Federal Stimulus Money Update

Back in February we published a KGI blog issue about the Federal Stimulus Program newly under way under the administration of President Obama. Yesterday Kansas media reported on stimulus money awarded to increase police workforces in various Kansas cities once again raising the question of just what the Federal program is and what it does.

Below are links to some of the information we supplied back in February as well as new resources available on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and current projects and programs under way. Many thanks to Kim Harp here at the State Library for the February blog issue on which this update is based.

FEDERAL INFORMATION

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1enr.pdf (Full text of the Act)

Recovery.gov
http://www.recovery.gov/
(A website established and maintained by The Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board – a group created to coordinate and conduct oversight of funds distributed under the Act in order to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.)

The Recovery Act Q&A
http://www.whitehouse.gov/recovery/about/faqs/
(Information from the Federal Government on the Act and projects)

Agency Sites and Information
http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/agencies
(All Federal departments and agencies receiving Recovery Act stimulus funding must submit weekly Financial and Activity Reports detailing distribution of Recovery funds, major actions taken so far, and actions planned for the near term. To view the agencies' own Recovery Act Web sites, follow the links listed on the website linked above.)

State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Information
http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/state-local-tribal-and-territorial-resources

Where is Your Money Going?
http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/investments
("The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 targets investments toward key areas that will save and create good jobs immediately, while also laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth. The charts and numbers below give you an idea of where the money is going.")

Maps
http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/maps
("These maps represent a combination of enhanced, new, and already existing maps and are the first steps toward a more detailed mapping and graphics section that the Recovery Board is developing. Click on each map for all the information.")

The Road to Recovery
http://www.whitehouse.gov/recovery/
("WhiteHouse.gov/Recovery allows the public to follow America's recovery story and serves as the Administration’s one-stop shop for a range of content from video to blog posts to briefings and statements related to the Recovery Act. At WhiteHouse.gov/Recovery, you can get updates from Vice President Biden and the Administration on the Recovery Act’s progress and stories from real people about how the Recovery Act is influencing their lives. ")

The Recovery Blog
http://www.whitehouse.gov/recovery/blog/
(From whitehouse.gov... Day to day information on Recovery Act projects)

Roadmap to Recovery
http://www.whitehouse.gov/recovery/roadmap/
("On June 8th, 2009, the President and Vice President announced the Roadmap to Recovery – a summer initiative designed to accelerate the Administration’s recovery efforts. Ten major projects – from job creation to increasing health care access to natural park restoration – were announced. To learn more about the recovery projects happening this summer in your neighborhood, click on the link above.")

Recovery Report: 100 Days, 100 Projects
http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/100-days.pdf
(Report from the Obama Administration on projects undertaken within the first 100 days of the Recovery Project's beginning)

KANSAS RESOURCES

Kansas American Recovery Act Website
http://www.governor.ks.gov/recovery/default.htm

Kansas Department of Commerce
http://www.kansascommerce.com/Newsroom/newsid781/62/mid/781.aspx
(American Recovery Act to fund expansion of rural high-speed Internet in Kansas)

Kansas Department of Education
http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3480

Kansas Department of Transportation
http://www.ksdot.org/Economic_Recovery/

Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Benefits
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/BF5DDAA413526A20852575EE004BDB20

Recovery Act Funding for Community Health Centers in Kansas
http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/hrsa/kansas.html

Article contact: Bill Sowers
(Check out recent additions to our collection here)

Financial Literacy Education

There is an old curse of disputed origin which says, "May you live in interesting times."

These are indeed interesting times for many of us as we deal with shrinking pocketbooks, budgeting difficulties and financial planning headaches. Because of this, understanding the workings of personal finance, financial planning, lifestyle flexibility and locating helpful services become important tools in not just surviving, but thriving in difficult times.

Below are some online government resources that may be helpful in educating and informing all of us in weathering these "interesting times."

KANSAS INFORMATION

Thriving in Tough Times: Financial Resources
http://kslibinfo.wetpaint.com/page/Finances
(Information provided by Kansas librarians through the State Library of Kansas)

Financial Literacy Resources
http://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/prodweb/financial_resources.php
(From the Kansas State Treasurer's Office)

Financial Literacy Resources
http://www.kcua.coop/Financial_Lit_Resources_147.html
(From the Kansas Credit Union Association)

Kansas Financial Literacy Education Law
http://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/prodweb/press/column_3.php
(Statement by State Treasurer Dennis McKinney on a recently passed law on teaching financial literacy in Kansas schools)

Kansas Council on Economic Education
http://www.kcee.wichita.edu/
(The KCEE is a non-profit, business-education partnership dedicated to helping Kansas' K-12 teachers teach economics and personal finance)

KTKA and WIBW News
http://www.ktka.com/news/2009/jun/02/financial_literacy_education_now_law_kansas/
http://www.wibw.com/political/headlines/46769327.html
(Two news stories about the Kansas Financial Literacy Education Law which will require financial literacy education in Kansas schools)

US GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Mymoney.gov
http://www.mymoney.gov/
(MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401k, the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you do it better.)

Paying for Education
http://www.mymoney.gov/education.shtml
(A list of resources supplied by MyMoney.gov)

Responding to Life Events
http://www.mymoney.gov/life.shtml
(Birth, death, marriage, divorce, illness, foreclosure, job loss, re-education, etc.)

Retirement Planning
http://www.mymoney.gov/retirement.shtml
(Information on pensions, health benefits, savings, Social Security, etc.)

MyMoney for kids
http://www.mymoney.gov/kids.shtml
(Web resources for children on finance and budgeting supplied by US government agencies)

New faces in new places

In the last few months, several public officials have left state offices to work at the federal level, leaving a few vacancies to be filled back here in Kansas. Below you'll find a rundown of who has left for Washington D.C. and the new faces that will be replacing them.

April 2009- Governor Kathleen Sebelius resigns to take a position as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Then-Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson steps up to carry out the rest of her term.
Read Governor Parkinson's biography at:
http://www.governor.ks.gov/about/default.htm

May 2009- Governor Parkinson names Troy Findley as his new Lieutenant Governor.
Read Troy Findley's biography at:
http://www.governor.ks.gov/LtGov/about/default.htm
See the Governor's press release at:
http://www.governor.ks.gov/News/NewsRelease/2009/nr-09-0514a.htm

June 2009- Kansas Secretary of Aging Kathy Greenlee was confirmed as the new Assistant U.S. Secretary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Governor Parkinson named Martin “Marty” Kennedy as Interim Secretary for the Department on Aging.
Read Marty Kennedy's biography at:
http://www.agingkansas.org/
See the Governor's press release at: http://www.governor.ks.gov/News/NewsRelease/2009/nr-09-0626b.htm
See the U.S. Department of Aging's press release at:
http://www.aoa.gov/AoAroot/Press_Room/News/2009/06_26_09.aspx

June 2009- Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky announces his pending resignation to serve as Kansas State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA. Governor Parkinson appoints State Representative Joshua Svaty as Acting Secretary of the Department of Agriculture in July.
See the Governor's press release at: http://www.governor.ks.gov/News/NewsRelease/2009/nr-09-0714a.htm
See the USDA's press release at:
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/newsReleases?area=newsroom&subject=landing&topic=ner&newstype=newsrel&type=detail&item=nr_20090629_rel_0269.html

July 2009- Announcement by President Obama that he intends to appoint Secretary of the Kansas Department of Education Alexa Posney to the post of Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education.
See the President's press release at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-Announces-More-Key-Administration-Posts-7-6-09/ and
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Nominations-Sent-to-the-Senate-7-7-09/

Here's to your health!

The Kansas Health Institute recently released a statement which indicated that Kansas ranks as the 18th fattest state, tied with Alaska. This statement reported that, "Kansas had an adult obesity rate of 27.2 percent and a child obesity rate of 31.1 percent." We're all concerned about how to best keep fit and healthy, but did you know that your Kansas government is concerned too? Various state agencies have made it their goal to promote health awareness and provide opportunities for you to get and stay in the best of health.

Governor's Office:
HealthyKansas is a State of Kansas wellness initiative built around three pillars: getting active, eating sensibly, and living tobacco-free. Look for fun incentives, recipes, and other great advice: http://www.healthykansas.org/

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:
Healthy Communities- resources for making your town a healthy one! http://www.kdheks.gov/bhp/healthy_ks_comm/resources.htm

Healthy Kansans 2010- Health priorities and priority indicators are identified and adopted by the Kansas leaders and organizations addressing the comprehensive health continuum http://healthykansans2010.org/ Final report available at: http://healthykansans2010.org/KPHAFiles/Final%20Report%2011-7-06.pdf

Kansas Kids Fitness Day- was held May 1, 2009 but will be held again! http://www.kdheks.gov/kkfd/index.html

Kansas Lean 21- Recognizing the rapidly increasing rates of and alarming health impacts (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke, etc.) from sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits, representatives from more than 50 organizations and agencies across the state have formed the expanded Kansas LEAN-21 Coalition http://www.kdheks.gov/lean/index.html

Step Up Step Out- a fully designed fitness curriculum available at: http://www.kdheks.gov/lean/resources.html

Kansas Department on Aging:
STEPS program (Seniors Together Enjoy Physical Success)-an exercise program targeted for seniors over the age of 60 http://www.agingkansas.org/HealthyAging/STEPS/STEPS_Index.html

Other publications from this agency: http://www.agingkansas.org/Publications/Publication_Index.htm

Kansas Department of Agriculture:
Ensures that the locally grown food at your local market is safe. Learn more at: http://www.ksda.gov/food_safety/content/334

The Kansas Health Policy Authority:
Kansas Health Online- a consumer website where you'll find quality information and news about medical conditions, health insurance, and health care policy. http://www.kansashealthonline.org/

Publications regarding healthcare reform available at: http://www.khpa.ks.gov/news/default.htm

You can apply for Medicaid or Healthwave (state sponsored healthcare) at: http://www.khpa.ks.gov/news/default.htm

Kansas State Department of Education:
Body Venture- a touring educational exibit featuring child health and nutrition http://www.bodyventure.org/BV/BVMenus/Home_BV.html

Child Nutrition and Wellness program-provides information, resources, training and technical assistance to local agencies operating child nutrition and wellness programs. http://www.kn-eat.org/CNW/CNW_Menus/Index.htm

Coordinated School Health program-an eight-component approach to help youth establish healthful behaviors and attitudes http://www.kshealthykids.org/CSHP/KCSH_Menus/KCSH_Home.htm

Eat, Exercise, Excel! program-an award-winning, multi-faceted school wellness program that focuses on improving students' nutrition and increasing their physical activity. http://www.eatexerciseexcel.org/EEE/EEEMenus/EEE_Home.htm

State Library of Kansas:
Kansas Reads to Preschoolers... About Fitness! (2009 website to be coming soon- look for further blog entries on this program)

Thriving in Tough Times- health page
http://kslibinfo.wetpaint.com/page/Health

Health databases available through the State Library website
http://www.kslib.info/
(click on "explore our resources" then scroll down until you find the Health & Medical Information databases)

Drive on the Right Law, et al.

Over 140 bills passed during the 2009 Legislative Session and were signed into law. Many of these new laws go into effect today. Among the new statutes is the "Drive on the Right" law which some have found to be a bit confusing.

Below is a summary of the "Drive on the Right" law provided by the Kansas Legislative Research Department from its publication, 2009 Summary of Legislation (pages 138-139). We've also included some other links to information on "drive on the right" laws as well as a couple resources on legislative activities during the 2009 Session .

Summary of the Drive on the Right Law
"Drive on the Right"; Increases in Certain Motor Carrier Permit Fees; and Cotton Module Permits —House Sub. for SB145

House Sub. for SB145 requires vehicles to be driven in the right lane on a multi-lane road outside of a city, increases certain permit fees charged by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), and changes requirements for cotton module permits.

Specifically, the bill makes the following changes to the existing law:

● It amends existing law to require vehicles to be driven in the right lane when two lanes of traffic are going in the same direction on a highway outside of any city. It also requires vehicles on highways with three or more lanes proceeding in the same direction not to be driven in the far left lane. Exceptions apply to both cases:

● When overtaking and passing another vehicle;

● When preparing to make a proper left turn;

● As otherwise directed by official traffic-control devices; or

● As otherwise required by other provisions of law.

The provisions do not apply to authorized emergency, law enforcement, or Kansas Turnpike Authority vehicles or to KDOT vehicles used for construction or maintenance work. Law enforcement officials will be required to issue warning citations for the first full year the bill’s provisions will be in effect (until July 1, 2010).

Kansas News Media Information on the Law

Topeka Capital-Journal
http://www.cjonline.com/news/state/2009-06-27/stay_on_the_right_its_the_law

Wichita Eagle
http://www.kansas.com/news/legislature/story/874759.html

KWCH TV News (Wichita)
http://www.kwch.com/Global/story.asp?s=10556830

Other States With Keep Right Laws
(This is a sampling of a handful of states. Also keep in mind that laws can sometimes change faster than they are updated on state websites)

Colorado
http://www.cdot.info/Publications/Brochures/leftlanebrochure.pdf
(A pamphlet on the state's law)

Idaho
http://www3.idaho.gov/cgi-bin/newidst?sctid=490060030.K

Illinois
http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-701

Washington State
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.61.100

Other Resources on Right/Left Lane Laws

Lane Courtesy
http://www.motorists.org/lanecourtesy/
(National Motorists Association information on the importance of keeping to the right on highways)

State "Keep Right" Laws
http://www.mit.edu/~jfc/right.html
(A comparison of state "keep right" laws compiled by John Carr, MIT)

Other Legislation of Interest Passed During the 2009 Session

2009 Summary of Legislation
http://www.skyways.org/ksleg/KLRD/Publications/2009-summary-of-legislation.pdf
(Kansas Legislative Research Department)

2009 Legislative Highlights
http://www.skyways.org/ksleg/KLRD/Publications/2009-legislative-highlights.pdf
(Kansas Legislative Research Department)