Representative Ron Estes

.Dear Friend,

Last month, I sat down with Kevin Kosar of AEI for his article in the Washington Examiner to discuss the $39.2 billion owed to Americans – funds that are in unredeemed savings bonds purchased by individuals that date back to the 1980s. The unclaimed savings bonds issue is something that I have been involved with since 2013 as the Kansas State Treasurer, and I’m still actively involved at the federal level. In 2013, after the New Jersey v. Treasury case was decided, I was determined to challenge that Kansas statute.

I filed suit against the U.S. Treasury in 2015, in which the court would eventually find in favor of Kansas’ position. Treasury moved the goal post to block the state's ability to claim ownership of the bonds by promulgating new rules. This triggered a lawsuit in which the Treasury prevailed in November 2026. I was able to introduce legislation, which is now signed into law, directing the Treasury to turn over unclaimed savings bonds to the states.

There is still a lot of work to do, but I know that our State Treasurers are the best folks to reunite our citizens with nearly $40 billion in unclaimed savings bonds. I am now working closely with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to find a solution to this situation, through an Executive Order or legislation.

You can read Mr. Kosar’s article in the Washington Examiner HERE or by clicking below.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

.Last week I visited the Wichita Police Department’s Real Time Information Center (RTIC), where I got a firsthand look at the new technology that’s available in the RTIC, which was established to quickly assess a situation, provide officers with real-time information, and protect privacy. This technology is crucial for the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line to protect our community.

I also had the opportunity to visit their crime lab where I met with dedicated CSI professionals who excel at their job in finding evidence and catching criminals. Seeing their work up close was a powerful reminder of the commitment and expertise behind our community’s safety.

Additionally, I attended the annual tradition of sitting down with residents in west Sedgwick County for the Colwich Knights of Columbus fish fry. While the usual location is under renovation, there were still great crowds and great conversations. It was a pleasure seeing everyone there!

In my Wichita District Office, our focus is constituent services, which includes reconnecting veterans with medals they’ve earned while serving our country. This is one of the greatest services we’re able to assist with. Last week I had the pleasure of providing five medals to a local Kansas veteran. If you or someone you know needs assistance with a federal agency, you can visit my website at estes.house.gov/casework.

.Tax Day is quickly approaching!

Federal and Kansas income taxes are due Wednesday, April 15. As you gather your W-2s, receipts and other tax documents, the IRS has a website that helps taxpayers prepare for Tax Day. You can visit the IRS website for filing resources by clicking here.

Some Kansans are also eligible for IRS Free File. Answer a few questions and utilize one of the IRS' partners to complete your federal tax return. Note that some IRS Free File providers charge a fee for state tax preparation. Click here to visit the IRS Free File page.

.Did you know that Kansas is home to the world’s largest community‑rolled ball of twine, located in Cawker City? It was started by farmer Frank Stoeber in 1953, and after he donated it to the town in 1961, the community continued adding to it. Today it weighs more than 17,000 pounds and keeps growing. Every August, Cawker City hosts a festival where visitors can add twine to the giant ball and become part of its history.