Kansas legislators setting aside millions in COVID-19 funds

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas legislators are working on a plan for setting aside potentially several hundred million dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds to pay businesses harmed by state and local restrictions imposed last year to check the virus’ spread.

The state Senate Judiciary Committee hoped to vote Monday on a bill that would set up state and local funds to pay claims from businesses that either were shut down or had their operations curtailed by state restrictions.

Officials would be required to set aside federal COVID-19 relief funds.

One attorney representing a Wichita fitness studio’s owner who is suing the state says the money available could reach $540 million.