News from Kansas Senator Elaine Bowers

Week Eight

Senate Highlights

This week saw a lot of work done in committees. After last week's narrowing down of the myriad of legislation, lawmakers did some heavy rowing in committees. The topic of Ukraine was also discussed at the state level this week. The legislature is very fluid at this point and will continue to work on legislation in the committees and on the Senate Floor the next two weeks.

KPERS Iinvestments in Russia & China
 

Due to current events in Ukraine, KPERS Director Conroy reported how much of KPERS $26 billion is invested in Russia and China. The answer was $36 million (0.14%) invested in Russia and $140 million in China (0.5%) directly. As expected, some index funds KPERS is invested in have exposure to these two countries. Legislators looked at removing direct investments and changing index funds to limit exposure to these countries yet maintain a healthy diversification. Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers also stated “While I am only one of 9 trustees for the KPERS board, I am calling on my fellow KPERS trustees to continue to work to divest from Russian entities as soon as possible. I’m in full support of the financial sanctions placed against Russia—the aggressor—in this escalating war.”

Pages for the Senate on February 23rd

The page program resumed again this year as the Capitol is now open to the public. Bricen and Catelin Benyshek from Concordia; and Olivia Richardson and Leah Wertenberger from Marysville spent the day with us in the Capitol where they ran errands for the senators, attended committee hearings, had lunch with me, and toured the capitol.

From the State Library Online resource – Fold3

Fold3 is an online resource from the State Library of Kansas for genealogists, historians, and veterans. https://kslib.info/fold3 features collections of original military records, including stories, photos, and personal documents of those who served in the military. Many of the records come from the U.S. National Archives and the National Archive of the U.K. Content begins with the Revolutionary War and continues to the present. These records will help you discover and share stories about these everyday heroes, forgotten soldiers, and the families that supported them.

Online GED Practice Tests and learning at any age

The High School Equivalency Center is a center within LearningExpress Library, provided by the State Library of Kansas. Earning a high school equivalency credential can open the door to a more fulfilling job and better income. If you are preparing for the GED® test, HiSET® or TASC exams, the High School Equivalency Center's no-charge practice tests, tutorials, and e-books will help you reach your goal. Go to https://kslib.info/LEL and click on the tile for High School Equivalency Center. You can also find career preparations, student success skills and even learn computer and software basics at the Computer Skills Center. Questions: kslc@ks.gov.

Watch & Listen To The Kansas Legislature

Kansas Legislature YouTube—You can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings. Kansas Legislature Audio—you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings, as well. Kansas Legislature website – www.kslegislature.org - has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, and past sessions.

I appreciate all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at www.kslegislature.org. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website to current committees and also past hearings. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.

Thank you for the honor of serving you!