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Coping with COVID: Kansas to invest millions more in small businesses and COVID-19 testing

Unanimous approval from the State Finance Council has given the state the green light to invest $65 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund – a subgroup of the CARES Act - toward increased COVID-19 testing as well as additional grants for small businesses.

Kansas’ State Finance Council unanimously approved investing up to $45 million more in COVID-19 testing across Kansas and to provide $20 million more for small businesses.

The $65 million approved today is from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is part of the federal CARES Act. After receiving proposals from public and private labs across the state, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment determined it could invest up to $95 million to implement its unified testing strategy.

Previously, SFC had authorized $50 million for COVID-19 testing, and with today’s actions, the Office of Recovery will have the ability to invest up to $95 million in testing.

The State Finance Council approved an additional $20 million for small business grants. About $35 million has already been awarded in small business grants.

Additionally, SFC approved providing the Office of Recovery the authority to redistribute any unused funds among previously approved programs. The CRF requires funds to be used by the Dec. 30, 2020 deadline.

Approximately $25 million of the CRF remains in reserve. SFC will meet again next month to approve the final investments.