Public can weigh in on how Kansas should spend $1.6 billion in federal aid. Here’s how

Starting Monday, Kansans will be able to provide input on how the state should spend $1.6 billion in federal Coronavirus relief dollars.

The state committee tasked with determining where money from the American Rescue Plan Act ought to go will hold three public meetings across Kansas in October and November.

The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) executive committee is made up of top Republican lawmakers, Kansas business leaders and members of Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration.

The committee will use the comments gathered at the hearings to develop proposals it will eventually submit to the Kansas State Finance Council.

The first meeting will be held Monday from 8 to 10 a.m. at Wichita State University.

Subsequent meetings will be held Nov. 4 at the Dodge City Community College and Nov. 15 at the Kansas City, Kansas, Community College. Times for these meetings have not been announced.

Kansans will be allowed to testify for up to two minutes at each committee meeting. Those interested can also submit written testimony to ethan.s.belshe@ks.gov by Oct. 20.

The SPARK committee is also seeking input through subcommittees focused on economic revitalization, health and education, connectivity, and efficiency and modernization.