Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Treasury provided clear guidance to states with the release of frequently asked questions regarding CARES Act funding for state, territorial, local and tribal governments. 
 
"To date, Kansas has received about $1.25 billion from the CARES Act fund for state, territorial, local, and tribal governments, with nearly $100 million going directly to Sedgwick County," said Rep. Estes. "The federal government is providing much-needed relief to Kansas with broad flexibility to use these funds to cover COVID-19-related costs while not intended to fill budget holes for items unrelated to this pandemic. Treasury's new frequently asked questions showcase the flexibility provided by the federal government's response and are respectful of taxpayer dollars – ensuring that CARES Act funds can be used for critical, local needs that benefit Kansans. The guidance provides opportunities for states and localities to address the challenges faced by workers and small businesses, such as establishing a business interruption grant program for businesses that were forced to close due to the governor's stay-at-home order." 
 
Rep. Estes voted for the CARES Act, which has provided various funding sources for the state of Kansas and residents. 
 
In addition to the $1.25 billion specifically for state, territorial, local and tribal governments, Kansans have received $1,980,223,913 in Economic Impact Payments as of May 8. During the first and second rounds of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), $5,162,470,043 has been approved for 47,351 Kansas small businesses in the form of forgivable loans as of May 8. The Joint Economic Committee estimates that 427,000 Kansans will be able to keep their jobs due to PPP. On March 27, Unemployment Insurance (UI) was increased by $600 a week and eligibility was extended to self-employed individuals. Additionally, hospitals received $325 million in aid, community health centers received $15 million in grants, public universities received $49 million from the Higher Education Relief Fund, the Kansas Department of Labor (KSDOL) received $9.5 million for administrative costs, and Medicaid funding to Kansas was increased by $220 million. More funding has been assigned to Kansas through Department of Health and Human Services grants, Department of Housing and Urban Development grants, Department of Justice grants, Department of Transportation grants, Department of Agriculture programs, and more. 

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.