Jerry Moran: Kansas Common Sense
August 11, 2025
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Breaking Ground for Kansas Army National Guard Readiness Center
This week, I participated in the groundbreaking for the new Kansas Army National Guard Readiness Center in Hays. This modernized facility will provide our Guardsmen and women with the needed space to conduct collective training and logistical operations. It will also serve as the central location for all Army National Guard units to assemble. National Guard Readiness Centers provide more than a valuable facility for training operations; it is a gathering place for the community to host events and continue to foster relationships with the Guard. Kansans continue to invest and support our brave men and women who answer the call to defend our great nation. Thank you to Major General Michael Venerdi for having me.
Update on Fort Hays State University Library Renovations
While in Hays, it was great visiting Fort Hays State University (FHSU) to see the ongoing renovations at Forsyth Library with FHSU President Tisa Mason. This project has been years in the making, and I helped secure $28 million in federal resources to support the renovations and invest in the education of FHSU students. During the tour, President Tisa Mason also shared an update with me on the university’s international student enrollment and how beneficial the online education program is to their virtual students studying at FHSU from around the world.
Libraries matter to me. Growing up in rural western Kansas, they were the doors and windows to the rest of the world. The newly renovated Forsyth Library will be equipped with all the services necessary to connect the FHSU community with the rest of the world. Thank you, President Mason and the FHSU staff, for hosting me and for your continued dedication to the students at FHSU.
Ribbon Cutting for Beck’s Hybrids
I attended Beck’s Hybrids' grand opening of their Salina warehouse. Beck’s is the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States and dedicates its time and resources to agricultural innovation and providing farmers with the tools they need to be successful. I appreciated the opportunity to attend Kansas Becknology Days, and I welcome Beck’s to Kansas and the opportunities they will provide to Salina and the surrounding area.
Touring Schwan’s New Distribution Center
While in Salina, I had the opportunity to tour CJ Schwan’s new distribution center. Already home to the world’s largest pizza manufacturing facility, this new addition expands Schwan’s footprint by adding nearly 140,000 square feet of space for storage and distribution all over the country. Thank you to Schwan’s CEO Brian Schiegg, plant manager Chris Wiseman and the entire Schwan’s executive team for their continued investment in the Salina community and talented workforce.
Speaking at the Sharon Springs Rotary Club
On Wednesday, I joined members of the former Sharon Springs Rotary Club for their meeting as they explored potentially partnering with the Goodland Rotary Club to restart their chapter. We discussed a number of issues important to Kansans, including agriculture, access to broadband, local schools, veterans’ assistance and health care.
As a part of the event, I presented Wallace County EMS Director Paulette Unruh and her team with a copy of the Congressional Record recognizing their heroic actions in responding to the I-70 accident near Goodland. These men and women put themselves at great risk to save others, and our community is deeply grateful to them. Thank you to Etta Walker and Jim Ross for hosting me, and to Sharon Springs Mayor Verlan Wagoner, School Superintendent Christy Hammer, Wallace County Commissioner Brian Gailey and all the other community leaders who joined us.
Touring 21st Century Bean
While in Sharon Springs, I visited 21st Century Bean, a small business owned by Kansas farmers. The facility processes wholesale dry edible beans grown in Kansas, and they strive to provide high-quality beans through a modern and efficient cleaning and bulk packaging facility. Much of 21st Century Bean’s product is bought by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through food assistance programs and their beans can be found on the shelves of food banks across the country. During my visit, we discussed procurement and reimbursement issues with some of USDA’s food assistance programs, and I saw first-hand the cleaning and packaging process of 21st Century Bean’s facility. Special thank you to 21st Century Bean Board President Alan Townsend and CEO Stacey Masters for taking the time to show me around the facility.
Visiting Automated Ag Services
After Sharon Springs, I stopped at Horrace, west of Tribune, to visit AJ Crotinger of Automated Ag Services. AJ has been using drone technology to improve efficiency in agriculture. His drones can scan fields and identify problem areas and weeds to improve the efficiency of agricultural chemicals. Another drone he uses can utilize that information to spray in the fields. During my visit, I also met with Unified Government Board Chairman Steve Mangan and his son Shad, who are area farmers, as well as Community Development Director John Kennedy and Christy Hopkins. I enjoyed learning more about AJ’s operation and talking about the challenges and opportunities that exist in Greeley County. Thank you all for your hospitality.
Kansas Bankers Policy Chat
I appreciated the Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) inviting me to participate in their policy discussion panel at the KBA annual CEO Conference. We discussed the important role that local banks play in their communities and their mission to create a credible and transparent relationship with Kansans. I also shared details about my recent legislative work, including re-introducing the Fair Audits and Inspections for Regulators (FAIR) Exams Act, which would bring more accountability to bank examinations by establishing an independent board to review banks’ appeals, and the passage of the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act, which would provide greater flexibility to more financial instructions to offer lines of credit, benefiting rural and agricultural borrowers and homeowners.
Many years ago, Marysville banker Leonard Wolfe had the idea for legislation that would let rural lenders be more competitive when extending loans for agricultural real estate. Kansas community banks and farmers alike saw the potential that lower interest rates would mean for rural America. After years of relentless advocacy, the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act passed and was signed into law in July.
A special thank you to KBA President Doug Wareham, Chairman Gene Dikeman and American Bankers Association President Rob Nichols for hosting me and for your work to support financial institutions in Kansas.
Ribbon Cutting for USD 315 Agricultural Education & Technology Center
On Friday, I attended the ribbon-cutting of the new USD 315 Agricultural Education and Technology Center in Colby. The new agricultural education center will be vital to developing a skilled workforce to meet the needs of our state’s agricultural industry and technical fields, and it will help set up high school students for successful careers. I appreciate the Colby Public Schools’ commitment to fostering partnership in education and advancing the next generation of our state’s agricultural workforce.
Special thank you to USD 315 Superintendent Katina Brenn, Colby High School Principal Stephanie McNemar, Kris Lemman and all the USD 315 School Board members for inviting me to celebrate this incredible milestone in the Colby community.
Supporting NOAA Weather Radio
As a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, I joined Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in introducing the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, which supports modernization of weather radio equipment to improve emergency communications and access to severe weather warnings. Recent severe weather across the country is a reminder of the need for a modernized emergency weather alert system. This legislation would improve alert systems in rural parts of the country with limited access to mobile broadband service, emergency warning systems or satellite coverage.
The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act incorporates part of my legislation, the FORECAST Act, to protect critical National Weather Service employees from federal hiring freezes. Weather forecasting offices in every corner of the nation must remain staffed, so Kansans and all Americans have access to accurate, lifesaving 24/7 forecasting coverage.
Discussing Aviation Safety on the Guy Benson Show
I joined Guy Benson on his Fox News radio show to discuss the National Transportation Safety Board’s public hearings on their investigation into the tragic crash near Ronald Reagan National Airport that claimed 67 lives, including Kansans.
You can listen to our full conversation here.
Increasing Resources for Veterans
Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs
I recently introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) that would cut taxes for veterans working to open small businesses. The Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act provides tax incentives for veterans who start businesses in rural and underserved communities across the country. With a 15 percent tax credit on the first $50,000 in start-up costs, veterans will be able to invest in the communities they have served. It is critical that we recognize the hard work, discipline and sacrifice veterans have shown throughout their service. I am committed to making certain our nation’s veterans are equipped with the necessary resources to successfully transition from service to civilian life.
Providing Increased Job Opportunities for Student Veterans
Additionally, I recently introduced the Hire Student Vets Act with Sen. Rosen (D-Nev.) that would provide a pathway for employers to hire student veterans for part-time work and paid internships. This legislation would automatically qualify employers for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit’s 40 percent tax credit on the first $6,000 of a new employee’s first-year wages when they hire student veterans using their GI Bill benefits. I look forward to continuing to support initiatives that provide a successful pathway for veterans post-service.
Requesting DOL Secretary to Rescind Restrictive Biden-era Farm Labor Policy
My colleagues and I urged the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to rescind a Biden-era rule affecting the H-2A Visa program, which allows U.S. farmers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary agricultural positions. The previous administration’s actions impacting this program inflated the cost of farm labor, increasing the burden on farmers in need of seasonal workers. I have long advocated for programs that allow farmers to secure labor for their operations, including seasonal immigrant labor, and I will continue to work with my colleagues and the administration to find solutions that keep agricultural operations running.
National Purple Heart Day
On August 6, our nation honored the nearly 2 million military servicemembers who were wounded or killed in combat. National Purple Heart Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the courageous men and women who put their lives on the line protecting our freedoms. Thank you for your selfless actions. God bless you.
National Health Center Week
August 3-9 was National Health Center Week, a time to recognize and thank the healthcare providers who work tirelessly to treat and care for Kansans. I’m grateful for the health centers across Kansas that serve their communities every day.
Kansas Sunrise at Fort Hays
While I was visiting Fort Hays State University this week, I captured a photo of a beautiful Kansas sunrise.
Now Accepting 2025 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2030. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Monday, September 8, 2025. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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