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Kelly urges continued need for National Guard in COVID-19 response efforts

Extended use of the Kansas National Guard through March 2021 has been requested by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly amid ongoing COVID-19 infections. In a letter to President Trump, Kelly is seeking federal approval to mobilize the state’s National Guard under Title 32.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has requested the National Guard’s presence through March 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kelly sent a letter to President Donald Trump seeking federal approval for the extension of Title 32 authority, which “allows governors to mobilize their state’s national guard in order to respond to natural disasters or other emergencies,” according to a news release.

“Kansas remains in the midst of fighting this pandemic as infections continue to rise as we enter the winter season,” Kelly said in the letter. “Our governmentwide approach, to include our Kansas National Guard, remains critical to a multifaceted approach, combating the coronavirus and implementing the Kansas Unified Testing Strategy protecting Kansans and ensures a promising economy.”

The approval of an extension, according to a news release, would allow the state to continue its community-based testing and aid in the distribution of medical and COVID-19 testing supplies. It also would “ensure Kansas businesses can stay open,” according to the release.