For Immediate Release:
September 29, 2022
Contact:
Cassie Nichols
[email protected]
ICYMI: Governor Laura Kelly Talks Agriculture, Economic Development, and Housing Along Prosperity on the Plains Tour in Western Kansas
Key Quotes from Governor Kelly:
"Without our rural communities, there’s no Kansas. That’s why we have to continue our laser-sharp focus on creating jobs in and attracting businesses to every corner of the state."
"Kansans have long known that farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers are the lifeblood of our state's economy. It was a pleasure to meet with industry leaders to discuss how to continue our state's record-breaking economic success."
"Only with housing can we attract and retain the workers we need to continue the strong job growth and business investment we’ve seen over the past few years. That’s why my administration worked with the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to complete the first state housing needs assessment in nearly 30 years and have funded housing projects throughout the state."
Here's what they're saying:
"I appreciated the Governor taking the time to meet with me and other local ag producers to discuss the issues that are important here in northwest Kansas. Producers from my district have been leaders in showing how farmers and ranchers can work to sustain the aquifer for future generations, protecting the future of our most important industry."
-Rep. Adam Smith, District 120
"With full funding for water for the first time in 14 years, the state of Kansas is able to partner with the hardworking farmers and ranchers in my district to increase water conservation. Actions like this are more important that ever with the drought we’re experiencing, and we need to keep it up. With recent investments in housing, transportation, and economic development, we are showing how the whole state succeeds when we invest in our communities."
-Senator John Doll, District 39
"The sustained economic growth of Finney County and Garden City has created significant demands on our housing inventory, and we are pleased to have new and expanded State of Kansas programs available to assist our developers as they strive to meet the demand. We were excited to show Governor Kelly how those programs are helping in our community and the greater Garden City region."
-Lona DuVall, President and CEO of the Finney County Economic Development Corporation
"The candid conversation held in Johnson with Governor Kelly was refreshing. We shared a multitude of challenges faced by the western part of Kansas with regard to water sustainability, over-regulation at federal and state levels, and the extreme lack of housing available when workforce needs of our employers are so dire. The tough stuff. If we aren’t able to conduct these conversations to truly address the issues, we will likely struggle to attain outcomes in an effective and efficient manner. Scott City is poised and eager to be a part of the solution with regional and state agency partners. It’s time to move the needle even further!"
-Katie Eisenhour, Executive Director, Scott County Development Committee
"Western Kansas residents often feel isolated from Topeka and the rest of the state. It is nice to have Governor Kelly along with the Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam take time to gather local leaders to discuss and brainstorm ideas to stimulate growth for our rural communities. With smaller populations, business owners and small towns have to work three times has hard to bring commerce this way."
-Michelle Canny, Co-Owner and Operator of Wholly Cow Market
"We were happy to have Governor Kelly visit Southwest Kansas so she could meet some of our amazing entrepreneurs and experience firsthand how Liberal and its many businesses benefit our state."
-Rozelle Webb, CEO of Liberal Chamber of Commerce
"Ashland’s agricultural and community leaders appreciate Governor Laura Kelly coming to listen and discuss issues impacting agriculture in Kansas and across the nation. His dialogue will help the state continue to move the needle on important issues that affect Kansas farmers and ranchers."
-Mark Gardiner, President of Gardiner Angus Ranch
Press:
Gov. Laura Kelly talks agriculture, housing along Prosperity on the Plains Tour in western Kansas
09.22.22 | High Plains Journal
Gov. Kelly leads area rural economic development roundtable at wholly cow market in Johnson
09.21.22 | Syracuse Journal
Kansas Governor continues her Prosperity on the Plains Tour
09.22.22 | KZRG
Governor Kelly visits with local businesses, Chamber board
09.23.22 | Liberal Leader & Times
Gov. Kelly talks housing on Garden City stop
09.22.22 | Garden City Telegram
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