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My statewide listening and learning tour continued with visits to McPherson and Great Bend, where I had the opportunity to see firsthand the important work being done for Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.![]()
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McPherson – Multi Community Diversified Services (MCDS)![]()
"Together We Thrive!"![]()
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MCDS provides a wide range of services, including case management, day services and adult life skills, and residential support. We visited their greenhouse, where clients can learn gardening skills, develop independence, and enjoy some fresh air while working with their hands.![]()
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Great Bend – Sunflower Diversified Services![]()
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Their mission is to advocate for, support, and teach individuals with developmental and intellectual delays and disabilities to help them reach their potential and achieve their greatest possible level of independence.![]()
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I was especially impressed by the UPS Store located within their facility, providing clients an opportunity for meaningful work, responsibility, and interaction with the community. I also learned more about their Early Education Center and the work they do with families and children from birth to age three—including providing services within the home during those critical early years.![]()
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As a member of the Social Services Budget Committee, these visits are invaluable. Numbers on a budget page tell only part of the story. Seeing programs firsthand and listening directly to providers, families, and the individuals they serve helps us better understand where resources are working and where challenges remain.![]()
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I have a genuine passion and commitment to working alongside our providers and, most importantly, strengthening and supporting the family unit. Our goal should always be to help every Kansan reach their greatest potential and live with as much independence, dignity, and opportunity as possible.
I recently had the opportunity to meet with the leadership of the Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO) to learn more about the important services they provide to individuals and families in our communities.![]()
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Their vision focuses on supporting greater independence, integration, inclusion, and productivity for individuals within their homes and communities.![]()
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With local board oversight and funding from federal, state, and local mill levy dollars, CDDOs serve an important role in Kansas' developmental disability system. As the Single Point of Entry, they help determine eligibility for services and connect individuals and families with the resources and providers available to meet their needs.![]()
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As an active member of the Social Services Budget Committee, I believe it's important that we don't make funding decisions from Topeka without understanding how those dollars translate into services at the local level.![]()
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That means continuing to learn, listen, and engage with the organizations doing this work every day. It also means carefully evaluating how we allocate taxpayer resources across Kansas to strengthen services, support families, and help individuals live as independently and successfully as possible in their communities.![]()
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Thank you to the Harvey-Marion County CDDO leadership for taking the time to share your work, challenges, and priorities with me.
We were proud to be a sponsor for the 139th Annual Halstead Old Settlers festival. ![]()
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Events for all ages and throughout the community included Library LEGO, sidewalk chalk, fishing derby, party in the mud pit, horseshoe tournament, turtle races, and of course the Grand Parade. ![]()
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I am thankful to the Halstead community for your continuing this century long tradition. ![]()
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Building on and into each other strengthens our common ties.
Today, I was deeply honored to join Purple Heart recipients at the State Capitol as Governor Laura Kelly signed HB 2274, officially designating Kansas as a Purple Heart State.![]()
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Approximately 2,500 Kansans have received the Purple Heart since the decoration traces its origins to General George Washington’s establishment of the Badge of Military Merit in 1782. Each represents a story of courage, sacrifice, and service to our nation.![]()
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Several Purple Heart recipients live within our district, and I was especially honored to personally invite them to attend today’s ceremony. I know there are others I have not yet had the privilege of meeting, and I want to recognize every man and woman who has suffered wounds in defense of our country and our freedoms.![]()
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The designation of Kansas as a Purple Heart State is more than words on paper—it is a lasting statement of gratitude and respect for those who have sacrificed so much.![]()
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Thank you to our Purple Heart recipients and to all the men and women of our Armed Forces who have served, are currently serving on active duty, or continue to serve through our National Guard.![]()
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Kansas remembers. Kansas honors. Kansas is grateful.
The Harvey County Fair officially kicked off this past Thursday and continues through Sunday, August 9. If you haven't had the opportunity to attend yet, I encourage you to stop by and experience one of the best traditions our community has to offer.![]()
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While many people think of livestock shows and judging competitions, 4-H offers so much more. I enjoyed seeing exhibits in woodworking, small engines, electricity, family and consumer sciences, floriculture, horticulture, photography, geology, entomology, and many other project areas. These experiences help young people develop practical skills, responsibility, leadership, and a deeper appreciation for the agriculture and rural economy that are so important to Kansas.![]()
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A special thank you to MKC for sponsoring the Sunday breakfast and to the Farm Bureau Youth Ambassadors who volunteered their time to serve our community. Your service reflects the spirit that makes Harvey County such a great place to live.![]()
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Our county government also plays an important role by investing in the operation and maintenance of the fairgrounds, including the livestock barns, rodeo arena, and exhibit buildings. Those investments help ensure future generations have a place to learn, compete, and carry on this proud tradition.![]()
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When we invest in our youth and support agriculture, we are investing in the future of Harvey County and Kansas. That's a win for all of us.
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Meet Mike King
Fourth-Generation Kansan Seeking Re-Election in District 74 Mike King is a fourth-generation Kansan who still lives on the family farm just outside of Hesston. Nearly a century ago, his grandfather moved from farming and carpentry into full-time construction across the state — planting a seed that Mike has carried forward ever since. That passion for…