Kansas governor slows reopening; limits to go into late June

GOP lawmakers complain Gov. Kelly is moving too slowly to get people back to work. Kelly's administration is concerned that the spread of COVID-19 is not decreasing.

By

State News

May 15, 2020 - 2:59 PM

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday slowed down the reopening of Kansas’ economy, ordering bars and bowling alleys to remain closed at least through the end of the month and keeping some coronavirus-inspired restrictions in place until near the end of June.

Kelly’s new order immediately stirred strong opposition in the Republican-controlled Legislature. GOP lawmakers have complained that Kelly is moving too slowly to get people back to work after lifting a statewide stay at home order May 4, and they have disliked the different treatment depending on the kinds of businesses. House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, called her latest order an “abuse of power.”

The governor had expected to lift some restrictions Monday, but her new order modifies that plan to reflect her administration’s concern that the spread of the novel coronavirus is not yet decreasing. A limit on public gatherings of 10 or fewer people will remain in place, rather than being increased to 30 on Monday.

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