Topeka, KS – There's been a lot of talk about electronic health records in Washington as the health care debate continues. A group in Kansas is working to make electronic records a reality right here in the state.
Topeka, KS – Tight state cash flow means the Kansas Department of Education is having a tough time making some payments to school districts. That's causing headaches for some school administrators.
Topeka, KS – Last week a group of Kansas budget officials lowered the state revenue estimate for this fiscal year, which will likely mean additional cuts to state government. K through 12 education makes up around half the state budget. This has some school officials concerned education could be facing cuts.
Kansas City, MO – A group of economists and policy-makers slashed Kansas tax collection estimates Thursday by $235 million, reflecting signs of continued weakness in the state economy.
The new forecast for the remainder of the state's 2010 fiscal year through next June 30 means Kansas government will have 4.2 percent fewer tax dollars to finance services, including public education, than previously estimated in April. Kansas began its fiscal year July 1.
Lawrence, KS – Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich talked politics on the University of Kansas Campus. Stephen Koranda was there and filed this report.
Lawrence, KS – Kansas is one of the windiest states, and state government and power company officials are trying to capitalize on that. Officials met in Lawrence to talk about ways to make that happen.
Topeka, KS – Three Republican lawmakers in Kansas are proposing a constitutional amendment they say would protect patients' rights to consult with their own doctors on health care decisions.
State Sen. Mary Pilcher Cook and House members Peggy Mast and Brenda Landwehr held news conferences yesterday to announce what they call the "Health Care Freedom Amendment."
Topeka, KS – A Kansas commission is pushing for closing a state facility for the developmentally disabled. Members of the Facilities Closure and Realignment Commission voted to recommend shuttering the Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka, known as KNI.
Topeka,KS – The Kansas Board of Education is kicking off its search for a new state education commissioner.
The Board of Education is calling on a national group to help find a new commissioner. The National Association of State Boards of Education will advertise the position across the country and collect candidates.
Kansas Board of Ed Chair Janet Waugh says they'll need to search a wide area, because the right candidate will need a variety of skills.
Topeka, KS – The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, or KPERS, is facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall in coming years. Yesterday , the Kansas House Appropriations Committee heard about changes that some economists believe could save the state money.
A University of Kansas economist told legislators they could quickly start a new 401(k)-style pension plan for teachers and government workers.
Topeka, KS – The Kansas House Appropriations Committee is looking at consolidating public school districts as a way to help the state save cash and make it through the budget crunch. Statehouse Reporter Stephen Koranda has more.
Topeka, KS – With demand for so-called "green energy" likely to increase in the future, Kansas could become a major player in renewable energy. That's because Kansas is one of the windiest states. This week in Topeka the annual Wind and Renewable Energy Conference is exploring how Kansas can become a bigger part of the wind power industry.
Click on the link to liste to Stephen Koranda's story.
Lawrence, KS – University of Kansas officials, politicians and industry leaders broke ground Monday on a new Bioscience and Technology Business Center on the KU campus.
The 20,000 square foot facility is aimed at growing life science industry in Kansas.
The $7.25 million incubator will provide space for space and high tech equipment for new bioscience companies.
Topeka, KS – Concerns over swine flu have some Kansas hospitals revamping policies to try and slow the spread of the disease. Stephen Koranda has more.
