• One of KUMC’s current programs, the Kansas Medical Student Loan Program (KMSLP), got a major boost from legislators. Students in the KMSLP have received full tuition and a monthly stipend in exchange for practicing medicine in underserved communities following completion of their residency. Legislation passed this year increased the monthly stipend to $2,000 per month and also made the program retroactive to third and fourth year medical students.

• Senator Barbara Allen successfully sponsored a measure to allow Kansans to purchase a distinctive license plate, with proceeds supporting breast cancer research at KU. Once $10,000 has been raised to cover the cost to the state and 500 drivers have indicated they will purchase a plate, all Kansans will be eligible to purchase the plate, which features a pink ribbon, a sunflower design and the motto “Driven to Cure.” Kansans can show their support for breast cancer research and KU by making an annual $50 contribution to the KU Cancer Center and paying the regular vehicle registration fees. For more information visit www.driventocure.org.

• Legislation was passed enabling Johnson County voters to consider a tax increase for the purpose of supporting the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle (J-CERT) initiative. This initiative grew out of Johnson County civic leaders’ desire to enhance the county’s competitiveness in the knowledge-based economy. The initiative would fund three projects: a food safety and security research facility for Kansas State University to be located in Olathe; expansion of engineering, science and technology-related degree programs at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park; and a clinical research facility for KU Medical Center to be located in northeast Johnson County. The measure could go on the ballot either by a majority vote of the county commission or by petition.

For more information and a full listing of the state legislative initiatives affecting the Medical Center, visit 39Rainbow.kumc.edu. +