Gov. Laura Kelly on Tuesday declared Juneteenth a state holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.
The governor's declaration, which would only apply to executive branch employees, would make Kansas one of 29 states that recognize the holiday.
Already a federal holiday, Juneteenth is also recognized by the neighboring states of Nebraska, Missouri and Colorado.
The governor's announcement means executive branch offices will be closed and state workers will have a paid day off.
The holiday would affect about 17,500 employees. It wasSSJ
