Kansas to quadruple COVID-19 testing

Gov. Laura Kelly and lawmakers approved a plan to boost testing by 8,000 tests per day with up to $105 million in federal aid.

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September 18, 2020 - 3:35 PM

Members of the State Finance Council in a virtual meeting Thursday approved the distribution of $290 million in CARES Act funding. The allocation includes at least $50 million, and up to $105 million, for increased testing of COVID-19. (Screenshot by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Photo by (Screenshot by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leaders approved Thursday a plan to boost COVID-19 testing in Kansas by 8,000 tests per day with up to $105 million in federal aid.

The final distribution from $1 billion in CARES Act funding also includes $30 million to stabilize operations at the Kansas Department of Labor, $35 million for housing needs, and $40 million for child care.

Kelly, six Republicans and two Democrats who form the State Finance Council unanimously approved recommendations made a day earlier by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas task force for how the remaining $290 million in CARES Act funding will be spent. A minimum of $50 million will be directed toward testing efforts, with additional reserves set aside.

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