The Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its legislative success, issuing
its ‘’scorecard” at a luncheon meeting of its Congressional Forum Friday, July 21 at Legends
Field.
Areas of legislative concern included early education and workforce development, economic
development, transportation, K-12 and post-secondary education, the University of Kansas
Medical Center and the crime of battery against a healthcare worker.
The Chamber opposed a childcare bill because of potential unintended consequences. The bill
passed the Kansas House and Senate, but was vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly. The veto was
sustained.
A bill would allow STAR bonds to be used to finance major amusement parks; such projects also
would be eligible for financing by special obligation bonds. The successful provision was part of
the Mega budget bill that passed.
Passage of a Kansas Senate bill will allow the transfer of $220 million from the State General
Fund to the Build Kansas Matching Grant Fund. Local units of government could apply for
matching funds for infrastructure projects. The Unified Government estimates that bridges in
Wyandotte County need more than $1 billion in repairs; two of these prospective projects are
the James Street and Kansas Avenue bridges.
A Senate Bill which passed will allow tax credits for those enrolled in baccalaureate degree
programs such as education and healthcare. Another successful House bill creates tax credits
for apprenticeship programs.
A provision inserted in the Omnibus Budget bill will direct the Legislature to review funding for
the proposed Cancer Center building at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Another successful Senate bill defines battery against a healthcare worker.
John Frederico, the lobbyist for the Chamber, said the 2024 session will be affected because it is
an election year.
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is a member
of Business West.