kansas.Critics said it was unfair to strip public schools of state aid. They argued transfer of cash would primarily benefit existing parochial or homeschooled students, not draw at-risk children to those alternatives. And, skeptics said, private schools weren’t held accountable in terms of student achievement. Also, they said the Kansas Constitution mandated the state deliver a suitable education to public school students — not students who choose to enroll in private schools.“We’re all of the above, whether it’s public school, homeschool, private school,” Cobb said. “Some of the educational attainments, looking at test scores, seem to be dropping. Kansas isn’t alone. That’s across the country. Declining math and reading scores is not a good thing. I think 20% of Kansas high school graduates are considered prepared for academic higher education.”In October, the Kansas Department of Education reported Kansas state assessment results for math were the highest since 2017. The 2023 math assessment indicated 10% of all students assessed scored at Level 4, which was an increase from 8.6% in 2022. Overall, more students in Kansas scored at proficient levels in math and English in 2023 than they did last year, state officials said.Kelly said she would veto school voucher legislation as she had in the past. She asserted Democrats were solidly opposed to additional school choice funding and rural Republicans had their own doubts about the value of private school vouchers. In urban areas where Kansas’ private schools congregate, she said, there was no evidence those schools would be dedicated to welcoming at-risk students.“Rural&nbsp;school&nbsp;districts&nbsp;really&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;want&nbsp;this.&nbsp;They&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;have&nbsp;any&nbsp;private&nbsp;schools,” Kelly said. “I&nbsp;think&nbsp;there’s&nbsp;been&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;more&nbsp;evidence&nbsp;coming&nbsp;from&nbsp;states&nbsp;that&nbsp;have&nbsp;done&nbsp;vouchers,&nbsp;that&nbsp;these&nbsp;aren’t&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;those&nbsp;at-risk&nbsp;kids.”