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Minutes for HB2785 - Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development
Short Title
Transferring certain child care programs to the Kansas office of early childhood and separating licensing duties between the secretary for health and environment and the executive director of early childhood.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 7, 2024
Chairman Tarwater called the meeting to order.
The Chair announced that Representative Jarrod Ousley would be substituting in today's meeting for Representative Poskins.
Chairman Tarwater opened the hearing on HB2785.
Assistant Revisor, Jessie Pringle, provided a briefing on the bill and stood for questions.
The following conferees provided oral proponent testimony:
Melissa Rooker, Executive Director, Kansas Children's Cabinet.(Attachment 1)
Dr. Laura Howard, Secretary, Department of Children and Families. (Attachment 2)
Jennifer Bruning, Executive Director, Kansas State Alliance of YMCA. (Attachment 3)
Secretary Janet Stanek, Kansas Department Health and Education. (Attachment 4)
Tanya Koening, Child Care Aware. (Attachment 5)
Trina Morgan, Kansas Children's Service League. (Attachment 6)
John Wilson, President, Kansas Action for Children. (Attachment 7)
Logan Stenseng, Policy Coordinator, Thrive Kansas. (Attachment 8)
Monica Murnan, Citizen (Attachment 9)
Proponent Written-Only Testimony:
Bonnie Lowe, Citizen (Attachment 10)
Stacie Clarkson, Associate Executive Director, Greenbrush (Attachment 11)
Debra Teufel, Reno County Childcare (Attachment 12)
Rachel Willis, Director of Legislative Affairs, Kansas Department of Commerce (Attachment 13)
Senator Pat Petty, Kansas State Senate (Attachment 14)
Cornelia Stevens, Citizen (Attachment 15)
Paula Neth, President, Family Conservancy (Attachment 16)
Dr. Amber Wheeler, Superintendent, USD 258 (Attachment 17)
Eldonna Chestnut, Division Director, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (Attachment 18)
Dr. Dena Hubbard, American Academy of Pediatrics (Attachment 19)
Katrina Abraham, The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 20)
Sam Huenergardt, President, Advent Health (Attachment 21)
Dr. Craig Correll, Superintendent, USD 445 (Attachment 22)
Don Hineman, Citizen (Attachment 23)
David Jordan, President, United Methodist Health Ministry Fund (Attachment 24)
Julie Lyon, Director of Economic Development, Kiowa, Barber, and Comanche counties (Attachment 25)
Heather Schrotberger, Executive Director, Kansas Head Start Association (Attachment 26)
Renee Duxler, President, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 27)
Barry Downing, Northrock (Attachment 28)
Walinda Arnett, Barber County United (Attachment 29)
Jessica Matthies, Chair, Cheyenne County Childcare Coalition (Attachment 30)
Brenda Brandy, Executive Director, Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (Attachment 31)
Nick Engels, Owner, Littles Early Learning (Attachment 32)
Randy Bowman, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Local Health Departments( Attachment 33)
Neutral Oral Testimony:
Dawn McWilliams, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Topeka (Attachment 34)
Neutral Written-Only Testimony:
Juliet Abdel, President of Government Affairs, Topeka Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 35)
Chairman Tarwater closed the hearing on HB2785.
Chairman Tarwater adjourned the committee.
