Congressman Derek Schmidt

Today, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced that $79.1 million from the Rural Health Transformation Fund we enacted last year is being awarded to 39 rural health organizations across Kansas. This is the first round of awards, and we expect more in the future.

I’m pleased to report that more than $17.4 million will go to healthcare entities in our 2nd Congressional District and another $14.8 million will go to organizations that provide health services to many of our district residents. This new funding will provide critical support to hospitals, clinics, and health care providers serving rural Kansans every day.

I was proud to support and vote for the Rural Health Transformation Fund because access to quality health care is essential for Kansas families and rural communities. These investments will help strengthen local health care services and ensure Kansans can continue receiving quality care close to home.

I am committed to helping my constituents in any way I can. When Dan contacted our office seeking assistance in locating his military records so he could apply for a VA bronze service plaque for his future headstone, we were glad to help. After making several calls on his behalf, we were able to locate his records through the Museum of the Kansas National Guard. Because of this effort, Dan will receive the headstone and recognition he has earned through his service. Thank you for reaching out to our office.

Joined the Wichita Metro Crime Commission today to update on our work to support law enforcement, make our communities safer, support crime victims, strengthen peace officer background checks, etc. Great to be back with you, and thanks for all your terrific work to support public safety locally!

Congratulations to River, Parker, and Evan! I was proud to nominate each of you for the service academies, am delighted you were accepted, and will be excited to see your futures unfold.

Good Kids - Washburn Rural High School seniors earn appointments to U.S. service academies Three Washburn Rural High School seniors earned appointments to West Point, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy

I had never visited the Last Chance Store in Council Grove--now a state historic site--which in the 19th century offered the "last chance" for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail to stock up on supplies before heading west across the Plains. So really enjoyed doing so yesterday. Thank you to site administrator Mark Brooks for the great information and a special peek into the cellar!

Spent the morning in Junction City and appreciated Mayor Terry Butler sharing many of the community's assets and hopes for development, including along the riverfront. Thank you for the great information!

I enjoyed meeting with Kansan members of the International Warehouse Logistics Association in Washington last week. We talked about issues affecting the supply chain, family businesses, and workplace health and safety.

Good visits today over coffee at Piqua Farmers Coop, at Madison Telecom-MT Networks in Burlington, and at the community hospitals in Sabetha and Seneca. Thanks to all for the great conversations and information!

So many Kansans are caring for aging or disabled loved ones. While the emotional and physical burdens of caregiving can be heavy, the financial cost also can be substantial. That's why a year ago I cosponsored the Credit for Caring Act, which would provide a tax credit up to $5,000/year for family caregivers. We're working to get support for our proposal.

Caregiving Crisis: Nearly 1 in 4 US adults serve as caregivers for relatives with complex needs Caregiving for a loved one is not just a good deed. It’s a public health issue.

What an honor on this Memorial Day to join in the dedication of the Gold Star Family memorial at Veterans Freedom Square in Independence. Thank you to everybody who worked to make this commemoration happen and to all who have sacrificed so much for our great country.