Kansas employment

Panasonic opened its 4.7 million-square foot plant in Kansas in July, but has not reached full capacity after the Trump administration dropped support for green energy and electric vehicles. Now, the company is trying to capitalize on rising demand for data centers.

The defense contractor also said certain employees will be furloughed for three weeks starting June 15.

Nearly half owe more than $5,000 and could face liens or garnished wages if they don’t respond. Some of the overpayments were issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state of Kansas will likely pay between $3-4 billion in taxpayer money to move the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines. While the new stadium will definitely generate new economic activity, the project's success may depend on local cities participating in the STAR bond district.

Enhanced credits for health insurance purchased from the Affordable Care Act marketplace expire at the end of this year. If they aren’t renewed, premiums will skyrocket for many people in Kansas and nationwide.

Federal Medicare and Medicaid regulations mandate staff vaccinations for employers that receive funding. But the high court ruled that Katlin Keeran was protected by a 2021 Kansas law making it illegal for employers to question the sincerity of religious beliefs for opting out of vaccines.

Problems with Tesla, tariffs, and tax breaks have electric vehicle investors worried, even as Panasonic unveiled a massive new battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, on Monday. Leaders at the factory say it’s just a bump in the road.

Advocates say understaffing at the Kansas agency that regulates adult care homes puts elderly and disabled residents at risk of abuse and neglect.

Experts say the Panasonic plant could tap the brakes on hiring while it waits out economic uncertainty. The company can still collect hundreds of millions of dollars from Kansas even if it does.

KMUW news director Tom Shine talks with a couple of experts about the state of small business in Kansas.