By KFDI News and the Associated Press:
Kansas governor Laura Kelly said she will ask legislative leaders to extend her disaster declaration for the coronavirus pandemic. The declaration will expire on Tuesday, September 15th.
The governor said the extension is needed to allow the state to have access to federal assistance with the pandemic. She said it would allow the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to provide community testing, and it would also allow the Department of Emergency Management and the Kansas National Guard to provide vital support to food banks across the state.
The governor said she sent a letter to the members of the State Finance Council ahead of a meeting that will be held Friday.
Earlier in the day, Governor Kelly told the U.S. House Financial Services Committee that the state faces “drastic and damaging” cuts if the federal government doesn’t provide more funds in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kansas is already facing deep revenue shortfalls because of the pandemic. Kelly said in remote testimony Thursday that state and local governments will have to further cut services if federal funds are reduced.
Also Thursday, the state health department said those who traveled to Aruba or attended out of state gatherings for more than 500 people will no longer be expected to quarantine when they return to Kansas.
