Kansas Republicans Accuse State Agency of Improperly Shifting Disability Service Funds
Kansas Republicans on a legislative budget committee have renewed their discontent with Governor Laura Kelly’s administration, alleging that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) improperly reallocated approximately $24 million. This money, according to GOP lawmakers, should have benefited 5,300 individuals on the state’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) waiting list. Instead, the funds were internally transferred by KDADS to expand aid for Kansans with severe brain injuries, the frail elderly, and those requiring technology assistance for disabilities. A significant portion, about $19 million, was directed towards the needs of frail elderly Kansans. House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, previously accused the agency of a 'blatant bureaucratic shell game.' Senator Rick Billinger, a Goodland Republican, noted that the I/DD service-delivery challenge has historically been attributed to a lack of providers, not funding shortfalls. However, KDADS Secretary Laura Howa... 
