For those Kansans seeking unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, you now have an extended timeline in which to claim them.
Governor Laura Kelly, during her daily news conference Tuesday afternoon, stated the Kansas Department of Labor had recently “completed implementation of expansion of benefits from 16 to 26 weeks.” According to Governor Kelly the extension will apply automatically for applicants.
The extension was approved by the state legislature before its adjournment last month. Governor Kelly says the extension will provide state residents with a safety net until the state’s economy rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking of the economy, Governor Kelly took time to address the nearly $1.3 billion projected budget deficit the state faces over the next two fiscal years which came to light Monday. Governor Kelly says while this is news they were prepared for, the reality of the deficit is “no less jaw-dropping.”
Governor Kelly has already instructed state agencies to freeze non-coronavirus related hires and identify cost-saving steps in order to help protect “critical investments” as much as possible. Governor Kelly says she will have more information after conversations with her budget director in the next few days, however, she says she is “cautiously optimistic” they will be able to identify strategic decisions which will help offset any major cuts to critical services in the current fiscal year.
Governor Kelly is scheduled to continue her daily press briefings Wednesday at 2 pm. You can listen to the briefing in its entirety on KVOE 1400 AM, 96.9 FM and KVOE.com.
