KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Lobbying activity related to legislation (Farm Bill drafts): -- Support programs that foster economic growth, incentivize affordable housing construction, and expand broadband development in rural areas, knock down barriers for young people and small farms, address food deserts, and enhance supply chain competitiveness and sustainability -- Support voluntary conservation programs, drought-resistant crops like sorghum and cotton, robust crop insurance, and biological and technological innovation -- Support rural broadband connectivity

Lobbying activity related to legislation (draft and introduced): FY2024 Appropriations acts (HR HR 4366): -- Reprogramming of Congressionally Directed Spending requests for highway projects which could not progress further in development Lobbying activity unrelated to pending legislation: -- Brief Congressional Delegation and US DOT on Kansas IKE Transportation program, support member project designation requests, community funding requests, and competitive applications and similar projects under Public Law No: 117-58 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; P.L. 117-103, 117-328, and 2024 appropriations bills -- Support project awards for KDOT applications to fund projects under MEGA (49 U.S.C. 6701) and INFRA (23 U.S.C. 117)

Lobbying activity related to legislation: -- FY2025 Appropriations acts & FY2025 Energy & Water Appropriations: Discourage congressionally directed spending in state revolving water funds -- FY2025 VA appropriations: Support efforts to avoid shortfall in veterans medical benefit payments

Lobbying activity related to pending legislation: -- NDAA - Oppose efforts to diminish governors' authority as Commanders in Chief of state military forces (e.g. "LP 480") Lobbying activity unrelated to pending legislation: -- Monitor federal actions that can impact the sovereignty and responsibilities of The People of, and the State of, Kansas. Defend Amendment X of the Constitution of the United States of America -- Support equal protection of the laws for Kansans and all Americans

Lobbying activity unrelated to pending legislation: -- Coordination between Kansas Department of Commerce, local units of government, and the U.S. Department of Commerce/EDA and federal delegation members to support economic development and job creation projects -- Support local and regional focus of EDA program administration -- Support for CHIPS Act applications from Kansas applicants