News from the State
The Kansas Hospital Association - reported they are currently focused on capacity and the potential of a patient load increase in the future. Right now they indicated everything is pretty stable, but they are planning ahead … just in case the starting of the colleges and K-12 cause a COVID case ramp up.
The Mental Health Association - Reported they are working on both their in-person & telehealth treatment models, since they have had to switch back and forth, when new COVID positives have come into play interrupting in-person treatment. Telehealth is going to be very important going forward. It was also mentioned they are hoping business interruption for the mental health industry will be covered by SPARK Funding.
Long term Care - Reported that HMS & CMS is going to have $5 Billion in funding available for Long Term Care operators, with a higher level of funding going to impacted operations. 1/2 will be available soon, and the second 1/2 will be distributed based on how well operators keep COVID out of their LTC facilities.
Local Government - LKM - Reported many Local Governments will be using a portion of their SPARK funding to assist local businesses. It was also mentioned that if the Presidential Executive order goes into place states will have to kick in $44 million per month.
The Financial Institutions reported - The Kansas Department of Commerce (DOC) is launching its Economic Development and Connectivity (Broadband) Portal this Thursday, August 13th. It is expected that these funds will we be exhausted quickly.
The Board of Regents - reported this fall 1/3 of their classes will be online, 1/3 hybrid and 1/3 in-person … there is still a question about athletics
The Community Colleges - reported students are coming back on campus, and the COVID testing in each of the 18 counties they are located in, is very different. Their current positive rate is running 8%, most all are asymptomatic. 10 to 20% of their classes will be online, all the balance in-person.
Small Business - reported pre-COVID most of the small businesses they represent had workforce challenges, now with COVID, workforce challenges are still their # 1 issue. Now however, it is has been complicated by the $600 payments (or $400 if that is approved). Another concern is getting the kids back into the school buildings .. online classes cause workforce issues for them. Finally it was stated that tax relief and tax reform are important to small business and small business optimism declined in July.
Large business - reported CARES funding has helped, but the hospitality and entertainment industries are still really suffering.