Following is a statement issued Wednesday afternoon by Republican State Rep. Steven Howe, Salina, concerning derogatory comments made pertaining to the ouster of U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney. Howe represents the 71st District in Kansas.

As a State Representative I rarely weigh-in on national politics. However, I believe it is time for Republicans including myself to push-back against the vitriol that has plagued our Party and political landscape. As a lifelong Republican and former staffer for two Republican members of Congress, I am appalled at the divisiveness and disrespect exhibited by our former President in his comments directed at the U.S. Representative from Wyoming. There is no reason to publicly defame someone’s character. This type of inflammatory rhetoric is childish, beneath the Office of the President, and it does nothing to further the cause of freedom, liberty, or the well-being of our country.

When I ran for office last summer, I made a commitment to listen, encourage civility, and work with others to find solutions. For the past five months I have worked with legislators from each corner of Kansas. Whether it was addressing the broken unemployment system or supporting our school kids, Republicans worked together to accomplish common sense solutions that would gain bipartisan support, and even receive the approval from our Governor who is a Democrat. More importantly than the legislative victories we accomplished, we did it civilly and without name-calling. I challenge all citizens to keep engaged in the political process by having thoughtful dialogue and avoiding personal attacks. We can do better!

U.S. House Republicans ousted&nbsp; Cheney from her post as the chamber’s No. 3 GOP leader on Wednesday, punishing her after she repeatedly rebuked former President Donald Trump for his false claims of election fraud and his role in fomenting the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, according to the Associated Press.

Today on his blog, the former president posted, "Liz Cheney is a bitter, horrible human being. I watched her yesterday and realized how bad she is for the Republican Party. She has no personality or anything good having to do with politics or our Country. She is a talking point for Democrats, whether that means the Border, the gas lines, inflation, or destroying our economy. She is a warmonger whose family stupidly pushed us into the never-ending Middle East Disaster, draining our wealth and depleting our Great Military, the worst decision in our Country’s history. I look forward to soon watching her as a Paid Contributor on CNN or MSDNC!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609297173904.jpeg" alt="State Rep. Steven Howe" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Steven Howe</figcaption>
 </figure>Following is a statement issued Wednesday afternoon by Republican State Rep. Steven Howe, Salina, concerning derogatory comments made pertaining to the ouster of U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney. Howe represents the 71st District in Kansas.As a State Representative I rarely weigh-in on national politics. However, I believe it is time for Republicans including myself to push-back against the vitriol that has plagued our Party and political landscape. As a lifelong Republican and former staffer for two Republican members of Congress, I am appalled at the divisiveness and disrespect exhibited by our former President in his comments directed at the U.S. Representative from Wyoming. There is no reason to publicly defame someone’s character. This type of inflammatory rhetoric is childish, beneath the Office of the President, and it does nothing to further the cause of freedom, liberty, or the well-being of our country.When I ran for office last summer, I made a commitment to listen, encourage civility, and work with others to find solutions. For the past five months I have worked with legislators from each corner of Kansas. Whether it was addressing the broken unemployment system or supporting our school kids, Republicans worked together to accomplish common sense solutions that would gain bipartisan support, and even receive the approval from our Governor who is a Democrat. More importantly than the legislative victories we accomplished, we did it civilly and without name-calling. I challenge all citizens to keep engaged in the political process by having thoughtful dialogue and avoiding personal attacks. We can do better!U.S. House Republicans ousted&nbsp; Cheney from her post as the chamber’s No. 3 GOP leader on Wednesday, punishing her after she repeatedly rebuked former President Donald Trump for his false claims of election fraud and his role in fomenting the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, according to the Associated Press.Today on his blog, the former president posted, "Liz Cheney is a bitter, horrible human being. I watched her yesterday and realized how bad she is for the Republican Party. She has no personality or anything good having to do with politics or our Country. She is a talking point for Democrats, whether that means the Border, the gas lines, inflation, or destroying our economy. She is a warmonger whose family stupidly pushed us into the never-ending Middle East Disaster, draining our wealth and depleting our Great Military, the worst decision in our Country’s history. I look forward to soon watching her as a Paid Contributor on CNN or MSDNC!"

Howe issues statement concerning comments made about Cheney

You talk a lot about budgeting, and how important it is in getting control of your money. But don’t most people already have a good idea of what they’re spending, and how much they have in the bank, without going through all the time and trouble of developing an actual budget?

Well, if that were true, why are people paying billions in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/banking/what-is-an-overdraft-fee" target="_blank">overdraft</a>&nbsp;fees every year? Why are so many people deep in debt and living paycheck to paycheck, even without taking the effects of a pandemic into account? It’s because most people&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;really know where their money’s going each month.

Let’s start with a simple definition of&nbsp;budgeting. A budget is just a plan. It’s not a restriction on spending, it’s a strategy for what you’ll do with all your money. It’s tracking what’s coming in and what’s going out. When you budget every month, you’re giving your money purpose. You’re controlling your money, and telling it where to go, instead of scratching your head and wondering where it all went.

The word&nbsp;<a href="https://www.everydollar.com/guide-to-budgeting-dave-says" target="_blank">budget</a>&nbsp;gets a bum rap, because some people think it’ll be like putting a straitjacket on their spending and their lives. But that really isn’t true at all. Budgeting actually gives you the power to spend&nbsp;wisely&nbsp;and with purpose.&nbsp;Budgeting even causes feelings of fear, intimidation, and anger in some folks. Sure,&nbsp;it takes a little time and effort&nbsp;at first to create a budget that really works. But once you get the hang of it, and it doesn’t take long, the hard part is over.

Still, to make your cash flow plan work, you have to&nbsp;do it consistently. That means sitting down every month, and making a budget for the upcoming month. Don't let the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personal-growth/conquering-fear" target="_blank">fear</a>&nbsp;of what you might find stop you, and don't over-complicate things. It’s easy as writing down your income and everything that requires money for the month, then doing a little basic math. And once you have a plan in place, stick to it! Too many people get lazy, or "forget" to do a monthly budget.

Give it a shot, Carter. You’ll experience a sense of freedom,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-identity-theft" target="_blank">security</a>, and accomplishment like you’ve never felt before once you’ve taken that first step toward gaining control of your money!

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,You talk a lot about budgeting, and how important it is in getting control of your money. But don’t most people already have a good idea of what they’re spending, and how much they have in the bank, without going through all the time and trouble of developing an actual budget?CarterDear Carter,Well, if that were true, why are people paying billions in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/banking/what-is-an-overdraft-fee" target="_blank">overdraft</a>&nbsp;fees every year? Why are so many people deep in debt and living paycheck to paycheck, even without taking the effects of a pandemic into account? It’s because most people&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;really know where their money’s going each month.Let’s start with a simple definition of&nbsp;budgeting. A budget is just a plan. It’s not a restriction on spending, it’s a strategy for what you’ll do with all your money. It’s tracking what’s coming in and what’s going out. When you budget every month, you’re giving your money purpose. You’re controlling your money, and telling it where to go, instead of scratching your head and wondering where it all went.The word&nbsp;<a href="https://www.everydollar.com/guide-to-budgeting-dave-says" target="_blank">budget</a>&nbsp;gets a bum rap, because some people think it’ll be like putting a straitjacket on their spending and their lives. But that really isn’t true at all. Budgeting actually gives you the power to spend&nbsp;wisely&nbsp;and with purpose.&nbsp;Budgeting even causes feelings of fear, intimidation, and anger in some folks. Sure,&nbsp;it takes a little time and effort&nbsp;at first to create a budget that really works. But once you get the hang of it, and it doesn’t take long, the hard part is over.Still, to make your cash flow plan work, you have to&nbsp;do it consistently. That means sitting down every month, and making a budget for the upcoming month. Don't let the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personal-growth/conquering-fear" target="_blank">fear</a>&nbsp;of what you might find stop you, and don't over-complicate things. It’s easy as writing down your income and everything that requires money for the month, then doing a little basic math. And once you have a plan in place, stick to it! Too many people get lazy, or "forget" to do a monthly budget.Give it a shot, Carter. You’ll experience a sense of freedom,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-identity-theft" target="_blank">security</a>, and accomplishment like you’ve never felt before once you’ve taken that first step toward gaining control of your money!Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: Don’t most people already know?

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House voted for the first time Thursday to legalize medical marijuana in the state, but Republican leaders signaled the Senate wouldn’t consider the bill in the final days of the legislative session.

(Click below to listen to the medical marijuana debate)

Before the House advanced the measure on a 79-42 vote, Senate President Ty Masterson’s spokesperson, Mike Pirner, told The Associated Press that a budget bill and school funding legislation have emerged as higher priorities for the Senate this week.

Thirty-six states allow medical marijuana&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx" target="_blank"></a>and Kansas is only one of three states without a comprehensive medical or recreational marijuana program, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx" target="_blank">website</a>. Some Kansas lawmakers in favor of the bill said the state shouldn’t wait for the federal government to act.

“Kansans are tired of waiting on Kansas being last, or falling behind other states on major issues such as this. And it’s time we end that and we show our people that Kansas can do it better,” said Rep. Adam Thomas, an Olathe Republican.

The House vote Thursday marked the first time Kansas legislators passed a bill to legalize medical marijuana in either chamber, according to the Legislature’s research staff. Before a House panel approved the bill in March, previous proposals had failed to even pass out of committee.

The bill would allow patients and caregivers to register to get medical marijuana identification cards for a list of conditions that include cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The measure would have also set up a licensing process for growers and dispensary owners. Medical marijuana could be sold as oils, tinctures, patches or potent edibles, but not in smoking or vaping products.

During Thursday’s debate, support came mostly from Democrats and some Republican lawmakers who said many of their constituents support medical marijuana legalization. But some GOP House members expressed concern that passing the bill into law would be the first step to legalizing recreational pot, and a few others adamantly opposed the bill, calling marijuana a dangerous “gateway” drug.

Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican, said he was concerned that passing the bill into law would set up the infrastructure for recreational marijuana.

“With these dispensaries, all they got to do is, you know, change your name to ‘pot store’ from ‘dispensary’ and they’re ready to go,” Proctor said.

Before the measure made its way to the House, it received pushback, mainly from law enforcement groups that say that there’s not enough evidence that marijuana can treat medical conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and Parkinson’s disease.

During the debate, some Republican lawmakers cited that the federal government classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD, with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Rep. Russ Jennings, a Republican from Lakin in southwest Kansas, said that Kansas should have waited for Congress to act on medical marijuana legalization before debating on the bill. He called passing the bill a “terrible message in a nation that is governed under the rule of law.”

But medical marijuana advocates note it’s been tough to get evidence due to pot’s legal status in the U.S. Parents of children with disabilities have testified to lawmakers that marijuana would help relieve symptoms such as seizures. Veterans pushing for the bill say marijuana has reduced trauma-induced dreams by helping them get a deep sleep.

The bill would require physicians to have a six-month relationship with a patient before recommending marijuana, with an exception for military veterans.

Local government officials would be able to ban dispensaries in their jurisdictions.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House voted for the first time Thursday to legalize medical marijuana in the state, but Republican leaders signaled the Senate wouldn’t consider the bill in the final days of the legislative session.(Click below to listen to the medical marijuana debate)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6bA3TlV-Xug?start=9977" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Before the House advanced the measure on a 79-42 vote, Senate President Ty Masterson’s spokesperson, Mike Pirner, told The Associated Press that a budget bill and school funding legislation have emerged as higher priorities for the Senate this week.Thirty-six states allow medical marijuana&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx" target="_blank"></a>and Kansas is only one of three states without a comprehensive medical or recreational marijuana program, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx" target="_blank">website</a>. Some Kansas lawmakers in favor of the bill said the state shouldn’t wait for the federal government to act.“Kansans are tired of waiting on Kansas being last, or falling behind other states on major issues such as this. And it’s time we end that and we show our people that Kansas can do it better,” said Rep. Adam Thomas, an Olathe Republican.The House vote Thursday marked the first time Kansas legislators passed a bill to legalize medical marijuana in either chamber, according to the Legislature’s research staff. Before a House panel approved the bill in March, previous proposals had failed to even pass out of committee.The bill would allow patients and caregivers to register to get medical marijuana identification cards for a list of conditions that include cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The measure would have also set up a licensing process for growers and dispensary owners. Medical marijuana could be sold as oils, tinctures, patches or potent edibles, but not in smoking or vaping products.During Thursday’s debate, support came mostly from Democrats and some Republican lawmakers who said many of their constituents support medical marijuana legalization. But some GOP House members expressed concern that passing the bill into law would be the first step to legalizing recreational pot, and a few others adamantly opposed the bill, calling marijuana a dangerous “gateway” drug.Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican, said he was concerned that passing the bill into law would set up the infrastructure for recreational marijuana.“With these dispensaries, all they got to do is, you know, change your name to ‘pot store’ from ‘dispensary’ and they’re ready to go,” Proctor said.Before the measure made its way to the House, it received pushback, mainly from law enforcement groups that say that there’s not enough evidence that marijuana can treat medical conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and Parkinson’s disease.During the debate, some Republican lawmakers cited that the federal government classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD, with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.Rep. Russ Jennings, a Republican from Lakin in southwest Kansas, said that Kansas should have waited for Congress to act on medical marijuana legalization before debating on the bill. He called passing the bill a “terrible message in a nation that is governed under the rule of law.”But medical marijuana advocates note it’s been tough to get evidence due to pot’s legal status in the U.S. Parents of children with disabilities have testified to lawmakers that marijuana would help relieve symptoms such as seizures. Veterans pushing for the bill say marijuana has reduced trauma-induced dreams by helping them get a deep sleep.The bill would require physicians to have a six-month relationship with a patient before recommending marijuana, with an exception for military veterans.Local government officials would be able to ban dispensaries in their jurisdictions.___

🎥 Kan. House approves medical marijuana; Senate won't follow

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Thursday detailed steps to achieve an ambitious goal to conserve nearly one-third of America’s lands and waters by 2030, relying on voluntary efforts to preserve public, private and tribal areas while also helping tackle climate change and create jobs.

<a href="https://www.doi.gov/america-the-beautiful">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read details of the plan.

<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/report-conserving-and-restoring-america-the-beautiful-2021.pdf" target="_blank">A report, with the lofty title “America the Beautiful,′</a>&nbsp;′ calls for a decade-long commitment on projects nationwide to make the conservation and restoration of lands and waters an urgent priority. The plan would purify drinking water, increase green space, improve access to outdoor recreation, restore healthy fisheries, reduce the risk of wildfires and recognize the “oversized contributions” of farmers, ranchers, forest owners, fishers, hunters, rural communities and tribal nations.

In the process, the effort will produce thousands of new jobs and a stronger economy while also addressing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-change">climate change</a>&nbsp;and environmental justice, including expanded access by disadvantaged communities to the outdoors, the report said.

President Joe Biden has set a goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. If successful, the plan will help slow global warming and preserve some of the nation’s most scenic lands for future generations of Americans, the report said.

About 12% of the nation’s lands and 25% of its waters are currently protected, according to research by the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank. Those protected areas include not just parks but also wilderness areas, game refuges, agricultural lands, forests, ranches and other sites with conservation easements.

The plan released Thursday recommends a series of actions, including expansion of a federal grant program to create local parks, especially in cities and other “nature-deprived communities.″ The report also suggests grants for Native American tribes to support tribal conservation priorities; expansion of fish and wildlife habitats and corridors; increased access for outdoor recreation; and creation of a “civilian climate corps” to work on conservation and restoration projects nationwide.

The plan follows through on a Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-climate-iran-nuclear-immigration-de7b288aa2b4315b5b7fe38559a6e666">campaign promise</a>&nbsp;and builds on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-mt-state-wire-ap-top-news-legislation-politics-b05f9869fc7840fb0eb66a87ec8eeda1">Great American Outdoors Act</a>, a 2020 law passed by Congress that authorizes nearly $3 billion for conservation projects, outdoor recreation and maintenance of national parks and other public lands.

Even with that injection of federal dollars, the Biden plan relies heavily on voluntary conservation efforts by farmers, ranchers, forest owners and fishing communities. No cost estimate for the project was provided. Much of the spending could be done through department budgets, as well as the 2020 outdoors law, the 2018 farm bill and Biden’s proposed $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, officials said.

“The president’s challenge is a call to action to support locally led conservation and restoration efforts of all kinds and all over America, wherever communities wish to safeguard the lands and waters they know and love,″ the report says. “Doing so will not only protect our lands and waters but also boost our economy and support jobs nationwide.″

The report was signed by three Cabinet members —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cabinet-cabinets-parks-native-americans-national-parks-3e68649e5901248207480dd8503b0246">Interior Secretary Deb Haaland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-vilsack-confirmed-ag-secretary-98bd9dc4a4d65b0633eec5610fb51ed3">Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gina-raimondo-confirmed-commerce-secretary-0708768537e4ffd4433ec980abe1db7b">Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo</a>&nbsp;— along with Brenda Mallory, who leads the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

“Nature plays an important role in improving resilience to climate change and creating a thriving economy,″ Haaland said at a news conference Thursday.

White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy said the Great Outdoors law, which bankrolls the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund and takes aim at a growing maintenance backlog at national parks, was a “down payment” on the conservation initiative. The law authorizes $900 million a year for that fund and an additional $1.9 billion per year on improvements at parks, forests, wildlife refuges and range lands.

“There are many tools available to us” to pay for the conservation program, McCarthy said. The report is only the “starting point″ on a path to fulfill Biden’s conservation vision, she and other officials said.

“Where this path leads over the next decade will be determined not by our agencies, but by the ideas and leadership of local communities,″ the Cabinet officials said in the report. “It is our job to listen, learn and provide support along the way to ... pass on healthy lands, waters and wildlife to the generations to come.”

Environmental and outdoors groups hailed the initiative.

“The bottom line is that healthier public lands and waters mean more opportunities for Americans to recreate outside and for communities’ economies to thrive,” said Jessica Turner, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a coalition that represents a range of outdoor businesses.

Alex Taurel of the League of Conservation Voters added: “We are all-in to help reach and exceed” Biden’s goal “to tackle the climate crisis and expand access to nature in America the beautiful.”

Chris Wood, president of Trout Unlimited, a fisheries conservation group, said “there’s a lot to like” in Biden’s initiative, especially its emphasis on local actions. “A bunch of directives from the top won’t get us where we need to go,″ he said in an interview.

Provisions to protect landscapes and improve resiliency against drought, wildfire and floods are crucial, Wood said, noting that natural disasters “don’t respect wilderness boundaries″ or property lines. He pledged to work with the administration develop more detailed plans.

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said the report “uses vague buzz-words” and does not resolve his concern that “this is nothing but an effort to lock up lands, which will hurt Montana’s farmers and ranchers and kill jobs.″ Daines, a co-sponsor of the Great Outdoors law, accused Biden of “pushing ambiguous political ambitions motivated by headlines rather than results.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620346954555.png" alt="President Joe Biden has set a goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden has set a goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Thursday detailed steps to achieve an ambitious goal to conserve nearly one-third of America’s lands and waters by 2030, relying on voluntary efforts to preserve public, private and tribal areas while also helping tackle climate change and create jobs.<a href="https://www.doi.gov/america-the-beautiful">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read details of the plan.<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/report-conserving-and-restoring-america-the-beautiful-2021.pdf" target="_blank">A report, with the lofty title “America the Beautiful,′</a>&nbsp;′ calls for a decade-long commitment on projects nationwide to make the conservation and restoration of lands and waters an urgent priority. The plan would purify drinking water, increase green space, improve access to outdoor recreation, restore healthy fisheries, reduce the risk of wildfires and recognize the “oversized contributions” of farmers, ranchers, forest owners, fishers, hunters, rural communities and tribal nations.In the process, the effort will produce thousands of new jobs and a stronger economy while also addressing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/climate-change">climate change</a>&nbsp;and environmental justice, including expanded access by disadvantaged communities to the outdoors, the report said.President Joe Biden has set a goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. If successful, the plan will help slow global warming and preserve some of the nation’s most scenic lands for future generations of Americans, the report said.About 12% of the nation’s lands and 25% of its waters are currently protected, according to research by the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank. Those protected areas include not just parks but also wilderness areas, game refuges, agricultural lands, forests, ranches and other sites with conservation easements.The plan released Thursday recommends a series of actions, including expansion of a federal grant program to create local parks, especially in cities and other “nature-deprived communities.″ The report also suggests grants for Native American tribes to support tribal conservation priorities; expansion of fish and wildlife habitats and corridors; increased access for outdoor recreation; and creation of a “civilian climate corps” to work on conservation and restoration projects nationwide.The plan follows through on a Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-climate-iran-nuclear-immigration-de7b288aa2b4315b5b7fe38559a6e666">campaign promise</a>&nbsp;and builds on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-mt-state-wire-ap-top-news-legislation-politics-b05f9869fc7840fb0eb66a87ec8eeda1">Great American Outdoors Act</a>, a 2020 law passed by Congress that authorizes nearly $3 billion for conservation projects, outdoor recreation and maintenance of national parks and other public lands.Even with that injection of federal dollars, the Biden plan relies heavily on voluntary conservation efforts by farmers, ranchers, forest owners and fishing communities. No cost estimate for the project was provided. Much of the spending could be done through department budgets, as well as the 2020 outdoors law, the 2018 farm bill and Biden’s proposed $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, officials said.“The president’s challenge is a call to action to support locally led conservation and restoration efforts of all kinds and all over America, wherever communities wish to safeguard the lands and waters they know and love,″ the report says. “Doing so will not only protect our lands and waters but also boost our economy and support jobs nationwide.″The report was signed by three Cabinet members —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-cabinet-cabinets-parks-native-americans-national-parks-3e68649e5901248207480dd8503b0246">Interior Secretary Deb Haaland</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-vilsack-confirmed-ag-secretary-98bd9dc4a4d65b0633eec5610fb51ed3">Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gina-raimondo-confirmed-commerce-secretary-0708768537e4ffd4433ec980abe1db7b">Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo</a>&nbsp;— along with Brenda Mallory, who leads the White House Council on Environmental Quality.“Nature plays an important role in improving resilience to climate change and creating a thriving economy,″ Haaland said at a news conference Thursday.White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy said the Great Outdoors law, which bankrolls the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund and takes aim at a growing maintenance backlog at national parks, was a “down payment” on the conservation initiative. The law authorizes $900 million a year for that fund and an additional $1.9 billion per year on improvements at parks, forests, wildlife refuges and range lands.“There are many tools available to us” to pay for the conservation program, McCarthy said. The report is only the “starting point″ on a path to fulfill Biden’s conservation vision, she and other officials said.“Where this path leads over the next decade will be determined not by our agencies, but by the ideas and leadership of local communities,″ the Cabinet officials said in the report. “It is our job to listen, learn and provide support along the way to ... pass on healthy lands, waters and wildlife to the generations to come.”Environmental and outdoors groups hailed the initiative.“The bottom line is that healthier public lands and waters mean more opportunities for Americans to recreate outside and for communities’ economies to thrive,” said Jessica Turner, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a coalition that represents a range of outdoor businesses.Alex Taurel of the League of Conservation Voters added: “We are all-in to help reach and exceed” Biden’s goal “to tackle the climate crisis and expand access to nature in America the beautiful.”Chris Wood, president of Trout Unlimited, a fisheries conservation group, said “there’s a lot to like” in Biden’s initiative, especially its emphasis on local actions. “A bunch of directives from the top won’t get us where we need to go,″ he said in an interview.Provisions to protect landscapes and improve resiliency against drought, wildfire and floods are crucial, Wood said, noting that natural disasters “don’t respect wilderness boundaries″ or property lines. He pledged to work with the administration develop more detailed plans.Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said the report “uses vague buzz-words” and does not resolve his concern that “this is nothing but an effort to lock up lands, which will hurt Montana’s farmers and ranchers and kill jobs.″ Daines, a co-sponsor of the Great Outdoors law, accused Biden of “pushing ambiguous political ambitions motivated by headlines rather than results.”

Biden's plan would boost conservation of US lands, waters

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

During their regular meeting Monday afternoon, Salina City Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Commissioner Rod Franz.

Last week, Franz's sons and partner submitted the letter of resignation on his behalf after Franz sustained injuries in an April 6 fall.

"Let me just begin by saying that it was with the deepest regret that we accepted the resignation of Commissioner Rod Franz. As many of you are aware, he had a fall a few weeks ago that's necessitated a long recovery period," Mayor Melissa Hodges said during the meeting.

"I think that if you polled us individually, that we function very well with the addition of Rod. He truly made a difference in how this board functions. He brought a strong finance perspective, a long history with the organization as an employee and director, and his analytical skills," Hodges continued. "I always looked forward to hearing his analysis of an issue that I thought was pretty straightforward. I didn't understand as well as I could have and Rod's analysis was always extremely helpful."

City Manager Mike Schrage said that during 31 years of his career, he has dealt with elected officials both directly and indirectly. 

"I think Rod is unsurpassed in his time, energy, and commitment," Schrage said.

"One thing I came to appreciate with Rod is even if we didn't vote the same way, we always walked out of this room as gentlemen and respected the other," Commissioner Mike Hoppock said. 

"I probably started becoming less detailed on the numbers when Rod got involved because I knew he had massaged 'em," Hoppock continued. "We all bring our strengths and weaknesses to a board and obviously Rod's strength was the financial aspect of it. I hope if his family is listening, we wish him the best. He is dearly missed and we look forward to seeing him in this room again someday and be able to tell him 'thank you' ourselves."

Hodges said that the commission had already received expressions of interest from former commissioners Joe Hay, Norm Jennings, and Kay Crawford.

The remaining four commissioners approved accepting expression of interest forms from persons willing to fill the open seat. Once the expression of interest forms are reviewed, the commissioners will appoint a person to serve until January 2022, which would complete the term Franz began.

Interested persons must complete and return the forms no later than 5 p.m. May 12. The form can be found on the city website at <a href="http://salina-ks.gov/boards">salina-ks.gov/boards</a>.

●Approved on second reading three ordinance related to the Saline County Jail project. Those ordinances include the following.

Ordinance No. 21-11054 vacating the platted Woodland Avenue right-of-way east of N. Front Street, except the west 200 feet.

Ordinance No. 21-11060 amending the Future Land Use Map designation of the proposed Saline County Jail site to Public/Semi-Public.

Ordinance No. 21-11061 rezoning the proposed Saline County Jail site from I-3 to PDD Public Use-Public Facilities.

●Approved on second reading an ordinance changing the zoning district classification from I-1 to I-2 on the southern and western portions of the Tony's Pizza campus in order to create a uniform zoning district for the entire campus located at 3019 Scanlan Avenue.

●Approved an ordinance authorizing the execution of a loan agreement between the City of Salina and the State of Kansas for the purpose of financing improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.

●Authorized Schrage to execute a license (right-of-way user's) agreement with Missouri Network Alliance, LLC, doing business as Bluebird Network to allow the installation of fiber optic and related facilities within city rights-of-way. The installation is to connect cell towers used by U.S. Cellular.

●Approved resolutions for the designation of Rural Housing Incentive Districts for property north of Menards and property southeast of the intersection of S. Ohio Street and E. Schilling Road.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostDuring their regular meeting Monday afternoon, Salina City Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Commissioner Rod Franz.Last week, Franz's sons and partner submitted the letter of resignation on his behalf after Franz sustained injuries in an April 6 fall."Let me just begin by saying that it was with the deepest regret that we accepted the resignation of Commissioner Rod Franz. As many of you are aware, he had a fall a few weeks ago that's necessitated a long recovery period," Mayor Melissa Hodges said during the meeting."I think that if you polled us individually, that we function very well with the addition of Rod. He truly made a difference in how this board functions. He brought a strong finance perspective, a long history with the organization as an employee and director, and his analytical skills," Hodges continued. "I always looked forward to hearing his analysis of an issue that I thought was pretty straightforward. I didn't understand as well as I could have and Rod's analysis was always extremely helpful."City Manager Mike Schrage said that during 31 years of his career, he has dealt with elected officials both directly and indirectly. "I think Rod is unsurpassed in his time, energy, and commitment," Schrage said."One thing I came to appreciate with Rod is even if we didn't vote the same way, we always walked out of this room as gentlemen and respected the other," Commissioner Mike Hoppock said. "I probably started becoming less detailed on the numbers when Rod got involved because I knew he had massaged 'em," Hoppock continued. "We all bring our strengths and weaknesses to a board and obviously Rod's strength was the financial aspect of it. I hope if his family is listening, we wish him the best. He is dearly missed and we look forward to seeing him in this room again someday and be able to tell him 'thank you' ourselves."Hodges said that the commission had already received expressions of interest from former commissioners Joe Hay, Norm Jennings, and Kay Crawford.The remaining four commissioners approved accepting expression of interest forms from persons willing to fill the open seat. Once the expression of interest forms are reviewed, the commissioners will appoint a person to serve until January 2022, which would complete the term Franz began.Interested persons must complete and return the forms no later than 5 p.m. May 12. The form can be found on the city website at <a href="http://salina-ks.gov/boards">salina-ks.gov/boards</a>.In other business, commissioners:●Approved on second reading three ordinance related to the Saline County Jail project. Those ordinances include the following.Ordinance No. 21-11054 vacating the platted Woodland Avenue right-of-way east of N. Front Street, except the west 200 feet.Ordinance No. 21-11060 amending the Future Land Use Map designation of the proposed Saline County Jail site to Public/Semi-Public.Ordinance No. 21-11061 rezoning the proposed Saline County Jail site from I-3 to PDD Public Use-Public Facilities.●Approved on second reading an ordinance changing the zoning district classification from I-1 to I-2 on the southern and western portions of the Tony's Pizza campus in order to create a uniform zoning district for the entire campus located at 3019 Scanlan Avenue.●Approved an ordinance authorizing the execution of a loan agreement between the City of Salina and the State of Kansas for the purpose of financing improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.●Authorized Schrage to execute a license (right-of-way user's) agreement with Missouri Network Alliance, LLC, doing business as Bluebird Network to allow the installation of fiber optic and related facilities within city rights-of-way. The installation is to connect cell towers used by U.S. Cellular.●Approved resolutions for the designation of Rural Housing Incentive Districts for property north of Menards and property southeast of the intersection of S. Ohio Street and E. Schilling Road.

City commission accepts Franz resignation, decides on vacancy

Today is Tuesday, May 4, the 124th day of 2021. There are 241 days left in the year. 

On May 4, 1961, the first group of "Freedom Riders" left Washington, D.C. to challenge racial segregation on interstate buses and in bus terminals. 

In 1626, Dutch explorer Peter Minuit landed on present-day Manhattan Island. 

In 1776, Rhode Island declared its freedom from England, two months before the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

In 1886, at Haymarket Square in Chicago, a labor demonstration for an 8-hour work day turned into a deadly riot when a bomb exploded.

In 1932, mobster Al Capone, convicted of income-tax evasion, entered the federal penitentiary in Atlanta. (Capone was later transferred to Alcatraz Island.) 

In 1942, the Battle of the Coral Sea, the first naval clash fought entirely with carrier aircraft, began in the Pacific during World War II. (The outcome was considered a tactical victory for Japan, but ultimately a strategic one for the Allies.) 

In 1945, during World War II, German forces in the Netherlands, Denmark and northwest Germany agreed to surrender. 

In 1959, the first Grammy Awards ceremony was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Domenico Modugno won Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)"; Henry Mancini won Album of the Year for "The Music from Peter Gunn." 

In 1968, the Oroville Dam in Northern California was dedicated by Gov. Ronald Reagan; the 770-foot-tall earth-filled structure, a pet project of Reagan's predecessor, Pat Brown, remains the tallest dam in the United States, but was also the scene of a near disaster in February 2017 when two spillways collapsed, threatening for a time to flood parts of three counties in the Sierra Nevada foothills. 

In 1970, Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire during an anti-war protest at Kent State University, killing four students and wounding nine others. 

In 1998, Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski (kah-ZIHN'-skee) was given four life sentences plus 30 years by a federal judge in Sacramento, California, under a plea agreement that spared him the death penalty. 

In 2006, a federal judge sentenced Zacarias Moussaoui to life in prison for his role in the 9/11 attacks, telling the convicted terrorist, "You will die with a whimper." 

In 2010, a Pakistani-born U.S. citizen was charged with terrorism and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction in the botched Times Square bombing. (Faisal Shahzad later pleaded guilty to plotting to set off the propane-and-gasoline bomb in an SUV and was sentenced to life in prison.)

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama said he had decided not to release death photos of Osama bin Laden because their graphic nature could incite violence and create national security risks. Officials told The Associated Press that the Navy SEALs who'd stormed bin Laden's compound in Pakistan shot and killed him after they saw him appear to lunge for a weapon. Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin was named the Rookie of the Year, becoming the NBA's first unanimous choice for the award in 21 years.

Five years ago: The last man standing in Donald Trump's path to the Republican presidential nomination, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, ended his campaign. Sipping filtered city water to show it was again drinkable, President Barack Obama promised to ride herd on leaders at all levels of government until every drop of water flowing into homes in Flint, Michigan, was safe to use.

One year ago: New York state reported more than 1,700 previously undisclosed coronavirus deaths at nursing homes and adult care facilities. The Supreme Court heard arguments by phone and allowed the world to listen in live for the first time. The U.S. Senate convened for the first time since March. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, one of the first governors to impose a statewide stay-at-home order, announced that some businesses could reopen by week's end. Struggling fashion brand J.Crew became the first major retailer to file for bankruptcy protection since the start of the pandemic. Former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula died at 90; he'd won more games than any other NFL coach. Colson Whitehead won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for "The Nickel Boys," about a brutal Florida reform school during the Jim Crow era; it was his second consecutive Pulitzer-winning novel, following "The Underground Railroad."

Today's Birthdays: Katherine Jackson, matriarch of the Jackson musical family, is 91. Jazz musician Ron Carter is 84. Pulitzer Prize-winning political commentator George Will is 80. Pop singer Peggy Santiglia Davison (The Angels) is 77. Actor Richard Jenkins is 74. Country singer Stella Parton is 72. Actor-turned-clergyman Hilly Hicks is 71. Irish musician Darryl Hunt (The Pogues) is 71. Singer Jackie Jackson (The Jacksons) is 70. Singer-actor Pia Zadora is 69. Rhythm-and-blues singer Oleta Adams is 68. Violinist Soozie Tyrell (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band) is 64. Country singer Randy Travis is 62. Actor Mary McDonough is 60. Comedian Ana Gasteyer is 54. Actor Will Arnett is 51. Rock musician Mike Dirnt (Green Day) is 49. Contemporary Christian singer Chris Tomlin is 49. TV personality and fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons is 46. Sports reporter Erin Andrews is 43. Singer Lance Bass ('N Sync) is 42. Actor Ruth Negga is 40. Rapper/singer Jidenna is 36. Actor Alexander Gould is 27. Country singer RaeLynn is 27. Actor Amara Miller is 21. Actor Brooklynn Prince (Film: "The Florida Project") is 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, May 4, the 124th day of 2021. There are 241 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On May 4, 1961, the first group of "Freedom Riders" left Washington, D.C. to challenge racial segregation on interstate buses and in bus terminals. On this date: In 1626, Dutch explorer Peter Minuit landed on present-day Manhattan Island. In 1776, Rhode Island declared its freedom from England, two months before the Declaration of Independence was adopted.In 1886, at Haymarket Square in Chicago, a labor demonstration for an 8-hour work day turned into a deadly riot when a bomb exploded.In 1932, mobster Al Capone, convicted of income-tax evasion, entered the federal penitentiary in Atlanta. (Capone was later transferred to Alcatraz Island.) In 1942, the Battle of the Coral Sea, the first naval clash fought entirely with carrier aircraft, began in the Pacific during World War II. (The outcome was considered a tactical victory for Japan, but ultimately a strategic one for the Allies.) In 1945, during World War II, German forces in the Netherlands, Denmark and northwest Germany agreed to surrender. In 1959, the first Grammy Awards ceremony was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Domenico Modugno won Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)"; Henry Mancini won Album of the Year for "The Music from Peter Gunn." In 1968, the Oroville Dam in Northern California was dedicated by Gov. Ronald Reagan; the 770-foot-tall earth-filled structure, a pet project of Reagan's predecessor, Pat Brown, remains the tallest dam in the United States, but was also the scene of a near disaster in February 2017 when two spillways collapsed, threatening for a time to flood parts of three counties in the Sierra Nevada foothills. In 1970, Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire during an anti-war protest at Kent State University, killing four students and wounding nine others. In 1998, Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski (kah-ZIHN'-skee) was given four life sentences plus 30 years by a federal judge in Sacramento, California, under a plea agreement that spared him the death penalty. In 2006, a federal judge sentenced Zacarias Moussaoui to life in prison for his role in the 9/11 attacks, telling the convicted terrorist, "You will die with a whimper." In 2010, a Pakistani-born U.S. citizen was charged with terrorism and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction in the botched Times Square bombing. (Faisal Shahzad later pleaded guilty to plotting to set off the propane-and-gasoline bomb in an SUV and was sentenced to life in prison.)Ten years ago: President Barack Obama said he had decided not to release death photos of Osama bin Laden because their graphic nature could incite violence and create national security risks. Officials told The Associated Press that the Navy SEALs who'd stormed bin Laden's compound in Pakistan shot and killed him after they saw him appear to lunge for a weapon. Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin was named the Rookie of the Year, becoming the NBA's first unanimous choice for the award in 21 years. Five years ago: The last man standing in Donald Trump's path to the Republican presidential nomination, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, ended his campaign. Sipping filtered city water to show it was again drinkable, President Barack Obama promised to ride herd on leaders at all levels of government until every drop of water flowing into homes in Flint, Michigan, was safe to use.One year ago: New York state reported more than 1,700 previously undisclosed coronavirus deaths at nursing homes and adult care facilities. The Supreme Court heard arguments by phone and allowed the world to listen in live for the first time. The U.S. Senate convened for the first time since March. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, one of the first governors to impose a statewide stay-at-home order, announced that some businesses could reopen by week's end. Struggling fashion brand J.Crew became the first major retailer to file for bankruptcy protection since the start of the pandemic. Former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula died at 90; he'd won more games than any other NFL coach. Colson Whitehead won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for "The Nickel Boys," about a brutal Florida reform school during the Jim Crow era; it was his second consecutive Pulitzer-winning novel, following "The Underground Railroad."Today's Birthdays: Katherine Jackson, matriarch of the Jackson musical family, is 91. Jazz musician Ron Carter is 84. Pulitzer Prize-winning political commentator George Will is 80. Pop singer Peggy Santiglia Davison (The Angels) is 77. Actor Richard Jenkins is 74. Country singer Stella Parton is 72. Actor-turned-clergyman Hilly Hicks is 71. Irish musician Darryl Hunt (The Pogues) is 71. Singer Jackie Jackson (The Jacksons) is 70. Singer-actor Pia Zadora is 69. Rhythm-and-blues singer Oleta Adams is 68. Violinist Soozie Tyrell (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band) is 64. Country singer Randy Travis is 62. Actor Mary McDonough is 60. Comedian Ana Gasteyer is 54. Actor Will Arnett is 51. Rock musician Mike Dirnt (Green Day) is 49. Contemporary Christian singer Chris Tomlin is 49. TV personality and fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons is 46. Sports reporter Erin Andrews is 43. Singer Lance Bass ('N Sync) is 42. Actor Ruth Negga is 40. Rapper/singer Jidenna is 36. Actor Alexander Gould is 27. Country singer RaeLynn is 27. Actor Amara Miller is 21. Actor Brooklynn Prince (Film: "The Florida Project") is 11.

Today in History -- May 4

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers on Monday cut Kansas’ income taxes, lowered the age for carrying a concealed gun and tightened state election laws by overriding Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s vetoes of those measures.

A series of votes in the GOP-controlled Legislature demonstrated that its Republican supermajorities can control policy — and push the state back to the right — if they hold together. Centrist and left-of-center activists took Kelly’s election in 2018 as a sign that voters were repudiating conservative management of state government, but elections in 2020 moved the Legislature to the right.

“They listened to folks back home,” House Speaker Tem Blaine Finch, an Ottawa Republican, said of GOP lawmakers. “It’s because of, really, the grassroots in their communities telling (them), ‘Hey, this is important to us.’”

But Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, derided the “veto override-a-rama.”

“Today leaves no doubt: The Kansas Legislature is more extreme than ever,” she said in a statement.

Republican leaders realized their goal of tax relief for individuals and businesses that have been paying more in state income taxes because of changes in federal tax laws at the end of 2017. The measure will save Kansas taxpayers about $284 million over three years.

The vote to override&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-legislature-kansas-topeka-2aea37a50e6e51ab194cd2d8824ff9d5">Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503121841_592761/" target="_blank">30-10</a>&nbsp;in the Senate, giving GOP leaders three votes more than the two-thirds majority needed. The House vote was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503125012_824360/" target="_blank">84-39,</a>&nbsp;the exact number of required yes votes.

A key change will allow people to claim itemized deductions on their state returns even if they don’t on their federal returns. The federal tax changes in 2017 discouraged itemizing, making some Kansans unable to itemize on their state returns.

“This bill corrects a huge injustice for our middle-income taxpayers,” said Republican Sen. Jeff Longbine, of Emporia.

Democrats criticized the bill because it also contained tax relief for some large businesses. Kelly vetoed two tax-cutting bills in 2019, and she called this year’s bill “reckless” and “short-sighted.”

She suggested Republicans were moving back toward a nationally notorious tax-cutting experiment in 2012 and 2013 under then-GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. Those cuts were followed by persistent budget shortfalls and were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e4f794cd96cb488cb04ab1cd48b1458d">mostly repealed</a>&nbsp;in 2017.

“It’s as if legislative leaders want to return to the days of budget crises,” Kelly said in a statement. “I’ve never met a Kansan who wants that.”

The Legislature overrode&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-kansas-gun-politics-b3a1c6c30612943fa483430b5908e715">Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;of a bill that would create a special concealed carry permit for 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds, and that’s a major victory for gun-rights advocates. The state already allows people 21 and older to carry concealed guns without a permit and adults can carry them openly, but Kelly’s election had advocates of tougher gun laws hoping for a roll back of Kansas’ generally loose policies.

The votes were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503121657_35787" target="_blank">84-39</a>&nbsp;in the House and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503155958_316093/" target="_blank">31-8</a>&nbsp;in the Senate. The measure also expands Kansas’ recognition of other states’ concealed carry permits.

Republicans overturned Kelly’s veto of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-voting-rights-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-86f785d899956466948b4601954ce83c">an elections bill making it harder&nbsp;</a>for individuals and groups to collect absentee ballots and deliver them for voters. It will be a misdemeanor for someone to collect and return more than 10 ballots.

The votes were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503120229_673047/" target="_blank">85-38</a>&nbsp;in the House and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503155158_957968/" target="_blank">28-12</a>&nbsp;in the Senate.

GOP lawmakers said they are preventing fraud, arguing that the more people who handle absentee ballots, the more likely those ballots are to go missing or be altered.

“Having someone cherry pick whose ballot gets picked up and turned in is not appropriate,” Finch said.

But Republicans are curbing a practice used by some Democrats and Democratic-leaning groups for decades to help disabled, elderly and poor voters.

“We should be making it easier for people to legitimately vote,” said Rep. Brett Parker, an Overland Park Democrat.

Republicans also overrode Kelly’s veto of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_hb_2166_2021" target="_blank">a bill&nbsp;</a>expanding the number of specialty license plates available to drivers willing to pay an extra fee. The votes were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503114252_656759/" target="_blank">86-37</a>&nbsp;in the House and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503155003_019507/" target="_blank">28-12</a>&nbsp;in the Senate.

The governor and other Democrats objected to a provision allowing a special plate featuring a coiled snake and a “Don’t Tread on Me” slogan. They’re featured on what’s known as the Gadsen flag, after its Revolutionary War-era creator, who owned a wharf where an estimated 100,000 African slaves arrived. Critics also see the flag as a symbol of white supremacist and alt-right groups.

Supporters of the bill rejected those associations. The money raised by the $25 fee would go to the Kansas State Rifle Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620066321597.png" alt="The measure will save Kansas taxpayers about $284 million over three years. The vote to override&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-legislature-kansas-topeka-2aea37a50e6e51ab194cd2d8824ff9d5">Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;on taxes was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503121841_592761/" target="_blank">30-10</a>&nbsp;in the Senate." />
 <figcaption>The measure will save Kansas taxpayers about $284 million over three years. The vote to override&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-legislature-kansas-topeka-2aea37a50e6e51ab194cd2d8824ff9d5">Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;on taxes was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503121841_592761/" target="_blank">30-10</a>&nbsp;in the Senate.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and ANDY TSUBASA FIELDTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers on Monday cut Kansas’ income taxes, lowered the age for carrying a concealed gun and tightened state election laws by overriding Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s vetoes of those measures.A series of votes in the GOP-controlled Legislature demonstrated that its Republican supermajorities can control policy — and push the state back to the right — if they hold together. Centrist and left-of-center activists took Kelly’s election in 2018 as a sign that voters were repudiating conservative management of state government, but elections in 2020 moved the Legislature to the right.“They listened to folks back home,” House Speaker Tem Blaine Finch, an Ottawa Republican, said of GOP lawmakers. “It’s because of, really, the grassroots in their communities telling (them), ‘Hey, this is important to us.’”But Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, derided the “veto override-a-rama.”“Today leaves no doubt: The Kansas Legislature is more extreme than ever,” she said in a statement.Republican leaders realized their goal of tax relief for individuals and businesses that have been paying more in state income taxes because of changes in federal tax laws at the end of 2017. The measure will save Kansas taxpayers about $284 million over three years.The vote to override&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-legislature-kansas-topeka-2aea37a50e6e51ab194cd2d8824ff9d5">Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503121841_592761/" target="_blank">30-10</a>&nbsp;in the Senate, giving GOP leaders three votes more than the two-thirds majority needed. The House vote was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503125012_824360/" target="_blank">84-39,</a>&nbsp;the exact number of required yes votes.A key change will allow people to claim itemized deductions on their state returns even if they don’t on their federal returns. The federal tax changes in 2017 discouraged itemizing, making some Kansans unable to itemize on their state returns.“This bill corrects a huge injustice for our middle-income taxpayers,” said Republican Sen. Jeff Longbine, of Emporia.Democrats criticized the bill because it also contained tax relief for some large businesses. Kelly vetoed two tax-cutting bills in 2019, and she called this year’s bill “reckless” and “short-sighted.”She suggested Republicans were moving back toward a nationally notorious tax-cutting experiment in 2012 and 2013 under then-GOP Gov. Sam Brownback. Those cuts were followed by persistent budget shortfalls and were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e4f794cd96cb488cb04ab1cd48b1458d">mostly repealed</a>&nbsp;in 2017.“It’s as if legislative leaders want to return to the days of budget crises,” Kelly said in a statement. “I’ve never met a Kansan who wants that.”The Legislature overrode&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-kansas-gun-politics-b3a1c6c30612943fa483430b5908e715">Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;of a bill that would create a special concealed carry permit for 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds, and that’s a major victory for gun-rights advocates. The state already allows people 21 and older to carry concealed guns without a permit and adults can carry them openly, but Kelly’s election had advocates of tougher gun laws hoping for a roll back of Kansas’ generally loose policies.The votes were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503121657_35787" target="_blank">84-39</a>&nbsp;in the House and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503155958_316093/" target="_blank">31-8</a>&nbsp;in the Senate. The measure also expands Kansas’ recognition of other states’ concealed carry permits.Republicans overturned Kelly’s veto of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-voting-rights-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-86f785d899956466948b4601954ce83c">an elections bill making it harder&nbsp;</a>for individuals and groups to collect absentee ballots and deliver them for voters. It will be a misdemeanor for someone to collect and return more than 10 ballots.The votes were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503120229_673047/" target="_blank">85-38</a>&nbsp;in the House and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503155158_957968/" target="_blank">28-12</a>&nbsp;in the Senate.GOP lawmakers said they are preventing fraud, arguing that the more people who handle absentee ballots, the more likely those ballots are to go missing or be altered.“Having someone cherry pick whose ballot gets picked up and turned in is not appropriate,” Finch said.But Republicans are curbing a practice used by some Democrats and Democratic-leaning groups for decades to help disabled, elderly and poor voters.“We should be making it easier for people to legitimately vote,” said Rep. Brett Parker, an Overland Park Democrat.Republicans also overrode Kelly’s veto of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_hb_2166_2021" target="_blank">a bill&nbsp;</a>expanding the number of specialty license plates available to drivers willing to pay an extra fee. The votes were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503114252_656759/" target="_blank">86-37</a>&nbsp;in the House and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210503155003_019507/" target="_blank">28-12</a>&nbsp;in the Senate.The governor and other Democrats objected to a provision allowing a special plate featuring a coiled snake and a “Don’t Tread on Me” slogan. They’re featured on what’s known as the Gadsen flag, after its Revolutionary War-era creator, who owned a wharf where an estimated 100,000 African slaves arrived. Critics also see the flag as a symbol of white supremacist and alt-right groups.Supporters of the bill rejected those associations. The money raised by the $25 fee would go to the Kansas State Rifle Association.

'Veto override-a-rama': Kan. lawmakers cut income taxes, tighten election laws

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republican legislators in Kansas failed Monday to override&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-321b19c681fe78be837bde945c0f6aa4">Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;of a proposed ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s school sports.

(Click below to listen to the debate on the bill that begins at 1:54:40)

The Senate’s vote to override Kelly was 26-14, leaving backers of the measure one short of the necessary two-thirds majority and blocking an attempt in the House. The outcome was in doubt until the only Democrat to waver on voting against the override, Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, cast his no vote.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-health-laws-legislature-bills-5726fdeb8a5e7cf2c89a4a2d176e8a7f">More than 20 states</a>&nbsp;have considered such proposals this year, as Republican lawmakers have pressed the issue. Idaho enacted such a law last year, and bans were enacted this year in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and West Virginia.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-legislature-legislation-florida-ron-desantis-a238134582f99245223a3e9764412424">Florida</a>&nbsp;lawmakers passed a bill, and South Dakota’s governor issued an executive order.

Kelly called the Kansas measure “regressive,” said it would send a message that Kansas was not a welcoming place and predicted it would hurt the state’s attempts to recruit businesses. LGBTQ-rights advocates said it would increase bullying of already vulnerable children.

The bill’s supporters said they were trying to protect fair competition in women’s sports and preserve hard-won opportunities for female athletes, such as college scholarships.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republican legislators in Kansas failed Monday to override&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-321b19c681fe78be837bde945c0f6aa4">Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;of a proposed ban on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s school sports.(Click below to listen to the debate on the bill that begins at 1:54:40)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w5_rqcT9fbw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The Senate’s vote to override Kelly was 26-14, leaving backers of the measure one short of the necessary two-thirds majority and blocking an attempt in the House. The outcome was in doubt until the only Democrat to waver on voting against the override, Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, cast his no vote.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-health-laws-legislature-bills-5726fdeb8a5e7cf2c89a4a2d176e8a7f">More than 20 states</a>&nbsp;have considered such proposals this year, as Republican lawmakers have pressed the issue. Idaho enacted such a law last year, and bans were enacted this year in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and West Virginia.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-legislature-legislation-florida-ron-desantis-a238134582f99245223a3e9764412424">Florida</a>&nbsp;lawmakers passed a bill, and South Dakota’s governor issued an executive order.Kelly called the Kansas measure “regressive,” said it would send a message that Kansas was not a welcoming place and predicted it would hurt the state’s attempts to recruit businesses. LGBTQ-rights advocates said it would increase bullying of already vulnerable children.The bill’s supporters said they were trying to protect fair competition in women’s sports and preserve hard-won opportunities for female athletes, such as college scholarships.

🎥Kan. Senate fails to override veto of bill to ban transgender school athletes

Supply, demand imbalance means ‘overall market right now is crazy’

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/kansas-housing-crisis-squashing-opportunity-for-lower-income-homebuyers/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The entry point 
of $300,000 to $400,000 for a new house in Johnson County creates 
unyielding bottlenecks in the housing market for families looking to 
buy.

Demand for housing in the 
state’s most populous county has become intense enough $200,000 
properties have been bulldozed and replaced by houses valued at four or 
five times that amount.

To the north in Wyandotte 
County, hundreds of thousands of dollars in monthly housing vouchers go 
unclaimed because too few landlords participate in the program. 
Fixed-income elderly residents struggle to afford a place where they can
 age in place. And, as is the case elsewhere, there is anxiety about 
what happens to people when the COVID-19 moratorium on foreclosures and 
evictions in Kansas expires at the end of May.

These snapshot insights into housing issues in Wyandotte and Johnson counties were part of an <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-announces-first-statewide-housing-needs-assessment-in-27-years/#:~:text=Governor%20Kelly%20Announces%20First%20Statewide%20Housing%20Needs%20Assessment%20in%2027%20Years,-Dec%2028%2C%202020&amp;text=TOPEKA%E2%80%94Governor%20Laura%20Kelly%20today,assessment%20in%20nearly%2030%20years.">ongoing survey by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and the state’s Office of Rural Prosperity</a>,
 which are managing the first statewide housing need assessment in three
 decades with help from the consulting firm RDG Planning &amp; Design of
 Omaha, Nebraska.

Alissa Ice, director of 
housing development at KHRC, participated in the recent two-county town 
hall and boiled down sentiment of those in attendance to four words.

“We need more housing,” 
she said. “You cannot build a house in Johnson County for less than 
$300,000. That logjams current owners that can’t move from $200,000 to 
the next step up because there isn’t housing in the $275,000 range that 
would free up entry-level housing.”

Listening sessions to 
gather information on the status and future of housing in Kansas are 
scheduled for Dodge City on May 4, Sedgwick County on May 13, Manhattan 
on May 18 and Shawnee and Douglas counties on May 19. Public forums 
during April were conducted in Newton, Iola, Salina as well as Wyandotte
 and Johnson counties. An alternative to joining one of the meetings is 
to complete online the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001r8ysZtJtac9R7AYctS9kgPBfYSag88yDse_S9pcgNHXzRqfsrZzQyHam8R6A03Q7cx9gyMMNeM77AxFpnGHa_PliKkuIc2hOEOnBfEfYCN_LfVJ-xA7L4gg5au6ZDF52Xxd-ESalPTISeVn2zW1jHKlwEmCdGViCPLZXm2sjyks=&amp;c=q6UvpiKp-r7fnBqsnkDzH9YqxR53luUBykk9GZkGfPaikaCVGAHtPw==&amp;ch=9o8NHlxe5n4_R4_LM_hp-50beSbsaKRl0vr5r83khMwzrbH9AFmODA==" target="_blank">Kansas Statewide&nbsp;Housing Needs Assessment survey.</a>

When launching the study 
several months ago, Gov. Laura Kelly said the lack of affordable, 
quality housing was also a barrier to growth and development in rural 
communities. The quest is to figure out how to improve quality of life 
for Kansans regardless of zip code, she said.

The objective of the 
project is to assess housing opportunities, identify strategic goals and
 develop recommendations by December, said Ryan Vincent, executive 
director at KHRC. In the past, a shortage of comprehensive housing data 
limited the state’s ability to craft a precise path forward on providing
 affordable housing.

“It’s so important that we
 understand what your needs are so we can allocate resources,” he told 
participants in Johnson and Wyandotte counties. “The overall market 
right now is crazy.”

State Rep. Pam Curtis, a 
Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, said she came away from the same 
meeting with appreciation for how some real-estate corporations were 
rapidly buying houses and renting them out. Corporate ownership has the 
potential of subjecting tenants to higher living costs, but also could 
inhibit the ability of local residents to buy homes.

“There are fewer 
individual mom-and-pop owners of rental property,” Curtis said. “There 
is more and more property owned by corporations. They are just so much 
less flexible and willing to rent, especially to high-risk renters.”

Emily Sharp, who also 
works with the KHRC, summarized insights of a small-group discussion by 
pointing to lack of options for people unable to take on a massive 
mortgage, especially the elderly who want to avoid living in a nursing 
facility.

She said there was a 
housing gap between people with incomes low enough to qualify for 
subsidized housing and the people of modest income who didn’t.

“We’re seeing a lot of 
that kind of missing middle where there’s not a lot of options for folks
 who aren’t served by affordable housing programs,” she said.

Westwood Mayor Paula 
Schwach said there was a lack of housing for people with disabilities 
and individuals who use wheelchairs. The majority of housing constructed
 in Johnson County tended to be in the luxury category priced as a level
 fewer and fewer people could afford. There is a swath of Kansans who 
don’t have credit scores necessary for a mortgage, she said.

“We need to help to 
establish quality credit, especially veterans who are leaving the 
service and coming back to civilian life,” Schwach said.

Matt Watkins, chairman of 
the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness and the Kansas 
City, Kansas Housing Authority Board, said about $800,000 in housing 
vouchers were given away each month. If another 400 landlords 
participated in the program, he said, the amount of monthly vouchers 
could be expanded by $200,000. He said: “We’re leaving money on the 
table.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619806653417.png" alt="Kansas' first comprehensive study of housing issues in nearly 30 years includes community-input meetings May 4 in Dodge City, May 13 in Sedgwick County, May 18 in Manhattan and May 19 in Shawnee and Douglas counties. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas' first comprehensive study of housing issues in nearly 30 years includes community-input meetings May 4 in Dodge City, May 13 in Sedgwick County, May 18 in Manhattan and May 19 in Shawnee and Douglas counties. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Supply, demand imbalance means ‘overall market right now is crazy’</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/kansas-housing-crisis-squashing-opportunity-for-lower-income-homebuyers/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The entry point 
of $300,000 to $400,000 for a new house in Johnson County creates 
unyielding bottlenecks in the housing market for families looking to 
buy.Demand for housing in the 
state’s most populous county has become intense enough $200,000 
properties have been bulldozed and replaced by houses valued at four or 
five times that amount.To the north in Wyandotte 
County, hundreds of thousands of dollars in monthly housing vouchers go 
unclaimed because too few landlords participate in the program. 
Fixed-income elderly residents struggle to afford a place where they can
 age in place. And, as is the case elsewhere, there is anxiety about 
what happens to people when the COVID-19 moratorium on foreclosures and 
evictions in Kansas expires at the end of May.These snapshot insights into housing issues in Wyandotte and Johnson counties were part of an <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-announces-first-statewide-housing-needs-assessment-in-27-years/#:~:text=Governor%20Kelly%20Announces%20First%20Statewide%20Housing%20Needs%20Assessment%20in%2027%20Years,-Dec%2028%2C%202020&amp;text=TOPEKA%E2%80%94Governor%20Laura%20Kelly%20today,assessment%20in%20nearly%2030%20years.">ongoing survey by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and the state’s Office of Rural Prosperity</a>,
 which are managing the first statewide housing need assessment in three
 decades with help from the consulting firm RDG Planning &amp; Design of
 Omaha, Nebraska.Alissa Ice, director of 
housing development at KHRC, participated in the recent two-county town 
hall and boiled down sentiment of those in attendance to four words.“We need more housing,” 
she said. “You cannot build a house in Johnson County for less than 
$300,000. That logjams current owners that can’t move from $200,000 to 
the next step up because there isn’t housing in the $275,000 range that 
would free up entry-level housing.”Listening sessions to 
gather information on the status and future of housing in Kansas are 
scheduled for Dodge City on May 4, Sedgwick County on May 13, Manhattan 
on May 18 and Shawnee and Douglas counties on May 19. Public forums 
during April were conducted in Newton, Iola, Salina as well as Wyandotte
 and Johnson counties. An alternative to joining one of the meetings is 
to complete online the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001r8ysZtJtac9R7AYctS9kgPBfYSag88yDse_S9pcgNHXzRqfsrZzQyHam8R6A03Q7cx9gyMMNeM77AxFpnGHa_PliKkuIc2hOEOnBfEfYCN_LfVJ-xA7L4gg5au6ZDF52Xxd-ESalPTISeVn2zW1jHKlwEmCdGViCPLZXm2sjyks=&amp;c=q6UvpiKp-r7fnBqsnkDzH9YqxR53luUBykk9GZkGfPaikaCVGAHtPw==&amp;ch=9o8NHlxe5n4_R4_LM_hp-50beSbsaKRl0vr5r83khMwzrbH9AFmODA==" target="_blank">Kansas Statewide&nbsp;Housing Needs Assessment survey.</a>When launching the study 
several months ago, Gov. Laura Kelly said the lack of affordable, 
quality housing was also a barrier to growth and development in rural 
communities. The quest is to figure out how to improve quality of life 
for Kansans regardless of zip code, she said.The objective of the 
project is to assess housing opportunities, identify strategic goals and
 develop recommendations by December, said Ryan Vincent, executive 
director at KHRC. In the past, a shortage of comprehensive housing data 
limited the state’s ability to craft a precise path forward on providing
 affordable housing.“It’s so important that we
 understand what your needs are so we can allocate resources,” he told 
participants in Johnson and Wyandotte counties. “The overall market 
right now is crazy.”State Rep. Pam Curtis, a 
Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, said she came away from the same 
meeting with appreciation for how some real-estate corporations were 
rapidly buying houses and renting them out. Corporate ownership has the 
potential of subjecting tenants to higher living costs, but also could 
inhibit the ability of local residents to buy homes.“There are fewer 
individual mom-and-pop owners of rental property,” Curtis said. “There 
is more and more property owned by corporations. They are just so much 
less flexible and willing to rent, especially to high-risk renters.”Emily Sharp, who also 
works with the KHRC, summarized insights of a small-group discussion by 
pointing to lack of options for people unable to take on a massive 
mortgage, especially the elderly who want to avoid living in a nursing 
facility.She said there was a 
housing gap between people with incomes low enough to qualify for 
subsidized housing and the people of modest income who didn’t.“We’re seeing a lot of 
that kind of missing middle where there’s not a lot of options for folks
 who aren’t served by affordable housing programs,” she said.Westwood Mayor Paula 
Schwach said there was a lack of housing for people with disabilities 
and individuals who use wheelchairs. The majority of housing constructed
 in Johnson County tended to be in the luxury category priced as a level
 fewer and fewer people could afford. There is a swath of Kansans who 
don’t have credit scores necessary for a mortgage, she said.“We need to help to 
establish quality credit, especially veterans who are leaving the 
service and coming back to civilian life,” Schwach said.Matt Watkins, chairman of 
the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness and the Kansas 
City, Kansas Housing Authority Board, said about $800,000 in housing 
vouchers were given away each month. If another 400 landlords 
participated in the program, he said, the amount of monthly vouchers 
could be expanded by $200,000. He said: “We’re leaving money on the 
table.”

Kan. housing crisis squashing opportunity for lower-income homebuyers

SANTA FE, N.M.&nbsp;- The National Park Service (NPS) is currently working on the Pike National Historic Trail Feasibility Study, and public input is needed. 

The study will evaluate the eligibility, suitability, and feasibility of designating the route taken by Zebulon Pike’s 1806-1807 expedition as a new national historic trail.

Lieutenant Zebulon Pike’s expedition was among the first United States government-ordered, American led explorations into the southern portions of the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition traveled approximately 2,700 miles in present-day Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas, with an additional 1,000 miles of trail in Mexico.

The NPS will hold a series of virtual public meetings in May and June, 2021. Everyone with an interest in the trail and its history are invited to attend. Each on-line meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the trail study process, ask questions, and submit written comments to be included in the report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meetings are organized by state.&nbsp;One meeting will be conducted in Spanish.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1453/pike-study.htm" target="_blank">go.nps.gov/PikeMeetings</a>&nbsp;to view a complete schedule with meeting links.

Zoom meetings will allow you to view the presentation and type comments into the “chat” box. Participants can listen in by calling the meeting’s conference phone number. Callers will not be able to speak during the meetings. All phone lines are “listen only”.

Zoom Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://zoom.us/join" target="_blank">zoom.us/join</a>

Meeting ID: 840 3093 7946&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 530852973

Meeting ID: 828 6939 0971&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 172502062

Meeting ID: 856 5344 0707&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 72732556

Meeting ID: 827 8296 7057&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 220943572

Meeting ID: 889 1217 9442&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 300930688

Meeting ID: 839 9100 4135&nbsp;|&nbsp;Phone Passcode: 761202222

Meeting ID: 840 5548 1626&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 714240317

Meeting ID: 826 6010 2248&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 455020726

Meeting ID: 899 7164 1072&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 506950327

Meeting ID: 838 6804 9754&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 328518961

Meeting ID: 838 1888 9561&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 554465943

Meeting ID: 895 7929 1260&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 422059154

Meeting ID: 869 3127 0127&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 408333179

Meeting ID: 895 6536 6174&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 365754559

Anyone unable to participate in the virtual meetings is invited to submit comments and questions online at&nbsp;<a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/pike" target="_blank">http://parkplanning.nps.gov/pike</a>.

Comments may also be submitted via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lillis_urban@nps.gov" target="_blank">lillis_urban@nps.gov</a>, or in writing to

Lillis Urban National Trails National Park Service 1100 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM 87505

Please note that comments must be received by June 30, 2021, to be considered as part of the study.

Visit the Pike Trail Feasibility Study project page at&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/nroll/Documents/NTIR/Press%20Releases/parkplanning.nps.gov/pike" target="_blank">parkplanning.nps.gov/pike</a>&nbsp;to learn more and watch a short introductory video at&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/nroll/Documents/NTIR/Press%20Releases/go.nps.gov/PikeVideo" target="_blank">go.nps.gov/PikeVideo</a>.

In 2019, Congress directed the NPS to carry out a feasibility study for designating the Pike Trail as a new national historic trail. Receiving input from communities, stakeholders, and the public is an essential part of the trail study.

The trail study process will be carried out over the next two years. Once completed, the study will be transmitted to Congress.&nbsp;Only Congress has the authority to enact legislation to designate new National Historic Trails.&nbsp;If the route is designated, land ownership and private property rights would not be affected.&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-federal landowners are under no obligation to participate or to allow the public on their lands.

America’s National Trails System

<a href="http://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationaltrailssystem" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/subjects/nationaltrailssystem</a>

The National Trails System Act of 1968, as amended, calls for establishing trails in both urban and rural settings for people of all ages, interests, skills, and physical abilities. The National Trails System promotes the enjoyment and appreciation of trails while encouraging greater public access. The system includes national scenic trails, national historic trails, and national recreation trails.

-<a href="http://www.nps.gov">nps.gov</a>-

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1619920452083.png" alt="Part of the trail is just west of Salina. Map of the Pike Trail courtesy National Park Service" />
 <figcaption>Part of the trail is just west of Salina. Map of the Pike Trail courtesy National Park Service</figcaption>
 </figure>SANTA FE, N.M.&nbsp;- The National Park Service (NPS) is currently working on the Pike National Historic Trail Feasibility Study, and public input is needed. The study will evaluate the eligibility, suitability, and feasibility of designating the route taken by Zebulon Pike’s 1806-1807 expedition as a new national historic trail.Lieutenant Zebulon Pike’s expedition was among the first United States government-ordered, American led explorations into the southern portions of the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition traveled approximately 2,700 miles in present-day Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas, with an additional 1,000 miles of trail in Mexico.<div><iframe src="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/embed.htm?id=FC88A847-24D5-419E-837D-98EC7C024E63" width="480" height="306" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The NPS will hold a series of virtual public meetings in May and June, 2021. Everyone with an interest in the trail and its history are invited to attend. Each on-line meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the trail study process, ask questions, and submit written comments to be included in the report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meetings are organized by state.&nbsp;One meeting will be conducted in Spanish.Virtual Public Meetings ScheduleVisit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1453/pike-study.htm" target="_blank">go.nps.gov/PikeMeetings</a>&nbsp;to view a complete schedule with meeting links.Zoom meetings will allow you to view the presentation and type comments into the “chat” box. Participants can listen in by calling the meeting’s conference phone number. Callers will not be able to speak during the meetings. All phone lines are “listen only”.<h2>For all meetings</h2>Zoom Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://zoom.us/join" target="_blank">zoom.us/join</a>Zoom Passcode: piketrailUS Phone No. 1 346 248 7799Mexico Phone # 52 558 659 60<h2>Public meeting schedule</h2>ColoradoMonday, May 24: Noon-2pm MSTMeeting ID: 840 3093 7946&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 530852973Monday, May 24: 6-8pm MSTMeeting ID: 828 6939 0971&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 172502062Saturday, June 12: 10am-Noon MSTMeeting ID: 856 5344 0707&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 72732556Kansas and NebraskaTuesday, May 25: Noon-2pm CSTMeeting ID: 827 8296 7057&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 220943572Tuesday, May 25: 6-8pm CSTMeeting ID: 889 1217 9442&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 300930688LouisianaWednesday, May 26: Noon-2pm CSTMeeting ID: 839 9100 4135&nbsp;|&nbsp;Phone Passcode: 761202222Wednesday, May 26: 6-8pm CSTMeeting ID: 840 5548 1626&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 714240317MissouriThursday, May 27: Noon-2pm CSTMeeting ID: 826 6010 2248&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 455020726Thursday, May 27: 6-8pm CSTMeeting ID: 899 7164 1072&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 506950327New MexicoTuesday, June 1: Noon-2pm MSTMeeting ID: 838 6804 9754&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 328518961Tuesday, June 1: 6-8pm MSTMeeting ID: 838 1888 9561&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 554465943TexasWednesday, June 2: Noon-2pm CSTMeeting ID: 895 7929 1260&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 422059154Wednesday, June 2: 6-8pm CSTMeeting ID: 869 3127 0127&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 408333179Spanish-speaking meetingThursday, June 3: 6-8pm MSTMeeting ID: 895 6536 6174&nbsp;|&nbsp;Participant ID: 365754559Anyone unable to participate in the virtual meetings is invited to submit comments and questions online at&nbsp;<a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/pike" target="_blank">http://parkplanning.nps.gov/pike</a>.Comments may also be submitted via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lillis_urban@nps.gov" target="_blank">lillis_urban@nps.gov</a>, or in writing toLillis Urban National Trails National Park Service 1100 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM 87505Please note that comments must be received by June 30, 2021, to be considered as part of the study.Visit the Pike Trail Feasibility Study project page at&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/nroll/Documents/NTIR/Press%20Releases/parkplanning.nps.gov/pike" target="_blank">parkplanning.nps.gov/pike</a>&nbsp;to learn more and watch a short introductory video at&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/nroll/Documents/NTIR/Press%20Releases/go.nps.gov/PikeVideo" target="_blank">go.nps.gov/PikeVideo</a>.In 2019, Congress directed the NPS to carry out a feasibility study for designating the Pike Trail as a new national historic trail. Receiving input from communities, stakeholders, and the public is an essential part of the trail study.The trail study process will be carried out over the next two years. Once completed, the study will be transmitted to Congress.&nbsp;Only Congress has the authority to enact legislation to designate new National Historic Trails.&nbsp;If the route is designated, land ownership and private property rights would not be affected.&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-federal landowners are under no obligation to participate or to allow the public on their lands.America’s National Trails System<a href="http://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationaltrailssystem" target="_blank">www.nps.gov/subjects/nationaltrailssystem</a>The National Trails System Act of 1968, as amended, calls for establishing trails in both urban and rural settings for people of all ages, interests, skills, and physical abilities. The National Trails System promotes the enjoyment and appreciation of trails while encouraging greater public access. The system includes national scenic trails, national historic trails, and national recreation trails.-<a href="http://www.nps.gov">nps.gov</a>-

🎥National Park Service seeks input about Pike National Historic Trail

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A newly released report says an Overland Park police officer fired at a minivan because he thought the teenager driver was going to hit him. 

Officer Clayton Jennison told investigators that 17-year-old John Albers did not listen to his commands in the moments before Jennison shot and killed him in January 2018 as Albers backed out of his family's driveway. 

Overland Park officials released a nearly 500-page report on the shooting Thursday. Jennison was not charged in the shooting and has left the police force. Albers' mother, who fought for years to get the report released, said she thought the investigation was aimed at clearing the officer and largely blamed her son for the shooting.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A group of faith leaders is seeking the resignation of Overland Park Police Chief Frank Donchez because of the department's response to the fatal shooting of a teenager in 2018. 

The organization, called MORE2, on Monday said Donchez has misled the public since 17-year-old John Albers was shot by an officer in his family's driveway.

Albers' parents have criticized the department's lack of transparency in their son's shooting and in actions the department has taken since then. The department says it will release a redacted report this week that explains the investigation into the officer’s actions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601028395769.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal 2018 shooting -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal 2018 shooting -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A newly released report says an Overland Park police officer fired at a minivan because he thought the teenager driver was going to hit him. Officer Clayton Jennison told investigators that 17-year-old John Albers did not listen to his commands in the moments before Jennison shot and killed him in January 2018 as Albers backed out of his family's driveway. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601028453799.png" alt="Albers-photo courtesy McGilley Memorial Chapel" />
 <figcaption>Albers-photo courtesy McGilley Memorial Chapel</figcaption>
 </figure>Overland Park officials released a nearly 500-page report on the shooting Thursday. Jennison was not charged in the shooting and has left the police force. Albers' mother, who fought for years to get the report released, said she thought the investigation was aimed at clearing the officer and largely blamed her son for the shooting.-----------OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — A group of faith leaders is seeking the resignation of Overland Park Police Chief Frank Donchez because of the department's response to the fatal shooting of a teenager in 2018. The organization, called MORE2, on Monday said Donchez has misled the public since 17-year-old John Albers was shot by an officer in his family's driveway.Albers' parents have criticized the department's lack of transparency in their son's shooting and in actions the department has taken since then. The department says it will release a redacted report this week that explains the investigation into the officer’s actions.

Police release report on officer's shooting of Kan. teen

My wife and I are in our late twenties, we have no debt, and our household income is about $180,000 year. We’re thinking about building a home, but we’re not sure whether to build just for us, or maybe building a multi-family place so we could live upstairs, rent the rest, and make some money. Your advice would be appreciated.

If you’re looking strictly at quality of life considerations, like privacy and having a little room to yourselves, a single family&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/rsYiFK" target="_blank">home</a>&nbsp;is the way to go. But, if making extra money is important to you at this point, a multi-family structure might work. The good news is your tenants would be right there. The bad news is your tenants&nbsp;would be right there!

From a landlord’s perspective, living next to or above your tenants means you can keep an eye on things a little better. Your tenants might also take better care of the place with you around. But those kinds of situations aren’t always beautiful things. When you’re living a floor or wall away from someone, you’re all up in their business, and they’re all up in your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/becoming-a-confident-business-owner" target="_blank">business</a>. It’s not for everyone.

If you’re planning to have kids soon, I’d recommend going the single family route—specifically because of the quality of life. Looking at the other side, you’ll make money with a multi-family construction, but it’ll probably be a pain in the butt. You’ll be giving up some things if you go that route.

Let me put it this way, Joel. I’ve owned a ton of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/smartvestor/investment-calculator?snid=tools.investingcalc" target="_blank">investment</a>&nbsp;real estate in my life, and my wife didn’t want to live in any of those properties. Still, there’s nothing inherently wrong with either decision. Just make sure your mortgage is a 15-year, fixed rate loan, and the monthly payments are no more than 25 percent of your combined take home pay. Save up for a down payment of at least 20 percent to avoid PMI, too.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,My wife and I are in our late twenties, we have no debt, and our household income is about $180,000 year. We’re thinking about building a home, but we’re not sure whether to build just for us, or maybe building a multi-family place so we could live upstairs, rent the rest, and make some money. Your advice would be appreciated.JoelDear Joel,If you’re looking strictly at quality of life considerations, like privacy and having a little room to yourselves, a single family&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/rsYiFK" target="_blank">home</a>&nbsp;is the way to go. But, if making extra money is important to you at this point, a multi-family structure might work. The good news is your tenants would be right there. The bad news is your tenants&nbsp;would be right there!From a landlord’s perspective, living next to or above your tenants means you can keep an eye on things a little better. Your tenants might also take better care of the place with you around. But those kinds of situations aren’t always beautiful things. When you’re living a floor or wall away from someone, you’re all up in their business, and they’re all up in your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/becoming-a-confident-business-owner" target="_blank">business</a>. It’s not for everyone.If you’re planning to have kids soon, I’d recommend going the single family route—specifically because of the quality of life. Looking at the other side, you’ll make money with a multi-family construction, but it’ll probably be a pain in the butt. You’ll be giving up some things if you go that route.Let me put it this way, Joel. I’ve owned a ton of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/smartvestor/investment-calculator?snid=tools.investingcalc" target="_blank">investment</a>&nbsp;real estate in my life, and my wife didn’t want to live in any of those properties. Still, there’s nothing inherently wrong with either decision. Just make sure your mortgage is a 15-year, fixed rate loan, and the monthly payments are no more than 25 percent of your combined take home pay. Save up for a down payment of at least 20 percent to avoid PMI, too.Take a hard look at the numbers, and make sure you and your wife have a long, long talk about everything. You two should be in complete agreement about every aspect of this situation before moving forward!Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.