BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas one of 10 states refusing to embrace wider Medicaid eligibility

TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Democrats attempted Tuesday to insert Medicaid expansion into a bill increasing legislative oversight over public assistance programs.

The outcome was the same in the Kansas House when a Democrat sought to drop a Medicaid reform package into a state government budget bill.

Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, brought forth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb161/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 161</a>, which would require legislative approval for any changes to public assistance programs in Kansas if they seek to expand eligibility, increase costs to the state, request federal waivers or modify intellectual or developmental disability services.

A Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, Sen. Pat Pettey, took the opportunity during floor debate on the bill to introduce an amendment that would adopt the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and a handful of Democrats in the House and Senate announced in early February&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/06/kansas-governor-takes-another-swing-at-joining-41-states-that-have-expanded-medicaid/">the HAWK Act’s introduction</a>&nbsp;into both chambers. It was the governor’s seventh time trying for Medicaid expansion.

The proposal drew support from Democrats and health advocacy groups, but that support was tinged with criticism for a work requirement baked into the act.&nbsp;

It did not receive a hearing this session, Pettey pointed out Tuesday.

“Medicaid expansion is not political,” she said, referencing survey data that shows most Kansans support expansion or widespread access to affordable health care.&nbsp;

Kansas is one of 10 holdout states that have not expanded Medicaid.

“It saves lives,” Pettey said. “It saves Kansans money. It stabilizes rural hospitals. It brings taxpayers’ money back to Kansas.”

Pettey said the state has passed up on more than $8 billion by refusing to expand KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed back.

“I agree that it is not partisan,” he said, “but there is a whole host of reasons not to do it.”&nbsp;

He acknowledged the lack of discussion on Medicaid expansion this session and encouraged it to take place, rather than block consideration of Pettey’s amendment.

“It’s not like Kansas isn’t getting its money back,” Masterson said. “Kansas is doing the right thing and putting the right people at the front of the line.”

Democrats’ efforts were unsuccessful without the support of a majority of Republicans. Pettey’s amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20250218133629_925711/" target="_blank">failed</a>&nbsp;with 12 in favor — three Republicans and nine Democrats — and 28 Republicans opposed. Republicans who voted in favor were freshman Sen. Mike Argabright of Olpe, Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland and Sen. Brenda Dietrich of Topeka.

Members of the Kansas House deflected an attempt to insert Medicaid expansion into next year’s state budget bill. The maneuver failed by a wide margin following lengthy debate. It was stopped with a roll call vote of 34-82. Republicans hold an 88-37 majority over Democrats in the House.

Rep. Suzanne Wikle, D-Lawrence, proposed a plan that would extend health coverage to about 150,000 lower-income workers across the state without costing the state treasury.

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government must cover 90% of a state’s increased expenditures for Medicaid expansion. Congress adopted a supplemental incentive aimed at Kansas and other holdout states. The additional federal support would mean Kansas could save $78 million on Medicaid in the upcoming fiscal year by approving expansion.

“Budgets are a reflection of your priorities,” Wikle said. “Show me a budget and I’ll show you what you care about.”

Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the financial reality of Wikle’s proposal but urged lawmakers to reject her amendment.

“I recognize there might be some savings, but we need to vote this down,” Waymaster said. “If this were to pass, we’d have Medicaid expansion for one year. That’s it. Unless there is legislation that would pass in subsequent years.”

Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said it was frustrating House GOP leaders had again sought to stifle regular debate on fiscally responsible Medicaid expansion proposals in House committees and on the House floor. She urged rank-and-file Republicans to pressure their GOP leaders to bring about meaningful debate on Medicaid expansion rather than suppress an approach for improving access to affordable health care embraced by 40 states.

House members who didn’t believe it important to extend preventive health care to thousands of Kansans with modest incomes should take a different approach to Medicaid expansion, said Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park.

“If you’re not going to vote for this out of a moral reason, you should at least vote for this out of a cold-hearted business decision to make sure that our workforce is as healthy as possible so we can make sure we are working them as much as possible to help our economy,” Sawyer Clayton said.

In the Senate, the underlying bill on government efficiency was passed despite criticism from Democrats.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, called the bill “inefficient” and said it added “layers of bureaucracy for even the simplest program changes.”

“That red tape could result in thousands of Kansans being unable to get time-sensitive help,” she said.&nbsp;

When the Legislature is not in session, oversight of public assistance program changes would shift to the Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of the governor and House and Senate leadership.&nbsp;

More than half a dozen advocacy organizations indicated their opposition to the bill at a hearing before the GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, which was created in response to and modeled after the federal initiative under billionaire Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department. However, Shawnee Republican Sen. Mike Thompson indicated at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/17/kansas-senates-efficiency-committee-embraces-trio-of-bills-aimed-at-state-spending/">hearing</a>&nbsp;the bill could be a solution to complaints over the Kelly administration’s pursuit of changes to intellectual and developmental disabilities programs.

During the hearing and again on the Senate floor, Holscher said the bill could put at risk Kansas’ existing share of Medicaid funds, more than $3 billion for fiscal year 2025. That could be the case if certain federal deadlines, such as those associated with payment rate adjustments, are not met.&nbsp;

Legislators pushed bills through the Senate at a rapid clip Tuesday ahead of a self-imposed deadline Thursday to pass all bills that originated within the chamber. Senators on Tuesday gave first-round approval to more than 40 bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739971301681.jpeg" alt=" Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, in March 2023 at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat, in March 2023 at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Kansas one of 10 states refusing to embrace wider Medicaid eligibility</h2>TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Democrats attempted Tuesday to insert Medicaid expansion into a bill increasing legislative oversight over public assistance programs.The outcome was the same in the Kansas House when a Democrat sought to drop a Medicaid reform package into a state government budget bill.Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican, brought forth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb161/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 161</a>, which would require legislative approval for any changes to public assistance programs in Kansas if they seek to expand eligibility, increase costs to the state, request federal waivers or modify intellectual or developmental disability services.A Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, Sen. Pat Pettey, took the opportunity during floor debate on the bill to introduce an amendment that would adopt the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and a handful of Democrats in the House and Senate announced in early February&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/06/kansas-governor-takes-another-swing-at-joining-41-states-that-have-expanded-medicaid/">the HAWK Act’s introduction</a>&nbsp;into both chambers. It was the governor’s seventh time trying for Medicaid expansion.The proposal drew support from Democrats and health advocacy groups, but that support was tinged with criticism for a work requirement baked into the act.&nbsp;It did not receive a hearing this session, Pettey pointed out Tuesday.“Medicaid expansion is not political,” she said, referencing survey data that shows most Kansans support expansion or widespread access to affordable health care.&nbsp;Kansas is one of 10 holdout states that have not expanded Medicaid.“It saves lives,” Pettey said. “It saves Kansans money. It stabilizes rural hospitals. It brings taxpayers’ money back to Kansas.”Pettey said the state has passed up on more than $8 billion by refusing to expand KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, pushed back.“I agree that it is not partisan,” he said, “but there is a whole host of reasons not to do it.”&nbsp;He acknowledged the lack of discussion on Medicaid expansion this session and encouraged it to take place, rather than block consideration of Pettey’s amendment.“It’s not like Kansas isn’t getting its money back,” Masterson said. “Kansas is doing the right thing and putting the right people at the front of the line.”Democrats’ efforts were unsuccessful without the support of a majority of Republicans. Pettey’s amendment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20250218133629_925711/" target="_blank">failed</a>&nbsp;with 12 in favor — three Republicans and nine Democrats — and 28 Republicans opposed. Republicans who voted in favor were freshman Sen. Mike Argabright of Olpe, Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland and Sen. Brenda Dietrich of Topeka.<h2>Over in the House</h2>Members of the Kansas House deflected an attempt to insert Medicaid expansion into next year’s state budget bill. The maneuver failed by a wide margin following lengthy debate. It was stopped with a roll call vote of 34-82. Republicans hold an 88-37 majority over Democrats in the House.Rep. Suzanne Wikle, D-Lawrence, proposed a plan that would extend health coverage to about 150,000 lower-income workers across the state without costing the state treasury.Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government must cover 90% of a state’s increased expenditures for Medicaid expansion. Congress adopted a supplemental incentive aimed at Kansas and other holdout states. The additional federal support would mean Kansas could save $78 million on Medicaid in the upcoming fiscal year by approving expansion.“Budgets are a reflection of your priorities,” Wikle said. “Show me a budget and I’ll show you what you care about.”Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the financial reality of Wikle’s proposal but urged lawmakers to reject her amendment.“I recognize there might be some savings, but we need to vote this down,” Waymaster said. “If this were to pass, we’d have Medicaid expansion for one year. That’s it. Unless there is legislation that would pass in subsequent years.”Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said it was frustrating House GOP leaders had again sought to stifle regular debate on fiscally responsible Medicaid expansion proposals in House committees and on the House floor. She urged rank-and-file Republicans to pressure their GOP leaders to bring about meaningful debate on Medicaid expansion rather than suppress an approach for improving access to affordable health care embraced by 40 states.House members who didn’t believe it important to extend preventive health care to thousands of Kansans with modest incomes should take a different approach to Medicaid expansion, said Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park.“If you’re not going to vote for this out of a moral reason, you should at least vote for this out of a cold-hearted business decision to make sure that our workforce is as healthy as possible so we can make sure we are working them as much as possible to help our economy,” Sawyer Clayton said.<h2>Senate’s efficiency bill</h2>In the Senate, the underlying bill on government efficiency was passed despite criticism from Democrats.Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, called the bill “inefficient” and said it added “layers of bureaucracy for even the simplest program changes.”“That red tape could result in thousands of Kansans being unable to get time-sensitive help,” she said.&nbsp;When the Legislature is not in session, oversight of public assistance program changes would shift to the Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of the governor and House and Senate leadership.&nbsp;More than half a dozen advocacy organizations indicated their opposition to the bill at a hearing before the GOP-led Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, which was created in response to and modeled after the federal initiative under billionaire Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which is not actually a federal department. However, Shawnee Republican Sen. Mike Thompson indicated at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/17/kansas-senates-efficiency-committee-embraces-trio-of-bills-aimed-at-state-spending/">hearing</a>&nbsp;the bill could be a solution to complaints over the Kelly administration’s pursuit of changes to intellectual and developmental disabilities programs.During the hearing and again on the Senate floor, Holscher said the bill could put at risk Kansas’ existing share of Medicaid funds, more than $3 billion for fiscal year 2025. That could be the case if certain federal deadlines, such as those associated with payment rate adjustments, are not met.&nbsp;Legislators pushed bills through the Senate at a rapid clip Tuesday ahead of a self-imposed deadline Thursday to pass all bills that originated within the chamber. Senators on Tuesday gave first-round approval to more than 40 bills.

Medicaid expansion amendments offered by Democrats fail in Kansas Senate, House

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas Highway Patrol shared two examples of how seat belts save lives.

Just after midnight Tuesday morning, Master Trooper Zeller,&nbsp;Kansas Turnpike Authority, arrived at the scene of a crash on Interstate 70 just before 38th Street in the Kansas City area, according to a social media report from the patrol.

The the driver of a pickup lost control of the vehicle. It struck a guardrail, and rolled multiple times landing on its roof in a ditch. The driver&nbsp; walked away to look for help. He had his seatbelt on and it saved his life.

The Patrol also reported a driver on Tuesday was traveling southbound on Interstate 435 near Midland Drive. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It rolled and the driver was kept safe inside the vehicle due to wearing their seatbelt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739902427601.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas Highway Patrol shared two examples of how seat belts save lives.Just after midnight Tuesday morning, Master Trooper Zeller,&nbsp;Kansas Turnpike Authority, arrived at the scene of a crash on Interstate 70 just before 38th Street in the Kansas City area, according to a social media report from the patrol.The the driver of a pickup lost control of the vehicle. It struck a guardrail, and rolled multiple times landing on its roof in a ditch. The driver&nbsp; walked away to look for help. He had his seatbelt on and it saved his life.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739904867718.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>The Patrol also reported a driver on Tuesday was traveling southbound on Interstate 435 near Midland Drive. The driver lost control of the vehicle. It rolled and the driver was kept safe inside the vehicle due to wearing their seatbelt.

KHP reminder: Seat belts save lives

KANSAS CITY– Employees with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service are among three defendants who have been indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing and cashing a U.S. Treasury check, according to the United State's Attorney.

Sierra S. McCall, 31, of Independence, Mo., Jalen Koonce, 31, of Raytown, Mo., and Julian A. King, 31, address unknown, were charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Feb. 6. The indictment was unsealed and made public following Koonce’s arrest and initial court appearance on Friday, Feb. 7.

McCall is employed by the IRS as a customer contact representative. Koonce is employed by the U.S. Postal Service at the sorting facility where government checks are processed.

The federal indictment charges McCall, Koonce, and King together in one count of the theft of government property. The indictment alleges they aided and abetted each other to steal and cash a $72,236 U.S. Treasury check on Aug. 9, 2023.

The indictment also charges Koonce and King each with one count of money laundering related to financial transactions on Aug. 9, 2023, that involved the proceeds of the theft of government property.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.

KANSAS CITY– Employees with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service are among three defendants who have been indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing and cashing a U.S. Treasury check, according to the United State's Attorney.Sierra S. McCall, 31, of Independence, Mo., Jalen Koonce, 31, of Raytown, Mo., and Julian A. King, 31, address unknown, were charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, Feb. 6. The indictment was unsealed and made public following Koonce’s arrest and initial court appearance on Friday, Feb. 7.McCall is employed by the IRS as a customer contact representative. Koonce is employed by the U.S. Postal Service at the sorting facility where government checks are processed.The federal indictment charges McCall, Koonce, and King together in one count of the theft of government property. The indictment alleges they aided and abetted each other to steal and cash a $72,236 U.S. Treasury check on Aug. 9, 2023.The indictment also charges Koonce and King each with one count of money laundering related to financial transactions on Aug. 9, 2023, that involved the proceeds of the theft of government property.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.

IRS, KC postal employees accused of stealing U.S. Treasury check

CASS COUNTY, Neb. —The Nebraska State Patrol announced that a Nebraska State Trooper died in the line of duty on Monday.

A motor vehicle crash occurred while the trooper and others were responding to another crash on Interstate 80 between Ashland and Greenwood, according to a statement from the patrol.&nbsp;

The Patrol asked the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the crash investigation.&nbsp;The name of the trooper has not been released or additional details of the incident.

As winter weather conditions continue across the state, the Nebraska Patrol urged all motorists to be safe if they must travel.

&nbsp;I-80 remains closed between mile markers 420 and 426.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739823420144.png" alt="Portions of I-80 remained closed between mile markers 420 and 426 after the crash-photo courtesy KETV" />
 <figcaption>Portions of I-80 remained closed between mile markers 420 and 426 after the crash-photo courtesy KETV</figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY, Neb. —The Nebraska State Patrol announced that a Nebraska State Trooper died in the line of duty on Monday.A motor vehicle crash occurred while the trooper and others were responding to another crash on Interstate 80 between Ashland and Greenwood, according to a statement from the patrol.&nbsp;The Patrol asked the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office to conduct the crash investigation.&nbsp;The name of the trooper has not been released or additional details of the incident.As winter weather conditions continue across the state, the Nebraska Patrol urged all motorists to be safe if they must travel.&nbsp;I-80 remains closed between mile markers 420 and 426.

Nebraska state trooper killed while responding to crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;— Authorities&nbsp;have identified the skeletal remains discovered on Dec. 16, in the 4800 block of South Clifton, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

Through positive dental records and clothing, investigators have confirmed the remains belong to 46-year-old Dion Elliott Curry.

 Detectives determined that Curry was homeless and known to frequent the Oaklawn area. He was a registered offender and last reported to the Sheriff’s Office Offender Registration Unit in Jan. 2024. In Apr. 2024, Curry was reported missing to the Wichita Police Department.

As previously stated, a preliminary skeletal examination conducted by an anthropologist showed no signs of trauma, and no foul play is suspected in his death.

Curry had previous convictions in 2005 for felony criminal threat; sexually motivated, attempted aggravated sexual battery and criminal restraint, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

If you knew Curry and had contact with him between Jan. 2024 and Dec. 2024, you are encouraged to contact Detective Michael Clopton at (316) 660-5300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734472980895.png" alt="Remains found in the 4800 Block of South Clifton -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Remains found in the 4800 Block of South Clifton -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;— Authorities&nbsp;have identified the skeletal remains discovered on Dec. 16, in the 4800 block of South Clifton, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.Through positive dental records and clothing, investigators have confirmed the remains belong to 46-year-old Dion Elliott Curry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739568719532.png" alt="Dion Curry-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Dion Curry-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure> Detectives determined that Curry was homeless and known to frequent the Oaklawn area. He was a registered offender and last reported to the Sheriff’s Office Offender Registration Unit in Jan. 2024. In Apr. 2024, Curry was reported missing to the Wichita Police Department.As previously stated, a preliminary skeletal examination conducted by an anthropologist showed no signs of trauma, and no foul play is suspected in his death.Curry had previous convictions in 2005 for felony criminal threat; sexually motivated, attempted aggravated sexual battery and criminal restraint, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.If you knew Curry and had contact with him between Jan. 2024 and Dec. 2024, you are encouraged to contact Detective Michael Clopton at (316) 660-5300.

Sheriff’s IDs skeletal remains as registered Kansas sex offender

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Army will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military.&nbsp; The announcement came on social media Friday afternoon.

The Army will also stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Army and the JAG Corps is in compliance with President Trump's&nbsp;executive orders and orders from the Secretary of Defense.

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Army will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military.&nbsp; The announcement came on social media Friday afternoon.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USArmy</a> will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military and will stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members. Stay tuned for more details.&mdash; U.S. Army (@USArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmy/status/1890490320313286788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Army will also stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Army and the JAG Corps is in compliance with President Trump's&nbsp;executive orders and orders from the Secretary of Defense.

U.S. Army announcement on transgenders in the military

IRAQ—&nbsp;Iraqi Security Forces enabled by U.S. forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

An initial post-strike clearance found the dead ISIS operatives, an explosive suicide belt, explosive material, and components of weapons destroyed in the strike.

"The Iraqi Security Forces-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence."

IRAQ—&nbsp;Iraqi Security Forces enabled by U.S. forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.An initial post-strike clearance found the dead ISIS operatives, an explosive suicide belt, explosive material, and components of weapons destroyed in the strike."The Iraqi Security Forces-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence."

U.S. forces help with deadly attack on ISIS operatives

KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin.

 Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.

She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant.

 ﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739412488707.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin. Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant. ﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

 Amber Alert: Abducted pregnant teen may be traveling through KC

WASHINGTON —The Philadelphia Eagles spoiled the Kansas City Chiefs bid for a three-peat, winning the Super Bowl on Sunday.&nbsp; Now Kansas elected officials who made friendly wagers with colleagues are paying up.

On Sunday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall used his social media account to share his wager.&nbsp; "The bet is on - If the Chiefs win, Senator McCormick of Pennsylvania will bring me a Yuengling beer, and Senator Fetterman&nbsp;will have to wear Chiefs gear. 

If the Eagles win, I’ll bring KC BBQ and wear Eagles gear. "

Wednesday morning, Marshall removed his suit jacket on the Senate floor to show he was wearing an Eagles football jersey.&nbsp; The Junior Senator from Kansas did not indicate what Kansas City BBQ he is going to bring to Washington.&nbsp; Marshall is the first taking action to pay up following the championship game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739377603921.png" alt="Senator Roger Marshall on the Senate floor Wednesday morning during the vote count&nbsp; to confirm Tulsi Gabbard&nbsp; as director of National Intelligence-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senator Roger Marshall on the Senate floor Wednesday morning during the vote count&nbsp; to confirm Tulsi Gabbard&nbsp; as director of National Intelligence-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Philadelphia Eagles spoiled the Kansas City Chiefs bid for a three-peat, winning the Super Bowl on Sunday.&nbsp; Now Kansas elected officials who made friendly wagers with colleagues are paying up.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Kansas City Chiefs fan Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) loses bet to Pennsylvania Senators -- shows up on Senate floor wearing Philadelphia Eagles jersey ... <a href="https://t.co/b8u8rK72gH">pic.twitter.com/b8u8rK72gH</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1889734003743191543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Sunday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall used his social media account to share his wager.&nbsp; "The bet is on - If the Chiefs win, Senator McCormick of Pennsylvania will bring me a Yuengling beer, and Senator Fetterman&nbsp;will have to wear Chiefs gear. 

If the Eagles win, I’ll bring KC BBQ and wear Eagles gear. "<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A bet is a bet. <a href="https://twitter.com/SenFettermanPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenFettermanPA</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zexv7lGkPI">pic.twitter.com/Zexv7lGkPI</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1889720550840217915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Wednesday morning, Marshall removed his suit jacket on the Senate floor to show he was wearing an Eagles football jersey.&nbsp; The Junior Senator from Kansas did not indicate what Kansas City BBQ he is going to bring to Washington.&nbsp; Marshall is the first taking action to pay up following the championship game.

Kan. U.S. Senator lost bet, forced to wear Eagles jersey at work

WASHINGTON —Google has officially changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' on Google Maps to the 'Gulf of America' following Trump's order.

While flying to the Super Bowl, President Trump signed a proclamation declaring February 9, as "Gulf of America Day."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739228935257.png" alt="Google Map 5p.m. Monday February 10" />
 <figcaption>Google Map 5p.m. Monday February 10</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Google has officially changed the 'Gulf of Mexico' on Google Maps to the 'Gulf of America' following Trump's order.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HAPPY GULF OF AMERICA DAY! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/hFGMBRKh4S">pic.twitter.com/hFGMBRKh4S</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1888707846000570775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔊&quot;Air Force One is currently in international waters, the first time in history flying over the recently renamed Gulf of America.&quot; 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/XHXXrvtYzf">pic.twitter.com/XHXXrvtYzf</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1888705072562929894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While flying to the Super Bowl, President Trump signed a proclamation declaring February 9, as "Gulf of America Day."

Google officially changes maps from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — The largely partisan clash over whether to abolish the<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demonstrators-us-capitol-rally-against-trumps-direct-attack-education" target="_blank">&nbsp;U.S. Department of Education</a>&nbsp;came to the forefront at a Wednesday hearing by a U.S. House education panel, as rumors continue to circulate over President Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle the federal agency that’s just four-and-a-half decades old.

Trump campaigned heavily on a pledge to get rid of the department, which, among many responsibilities, administers funding for key programs, including for low-income school districts and special education, and also administers federal student aid.

Trump is reported&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/02/03/trump-education-department-dismantling-executive-order-draft/?utm_campaign=wp_the7&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F40e0f46%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82%2F64c1c5704dae0764a1593f12%2F32%2F103%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82" target="_blank">possibly issue some sort of executive order</a>&nbsp;that seeks to diminish the department internally and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-executive-order-8519eaa465385cc13f4ddcae90228dd3" target="_blank">calls on Congress to abolish the agency</a>. He alone does not have the authority to close the department, and the effort would require congressional approval.

Lawmakers clashed at a House Committee on Education and Workforce hearing focused on “the state of American education,” particularly school choice, parental rights in education and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The president’s sweeping plan outlined throughout his campaign to “save American education” has already burst out of the floodgates since he took office last month.

He issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-orders-education-department-guide-states-use-federal-funds-school-choice" target="_blank">series of education-related executive orders</a>&nbsp;last week focused on prioritizing school choice funding, ending what the administration sees as “radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling” and taking “additional measures to combat anti-semitism.”

Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-puts-dei-staff-paid-leave-guts-environmental-justice-offices-across-government" target="_blank">signed executive orders</a>&nbsp;in January that gut DEI programs and activities across the federal government.

Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House education panel, said he is “pleased to see that the Trump administration is taking excellent steps to restore common sense, personal responsibility and parental choice through our education system.”

“In K-12 education, there’s much work that needs to be done,” the Michigan Republican said, pointing to the latest data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/" target="_blank">National Assessment of Educational Progress</a>.

The report found that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/mathematics/2024/g4_8/supporting-files/summary-of-results.pdf" target="_blank">average math and reading scores in 2024</a>&nbsp;for pupils in fourth grade and eighth grade were lower compared to before the coronavirus pandemic, in 2019.

Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents’ rights group, said “American education is in crisis.”

“For far too long, U.S. schools have focused on everything but educating children, and as last week’s NAEP scores have shown, our children are bearing the brunt of these bad decisions,” she said.

Meanwhile, Democrats on the panel warned over the repercussions of dismantling the Education Department.

“The irony is not lost on me that we’re here to discuss the state of American education while the current administration is actively discussing how to dismantle the main federal agency responsible for ensuring safe, quality education for all students,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the panel.

“We will fight any attempt to dismantle the department, and so, we don’t know what the plan will be, but count on our opposition to any plan that will abolish the Department of Education and the programs in it,” the Virginia Democrat added.

Connecticut Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes noted that since being created in 1979, the Education Department “has been committed to ensuring high-quality education for children across the country.”

“As (Chairman Walberg) noted, there are about 1 million children who participate in private school choice programs, but 49.6 million children participate in public school education — what about them? Who is advocating for them?” Hayes said.

Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, said Trump’s executive orders to “restrict teaching and learning in inclusive and supportive environments and his threats to dismantle the Department of Education and upend critical enforcement of federal civil rights laws will demolish the very foundation of good citizenship.”

“We must reject these proposals out of the Project 2025 playbook and approach public education with common sense and common purpose, not separatism and self-dealing,” Nelson said.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — The largely partisan clash over whether to abolish the<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/demonstrators-us-capitol-rally-against-trumps-direct-attack-education" target="_blank">&nbsp;U.S. Department of Education</a>&nbsp;came to the forefront at a Wednesday hearing by a U.S. House education panel, as rumors continue to circulate over President Donald Trump’s plans to dismantle the federal agency that’s just four-and-a-half decades old.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739206873043.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump campaigned heavily on a pledge to get rid of the department, which, among many responsibilities, administers funding for key programs, including for low-income school districts and special education, and also administers federal student aid.Trump is reported&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/02/03/trump-education-department-dismantling-executive-order-draft/?utm_campaign=wp_the7&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F40e0f46%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82%2F64c1c5704dae0764a1593f12%2F32%2F103%2F67a1feefb7704a156351bc82" target="_blank">possibly issue some sort of executive order</a>&nbsp;that seeks to diminish the department internally and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-executive-order-8519eaa465385cc13f4ddcae90228dd3" target="_blank">calls on Congress to abolish the agency</a>. He alone does not have the authority to close the department, and the effort would require congressional approval.Lawmakers clashed at a House Committee on Education and Workforce hearing focused on “the state of American education,” particularly school choice, parental rights in education and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.The president’s sweeping plan outlined throughout his campaign to “save American education” has already burst out of the floodgates since he took office last month.He issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-orders-education-department-guide-states-use-federal-funds-school-choice" target="_blank">series of education-related executive orders</a>&nbsp;last week focused on prioritizing school choice funding, ending what the administration sees as “radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling” and taking “additional measures to combat anti-semitism.”Trump also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-puts-dei-staff-paid-leave-guts-environmental-justice-offices-across-government" target="_blank">signed executive orders</a>&nbsp;in January that gut DEI programs and activities across the federal government.<h2>Restoring ‘common sense’</h2>Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House education panel, said he is “pleased to see that the Trump administration is taking excellent steps to restore common sense, personal responsibility and parental choice through our education system.”“In K-12 education, there’s much work that needs to be done,” the Michigan Republican said, pointing to the latest data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/" target="_blank">National Assessment of Educational Progress</a>.The report found that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reports/mathematics/2024/g4_8/supporting-files/summary-of-results.pdf" target="_blank">average math and reading scores in 2024</a>&nbsp;for pupils in fourth grade and eighth grade were lower compared to before the coronavirus pandemic, in 2019.Nicole Neily, president and founder of Parents Defending Education, a parents’ rights group, said “American education is in crisis.”“For far too long, U.S. schools have focused on everything but educating children, and as last week’s NAEP scores have shown, our children are bearing the brunt of these bad decisions,” she said.<h2>‘We will fight any attempt’</h2>Meanwhile, Democrats on the panel warned over the repercussions of dismantling the Education Department.“The irony is not lost on me that we’re here to discuss the state of American education while the current administration is actively discussing how to dismantle the main federal agency responsible for ensuring safe, quality education for all students,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the panel.“We will fight any attempt to dismantle the department, and so, we don’t know what the plan will be, but count on our opposition to any plan that will abolish the Department of Education and the programs in it,” the Virginia Democrat added.Connecticut Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes noted that since being created in 1979, the Education Department “has been committed to ensuring high-quality education for children across the country.”“As (Chairman Walberg) noted, there are about 1 million children who participate in private school choice programs, but 49.6 million children participate in public school education — what about them? Who is advocating for them?” Hayes said.Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, said Trump’s executive orders to “restrict teaching and learning in inclusive and supportive environments and his threats to dismantle the Department of Education and upend critical enforcement of federal civil rights laws will demolish the very foundation of good citizenship.”“We must reject these proposals out of the Project 2025 playbook and approach public education with common sense and common purpose, not separatism and self-dealing,” Nelson said.

U.S. House members battle over eliminating Dept. of Education 

WASHINGTON —It has been a busy week in Washington for new 2nd District Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt.

On Thursday, Schmidt presided over the House floor for the first time.

In addition, Schmidt this week announced he introduced the&nbsp;Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act along with five other members of the House including Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner.

&nbsp; The bill redirects unobligated funds collected through the&nbsp;False Claims Act&nbsp;to the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) through fiscal year (FY) 2029, stabilizing the CVF.

Schmidt also announced he has cosponsored four bills to protect Americans’ Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.&nbsp;

H.R. 38, the&nbsp;Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, provides nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and for residents of constitutional carry states.

H.R. 45, the&nbsp;Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination&nbsp;(FIND)&nbsp;Act, prevents any business that discriminates against firearm businesses or associations from contracting or subcontracting with the federal government.

H.R. 404, the&nbsp;Hearing Protection Act&nbsp;(HPA), reduces archaic barriers to purchasing a firearm suppressor.

Schmidt served as the&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;from 2011 to 2023. He was first elected to office serving in the&nbsp;Kansas Senate&nbsp; representing the&nbsp;15th district&nbsp;from 2001 to 2011. In 2022, Schmidt was the Republican nominee for&nbsp;governor of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738931611218.png" alt="Images courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Images courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —It has been a busy week in Washington for new 2nd District Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt.On Thursday, Schmidt presided over the House floor for the first time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738931999797.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, Schmidt this week announced he introduced the&nbsp;Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act along with five other members of the House including Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner.&nbsp; The bill redirects unobligated funds collected through the&nbsp;False Claims Act&nbsp;to the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) through fiscal year (FY) 2029, stabilizing the CVF.Schmidt also announced he has cosponsored four bills to protect Americans’ Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.&nbsp;H.R. 38, the&nbsp;Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, provides nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and for residents of constitutional carry states.H.R. 45, the&nbsp;Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination&nbsp;(FIND)&nbsp;Act, prevents any business that discriminates against firearm businesses or associations from contracting or subcontracting with the federal government.H.R. 404, the&nbsp;Hearing Protection Act&nbsp;(HPA), reduces archaic barriers to purchasing a firearm suppressor.Schmidt served as the&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;from 2011 to 2023. He was first elected to office serving in the&nbsp;Kansas Senate&nbsp; representing the&nbsp;15th district&nbsp;from 2001 to 2011. In 2022, Schmidt was the Republican nominee for&nbsp;governor of Kansas.

 Kan. Congressman presided over the House floor for the first time

The Kansas City Chiefs are going for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title when they face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. It's a rematch of a championship game from two years ago that Kansas City won in Arizona. Among the first elected officials from Kansas to announce a friendly wager is Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.

The Kansas City Chiefs are going for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title when they face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. It's a rematch of a championship game from two years ago that Kansas City won in Arizona. Among the first elected officials from Kansas to announce a friendly wager is Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/PAAttorneyGen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAAttorneyGen</a> Dave Sunday, I propose a gentlemen&#39;s bet on the Big Game. May the best team, the <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a>, win. <a href="https://t.co/oIGU0GUlf9">pic.twitter.com/oIGU0GUlf9</a>&mdash; Kansas AG&#39;s Office (@KSAGOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAGOffice/status/1887524104330240256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Kansas AG announces friendly Super Bowl wager

The federal government is by far Kansas City’s largest employer and a major economic engine. Experts warn the region’s economy will feel the pain when jobs disappear

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">SUZANNE KING</a>

Almost 30,000 federal employees in the Kansas City area are caught in the chaos that has defined President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

So far, the Trump administration has reinstituted a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/restoring-accountability-to-policy-influencing-positions-within-the-federal-workforce/" target="_blank">policy</a>&nbsp;making it easier to fire federal employees. It has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/" target="_blank">ordered</a>&nbsp;remote workers to return to the office. Federal agencies have been placed under a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/hiring-freeze/" target="_blank">hiring freeze</a>. And most civilian employees have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opm.gov/fork" target="_blank">emailed</a>&nbsp;a buyout offer that experts agree has tenuous legal standing.

“The federal workforce,” the Jan. 28 email to employees said, “should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work. Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward.”

The email, headlined “Fork in the Road,” promised “restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force. These actions are likely to include the use of furloughs and the reclassification to at-will status of a substantial number of federal employees.”

“It’s pretty gross,” said one federal employee in Kansas City who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. “I went so far as to change my voter registration” from Democrat to independent.

He said he hoped that could spare him from a potential loyalty sweep that might use party affiliation as a metric.

“I knew this would probably happen,” said another local federal employee who also asked not to be named. “But in the first week he was in office?”

Federal job cuts will have ‘outsized impact’

While federal workers brace for more changes and fear for their livelihoods, economists warn that any major reduction in federal jobs — and the inevitable disruptions in government services that follow — could be devastating to Kansas City’s economy.

“It can cascade really easily,” said Chris Kuehl, co-founder of Armada Corporate Intelligence.

Since the Truman administration, the federal government has played a major role in the Kansas City area’s economic health. With 29,883 federal employees here, the federal government is by far the metro’s largest employer, accounting for about 3% of overall employment. And that figure doesn’t include contract workers or private companies that depend on federal contracts to do business.

The Internal Revenue Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Social Security Administration, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture and the General Services Administration are just some of the federal agencies that have a regional presence.

“Even a small adjustment in the federal workforce will have an outsized impact on the economy,” said Brent Never, an associate professor of public affairs at the&nbsp;<a href="https://bloch.umkc.edu/bloch-lead-scholars/index.html?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=visionpoint_blochleadscholars_pros&amp;utm_content=branded&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAqfe8BhBwEiwAsne6gZDfZ9PwXvRvMdE7Uk79jXOOxORKMMOUwvk6fjO4Ih0ElUuyxX5VSxoCcIcQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Henry W. Bloch School of Management</a>&nbsp;at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Federal employees tend to be fairly well paid and their salaries are fueled by money coming from outside the community, making them even more valuable in economic terms. Federal workers spend at stores and restaurants, and on services inside the community.

Frank Lenk, director of economic research at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marc.org/" target="_blank">Mid-America Regional Council</a>, estimates that each federal job, and the income it creates, fuels another job in the region. That means if 3,000 federal jobs permanently went away, Kansas City’s economy could lose about 6,000 workers overall.

“From an impact standpoint,” Lenk said, “those are powerful jobs.”

Federal workforce feels growing uncertainty

Before Jan. 20, the federal government’s approximately 3 million civilian employees probably would have said that they enjoyed job security.

But then came President Trump’s hiring freeze, his promises to slash jobs and his executive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;requiring every employee to return to the office or get fired.

The Kansas City federal worker who said he changed his voter party affiliation out of fear of being fired said he took his government job because of its benefits — especially the benefit of working remotely.

Only going into the office once a week means he can be around when his kids get home from school. He saves an hour a day not having to commute, which gives him time to cook, rather than having to pay to eat out. And he avoids other ancillary expenses like parking and extra child care. Parking alone, he estimates, will run thousands of dollars a year if he has to return to the office full time.

“You’re not making a lot in pay being a federal employee,” he said, “but that one benefit of being able to telework means everything.”

Diana Hicks, a national vice president with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.afge.org/" target="_blank">American Federation of Government Employees</a>&nbsp;(AFGE) who oversees a district that includes Missouri and Kansas, said the union is fighting against the return-to-work order.

Many employees were hired with the promise of remote positions. And the benefit is baked into many of the union’s collective bargaining agreements, she said.

“They’re altering a condition of employment,” Hicks said.

The union is also advising its members to beware of the “deferred resignation” offer thousands of employees received on Jan. 28 in an email that came directly to employees from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Normally, communication from the government’s top personnel office would be filtered through individual agencies.

The “Fork in the Road”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opm.gov/fork" target="_blank">memo</a>, which had the same title and highly similar content as one that Twitter employees received from tech billionaire Elon Musk in 2022, read more like a scene from “Severance,” the dystopian TV show, than an HR memo.

It offered employees the chance to resign now, but retain pay and benefits until Sept. 30. It was sent to all full-time federal employees except for military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers, and people working in the areas of immigration enforcement and national security.

Employees who decide to accept it need only reply to the email, adding the word “resign,” by Feb. 6.

“At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency,” the memo advised employees who don’t accept the resignation offer.

But accepting it, many legal experts warned, would come with no guarantees and many questions. For one thing, a continuing resolution currently funding the U.S. budget expires March 14, more than six months before the promised last paycheck. And that’s not the only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/breaking-down-opm-s--fork-in-the-road--email-to-federal-workers" target="_blank">legal hurdle</a>&nbsp;that could render the offer much less than promised, experts said.

Unions representing federal workers urged caution.

“There is not yet any evidence the administration can or will uphold its end of the bargain, that Congress will go along with this unilateral massive restructuring, or that appropriated funds can be used this way, among other issues that have been raised,” the National Treasury Employees Union told members in an email.

AFGE said the offer should not be viewed as voluntary.

“It is an attempt to get federal employees to resign,”&nbsp; said Hicks. “This is essentially a fast track, ‘You have a week to respond with no guarantee.’”

It is unclear how many employees have returned the email. But a&nbsp;<a href="https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2025/01/survey-most-feds-say-opms-resignation-offer-too-uncertain-to-accept/" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;of 4,600 federal employees conducted by the Federal News Network found that three-quarters of respondents said they would decline.

Regardless of whether employees choose to leave, however, the Trump administration has promised a major overhaul of the civilian workforce and promised “restructurings, realignments and reductions in force.”

That means many of Kansas City’s federal employees are likely to end up on the job market. Kuehl said many will need training to easily fit into jobs currently available in private industry. So far, that doesn’t seem to be on the new administration’s to-do list.

Never, the UMKC professor, speculated that many of the federal employees who lose their jobs will face underemployment when they move to their next job.

“That has a large effect on a family’s wealth over time,” he said.

The federal downsizing could have economic implications beyond just the salaries that disappear. The services federal jobs provide will probably be disrupted, and that could also affect the region. If tax refunds are delayed, small-business or education loans go unprocessed or Social Security benefits aren’t paid, the effects will ripple through the economy.

On top of that, a raft of other executive orders have threatened federal funding to organizations across the region, creating widespread&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/01/29/federal-funding-freeze-threat-causes-panic-in-kc-health-nonprofits/" target="_blank">uncertainty</a>.

The Trump administration may be betting that there’s enough bloat in the federal government to take out thousands of jobs without services being affected.

“That’s the open question,” Lenk said. “Can you have this kind of reduction and not have it significantly affect government services?”

And as for the administration’s stated goal to trim costs in order to cut the federal deficit, questions also exist about whether this plan will help.

Reducing the deficit may be a worthy goal, Never said, but cuts that cause disruptions in federal services and affect the economy could actually lead to bigger problems for the country than a large deficit.

“We have the most attractive debt because people know we’re good for it,” Never said. “But when the government becomes erratic, there start to be questions about our intent on paying our bills. That’s what would make our debt more expensive.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/03/kc-federal-workers-braces-for-job-cuts-as-trump-plans-purge/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<h2>The federal government is by far Kansas City’s largest employer and a major economic engine. Experts warn the region’s economy will feel the pain when jobs disappear</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/suzanneking/">SUZANNE KING</a>Almost 30,000 federal employees in the Kansas City area are caught in the chaos that has defined President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.So far, the Trump administration has reinstituted a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/restoring-accountability-to-policy-influencing-positions-within-the-federal-workforce/" target="_blank">policy</a>&nbsp;making it easier to fire federal employees. It has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/" target="_blank">ordered</a>&nbsp;remote workers to return to the office. Federal agencies have been placed under a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/hiring-freeze/" target="_blank">hiring freeze</a>. And most civilian employees have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opm.gov/fork" target="_blank">emailed</a>&nbsp;a buyout offer that experts agree has tenuous legal standing.“The federal workforce,” the Jan. 28 email to employees said, “should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work. Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward.”The email, headlined “Fork in the Road,” promised “restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force. These actions are likely to include the use of furloughs and the reclassification to at-will status of a substantial number of federal employees.”“It’s pretty gross,” said one federal employee in Kansas City who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. “I went so far as to change my voter registration” from Democrat to independent.He said he hoped that could spare him from a potential loyalty sweep that might use party affiliation as a metric.“I knew this would probably happen,” said another local federal employee who also asked not to be named. “But in the first week he was in office?”<h2>Federal job cuts will have ‘outsized impact’</h2>While federal workers brace for more changes and fear for their livelihoods, economists warn that any major reduction in federal jobs — and the inevitable disruptions in government services that follow — could be devastating to Kansas City’s economy.“It can cascade really easily,” said Chris Kuehl, co-founder of Armada Corporate Intelligence.Since the Truman administration, the federal government has played a major role in the Kansas City area’s economic health. With 29,883 federal employees here, the federal government is by far the metro’s largest employer, accounting for about 3% of overall employment. And that figure doesn’t include contract workers or private companies that depend on federal contracts to do business.The Internal Revenue Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Social Security Administration, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture and the General Services Administration are just some of the federal agencies that have a regional presence.“Even a small adjustment in the federal workforce will have an outsized impact on the economy,” said Brent Never, an associate professor of public affairs at the&nbsp;<a href="https://bloch.umkc.edu/bloch-lead-scholars/index.html?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=visionpoint_blochleadscholars_pros&amp;utm_content=branded&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAqfe8BhBwEiwAsne6gZDfZ9PwXvRvMdE7Uk79jXOOxORKMMOUwvk6fjO4Ih0ElUuyxX5VSxoCcIcQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Henry W. Bloch School of Management</a>&nbsp;at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.Federal employees tend to be fairly well paid and their salaries are fueled by money coming from outside the community, making them even more valuable in economic terms. Federal workers spend at stores and restaurants, and on services inside the community.Frank Lenk, director of economic research at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marc.org/" target="_blank">Mid-America Regional Council</a>, estimates that each federal job, and the income it creates, fuels another job in the region. That means if 3,000 federal jobs permanently went away, Kansas City’s economy could lose about 6,000 workers overall.“From an impact standpoint,” Lenk said, “those are powerful jobs.”<h2>Federal workforce feels growing uncertainty</h2>Before Jan. 20, the federal government’s approximately 3 million civilian employees probably would have said that they enjoyed job security.But then came President Trump’s hiring freeze, his promises to slash jobs and his executive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;requiring every employee to return to the office or get fired.The Kansas City federal worker who said he changed his voter party affiliation out of fear of being fired said he took his government job because of its benefits — especially the benefit of working remotely.Only going into the office once a week means he can be around when his kids get home from school. He saves an hour a day not having to commute, which gives him time to cook, rather than having to pay to eat out. And he avoids other ancillary expenses like parking and extra child care. Parking alone, he estimates, will run thousands of dollars a year if he has to return to the office full time.“You’re not making a lot in pay being a federal employee,” he said, “but that one benefit of being able to telework means everything.”Diana Hicks, a national vice president with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.afge.org/" target="_blank">American Federation of Government Employees</a>&nbsp;(AFGE) who oversees a district that includes Missouri and Kansas, said the union is fighting against the return-to-work order.Many employees were hired with the promise of remote positions. And the benefit is baked into many of the union’s collective bargaining agreements, she said.“They’re altering a condition of employment,” Hicks said.The union is also advising its members to beware of the “deferred resignation” offer thousands of employees received on Jan. 28 in an email that came directly to employees from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Normally, communication from the government’s top personnel office would be filtered through individual agencies.The “Fork in the Road”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opm.gov/fork" target="_blank">memo</a>, which had the same title and highly similar content as one that Twitter employees received from tech billionaire Elon Musk in 2022, read more like a scene from “Severance,” the dystopian TV show, than an HR memo.It offered employees the chance to resign now, but retain pay and benefits until Sept. 30. It was sent to all full-time federal employees except for military personnel, U.S. Postal Service workers, and people working in the areas of immigration enforcement and national security.Employees who decide to accept it need only reply to the email, adding the word “resign,” by Feb. 6.“At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency,” the memo advised employees who don’t accept the resignation offer.But accepting it, many legal experts warned, would come with no guarantees and many questions. For one thing, a continuing resolution currently funding the U.S. budget expires March 14, more than six months before the promised last paycheck. And that’s not the only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/breaking-down-opm-s--fork-in-the-road--email-to-federal-workers" target="_blank">legal hurdle</a>&nbsp;that could render the offer much less than promised, experts said.Unions representing federal workers urged caution.“There is not yet any evidence the administration can or will uphold its end of the bargain, that Congress will go along with this unilateral massive restructuring, or that appropriated funds can be used this way, among other issues that have been raised,” the National Treasury Employees Union told members in an email.AFGE said the offer should not be viewed as voluntary.“It is an attempt to get federal employees to resign,”&nbsp; said Hicks. “This is essentially a fast track, ‘You have a week to respond with no guarantee.’”<h2>‘Reductions in force’ promised</h2>It is unclear how many employees have returned the email. But a&nbsp;<a href="https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2025/01/survey-most-feds-say-opms-resignation-offer-too-uncertain-to-accept/" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;of 4,600 federal employees conducted by the Federal News Network found that three-quarters of respondents said they would decline.Regardless of whether employees choose to leave, however, the Trump administration has promised a major overhaul of the civilian workforce and promised “restructurings, realignments and reductions in force.”That means many of Kansas City’s federal employees are likely to end up on the job market. Kuehl said many will need training to easily fit into jobs currently available in private industry. So far, that doesn’t seem to be on the new administration’s to-do list.Never, the UMKC professor, speculated that many of the federal employees who lose their jobs will face underemployment when they move to their next job.“That has a large effect on a family’s wealth over time,” he said.The federal downsizing could have economic implications beyond just the salaries that disappear. The services federal jobs provide will probably be disrupted, and that could also affect the region. If tax refunds are delayed, small-business or education loans go unprocessed or Social Security benefits aren’t paid, the effects will ripple through the economy.On top of that, a raft of other executive orders have threatened federal funding to organizations across the region, creating widespread&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/01/29/federal-funding-freeze-threat-causes-panic-in-kc-health-nonprofits/" target="_blank">uncertainty</a>.The Trump administration may be betting that there’s enough bloat in the federal government to take out thousands of jobs without services being affected.“That’s the open question,” Lenk said. “Can you have this kind of reduction and not have it significantly affect government services?”And as for the administration’s stated goal to trim costs in order to cut the federal deficit, questions also exist about whether this plan will help.Reducing the deficit may be a worthy goal, Never said, but cuts that cause disruptions in federal services and affect the economy could actually lead to bigger problems for the country than a large deficit.“We have the most attractive debt because people know we’re good for it,” Never said. “But when the government becomes erratic, there start to be questions about our intent on paying our bills. That’s what would make our debt more expensive.”This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/03/kc-federal-workers-braces-for-job-cuts-as-trump-plans-purge/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Nearly 30,000 federal workers in Kansas City brace for layoffs

Sen. Jerry Moran says VA programs exempt from president’s federal funding freeze

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, said President Donald Trump’s sudden pause of federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs was causing unnecessary disruption and anxiety for Kansans.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked the spending freeze until Monday when a hearing on the issue was scheduled.

The Trump administration’s standstill in allocation of federal tax dollars was devised to create a window for an administrative review intended to root out initiatives opposed by the president.

“Families shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their kids, keeping a roof over their heads or affording health care,” Davids said. “This reckless and deliberately vague order cuts vital investments in our economy that hardworking Kansans rely on to stay safe and healthy.”

Davids said the Trump administration should be working to address “real needs of our communities” that included lowering the cost of living for families rather than prioritizing interests of “big corporations and special interests.”

The president’s order put public safety as risk by jeopardizing funding to law enforcement, homeland security and disaster response programs, Davids said. Questions were raised about implications for federally funded road, bridge and transit infrastructure projects, she said.

Davids said the president’s directive could interfere with operation of Head Start, mental health services, the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline as well as funding for tribal communities, small business loans and energy programs.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said Trump’s directive wouldn’t disrupt services and benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Moran, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said he was assured no VA programs, including those provided through grant recipients, would be undercut by directives issued by Trump through the Office of Management and Budget.

“Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Moran said. “I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738170282573.png" alt="File photo Rep. Davids a the Panasonic manufacturing plant in De Soto&nbsp; earlier this month" />
 <figcaption>File photo Rep. Davids a the Panasonic manufacturing plant in De Soto&nbsp; earlier this month</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Sen. Jerry Moran says VA programs exempt from president’s federal funding freeze</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, said President Donald Trump’s sudden pause of federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs was causing unnecessary disruption and anxiety for Kansans.A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked the spending freeze until Monday when a hearing on the issue was scheduled.The Trump administration’s standstill in allocation of federal tax dollars was devised to create a window for an administrative review intended to root out initiatives opposed by the president.“Families shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their kids, keeping a roof over their heads or affording health care,” Davids said. “This reckless and deliberately vague order cuts vital investments in our economy that hardworking Kansans rely on to stay safe and healthy.”Davids said the Trump administration should be working to address “real needs of our communities” that included lowering the cost of living for families rather than prioritizing interests of “big corporations and special interests.”The president’s order put public safety as risk by jeopardizing funding to law enforcement, homeland security and disaster response programs, Davids said. Questions were raised about implications for federally funded road, bridge and transit infrastructure projects, she said.Davids said the president’s directive could interfere with operation of Head Start, mental health services, the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline as well as funding for tribal communities, small business loans and energy programs.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said Trump’s directive wouldn’t disrupt services and benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Moran, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said he was assured no VA programs, including those provided through grant recipients, would be undercut by directives issued by Trump through the Office of Management and Budget.“Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Moran said. “I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids blasts Trump’s ‘reckless and deliberately vague’ halt to spending

WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – on Tuesday issued the following statement after receiving confirmation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that there are no VA programs impacted by the federal funding pause:

“After my inquiry today, VA has confirmed that no direct benefits or assistance provided through grant partners is impacted by OMB's pause on federal funding. Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – on Tuesday issued the following statement after receiving confirmation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that there are no VA programs impacted by the federal funding pause:“After my inquiry today, VA has confirmed that no direct benefits or assistance provided through grant partners is impacted by OMB's pause on federal funding. Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

Moran: VA will not be impacted by federal funding pause

By NATE KING Salina Post

Coperion K-Tron, a bulk handling manufacturing company in Salina announced plans to close its facility by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of 98 jobs.

The company notified Salina Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and KansasWorks on Jan. 22 through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice. This federal law mandates that employers provide 60 days advance notice to employees in the event of plant closures or mass layoffs.

According to Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization in partnership with Kansas Works and Kansas Department of Commerce’s rapid response team are working to assist those affected by the layoffs. The team will help connect displaced workers with new employment opportunities and other Salina resources.

By NATE KING Salina PostCoperion K-Tron, a bulk handling manufacturing company in Salina announced plans to close its facility by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of 98 jobs.The company notified Salina Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and KansasWorks on Jan. 22 through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice. This federal law mandates that employers provide 60 days advance notice to employees in the event of plant closures or mass layoffs.According to Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization in partnership with Kansas Works and Kansas Department of Commerce’s rapid response team are working to assist those affected by the layoffs. The team will help connect displaced workers with new employment opportunities and other Salina resources.Salina Post reached out to Coperion K-Tron for comment but was unable to connect with a company representative.Additional details about the closure and support efforts have not been announced.

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