Jack Harvel

Bend, Topeka

Reporter at Topeka Capital-Journal

Statehouse Reporter @CJOnline. KC native. Mizzou Grad. DMs are open.

Articles

Shawnee County won't have to create a citizens panel after Kelly signs bill

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill that allows Shawnee County to avoid consolidating its government in the same way Wyandotte County has. Kansas statute compels any county with a population between 170,000 and 200,000 to create a citizens' commission to assess county governance and recommend improvements. The statute was created specifically for Wyandotte County in 1968, which eventually led to the county government consolidating with cities in 1997.
Where Kansas governor used veto powers on SNAP, Medicaid, COVID lockdowns and more

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed six bills, five of which have enough votes to likely be overridden. The bills address issues ranging from the state's Medicaid program oversight to banning SNAP recipients from purchasing certain foods deemed unhealthy. The Legislature is expected to attempt to override most of the vetoes when it returns to session. Kansas Gov.
Thousands attend anti-Trump rally in Topeka, protesting executive overreach

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Thousands of protestors gathered at the Kansas Statehouse for the People's Veto Day, organized by civic organizations to protest the Trump administration. Speakers at the event included Kansas state representatives, political candidates and activists, addressing concerns about executive overreach and threats to democracy. The protest was part of the national 50501 Movement, advocating for 50 protests in 50 state capitals, with support from groups like Indivisible and the Women's March.
Elections chair Pat Proctor announces campaign for Kansas secretary of state

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Fort Leavenworth, announced his candidacy for secretary of state in 2026. Proctor, who currently serves as the chair of the House Elections Committee, aims to increase voter confidence and ensure only citizens vote in Kansas elections. Proctor believes Kansas is making progress in meeting the benchmarks for election integrity outlined in a Trump administration executive order. The current secretary of state, Scott Schwab, is running for governor after serving two terms.
New law gives Kansas lawmakers more power in filling vacant Senate seats

2 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas lawmakers passed a bill changing how vacancies for U.S. senator, state treasurer and insurance commissioner are filled. The new law gives a legislative committee the power to submit three candidates to the governor for consideration. Previously, the governor had sole authority to appoint a replacement until a special election could be held. The bill's supporters argue it provides a more balanced approach, while opponents call it a partisan power grab.
How much the average Kansan will save after lawmakers pass property tax bill

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas lawmakers promised property tax relief throughout the campaign season. When they left the Statehouse on March 27 at the end of the legislative session, the most significant tax cut reduces the state’s mill levy by 1.5 mills. The state’s total mill levy was 21.5 mills, which is applied to the assessed value of property. One mill is equal to $1 per $1,000, and assessed value in Kansas is about 11.5% of the appraised value, which is the estimated actual market value of the home.
How much the average Kansan will save after lawmakers pass property tax bill

3 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas lawmakers passed a property tax relief bill that reduces the state's mill levy by 1.5 mills. The average homeowner will see modest savings, ranging from $25 to $258 depending on the value of their home. While the bill received bipartisan support, some Democrats complained that it did not provide enough relief. Kansas lawmakers promised property tax relief throughout the campaign season.
New Kansas law limits groups funded by foreign money from supporting referendums

3 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has allowed a bill to become law without her signature that bans campaigns for Kansas constitutional amendments from accepting large amounts of foreign money. The law prohibits organizations that have received over $100,000 in foreign funds over the past four years from contributing to campaigns concerning constitutional amendments.
New Kansas law limits groups funded by foreign money from supporting referendums

3 weeks ago | hutchnews.com | Jack Harvel

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has allowed a bill to become law without her signature that bans campaigns for Kansas constitutional amendments from accepting large amounts of foreign money. The law prohibits organizations that have received over $100,000 in foreign funds over the past four years from contributing to campaigns concerning constitutional amendments.
State pays inmate $4,000 for alleged failures to protect him from several gangs

3 weeks ago | cjonline.com | Jack Harvel

A Kansas inmate received a $4,000 settlement after alleging the state failed to protect him from prison gangs. The inmate's identity as a confidential informant was allegedly revealed, leading to threats from multiple gangs. Despite warnings, the inmate claimed he was repeatedly housed with potentially dangerous inmates. The Kansas State Finance Council approved a $4,000 settlement with an inmate who accused the state of failing to protect him from multiple prison gangs.