The newly rebranded Harold A. Stones Government Relations Conference, formerly known as the Public Affairs Conference, concluded in early February with an outstanding turnout! Over 177 Kansas bankers gathered in Topeka for insightful discussions surrounding both state and federal legislative and regulatory policies impacting the banking sector.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from KBA Board Chairman Mark Schifferdecker of GNBank, N.A., in Girard. Chairman Schifferdecker expressed gratitude for the collective effort in conveying a unified message to state lawmakers, elected officials and representatives from our Kansas Congressional Delegation on behalf of Kansas banks and the communities they serve. A brief moment of silence was observed in honor of Harold Stones, the esteemed figure after whom the conference is named, who sadly passed away last year after leading the KBA from 1981 to 1997. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly set the tone for the conference with an insightful overview of her legislative priorities and the current state of the Kansas economy.
Following the governor’s address, KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham delved into critical federal issues facing the industry. Highlights of the conference included the engaging Legislative Leadership Panel, the graduation ceremony of the 2023 Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) class and the introduction of the 2024 BLOK Class.
In the afternoon sessions, attendees were provided with a comprehensive Federal Issues Update from the ABA, along with a captivating fireside chat featuring Jeffery Kuzbel, the new president and CEO of FHLB. KBA’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations Alex Orel provided an update on pertinent state legislative matters. Additionally, Doug Wareham delivered insights into the partnership between KBA and the Fort Hays State Robbins Banking Institute, along with the newly launched Internship Connection Program.
Wareham concluded the conference proceedings before the eagerly awaited annual legislative reception, where over 100 Kansas lawmakers and distinguished guests engaged with bankers to discuss crucial industry matters. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to all who journeyed to Topeka for this enriching event, and we eagerly anticipate reconnecting with you next year on Feb. 7, 2025!
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
It was an honor to have Kansas Governor Laura Kelly at this year’s Government Relations Conference. She gave an overview of the state legislative affairs, covering topics from Medicaid expansion to tax reform. Chairman Schifferdecker thanked Governor Kelly and Senator Jerry Moran for their efforts that allowed farmers and landowners in the Rattlesnake Creek Basin more time to address impairment claims made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
KBA Board Chairman Mark Schifferdecker
KBA Chairman Mark Schifferdecker, GNBank, N.A., in Girard, welcomed attendees to the 2024 Government Relations Conference at the Topeka Country Club. He thanked everyone for their attendance and emphasized the importance of supporting BankPAC, engaging with your lawmakers and participating in the legislative process.
KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham
KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham gave a federal issues update. He spoke about oversight issues with our Federal regulators. He covered progress in gaining supporters for the ACRE Act and efforts to oppose the Credit Card Competition Act. Wareham also shared information on Free Market Kansas, a non-profit organization that has been formed to educate Kansans on any proposed policy that will restrict their control of personal financial decisions, jeopardize the safety and security of their personal financial information, or attack our free market economy.
Legislative Leadership Panel
Senate President Ty Masterson and Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes participated on a panel moderated by KBA VP of Government Relations & Staff Attorney Kelly VanZwoll. Legislative leaders talked about state issues impacting the Kansas economy and the banking industry. They covered various topics, including taxes, water, Medicaid expansion, foreign land ownership and the upcoming 2024 elections.
2023 BLOK Graduation & Introduction of 2024 BLOK Class
- The structure and governance of the KBA;
- The state and federal legislative process;
- The variety of state and federal agencies that govern the banking sector; and
- The importance of their role as a volunteer KBA leader.
Jess Sharp, EVP of Advocacy & Innovation, ABA
KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham and KBA EVP of General Counsel Kathy Taylor sat down with Jess Sharp, EVP of Advocacy and Innovation at American Bankers Association, to discuss hot topics in Washington, D.C., including the Credit Card Competition Act, ACRE, CFPB’s Proposed Rule on 1071 and the Safe Banking Act.
Jeffrey Kuzbel, FHLBank Topeka President/CEO
New FHLBank Topeka President & CEO Jeff Kuzbel joined KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham and Chairman Mark Schifferdecker for a panel on FHLB to discuss market conditions, including liquidity and proposed changes to the FHLB system, including the recently released System 100 Report.
State Legislative Update with Alex Orel, SVP of Government Relations
KBA SVP of Government Relations Alex Orel gave an update on the Kansas state legislature and the KBA’s legislative priorities. Orel gave a summary of tax reform efforts and the likelihood of a tax package passing this session. He also spoke about KBA’s efforts to modernize and update the Uniform Consumer Credit Code. Finally, KBA’s Government Relations team will continue to monitor any ESG proposals and will work to defend the Kansas banking industry from harmful legislation.
