President Donald Trump said U.S. farmers would see "big and fast" benefits from a temporary trade truce with China on Monday, and farmers in central Kansas are hoping those words ring true.

Hesston Rep.-elect Stephen Owens believes state government can do much better at incentivizing job growth for small- and medium-sized businesses.Democratic Rep.-elect Rui Xu, the first Chinese-American elected state representative in Kansas, plans to put his shoulder into education funding and Medicaid expansion before focusing on energy policy that addresses climate change.

Leadership races Monday in the Kansas House of Representatives favored eastern and urban lawmakers. State Rep. Les Mason, R-McPherson, is the westernmost lawmaker in a leadership position for either the Republicans or Democrats. He ran unopposed for House Assistant Majority Leader.

A Hanukkah celebration took place at the Kansas State Capitol Monday. Kansas Lt. Governor Tracey Mann participated in the celebration, as well as members of the State Legislature and members of the Jewish community.

ARLINGTON - The incoming State Legislature likely will be asked to increase compensation for state correctional facility employees. State Sen. Ed Berger, R-Hutchinson, serves on the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight which has been meeting this fall.

With her election as insurance commissioner made official by the state's canvassing board, Sen. Vicki Schmidt this past Friday resigned her seat in the Legislature, triggering a quest to replace her. Results of the Nov. 6 general election became official as Secretary of State Kris Kobach, Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Brant Laue, counsel to the governor, swiftly affirmed the numbers endorsed by county-level officials.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach says he talked with President Donald Trump following the Nov. 6 general election, but he declined to engage with the intense speculation over his future.