Jerry Moran: Kansas Common Sense, July 7, 2025
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran
Hello,
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Happy Independence Day
On Friday, we celebrated the 249th anniversary of America’s independence. I am thankful for the generations of Americans who came before us and fought to preserve the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution. God bless America.
Hosting a Townhall with Kansas Hospital Leaders
On Thursday, I joined the Kansas Hospital Association in hosting a virtual town hall with more than 100 Kansas hospital leaders to discuss reconciliation legislation and the reforms made to the Medicaid program. Throughout the reconciliation process, I set out to make certain rural hospitals in Kansas were at the forefront of discussions. After numerous conversations with Kansas hospital leaders, I was successful in getting included provisions that will delay wind downs of Medicaid reimbursements for two years and protect Kansas’ ability to continue pursuing its application for increased Medicaid payments.
This ensures that as Medicaid reimbursements are reduced, Kansas providers will be starting at higher reimbursement rates, buying them much-needed time to access increased federal Medicaid dollars. I also secured a one-year delay in the implementation of future reductions to state directed payments to give Kansas providers even more time to access these resources. As a result of this language, Kansas could receive $4.9 billion more in Medicaid reimbursements over the next 10 years.
Finally, I pushed for the establishment of a rural provider fund to aid rural hospitals facing significant financial challenges, through which Kansas providers are estimated to receive $1 billion over the next 5 years.
Thank you to Kansas Hospital Association President and CEO Chad Austin for hosting this event and to all the Kansas hospital CEOs in attendance for sharing the priorities of your local communities.
You can watch my remarks during the town hall discussion here.
Highlighting Kansas Wins in Reconciliation Legislation
"Forward Ever" with Gary Shorman
This week, I joined Gary Shorman on his program, “Forward Ever,” to discuss the reconciliation legislation. Advocating for Kansans and protecting rural Kansas are some of my top priorities. I voted for this bill because it will help keep rural hospitals open, support agricultural producers and provide hardworking Kansans tax relief.
You can listen to our full conversation here.
WIBW Radio with Greg Agaki
On Friday, I joined Greg Agaki with Topeka's WIBW Radio to discuss Kansas' agricultural wins in the reconciliation legislation. Gridlock in the Senate has made it challenging to pass an updated Farm Bill, and Kansas farmers and ranchers are operating under outdated policies from the 2018 Farm Bill that do not address the challenges and needs of farmers today. The agriculture provisions in the recently passed reconciliation bill provide much-needed relief for Kansas farmers.
Throughout this process, I worked to secure a modernized farm safety net, improved access to more affordable crop insurance, updates to reference prices and increased funding for trade promotion to better protect farmers against economic uncertainty and provide more responsive disaster relief. I will continue to make certain Kansas farmers, ranchers and producers are at the forefront of Farm Bill conversations as they continue.
Speaking at Graham County Hospital Clinic Ribbon Cutting
On Wednesday, I spoke at the ribbon cutting of the new Graham County Hospital Clinic in Hill City. Throughout the Senate reconciliation process, I set out to make certain rural hospitals in Kansas were at the forefront of discussions, which is why I worked to secure a $50 billion rural hospital fund to help support rural hospitals and providers facing significant financial hardship. Thank you to former Graham County Hospital CEO Melissa Atkins, current CEO Jonathan Gleason and all of the healthcare staff in Graham County.
Applauding Flame Engineering’s Exceptional Safety Achievement
This week, I joined Flame Engineering at an event in La Crosse to mark 24 years without a loss-time accident. In the mid-1950s, Ralph C. Pivonka and his son, Mike, set out to create a propane torch specifically designed to burn weeds and brush on their Kansas family farm. Since then, Flame Engineering has gone on to employ 26 Kansans and has expanded their product line to more than 100 items. This achievement is a testament to their dedication to producing quality products safely and efficiently. Thank you to Flame Engineering CEO Jason Pivonka for the invitation and for your continued commitment to safety.
Touring Midway Manufacturing
On Thursday, I toured Midway Manufacturing in Kinsley. I appreciated learning more about the cylinders and accessories they make for industries including agriculture, automotive and construction. Thank you to President Steve Habiger and their staff for hosting me for an informative tour of the work they do.
Visiting Golden Valley Cooperative
This week, I toured Golden Valley Cooperative in Sanford. During my visit, I learned more about Golden Valley’s grain and supply cooperative services and how it is working to expand market access and lower input costs for Kansas farmers. Thank you to all those who took the time to give me a tour.
Honoring Fallen Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede
On Saturday, I attended the funeral service of Phillips County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Gaede in Phillipsburg. Brandon was tragically killed in an officer-involved shooting while responding to a report of illegal fireworks being detonated. I am heartbroken by his loss, and my prayers continue to be with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
You can read more about Brandon Gaede's life in KSNW here.
Visiting with Kansans in Washington, D.C.
This week, I met with a group of Kansans that were visiting Washington, D.C. I always enjoy the opportunity to visit with Kansans and hear about their experience in our nation’s capital. If you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., and would like a tour of the Capitol, please visit my website here for more information.
Remembering Eric Tarpinian-Jachym
I'm saddened for the loved ones of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a young man who was tragically murdered during his internship with Congressman Ron Estes in Washington, D.C. My heart goes out to Congressman Estes and his team who are mourning the loss of this young intern. Please join me in lifting up Eric's family during this heartbreaking time. You can read more about Eric Tarpinian-Jachym’s life from KWCH here.
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 Friday, October 4, 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
My email address is only equipped to send messages. I encourage you to send me a message through my website: www.moran.senate.gov. To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.
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