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Minutes for HB2146 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Increasing transfers from the lottery operating fund, to the community crisis stabilization centers fund and the clubhouse model program fund of the Kansas department for aging and disability services.
Minutes Content for Fri, Feb 14, 2025
Chairman Kessler opened the hearing on HB2146.
Mike Heim, Revisors Office of Statutes gave a summary(Attachment1) of the amendment to the operating fund from Lottery sales.
Drew Adkins testified in support of HB2146 (Attachment2) on behalf of the Kansas Department on Aging .
Amy Campbell testified in support of HB2146 on behalf of Kansas Mental Health Coalition (Attachment3).
Patrick Schmitz provided supporting testimony on HB2146 (Attachment4) regarding the honor to be the operator of the Treatment & Recovery Center of Douglas County (TRC), which was the first Crisis Intervention Center after legislation passed in 2017.
Kyle Kessler provided testimony in support of HB2146 because Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) provide a model of care that provide "a port of calm" for patients(Attachment5). The (CMHCs) in Kansas that provide behavioral health services in all 105 counties of Kansas.
Ms. Kemper introduced Trisha who participates in The Lotus House activities. Ms. Kemper testified in support of the bill which would extend the number of people helped by increasing the funding for Clubhouses. Clubhouses play a crucial role in increasing the number of employable adults in Kansas by equipping members with skills needed for the workforce (Attachment6)
Jessica Koen provided testimony (Attachment7) about her two year journey in the Railway Clubhouse and the support given to her after spending years being bullied and avoiding school. She was diagnosed with a mental illness and the Clubhouse helped her by having a place to go to everyday and be connected to others in the community.
Ms. Lamar provided supporting testimony for HB2146(Attachment8). Ms. Lamar testified that she spent years hiding from people and did not think she had anything to offer the world. Through Reclamation Clubhouse, she began engaging with others and was able to share her skills in a newsletter, grant writing, report writing, and teaching. She began to love the work-ordered day and the community surrounding her. It's been about four years since she was last hospitalized and she makes friends and engages in social activities.
Andy Houltberg, CEO Breakthrough Episcopal Social Services, of the Kansas Clubhouse Coalition ask for a substantial increase in the Clubhouse model(Attachment9). He testified that one in twenty United States adults experience serious mental illness. The requested monies would enhance the Clubhouse model across Kansas. The fiscal year cost in 2023 was approximately $3,100 annually per person.
Mr. Tovar testified that he received support, friendship, and set goals for his future as a Clubhouse Member and as staff. His testimony in support of HB2146 is due in part to the safety he felt when going to the clubhouse. When he first arrived, he was welcomed and pulled into the community. The clubhouse model helped him with coping mechanisms for his anxiety as well as his depression and he was named head gardener of a pilot program to grow foods that can be used in the clubhouse.
The Chairman reminded the committee that Written Only proponent testimony is attached for review.
- Austin Hanson, West Ridge Mall Facilities & Site Security Director(Attachment10).
- Tenisha Johnson, Milestone Clubhouse (Attachment11).
- Liz Largent, Petland Topeka(Attachment12).
The Chairman closed the hearing on HB2146.
