Top SRS Official Steps Down

The top social services official in Kansas is stepping down after less than a year in office marked by controversy over his administrative decisions and Gov. Sam Brownback’s policies.

Brownback announced Thursday that Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Rob Siedlecki is leaving the administration, effective Dec. 31. Siedlecki has held the job since January, when Brownback took office.

Some legislators, particularly Democrats, began criticizing Siedlecki even before he was confirmed in late March. One issue was his reorganization of top SRS management and another was the administration’s pursuit of faith-based social services initiatives.

Siedlecki had previously served as a high-ranking Florida Department of Health official and in the U.S. Justice and Health and Human Services departments under Republican President George W. Bush.