When slowing down gives us the opportunity to spend more time counting our blessings, we are grateful for Kansas sunsets:
I had to quarantine for 24 hours after an exposure that turned out negative.
I can’t imagine doing it for 2 weeks!!
Last week I was able to present two boxes of masks from Atchison Hospital to the hard-working crew at Medical Lodge in Atchison. Receiving the masks (at safe social distance) was Shannon Jenkins.
Stay-at-Home Order Extended
You will have even more time to slow down and take stock, as Governor Kelly announced that the state's stay-at-home order has been extended to May 3. As you will see below, cases continue to rise in the state, but not at the rate of states which chose not to shut down. This means we are flattening the curve!
Contact Doc Eplee At the Capitol: 300 SW 10th St., 512-N Topeka, KS 66612 785-296-8621 john.eplee@house.ks.gov
At home in Atchison: 163 Deer Run Atchison, KS 66002 913-367-2382
In the News
You may have seen a few things about the legislature on the news. Don't forget there is usually more to the story. For example, some reports will say "the legislature" did this, or "Republicans in the legislature" did that, so here is some clarification:
Just before Easter, the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) attempted to overturn the ban on large groups related to church congregations. I questioned this change because more Kansans would be exposed to the virus. This change was stopped unanimously by the Kansas Supreme Court.
The LCC includes seven members of House and Senate leadership (five Republicans, two Democrats) who have certain duties while the legislature is not in session.
A number of my Republican colleagues (43) signed a letter asking the governor to begin planning to re-open the state. While I agree a plan should be in place (such a plan is currently being drafted), planning to reopen soon does not appear to be medically prudent and requires more testing, time, and data.
COVID-19 in Kansas
Every day at 2 pm, Dr. Lee Norman, the Kansas Secretary for Health & Environment provides an update on the status of the virus in Kansas. Watch the press conferences live or view previous events here.
Stay home to stay safe and protect your loved ones,
Representative John Eplee, MD Kansas House District 63 Serving Atchison and Doniphan counties
Paid for by Kansans for Eplee, Patsy A. Porter, CPA, Treasurer
