Employment First

Overview

The Employment First Oversight Commission was established during the 2011 Kansas Legislative Session and became law on July 1, 2011. The Employment First law (K.S.A. 44-1136-38) details the duties and responsibilities of the oversight commission, sets as the official policy of the State of Kansas that competitive and integrated employment is the first option when serving people with disabilities, established definitions of "competitive" and "integrated" employment, and details the requirements of state agencies to conform to the law. This is a seven member commission appointed by leaders of the House and Senate and the Governor.

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Commissioners

Rocky Nichols, Chair - Topeka
Appointed by Senate Minority Leader
11/18/2022 - 11/17/2025

Nikki Heiman
Appointed by the Governor
7/1/2019 - 6/30/2023

Sara Hart Weir - Overland Park
Appointed by Senate President
2/14/2023 - 2/13/2026

Shelia Nelson-Stout - Salina
Appointed by House Minority Leader
1/25/2023 - 1/24/2026

Bradley Linnenkamp - Topeka
Appointed by Governor
7/1/2022 - 6/30/2026

Joe Scarlett
Appointed by Governor
7/1/2022 - 6/30/2025

Steve Gieber - Topeka
Appointed by Speaker of the House
1/31/2023 - 1/30/2026

Meetings

2023 Meetings

These meetings are virtual. Please contact Martha Gabehart to receive the meeting invitations that include the meeting link.

The Disability Employment Review by Allied Global Services report is referenced in the 2023 recommendations to the Governor, Legislature and state agencies.

December 1, 2023

December 8, 2023 at 3:30pm

December 12, 2023 at 9:00am

December 12, 2023 Draft Minutes

December 18, 2023 at 9:00am

2021 Meetings

  • September 21, 2021
    • September 21, 2021 Meeting Minutes (Draft not available)

2019 Meetings

  • March 28, 2019 at 1:00 - 2:00 pm
    900 SW Jackson, Room 560, Topeka
    • March 28, 2019 Draft Meeting Minutes

2018 Meetings

2017 Meetings

  • January 5, 2017 at Noon - 3:00 pm
    Lt. Governor's Meeting Room 281-S in the Statehouse
    Public entrance on North end of building, on 8th street in Topeka

2016 Meetings

Minutes

Annual Reports and Recommendations

Resources

Data Resources

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