(Feb. 11, 2025) – Today, the Senate Government Efficiency Committee, chaired by Senator Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), held a hearing on Senate Bill 161. The bill would require legislative approval prior to any state agency seeking or implementing a public assistance program waiver or other authorization from the federal government that expands eligibility for any public assistance program or increases costs to the state.
Proponents:
- Brian Sickma, Opportunity Solutions Project
- Jerry Michaud, Developmental Services in Northwest Kansas
- Matt Fletcher, executive director of Interhab
Proponents highlighted they need to have more involvement in the process of provider input and requested an amendment.
Opponents:
- April Homan, Alliance for a Healthy Kansas
- Heather Braum, Kansas Action for Children
- Sean Gatewood, KanCare Advocates Network
- Mike Burgess, Kansas Disability Rights Center of Kansas
- Karen Seybert, Kansas Harvesters
The committee also heard from Christine Osterlund, state Medicaid director and Karla Whiteside-Hicks from the Kansas Department for Children and Families. The committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Feb. 12.