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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

(1/4) Haley Kottler, Senior Director for Kansas Appleseed, testifying on SB 363: "My life right now illustrates something important about the policies you are considering today... The decisions proposed in SB 363 land in the middle of Kansans' complicated lives." #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

The provisions of SB 363 would place an undue burden on social service workers in the state, who already face high caseloads, creating delays & increased errors. Kansans who need food assistance to feed themselves & their families will carry the burden of delays & inefficiencies. #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

(1/2) The House Committee on Welfare Reform is holding a hearing on SB 363, which we oppose because it makes it harder for Kansans to access food and medical assistance through new verification rules and limits agency flexibility. Watch now: youtube.com/watch?v=QI0C... #ksleg

youtube.com

House Committee on Welfare Reform 03/12/2026

YouTube video by KS Legislature

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

(1/3) Mike Fonkert, Deputy Director at Kansas Appleseed, testifying in opposition to HB 2521: "Kansas’ child welfare system has a history of glaring performance and safety concerns that have led to trauma, harm, and tragedy among foster youth..." #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

(1/2) The Senate Committee on Judiciary is meeting now. We oppose HB 2521 as it shields Child Placement Agencies from accountability. Foster care kids deserve safety, stability, and meaningful access to justice when harm occurs. Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=-wYt... #ksleg

youtube.com

Senate Committee on Judiciary 03/11/2026

YouTube video by KS Legislature

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

SB 387 has passed out of committee with amendments and now moves to consideration by the chamber. #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

"We are pleased to see this amendment pass, as it clarifies that the Community Eligibility Provision does not belong in this bill." - Haley Kottler, Senior Campaign Director at Kansas Appleseed #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Representative Steele has proposed an amendment to strike all language on the Community Eligibility Provision from SB 387. Motion passes. #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

The House Committee on Education is currently meeting. SB 387 would add unnecessary paperwork and costs, create stigma in cafeterias, and limit local schools' decisions on feeding students. Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=socH... #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Kansas kids benefit from the Community Eligibility Provision as is. Haley Kottler, on SB 387: "In Kansas, more than 63,000 students are served daily through CEP. These districts include rural, suburban and urban communities... It's 192 school buildings across 53 districts."

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Applications for free and reduced-price school meals include household and income information and are reviewed at intake and through USDA verification requirements. We should be working to protect and enhance this access, not put up more barriers.

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

The House Committee on Education is meeting now. We oppose SB 387 because it shifts the focus away from education/nutrition support towards bureaucracy and limits schools’ ability to use the Community Eligibility Provision. Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=gBDE... #ksleg

youtube.com

House Committee on Education 03/02/2026

YouTube video by KS Legislature

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

📣 Join us next Thursday, in Iola, for Justice for All: The Future of Kansas Courts, an educational event designed to help Kansans understand what’s really at stake on the August 4 ballot amendment! 📣 More details and registration here: tinyurl.com/iola-26

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Haley Kottler, Senior Campaign Director, supporting HB 2637: "At its core, [CEP] reflects something deeply Kansan and that is that we take care of each other...I have seen what happens schools remove barriers to school meals... Stigma decreases; families feel relief."

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

The House Committee on Education is meeting now. We support HB 2637 because it strikes a balance between maintaining local control and encouraging participation in a federally funded program that expands access to school meals to Kansas students. Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DaJ... #ksleg

youtube.com

House Committee on Education 02/12/2026

YouTube video by KS Legislature

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Brenna Visocsky, Just Campaign Director, Kansas Appleseed: "If youth aren't informed of their rights, how are they meant to advocate for themselves? Kansas owes it to the kids in care to make sure they understand they have the right to live in a safe and comfortable placement."

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

The House Committee on Child Welfare is meeting now. The passage of the FCBR was a significant step forward—clearly centering the rights and needs of foster youth. HB 2638 builds on that progress by ensuring young people know their rights and how to report maltreatment. #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

We are closely following two #ksleg committee hearings today on bills on which we have submitted testimony: SB 363 and HB 2638. We oppose SB 363, and we support HB 2638. More details below ⏬

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Today, Kansas Appleseed is releasing a new report: “An Unfinished Story: Kansas Youth Justice Reform 10 Years After Senate Bill 367.” It looks at what SB 367 set out to do, what it achieved, and what’s at risk now: www.kansasappleseed.org/wp-content/u... #ksleg

kansasappleseed.org

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

We are closely following two #ksleg hearings today on bills on which we have submitted testimony: SB 428 and HB 2453. We oppose both of these bills. More details below ⏬

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Read our full testimony in opposition to SB 387 here: www.kansasappleseed.org/wp-content/u...

kansasappleseed.org

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Haley Kottler, Senior Campaign Director, testifying in opposition to SB 387: "Across Kansas, roughly 60,000 students receive meals through [Community Eligibility Provision... This includes large districts... and also smaller districts in more rural areas."

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Kansas Appleseed opposes SB 387. 1 in 5 children do not know where their next meal is coming from and Kansas should be focused on protecting access to school meals and maximizing federal nutrition dollars that support our children and local economies.

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

The Senate Committee on Government Efficiency is holding a hearing on SB 387, which would require districts to verify income for free meals and get legislative approval for federal assistance. Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=EDa-... #ksleg

youtube.com

Senate Committee on Government Efficiency 01/29/2026

YouTube video by KS Legislature

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

@aclukansas.bsky.social and Progeny ICT delivering powerful opposition testimony on HB 2329 to the committee. Since the passage of SB 367, Kansas has seen substantial improvements: fewer youth in custody, lower recidivism, and greater reliance on community-based solutions. #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Read our full written testimony here to understand why a no vote on HB 2329 affirms a commitment to evidence, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of Kansas children: www.kansasappleseed.org/wp-content/u...

kansasappleseed.org

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Mike Fonkert, Kansas Appleseed, on HB 2339: "Treating possession and use of a gun is certainly aggressive, but certainly not fair... A lot of grey area situatinons will exist where kids who did not do anything... are treated the same as kids who did." #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Mike Fonkert, Kansas Appleseed, testifying on HB 2339: "We have a bill here where the Department of Corrections, the Community Corrections Officers Associations, and the Juvenile Justice Committee have all shown up not in favor of this bill... let that give you pause." #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

The Senate Judiciary Committee is continuing a hearing to hear opponent testimony on HB 2339. Last week, the committee heard proponent and neutral testimony. Kansas Appleseed will be offering opponent testimony shortly. Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=igMD... #ksleg

youtube.com

Senate Committee on Judiciary 01/26/2026

YouTube video by KS Legislature

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Kansas law already provides judges with discretion to consider the presence of firearms when making detention/placement decisions. If there are concerns about how firearm-related cases are handled, those concerns should be addressed through guidance, training, and oversight.

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Research consistently shows that longer periods of detention do not reduce recidivism. This is why the revised youth justice code intentionally sets limits on case length, probation length, and detention time—to prevent children from languishing in facilities.

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing on HB 2329 today. Kansas Appleseed believes the answer isn’t longer detention or harmful placements—it’s fully implementing and funding the evidence-based reforms Kansas committed to a decade ago. #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

"With HR1, it fundamentally altered how SNAP is funded... Fully funding SNAP administration allows DCF to improve accuracy and protect Kansas families. It is a necessary investment to ensure the program operates correctly under these new federal rules."

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Haley Kottler, Senior Campaign Director of Kansas Appleseed, currently testifying in front of House Committee on Social Services Budget, in favor of DCF's budget request to fund state's portion of SNAP admin costs. #ksleg

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Reposted by Kansas Appleseed

wearenyjn.bsky.social @wearenyjn.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

"We have to shift focus back toward establishing and growing evidence-based community alternatives that address the needs of youths involved in the justice system." Excellent op-ed from Brenna Visocsky of @kansasappleseed.bsky.social! www.cjonline.com/story/opinio...

cjonline.com

Correct number of kids in Kansas detention is always 'less' | Opinion

Detention may present the illusion of public safety, but it is actually linked to higher recidivism rates.

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Reposted by Kansas Appleseed

🌀Blue Crone @nishb.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Hadn't heard of this organization until they called wanting me to talk to my Senator about SNAP (I did, of course). Looked into them, they have National chapters, and fight the good fight! @kansasappleseed.bsky.social appleseednetwork.org

appleseednetwork.org

The Appleseed Network | Sowing the Seeds of Justice

The Appleseed Network is a nonprofit network of 18 public interest justice centers in the US & Mexico, supported by the Appleseed Foundation.

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

After weeks of uncertainty, full November SNAP benefits have begun going out. Kansas Appleseed is grateful for the advocates, community partners & public officials who fought tirelessly to ensure these benefits reached Kansans in full. Read full statement here: www.kansasappleseed.org/snap-update/

kansasappleseed.org

Kansas Appleseed Celebrates Full SNAP Benefits Reaching Kansas Families - Kansas Appleseed

After weeks of anxiety and uncertainty, full November SNAP benefits have begun going out to Kansas families. This is a step that is both overdue and critically important for both the health of Kansans...

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

We are hosting a webinar on Wednesday, November 5, at 1 PM/CST to detail the ongoing changes to SNAP benefits across Kansas. Campaign Director Haley Kottler & Staff Attorney Micah Tempel will explain the impact on hard-working Kansans & provide legal analysis of the recent federal rulings. #ksleg

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

‼️ An update on the fight for fair elections: Our challenge to ending the 3-day grace period for mail-in ballots in KS was sent back to State Court on Thursday from a Federal Court in Wichita. This will allow us to argue their State Constitutional claims in the State court system where they belong!

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Reposted by Kansas Appleseed

National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) @youthlaw.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

🚨 A new report shows Kansas foster youth are still being moved from bed to bed and denied needed mental health care. This new report makes clear: children need stability and care in the foster system. Read our latest press release: youthlaw.org/news/annual-...

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Last week, the Trump Administration ended its long-running Household Food Security Report. Without transparent federal data, Kansas policymakers and advocates lose a key tool for holding systems accountable and improving programs. Read more: www.cnn.com/.../usda-hun...

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Reposted by Kansas Appleseed

The Kansas City Star @kansascity.com · 23/09/2025

“I just have to think that Kansas can do better than this,” said Teresa Woody, litigation director of Kansas Appleseed, one of four entities that filed the class action lawsuit in 2018. “We’re continuing to fail kids...“

bit.ly

Kansas fails again to meet foster care settlement outcomes. ‘It’s just painful’

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Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector editor in chief @journalist-sherman.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Kansas for the fourth straight year failed to meet legal requirements to improve the severe instability of the foster care system or provide mental health services to children who need them, according to an annual report from an independent evaluator #ksleg kansasreflector.com/2025/09/22/w...

kansasreflector.com

'Wake-up call': Kansas foster care system makes minimal progress toward promises made in court • Kansas Reflector

Kansas for the fourth-straight year failed to meet legal requirements to improve the severe instability of the foster care system or provide mental health services to kids who need them, according to ...

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

Join us in welcoming Logan Stenseng to the Kansas Appleseed team as the Civic Engagement Manager! Logan is a dedicated community organizer who encourages Kansans to participate in civic engagement on issues that promote the well-being of all residents. We're so excited to have you on the team!

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

We're hitting the road with Alliance for a Healthy Kansas and Kansas Action for Children for a series of community events focused on the urgent challenges facing Kansans, including ways we can prepare for the future together. Register here: tinyurl.com/kstour25

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

Court text reminders are a practical tool that could enhance our court systems, yet Kansas is one of many states still not using them. Research shows it can improve court appearances by as much as 92% & it serves as a proactive solution to a widespread issue affecting both individuals & courts.

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Kansas Appleseed @kansasappleseed.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

It's hard to overstate the gravity of this moment. Congress has worked with reckless abandon this week to gut SNAP and Medicaid, lifeline programs to the tens of thousands of Kansans who rely on them. Full statement here: www.kansasappleseed.org/obbb-response/

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