Newsletter - February 10, 2019
In Topeka

Maria Dennison Regional Director for the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) located at Seward County Community College was in Topeka this week. We talked about the challenges and opportunities for successful businesses in our area. We also talked about the new Liberal/Seward County Economic Development Corporation and the idea of the area community colleges working together with our state universities to provide midlevel health care professionals and other degree programs in our communities.
The KSBDC at Seward County Community College is a regional resource and support center for the small business person. Any individual interested in starting a small business or any existing small business firm may receive assistance from the KSBDC. There are no charges associated with one-on-one consulting. Fees may be charged for costs associated with training courses.
The KSBDC is a an accredited business development service that is part of the national Small Business Development Center Network and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Kansas Department of Commerce. Our local KSBDC office is at Seward County Community College/Area Technical School, 2215 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67905. Phone: 620-417-1955, Email: swksbdc@sccc.edu.

I’ve always believed Southwest Kansas can be more successful when we work together with other local communities. No man is an island and neither are communities. Sally Fuller, with the Liberal Convention and Tourism Board was visiting Legislators with members of Dodge City’s Convention and Tourism Board to promote Southwest Kansas tourism. There are lots of attractions in Southwest Kansas, if your looking for a day trip check out
https://www.travelks.com/regions-cities/regions/southwest/.
The House was active this week passing seven bills. The bills still must pass the senate and be signed by the governor before they become law.
HB 2044 provides incentives for private businesses to provide work for the blind and disabled. This creates meaningful opportunities for these communities to participate in the economy and is part of building a pathway to prosperity for all Kansans.
HB 2039 provides full faith and credit to the judgments of tribal courts in our state. One of foundations of our system is that justice is consistent and fair. This bill ensures judgments will be enforced by state and tribal courts so those who would commit an injustice cannot hide in a loophole between Kansas and the sovereign tribes.
HB 2034 Created the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act. This act is designed to allow a Kansan in need of additional support such as the elderly or a person with disabilities to formalize an agreement with a caregiver or other supporter. Supporters can help obtain information and give guidance and counsel on important decisions that might be difficult or stressful to make without assistance. This bill will reduce the need for court ordered guardianships and conservatorships and make it easier for those who need help to have it.
HB 2038 would create law providing for the automatic revocation of certain inheritance rights of a former spouse upon divorce. Current Kansas Probate Code includes a statute (KSA 59610) providing for automatic revocation of provisions of a will upon divorce, but the current statute does not apply to revocable trusts or designations that are now often being used in place of wills.
"It’s good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling" Mark Twain
Constituent Services Please note my office location has changed. I am now in office 274W, second floor west wing.
Please reach out to me any time I can assist you with a state agency concern. I do ask that you send the request to me by email. This ensures that I get the information correctly to the agency we are working with.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Contact me anytime with your questions, ideas or concerns. You can reach me when I’m in Topeka by email
Shannon.francis@house.ks.gov, by phone (785) 296-7466, or by mail at 300 SW 10
th Avenue, 274-W, Topeka, KS 66612.