TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 166, the Fostering Competitive Career Opportunities Act, eliminating postsecondary degree requirements for most state government jobs, unless needed. “There are a multitude of factors that go into employment consideration, and a po stsecondary degree should not always be the deciding factor,” Kelly said in a statement. “While this principle has already been implemented for agencies under my jurisdiction, I am pleased to sign this bill to codify this practice.” Satanic Grotto leader taken away in handcuffs during Black Mass The law ensures that applicants cannot be disqualified from state jobs solely because they lack a college degree. Currently, less than 15% of state jobs require such credentials, with the majority relying on other qualifications such as experience, certifications, or specialized training. State leaders praised the law as a step toward a more inclusive and merit-based hiring process. “As chairman of the Commerce Committee for the past seven years, I’ve heard time and again from businesses and workers alike that experience in the field often outweighs classroom learning,” Rep. Sean Tarwater, R-Stilwell, said. “This bill sends a clear message: Kansas values hard work and experience.” Sen. Mary Ware, D-Wichita, added that the bill addresses longstanding "degree inflation" issues that have limited job access for skilled Kansans. “Now previous work and life experience will be as important as a college degree for thousands of positions in our state’s workforce,” she said. ...read more read less