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Pay raise for state employees approved
Sunday, May 1, 2005
Kansas lawmakers early Sunday approved the final part of an $11.4 billion state budget that included a pay raise for state employees of 1.25 percent in July and another 1.25 percent in January.

Negotiators resolve budget issues, allowing adjournment
Sunday, May 1, 2005
Legislators settled a dispute over government workers' pay raises and rejected the purchase of an Edwards County ranch, finishing their work on the state budget and for the year early Sunday.

Sebelius signs budget despite school provision
Friday, April 22, 2005
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed budget legislation Thursday despite what she said was a "highly disturbing" education funding provision threatening to create future financial problems.

Tax-rights group praises House speaker
Thursday, April 21, 2005
A small but passionate tax-rights group met with Kansas Speaker of the House Doug Mays Wednesday night in Lawrence, commended him for holding the line on taxes and complained about efforts by others to increase taxes, especially for education.

Analysis: GOP needs to portray optimism in budget
Monday, April 18, 2005
Republicans are counting on a Kansas springtime ritual to prop up the state budget they've pushed through the Legislature.

Social service costs put further strain on state budget
Friday, April 15, 2005
A tight state budget just got tighter. State fiscal experts Thursday projected caseload costs for social services to increase $58 million for the remaining months of the current fiscal year and for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Officials: Social services will cost more than expected
Friday, April 15, 2005
State government will have to pay $58 million more than previously expected over the next 15 months to preserve existing programs for poor, disabled and elderly Kansans, officials said Thursday.

With numbers in dispute, budget goes to Sebelius
Saturday, April 2, 2005
Backed by improved state revenue projections, Republicans pushed an $11.3 billion budget through the Legislature on Friday, sending it to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Budget negotiators advance state employee raise
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
State classified employees would get a 1.25 percent payraise July 1 and then another 1.25 payraise around January, under a spending plan approved Tuesday by House and Senate budget negotiators.

Report: Missouri, Kansas priorities different for tobacco settlement funds
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Missouri spent nearly half of the money it received from a 1998 tobacco settlement last year to cover budget shortfalls and plans to do so again this year, according to a recent report by the federal Government Accountability Office.

Negotiators to draft final version of proposed budget
Friday, March 25, 2005
Legislative negotiators will draft the final version of an $11 billion state budget, with senators having largely followed Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' spending plan and House members having rewritten large parts of it.

Senate advances budget without education funds
Thursday, March 24, 2005
A proposed budget largely mirroring one drafted by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius won first-round approval Wednesday in the Senate, but the $11.2 billion spending plan doesn't provide additional dollars to public schools.

House cuts higher education funding
Friday, March 18, 2005
(Updated Friday at 11:41 a.m.) House Republicans today voted to cut higher education funding and delay a state pay raise, according to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' administration and the Kansas Board of Regents.

Hemenway blasts House budget plans
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway on Wednesday used the backdrop of KU's annual day in the Capitol to blast House Republicans for proposing a budget that diverts funds from higher education and delays a state employee pay raise.

Colorado policy expert: Education biggest loser in TABOR proposal
Thursday, March 17, 2005
(Updated Thursday at 11:16 a.m.) A public policy expert who has monitored the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights in Colorado said Kansas should reject a similar proposal that is being considered here.

Area legislators dissatisfied with session's progress
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Last week's actions by the Kansas Legislature left some in the Douglas County legislative delegation in a bleak mood for their appearance Saturday morning before Lawrence Chamber of Commerce members.

Critics warn Kansas away from Taxpayer's Bill of Rights
Sunday, March 6, 2005
Gov. Bill Owens got a warm reception when he showed up in Kansas last month and urged lawmakers to pass a Taxpayer's Bill of Rights limiting the ability of government to raise taxes. It was music to the ears of many fellow Republicans.

School finance may kill workers' pay raise
Thursday, February 17, 2005
State employees may be the ones left behind in Republican school finance plans, Democrats said Wednesday.

As panels work, administration says plans create budget problems
Thursday, February 17, 2005
As legislative committees work on education funding plans relying on existing state revenues, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' administration says such proposals would create major budget problems in future years.

Budget cuts aimed at pay draw attack
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Democratic budget writers Friday voiced concern that Republicans were deleting a proposed pay raise for state employees when working on proposed budgets.

State lawmakers warn of financial 'train wreck'
Sunday, February 6, 2005
After years of selling bonds and juggling accounts to avoid a tax increase, the state is fast running out of money.

House speaker doesn't expect a school finance fix this year
Friday, February 4, 2005
(Updated Friday at 4:09 p.m.) House Speaker Doug Mays said today he doesn't expect the Legislature to fix school finance this session despite a Kansas Supreme Court order.

Low wages lead to B rating
Thursday, February 3, 2005
Employees at Kansas University and other state agencies now have a national report to back up their requests for salary increases.

KU chancellor speaks to Kansas Senate panel
Thursday, February 3, 2005
(Updated Thursday at 3:59 p.m.) The following is the text of Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway's testimony today to the Senate Ways and Means Subcommittee for Education.

Budget favors higher education
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Higher education funding on Tuesday moved to the front of the class under Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposed budget, but public schools got left behind.

Taxpayer's Bill of Rights pushed for Kansas
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
(Updated Wednesday at 11:51 a.m.) TOPEKA -- One of the nation's leading proponents of Colorado's so-called Taxpayer's Bill of Rights today pushed for a similar proposal for Kansas.

Sebelius budget proposal contains little for public schools
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius proposed a state budget Tuesday that includes almost no new money for public schools, following through on her promise to stand back and let the Legislature address a mandate from the Kansas Supreme Court to improve education funding.

Text of GOP response to State of the State speech
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
The following is the text of Kansas Senate President Steve Morris' Republican response to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' State of the State speech Monday night.

Governor calls for more higher ed funding
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
(Updated Tuesday at 12:40 p.m.) Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Tuesday unveiled a 3.4 percent state budget increase that keeps public school funding relatively flat and provides a $43 million increase to higher education.

House speaker says tax increase not necessary
Saturday, January 8, 2005
One of the most powerful lawmakers in Kansas said no new taxes were needed to comply with a court order to fix public school funding.

Kansas campaign bigger cost than once thought
Saturday, January 8, 2005
The state's new image brand -- "Kansas: As big as you think" -- is more expensive than once thought. The $1.7 million advertising campaign designed to present a positive image of Kansas was unveiled Friday in simultaneous news conferences across the state.

Kansas to begin 2005 in the black
Wednesday, January 5, 2005
Toward the end of 2002, state government's wallet was pretty thin. Drought, recession and the aftershocks of 9-11 on the Kansas aircraft manufacturing industry dropped state tax receipts a record 7 percent.

Sebelius tells Legislature to get to work
Sunday, January 2, 2005
As she prepares for the 2005 legislative session, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is urging lawmakers to get to work on school finance and defending her proposed cigarette tax increase to expand health insurance.

Extra pay period puts new strain on budget
Saturday, January 1, 2005
Kansas legislators, already strapped for cash and dealing with budget demands from all corners of state government, will have an extra $70 million bill to pay next year.

School finance decision expected Monday
Thursday, December 30, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 10:26 a.m.) TOPEKA -- The Kansas Supreme Court will file its decision in the school finance case on Monday.

Tax reform ideas stirring
Monday, December 6, 2004
In Colorado, critics say the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights -- TABOR for short -- has created a budgetary mess.

Analysis: Sebelius made 'shrewd' decision
Monday, November 15, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is facing criticism for proposing a cigarette tax increase, but other alternatives for financing her health care proposals appear even less attractive.

Governor following trends in search of health care fix
Monday, November 15, 2004
Kansas has joined the list of states where officials are attacking rising health care and insurance, deciding not to wait for the federal government to provide relief.

Forecasters increase state's 2005 revenue estimate by $89 million
Thursday, November 4, 2004
The state will collect $89 million more than previously expected for its current budget, but improving revenues will only permit Kansas to keep up with rising government costs, fiscal forecasters predicted Wednesday.

State may try to tap into oil producers' profits
Monday, November 1, 2004
With record high oil prices, Kansas motorists aren't getting any breaks these days. The same can't be said of the Kansas oil industry.

Kerr says Sebelius dodged budget law
Wednesday, October 6, 2004
It sounded like a kitchen-table squabble over why the checkbook didn't balance.

Layoffs possible, state agency warns
Thursday, September 30, 2004
The state agency that handles unemployment claims announced Wednesday it may be creating some of its own.

Ryun-Boyda conflict heats up over insurance sales to troops
Saturday, September 18, 2004
A Pentagon official told U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun that the government needed to overhaul rules governing the sale of private insurance policies on military installations because soldiers were getting scammed through unscrupulous sales tactics.

State's August revenue higher than expected
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
The state collected $12.8 million more in revenues than expected in August, providing another dose of good news Tuesday for officials seeking signs of economic recovery.

More reforms urged to end KPERS woes
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
Just months after borrowing $500 million to shore up the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, some officials are saying further reforms are needed to fix long-term funding problems to the public pension.

State revenue exceeds estimates
Friday, July 30, 2004
The state collected $68.3 million more than expected during its 2004 fiscal year, and legislative leaders said Thursday they hoped the good news was a sign that Kansas is experiencing an economic recovery.

Kansas' increasing debt raises warning flags
Monday, July 12, 2004
Kansas used to have the least debt-ridden state government in the nation, with less than $200 in bonds to pay off per resident. Most states had at least five times as much per person.

State leaders to discuss borrowing from cash reserves
Monday, June 21, 2004
State leaders will meet Wednesday to tackle what is becoming Kansas' annual end-of-the-fiscal-year cash-crunch.

News of windfall comes too late for state to act
Wednesday, June 2, 2004
The state experienced a windfall in income tax collections in May, but some legislators were frustrated Tuesday because they learned about it too late to provide additional funds to public schools.

Supreme Court blocks school finance order
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
(Updated Wednesday at 2:10 p.m.) TOPEKA - The Kansas Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked a lower court order that would have closed the state's public schools after June 30.

Governor: Schools to remain open, despite judge's decision
Thursday, May 13, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 1:37 p.m.) TOPEKA - Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today sought to reassure Kansans that public schools will remain open despite a court order threatening to stop school funding.

Fix or close schools, judge orders state
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
A judge Tuesday threatened to shut down Kansas public schools and make massive budget cuts if lawmakers didn't fix the school-finance system. Shawnee County District Judge Terry Bullock ordered a June 30 stop-payment on state public school funding, raising the possibility of disruptions of summer school and the start of the next school year.

What happened, and what's next
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
The following are excerpts from Shawnee County District Judge Terry Bullock's May 11 ruling. In response to the Kansas Legislature's failure to fix a school finance system he found unconstitutional, Judge Bullock declared that the state could not spend state funds on public schools after June 30.

Across Kansas, parents ponder order's meaning
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Worried parents flooded many public schools with calls Tuesday about a district judge's ruling that the state must close schools this fall while it fixes constitutional flaws in the way it funds them.

State officials to appeal judge's order to halt spending on schools
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
(Updated Tuesday at 3:14 p.m.) TOPEKA - State officials today said they would appeal a judge's order that state spending on public schools be halted June 30.

Bill contains provision attacking outsourcing of SRS work
Sunday, May 9, 2004
Workers outside the United States could not handle telephone calls from Kansans who have questions about food stamps, under a budget bill legislators approved Saturday.

Legislature ends session without more money for schools
Saturday, May 8, 2004
(Updated Saturday at 7:14 p.m.) TOPEKA - Kansas lawmakers ended the 2004 legislative session after failing to approve a funding increase for public schools.

Senate considers school finance plan funded by new taxes
Friday, May 7, 2004
(Web Posted Friday at 11:53 a.m.) TOPEKA - Breaking from its no-new-taxes position, the Senate has submitted a $128 million school finance plan to further talks with the House -- rather than rejecting it outright.

Governor critical of GOP school funding plan
Wednesday, May 5, 2004
(Web Posted Wednesday at 4:34 p.m.) TOPEKA - Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today blasted a school finance plan that some Republican leaders are calling the last and best chance for an increase for schools this session.

Hopes for more education funding could extend session
Wednesday, May 5, 2004
(Web Posted Wednesday at 1:38 p.m.) TOPEKA - Republican legislative leaders backed away Wednesday from earlier suggestions that approving a $66 million compromise school funding package is the last chance to increase education spending this session.

Budget talks hit impasse on immigrant tuition proposal
Tuesday, May 4, 2004
Budget negotiators remained deadlocked Monday over a proposal to grant illegal immigrants a one-year break on tuition at public colleges and universities.

Chambers of commerce disagree on tax increases
Sunday, May 2, 2004
Several nearby chambers of commerce have criticized the Kansas Chamber of Commerce about the state organization's opposition to a tax increase for schools.

Budget talks hit impasse on immigrant tuition plan
Sunday, May 2, 2004
Budget negotiators remained deadlocked Saturday over a proposal to grant illegal immigrants a one-year break on tuition at public colleges and universities.

Senate to debate tax proposal for schools
Friday, April 30, 2004
(Web Posted Friday at 12:17 p.m.) TOPEKA - The Kansas Senate today is scheduled to debate a tax increase to fund a $114.4 million increase in school funding.

Disabled Kansans lobby for more funding
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
(Web Posted Wednesday at 2:47 p.m.) Several hundred Kansans with disabilities and advocates rallied today outside the Capitol for more funding for social services.

Governor criticizes anti-tax lobby effort
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
(Web Posted Wednesday at 3:05 p.m.) TOPEKA - A conservative group based in Washington, D.C. was under fire today after launching a mass mailing critical of lawmakers who supported tax increases for schools.

Sebelius: 'Most important work' remains on school funding
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
(Updated Wednesday at 11:45 a.m.) Lawmakers today returned for the wrap-up session and found a message waiting for them from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius -- let's get to work on school funding.

School groups lobby for more funding
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
(Updated Wednesday at 2:11 p.m.) TOPEKA - Kansas school officials today got behind a $155 million tax increase for public schools, saying the plan would help cover increased costs that are forcing school districts to make cuts.

Experts reduce estimate of cigarette tax revenue
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
The state's fiscal forecasters have cut $20 million from a two-year estimate of cigarette tax revenue, blaming a decline in smoking and increases in Internet purchasing and the Kansas cigarette tax.

Sebelius increases prison spending
Friday, April 23, 2004
Part of a new but unused juvenile detention center would be opened to ease overcrowded conditions for young offenders in state custody under a proposal endorsed Thursday by legislative budget committees.

Legislators try to fund government telephone directories
Friday, April 23, 2004
Legislators continued Thursday to push for printing government telephone directories, lengthening a confrontation with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius over a $45,000 expense in a $10.2 billion budget.

Sebelius seeks additions to already approved budget
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Even as Gov. Kathleen Sebelius declared that the state had no money to spare, her administration drafted budget proposals requiring an extra $11 million in general revenues.

State ethics officials oppose reduced disclosure
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Kansas ethics officials today voted unanimously to oppose a bill that would reduce public disclosure of the money spent by lobbyists on lawmakers to influence legislation.

State's revenue picture brightens
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Kansas legislators were able to see budget choices a little clearer Tuesday after officials revised state revenue projections.

Revenue forecast improves, but little change seen in budget
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Fiscal forecasters are predicting that the state will collect about $40 million more in general revenues through mid-2005 than previously expected, but the new estimate has done little to brighten the budget picture.

Sebelius seeking $93 million in new spending
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is asking legislators to add more than $93 million in spending to the $10.2 billion budget they've already approved for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Forecasters meet to write new revenue estimates
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
(Updated Tuesday at 10:32 a.m.) TOPEKA - Officials and university economists worked Tuesday on a new financial forecast for state government, a day after Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a $10.2 billion budget.

Governor OKs budget, with vetoes
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a $10.2 billion budget Monday but vetoed a provision allowing state government to resume printing its telephone directories.

Sebelius signs $10.2 billion budget
Monday, April 19, 2004
(Updated Monday at 4:44 p.m.) TOPEKA - Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a $10.2 billion state budget Monday but vetoed a provision aimed at allowing the printing of government telephone directories.

Analysis: Economy sends mixed signals
Monday, April 19, 2004
A jumble of signals continues to flow from the economy, confounding attempts to measure its strength and creating uncertainty for officials who must help state government set a course for the near future.

Van-pool program will keep running
Saturday, April 17, 2004
For Abe Rezayazdi and other state van-pool riders in Lawrence, the system worked.

State tax collections signal economic stability
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
Key legislators said Tuesday they were heartened by a new report on state revenue collections, pointing to indications that the Kansas economy is stable. In the first nine months of the current fiscal year, which began July 1, 2003, general revenue totaled $3.18 billion -- just $5.7 million less than the state's economic forecasters had predicted last November, according to the report issued Monday.

Sebelius against proposal delaying state employees' raises
Friday, April 2, 2004
(Web Posted Friday at 11:57 a.m.) Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today lambasted a new Senate school finance proposal that would be partially funded by delaying a payraise to state employees, including those at Kansas University.

National anti-tax group airs radio ads in Kansas
Friday, April 2, 2004
(Web Posted Friday at 11:03 a.m.) A national anti-tax group is waging political war with Kansas legislators who have supported tax increases for schools. The National Taxpayers Union, a non-partisan group based in Alexandria, Va., has purchased three days' worth of radio ads that are being broadcast statewide.

Van-pool program still under consideration
Friday, April 2, 2004
A measure to continue the van-pool program has been included in a bill that was in a House-Senate conference committee Thursday.

Budget, minus schools and highways, sent to governor
Friday, April 2, 2004
A compromise budget for state government that trims overall spending by three-tenths of 1 percent went Thursday to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Compromise $10.2 billion budget moves to governor's desk
Thursday, April 1, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 12:13 p.m.) A compromise budget for state government that trims overall spending by three-tenths of 1 percent went Thursday to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

House roll call vote on compromise budget bill
Thursday, April 1, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 12:12 p.m.) TOPEKA - The 98-26 vote Thursday by which the House approved a compromise budget, sending it to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Senate roll call vote on compromise budget bill
Thursday, April 1, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 12:12 p.m.) TOPEKA - The 32-8 vote Thursday by which the Senate approved a compromise, $10.2 billion budget.

Negotiators strike deal on proposed budget
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
House and Senate negotiators agreed Monday on a budget that trims state spending by three-tenths of 1 percent, settling dozens of small issues but leaving big ones unresolved.

House approves $51.5 million schools plan
Thursday, March 25, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 5:55 p.m.) The House passed a $51.5 million school finance plan Thursday, then turned its attention to a more ambitious proposal that was voted down a day earlier.

House tentatively approves $10.2 billion state budget
Thursday, March 25, 2004
(Web Posted Thursday at 11:08 a.m.) A proposed budget trimming total funding for state government by two-tenths of 1 percent advanced Thursday in the House, while a similar, $10.2 billion spending plan was before the Senate.

House approves school funding plan
Thursday, March 25, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 3:02 p.m.) A $51.5 million school finance plan backed by Republican leaders was approved Thursday in the House, but Democrats were not giving up hope on winning approval for a larger package.

House tentatively approves budget
Thursday, March 25, 2004
The House gave tentative approval Wednesday to a proposed $10.2 billion budget that trims total state spending by two-tenths of 1 percent in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Committee OKs $10.2 billion budget
Saturday, March 20, 2004
A proposed $10.2 billion budget for state government advanced out of a Senate committee Friday after members modified Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposal for programs serving young children.

GOP senators unveil school funding plan
Friday, March 19, 2004
(Web Posted Friday at 12:11 p.m.) TOPEKA - Republican state senators today released a plan to increase school funding by $65 million. The plan would be paid for by increases in liquor taxes and altering state tax refund policies.

House panel endorses GOP school finance plan
Friday, March 19, 2004
(Web Posted Friday at 10:03 a.m.) The House Education Committee on Friday endorsed a $92 million school finance plan drafted by the chamber's GOP leaders, as Senate Republicans readied an alternative package. The House committee's action came a day after the panel had a hearing and Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, said members should view the plan that he helped draft as a short-term solution -- at best.

Attorney general discusses gay marriage, school finance in online chat
Thursday, March 18, 2004
(Updated Friday at 3:26 p.m.) The following is the transcript on an online chat with Kansas Atty. Gen. Phill Kline that took place March 18 on ljworld.com.

House begins debate on school finance bill
Thursday, March 18, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 4:24 p.m.) The House Education Committee began debate Thursday on a $92 million school finance plan offered by the chamber's Republicans, who were far from united on the merits of the proposal.

Budget plan advances without school, transportation solutions
Thursday, March 18, 2004
A House panel endorsed a $10.2 billion budget Wednesday that holds overall state spending flat in the next fiscal year and follows many of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposals.

GOP House leaders unveil new school funding plan, governor 'alarmed' by plan
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
(Updated Tuesday at 11:42 a.m.) TOPEKA -- Republican House leaders today unveiled a public school finance plan that would increase state funding by $28.5 million and allow local school districts to raise local property taxes by $64 million.

House Republicans announce details of school finance plan
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
(Updated Tuesday at 11:26 a.m.) TOPEKA - House Republicans on Tuesday proposed a $92 million school finance package, funded through increases in local property taxes and savings in the state budget.

Senate advances bill to encourage grandparents as foster parents
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Senators gave first-round approval Monday to a bill creating a new program to help grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, with the goal of keeping some of those children out of foster families.

House panel approves small business tax cut
Monday, March 15, 2004
(Updated Monday at 11:24 a.m.) TOPEKA - A measure that would reduce or eliminate the Kansas franchise tax for thousands of businesses has been approved by the House Taxation Committee.

House panel endorses higher ed budget
Friday, March 12, 2004
(Web Posted Friday at 3:06 p.m.) TOPEKA - A House committee has endorsed a $1.72 billion higher education budget that closely resembles Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposal.

House GOP working on school finance plan
Friday, March 12, 2004
TOPEKA - House Republicans say they will present proposals next week to address school districts' short-term financial needs. Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, said Thursday that the plan would contain no general tax increase. But he declined to describe any details, such as whether the plan would propose targeted tax increases -- for example, on alcohol.

Senate Democratic leader takes part in online chat
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley took part in an online chat about legislative issues Thursday afternoon, touching on such issues as school finance, the gay marriage ban amendment and this weekend's Democratic Party state caucuses.

As state loses children, federal funding at risk
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Children are disappearing from Kansas. On that much, everybody seems to agree. How fast their numbers are diminishing, however, is the subject of a dispute that could determine the future of federal education funding in Kansas.

Analysis: House votes send mixed message on school funding, tax proposals
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
If the Kansas House were a student, it would have received an "F" in math Tuesday. The House, in an open display of gamesmanship and political posturing, voted to increase school funding by $137 million but rejected the taxes needed to fund the increase.

Judicial funding boost endorsed
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Kansas courts could hire 27 more employees, including a judge for Douglas County, under a proposed judiciary budget endorsed Tuesday by the House Appropriations Committee.

School funding situation 'a mess'
Sunday, March 7, 2004
Douglas County legislators are frustrated with the lack of progress toward improving funding for public education and dealing with other budgetary issues. "At this point we can't even have an honest debate," Rep. Tom Holland said during Saturday's Capital Connections breakfast forum at the Hereford House, 4931 W. Sixth St. "I'm just fearful that there is no political will to have an honest airing of the issues and a debate."

House Democratic leader Dennis McKinney takes part in online chat
Friday, March 5, 2004
Welcome to our online chat with Kansas House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney. The chat took place on Thursday, March 4, at 1:30 PM and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page.

Kline to appeal school finance order Monday to Supreme Court
Thursday, March 4, 2004
(Web Posted Thursday at 8:51 a.m.) School districts that won a lawsuit over state funding won't try to stop an appeal to the Kansas Supreme Court, their lead attorneys says. Attorney General Phill Kline plans to file an appeal Monday of a preliminary order by Shawnee County District Judge Terry Bullock which held the state's school finance law unconstitutional.

Kline critical of judge's action in school finance case
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
(Updated Wednesday at 12:50 p.m.) TOPEKA -- The judge who declared the Kansas school finance system unconstitutional has refused to issue a final order, a decision that was criticized today by Atty. Gen. Phill Kline.

Attorneys seek school finance reform oversight
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
Attorneys for two school districts that sued the state over education funding want a special master appointed to oversee legislators' work on reforming the school finance law if they fail to make major revisions by July.

Officials take February revenue shortfall in stride
Tuesday, March 2, 2004
State revenue for February was $23.5 million, or 10 percent below projections, according to preliminary figures released Monday. But state officials said the downturn didn't signal further economic problems.

Sebelius seeks school funding support
Monday, March 1, 2004
(Web Posted Monday at 10:55 a.m.) Days after her proposal to increase taxes for public schools was defeated in the Legislature, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will hit the road trying to drum up support for an increase in school funding.

February state revenue 10 percent below projections
Monday, March 1, 2004
(Updated Monday at 11:51 a.m.) State revenue was $23.5 million or 10 percent under projections for February, according to preliminary figures released today. For the fiscal year that started July 1, revenue is less than one-half of a percent under what has been projected.

The Capitol Report
Monday, March 1, 2004
• Not germane
• Deputy Dogs
• Republican minorities
• Wage issues
• Deadline passed
• Schedule

Senate approves bill giving immigrants tuition break
Thursday, February 26, 2004
(Web Posted Thursday at 12:32 p.m.) TOPEKA - A bill lowering the cost of higher education for some illegal immigrants or their children won Senate approval Thursday after inspiring a passionate debate.

Senate rejects bill to allow Douglas County sales tax vote
Thursday, February 26, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 4:21 p.m.) TOPEKA - The Kansas Senate today rejected a bill that would have allowed Douglas County residents to vote on a sales tax increase for public schools.

Senate rejects Sebelius school finance plan
Thursday, February 26, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 12:49 p.m.) TOPEKA - Senators on Thursday rejected Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' plan to raise $304 million for public schools with higher taxes.

House Speaker Doug Mays takes part in online chat
Thursday, February 26, 2004
(Updated Tuesday at 4:04 p.m.) Our online chat with Kansas House Speaker Doug Mays took place on Thursday, February 26, at 3:30 PM and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page. Among the topics Mays touched during the chat were school finance, gay marriage, concealed guns and even the design on the Kansas quarter.

School sales tax bill passage unlikely
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
State senators today are expected to consider a bill that would allow Douglas County residents to vote on a sales tax increase for public schools. Not even the bill's sponsor is expecting the legislation to pass.

Van pool users pack hearing
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
(Web Posted Wednesday at 10:49 a.m.) Vanpool riders packed a legislative hearing today to protect their program. "The program is good for the state of Kansas; it does not cost the state any money, yet provides a mode of transportation that makes working for the state government more attractive," Abe Rezayazdi, a vanpool coordinator from Lawrence, said.

Taxpayer amendment clears first hurdle
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
(Updated Wednesday at 2:41 a.m.) A measure that would require a public vote on any proposed state tax increase cleared its first legislative hurdle today. The House budget-writing committee approved the proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution.

Highway funds fight might jeopardize road projects
Monday, February 16, 2004
(Updated Monday at 1:23 p.m.) Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' administration today told state lawmakers it was her way or maybe no highway. Kansas Transportation Secretary Deb Miller said if the Legislature doesn't approve Sebelius' plan to borrow $465 million in bonds for the comprehensive transportation plan, dozens of road projects could be jeopardized.

Senators want to spend less than governor on new state image
Thursday, February 12, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 12:14 p.m.) TOPEKA - Senate budget writers today pared back Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' plan to spend $2 million to produce a new state brand and image.

Catholic leaders, Sebelius announce housing plan
Thursday, February 12, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 3:00 p.m.) TOPEKA - Catholic leaders and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today joined in calls for increased efforts to produce affordable housing in Kansas.

GOP uses audit to attack Sebelius' state vehicle sales
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Republicans on Wednesday used a new state audit to attack Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' claim of vehicle savings, but Democrats said the governor's staff was being unfairly criticized for cleaning up a mess left by GOP officials.

Audit leads to questions about governor's car sales, vanpool proposals
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
(Updated Wednesday at 2:49 p.m.) TOPEKA - Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' claims of saving $9.3 million by abolishing the state's Central Motor Pool and selling off state vehicles can't be proven, a new state audit released today said. Sebelius' office defended her figures.

GOP targets Sebelius' budget 'holes'
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Some Republican lawmakers digging into Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposed budget say they are finding funding gaps with no revenue to fill them in. "Every budget has holes," said House budget-writing chairman Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls. But, he added, that the proposed $4.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2005 is kind of like Spam -- not the unwanted e-mail but the mystery meat.

Classified employees take pay issue to Statehouse
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
(Updated Tuesday at 10:38 a.m.) TOPEKA -- About 50 classified employees from regents universities patrolled the Capitol today, talking to legislators about pay and other work issues.

KU's Hemenway testifies for more state funding
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Kansas University officials Monday said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' budget proposal was a "good-faith effort" but would still result in funding cuts. "The budget proposal is a significant improvement over the past two, and a solid starting point for legislative action," KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said in testimony to a Senate subcommittee on higher education.

Senate President Dave Kerr chats online
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Welcome to our online chat with Kansas Senate President Dave Kerr. The chat took place on Tuesday, February 10, at 1:30 PM and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page.

KU chancellor supports governor's funding recommendation
Monday, February 9, 2004
(Updated Monday at 3:34 p.m.) The following is the text of the testimony that Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway presented Monday afternoon to the Senate Ways and Means Committee's higher education subcommittee. Hemenway supported the governor's funding recommendation.

Brownback calls for eco devo initiatives
Monday, February 9, 2004
(Web Posted Monday at 11:04 a.m.) TOPEKA -- U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback today told state lawmakers that it was critical for the Kansas economy to develop rural areas, build up life science research and defend Boeing, the state's largest aircraft manufacturer.

Judge wants work to begin on fixing school finance law
Friday, February 6, 2004
(Updated Friday at 6:04 p.m.) TOPEKA - The judge who declared the Kansas school finance system unconstitutional has told sides in the case to start preparing a remedy. In December, Shawnee County District Court Judge Terry Bullock ruled the finance method is unconstitutional because it under-funds the cost of educating all students, especially minorities.

Business leaders at odds on taxes
Friday, February 6, 2004
The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce on Thursday found itself in the middle of a legislative fight over Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposal to increase taxes for schools. Larry McElwain, chairman of the Lawrence chamber, told lawmakers the chamber supported the governor's plan to increase state sales, income and property taxes to pay for a $304 million increase in public school funding over three years.

State vehicles a hot commodity
Thursday, February 5, 2004
(Web Posted Thursday at 2:09 p.m.) TOPEKA - They're flying off the lot. State officials today say they have sold 26 vehicles in three hours from the state's going-out-of-the-motor-pool-business sale.

Governor participates in online chat
Thursday, February 5, 2004
(Updated Tuesday at 4:05 p.m.) Gov. Kathleen Sebelius took part in an online chat today with ljworld.com readers. This was the governor's first time to meet with her constituents using an online chat format.

Sebelius signals flexibility on taxes
Wednesday, February 4, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' administration Tuesday signaled she was willing to negotiate proposed tax increases with the Legislature and that she would drop her plan to change the way special education funds are allocated.

Amazon.com to charge state sales tax
Wednesday, February 4, 2004
Online retailer Amazon.com will begin complying with changes in the state's sales tax law beginning April 1, company officials told legislators Tuesday.

$500M loan to prop up KPERS
Tuesday, February 3, 2004
Kansas leaders Monday voted to borrow $500 million to shore up the public employees' pension system, simultaneously sinking the state further into debt and raising the stakes on casino gambling. In a meeting of the State Finance Council, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius voted for the proposal aimed at helping the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, and said the state should pay off the KPERS bonds with revenue from expanded gambling.

State's indebtedness increasing
Monday, February 2, 2004
You go through a legislative session and what do you get? Another year older and deeper in debt. The amount of money the state of Kansas must pay each year to retire debt has more than tripled in the past decade, from $78.8 million in 1994 to $278.4 million in the last fiscal year, according to state budget figures.

Sebelius trying to bridge gap in transportation funding
Monday, February 2, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius promotes her proposal for $465 million in bonds as the best way to shore up the state's 10-year transportation program and protect projects already promised communities. But the budget proposals Sebelius submitted to legislators last year and this year have helped create the very hole she is trying to plug.

Sebelius rolls out new state gambling plan
Friday, January 30, 2004
(Updated Friday at 1:13 p.m.) TOPEKA - Kansas could have five top-class casinos, and video lottery terminals at horse and dog tracks and nearly 250 veterans and fraternal organizations, under a proposal unveiled today by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. "Many Kansans will benefit from this plan," Sebelius said at a packed news conference announcing her proposal.

On state's birthday, Sebelius tells cities not to expect any presents
Friday, January 30, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Thursday told city officials not to expect much from the state. "The state is still in a relatively strapped position," she said to about 175 mayors and city commissioners gathered for the League of Municipalities' annual "City Hall Day."

Bi-partisan bill would limit property tax valuations
Thursday, January 29, 2004
(Web Posted Thursday at 11:21 a.m.) TOPEKA - Two lawmakers from opposing parties and opposite sides of the state have filed a measure designed to limit property tax valuations.

Governor's school finance plan rolled onto legislative track
Thursday, January 29, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 12:37 p.m.) TOPEKA - More than two weeks after announcing her plan to increase taxes for schools, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today set her proposal on its legislative path. Sebelius' plan was introduced in the Senate tax committee, which will probably hold a hearing on it next week.

Sebelius asks cities to support highway plan
Thursday, January 29, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 6:40 p.m.) TOPEKA - Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today urged city officials to support her proposed re-structuring of the comprehensive highway plan.

Lawrence school official touts tax plan
Thursday, January 29, 2004
(Updated Thursday at 12:42 p.m.) TOPEKA - The Lawrence school board's president today urged a Senate committee to give Douglas County voters the option of increasing their taxes to improve public education.

Attorneys: State needs to spend $1 billion on schools
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
(Updated Wednesday at 3:05 p.m.) TOPEKA - Plaintiffs' attorneys in the school finance lawsuit today told legislators they need to increase funding to public schools by $1 billion and overhaul the way school funds are allocated. "The kids with the greatest needs receive the least amount of money," under the current funding system, Alan Rupe of Wichita told the Senate Education Committee.

County joins fight to repeal property tax break
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Douglas County commissioners want state lawmakers to take away the property-tax exemption now enjoyed by residents who lease 80 independent-living units at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. It's only fair, commissioners say.

Lawmakers want to dissolve state board of education in favor of cabinet post
Monday, January 26, 2004
(Web Posted Monday at 12:04 p.m.) TOPEKA -- Two lawmakers today said they will file a measure that would establish a secretary of education and dissolve the State Board of Education.

Revisions ahead on special education
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday she was willing to change her proposal for funding special education after it raised alarms in Lawrence and several other school districts. "This can easily come out of the plan," Sebelius said.

Director: Social services can 'hold on'
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
This year's meeting went better than last year's. "If you remember, at this time last year we'd already gone through three budget reductions," state welfare Secretary Janet Schalansky said Tuesday, addressing more than 100 people. A mix of advocates, program directors and state workers met for the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services' meeting on the budget proposed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Transportation plan deemed 'unrealistic'
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
The state had "unrealistic expectations" when it began its comprehensive transportation plan, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday in touting her proposal to issue $465 million in bonds to keep the program on track.

Senators seek to speed up school finance lawsuit
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Two senators have drafted a bill to allow a quick appeal of a district judge's ruling on school finance to the Kansas Supreme Court.

Sebelius plan creating concerns over special ed dollars
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
A proposal from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to change the distribution of special education dollars for public schools is drawing criticism because a few districts would lose big.

Kline promises plan to protect tobacco revenues
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Attorney General Phill Kline said Tuesday he will draft a proposal to keep sales of discount cigarettes from cutting into the state's tobacco revenues.

School-finance lawyer says fix falls short
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposed tax increase isn't enough to fix the unconstitutional school-aid system, according to a lead attorney in the lawsuit that led a judge to declare Kansas school financing inadequate and tell lawmakers to spend an additional $1 billion. "It's kind of like giving a thimbleful of water to someone dying of thirst," said Alan Rupe, a Wichita attorney. "Of course, they are going to want it, but it isn't enough to solve the problem."

Sebelius plan's special ed funding drawing concerns
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
A proposal from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to change the distribution of special education dollars for public schools is drawing criticism because a few districts would lose big. Sebelius says she wants the special education dollars to follow students, rather than teachers and paraprofessionals. However, some educators think her plan would hurt districts with high concentrations of special ed students.

Schools plan would harm city
Sunday, January 18, 2004
The Lawrence school district fares worse under Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' new spending blueprint for public education than any other district in the state, officials said. "If my choice were between this and nothing, I take nothing," said Lawrence Supt. Randy Weseman. "This particular proposal, in its current form, represents the most significant budget challenge to our board of education I can remember. In this form, it is a meltdown for us."

Retirement complex tax breaks challenged
Sunday, January 18, 2004
Three years after moving into Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, Russell Mosser values the security of knowing he can order meals if desired, receive health care assistance if needed and move into a nursing home once inevitable. He never bargained for having to pay a property-tax bill.

Tax package a tough sell, governor acknowledges
Saturday, January 17, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius defended her proposal to raise taxes to benefit public schools but acknowledged Friday that higher property taxes would be difficult to sell.

Schools, casinos highlight discussion at first Capitol Connections forum
Saturday, January 17, 2004
Members of the public attending a legislative forum Friday in Lawrence weren't shy about discussing Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' $304 million public education overhaul plan that she announced earlier this week.

Administration backtracks on casino
Saturday, January 17, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius declined Friday to confirm that she would recommend the state open and operate a casino in Wyandotte County.

Sebelius school finance plan gets mixed reviews
Friday, January 16, 2004
(Updated Friday at 12:58 p.m.) TOPEKA - The political spin continued today over Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' plan to increase state income, sales and property taxes to fund a $304 million increase for public schools.

Tax plan goes easiest on the rich
Friday, January 16, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' tax bill to fund a $304 million increase for public schools would hit middle-income and low-income Kansans the hardest, according to tax experts. And it is the kind of tax increase that Democrats in the Legislature have fought against for years, though most now seem willing to accept the plan by Sebelius, who is a Democrat.

State's business climate 'average'
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Being good for business isn't good enough, the president of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry told legislators Wednesday. Lew Ebert, in a presentation to the Senate Commerce Committee, said Kansas ranked among the middle of the pack on numerous business indicators. But it risks losing jobs unless more work is done to lower such costs as taxes, insurance, legal expenses and workers' compensation, he said.

Higher ed officials warn governor of funding shortfalls
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Higher education officials Wednesday emerged from a meeting with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius saying they were appreciative of the governor's proposed funding increase but that it wasn't nearly enough to make up for earlier cuts and cost increases. They also warned that Kansas was facing a skyrocketing tab of $700 million for building repairs at universities and that faculty morale was low because of inadequate pay and legislative criticism.

SRS plans forums to review governor's budget proposal
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
(Updated Friday at 8:33 a.m.) The state's social service agency will hold public meetings to review Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' budget proposal which, if enacted, could result in hundreds of people being made homeless.

KDOT leader backs governor's budget
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Some projects promised under the state's 10-year highway improvement program will not be completed unless legislators provide additional revenue, Transportation Secretary Deb Miller said Tuesday.

Analysis: Sebelius talking conservative but proposing tax-and-spend plan
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
If Gov. Kathleen Sebelius seeks a second term in 2006, TV viewers won't see any negative Republican ads that show her calling for a tax increase -- at least not from her 2004 State of the State speech.

Governor, Republicans differ on size of tax plan
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Some Republicans think Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and her aides are underestimating the size of her proposal to raise taxes for schools.

$304 million tax increase proposed for education
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius waited until the cameras were turned off Monday to propose increases in state income, sales and property taxes to fund a $304 million spending increase for public schools.

Plan includes higher ed increase
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' budget proposal includes $15.9 million in new money for the state's higher education system, and a 3 percent salary increase for those who work for colleges and universities. But it also includes more than $12 million in administrative cuts, mostly from purchasing and information technology budgets.

SRS budget warms few hearts
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Advocates for the state's poor and disabled were less than thrilled with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposed welfare budget.

Legislative committee to reconsider KPERS bond investment proposal
Tuesday, January 6, 2004
A committee that has already recommended borrowing $500 million to shore up the Kansas public employee pension system will meet Wednesday to revisit the issue in a rare legislative do-over.

Proposal offers cap on senior property taxes
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Senior citizens who own the homes they live in would have their property taxes capped under a proposal unveiled Tuesday by two northeast Kansas lawmakers. "Kansas seniors need relief from escalating property valuations," said state Rep. Lee Tafanelli, R-Ozawkie.

Budget cuts put 400 on road to homelessness
Sunday, December 28, 2003
In a week or two Jason Stark figures he'll be tossed from the house he shares with two other men. "They've got their disability (payments). I can't get mine," said Stark, 33. "I don't know what the deal is. I don't have any money." Stark, who takes three prescription drugs to control his schizophrenia, is one of more than 400 Kansans -- all of them disabled and poor -- who on Jan. 1 will be dropped from the state's General Assistance and MediKan rolls.

City won't seek return of state funding to cities
Sunday, December 28, 2003
For the first time in recent years, Lawrence won't ask the Kansas Legislature to keep its hands off "demand transfer" financial aid to cities. It's already too late.

Lawmakers propose constitutional limits on tax increases
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Two Kansas House members are proposing amendments to the Kansas Constitution that would make raising taxes more difficult.

Judge rejects attempt to appeal school finance order
Friday, December 19, 2003
(Updated Friday at 3:22 p.m.) A judge Friday slapped down an attempt by the State Board of Education to appeal his decision that the school finance system was unconstitional. "JUST GO FIX IT!" Shawnee County District Court Judge Terry Bullock wrote in his order.

Sebelius urges legislative action on school finance
Sunday, December 14, 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is warning that Kansas courts could take over the state's public schools if she and the Legislature fail to adopt a school-finance plan in the upcoming legislative session.

School ruling could cost state $1 billion
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
In a historic ruling sure to vex the governor and lawmakers in the coming legislative session, a judge Tuesday declared the Kansas school-finance system unconstitutional and gave lawmakers until July 1 to fix it.

Sebelius, staff open budget talks
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
With a decision looming on whether to seek a tax increase, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius began discussions Monday with her staff about the proposed budget she'll submit to legislators in January.

Revenues dictate flat spending
Tuesday, November 4, 2003
No funding increase for public schools or higher education, more people on waiting lists for social services, and no state employee pay raise. That's what budget experts forecast Monday when they released revenue projections for the next fiscal year.

State budget sufficient to muddle through year
Monday, November 3, 2003
As the 2004 legislative session approaches, the state finds itself in a better financial position than it did a year ago.

Federal deficit threat to state
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
With the national government swimming in red ink, Kansans can expect fewer government services, increased inflation and ultimately higher taxes, officials and some economists predicted Monday. Paying the interest on a record deficit pegged by the White House at $374.2 billion in 2003 "generally means taking money from the middle class and giving it to richer people who own bonds," said Kansas University economist David Burress. He is critical of the Bush administration's tax cuts, which many blame for fueling the ballooning deficit.

Analysis: State budget savings touted by Sebelius team don't add up
Monday, October 20, 2003
Alone and out of context, the number looks impressive: $76,258,139. It's the tally Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' administration puts on the savings and efficiencies identified by government review teams she appointed before her inauguration in January.

Analysis: School finance fix won't be quick deal
Monday, October 6, 2003
Legislators are more likely to ask "why?" than "how high?" if a judge orders them to jump up and fix the way the state pays for education.

Sebelius vague on school finance
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Public school advocates have their fingers crossed that Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will call for significant new spending on education when the Legislature convenes in January. "I feel hopeful that she is going to come out with a proposal to increase base state aid," said Kathy Cook, co-founder of Kansas Families United for Public Education and a member of Sebelius' education task force.

Legislators support tax change delay
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Sen. Mark Buhler, R-Lawrence, says he's all for delaying full implementation of the state's controversial destination-based sales tax system. "It was a huge mistake," Buhler said Monday, noting he'll vote in the next legislative session to push full-scale collections back to July 1.

Education lobbyist says schools slipping
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Kansas students rank among the brightest in the nation, but absent additional money for their schools, they may fall short of state and national achievement goals, an education lobbyist testified Tuesday.

Proposed sales tax for schools a political gamble
Monday, September 22, 2003
If leaders of public schools in Douglas County want to roll the political dice and seek a sales tax to bolster their lagging budgets, John Edmonds has a warning.

Lawrence group plans opposition to tax idea
Monday, September 22, 2003
A Lawrence coalition of public-education advocates will fight efforts to adopt a half-cent sales tax to generate cash for school districts serving Douglas County students.

Sebelius promises schools support
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius told northeast Kansas educators on Wednesday she was prepared to advocate for increased education spending in the 2004 legislative session.
"I'll be one to lead the charge," she said. "We need more resources for education -- no question about it."

Freshman legislators ready for school fight, part II
Sunday, August 24, 2003
In the 2003 legislative session, they were knocked down as they fought to pass a tax increase to fund schools and frustrated, they say, by a state government more interested in gimmickry and political expediency than solving the state's problems.

Plan unveiled to ‘sell' school funding
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' education policy team is calling for an increase in spending on schools in order to improve early childhood learning, help students who are having difficulties and increase access to higher education. The team's preliminary report was outlined Wednesday by Sylvia Robinson, who is Sebelius' director of education policy.

Cash-poor state is car rich
Sunday, August 10, 2003
In a quiet area of abandoned warehouses and small businesses sits a fenced parking lot partially obscured from view by overgrown trees and weeds. Behind the chain-link fence is an inventory of vehicles that would make any car dealer proud.

State says it has no funds to finish SLT
Sunday, August 3, 2003
The state has no money to complete the South Lawrence Trafficway. Even if the project gains the necessary federal permits and survives legal challenges, there are no funds to finish the $115 million highway connecting the Kansas Turnpike with Kansas Highway 10 east of the city along a route near 31st Street, transportation officials said Friday.

More fat to trim in state budget, governor says
Friday, August 1, 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius won't rule out proposing a tax increase to finance state government but insisted Thursday that more savings can be found within agencies first.

Sebelius tax talk 'premature'
Sunday, July 27, 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius says a tax increase may be needed to help solve the state's funding problems, but Republicans in control of the Legislature want her to think again. "It's premature to be talking about a tax increase, particularly given the fragile state of the Kansas economy," said House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka.

Governor warms to proposal to raise taxes
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has opened the door to a tax increase, saying the state needs more revenue to fund education.

Sebelius would renovate university residence hall
Friday, April 25, 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius proposed Thursday to enlarge the state budget to provide more medical care to the needy, keep prison visitor centers open and renovate a Kansas University residence hall.

6News video: Governor vetoes budget amendment
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
6News reports on the veto of a budget amendment aimed at a KU class.

Personal politics slipped into budget provisos
Monday, April 21, 2003
A single paragraph on the bottom of the 95th page in the state budget could cost Kansas University $3.1 million.

National groups urge amendment veto
Monday, April 21, 2003
A number of free expression organizations have joined the effort to urge Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to line-veto an amendment to the 2003-04 Kansas state budget that would eliminate funding for the School of Social Welfare at Kansas University, as well as for any academic unit that purchases obscene videos for educational purposes.

Regents: Governor should veto budget amendment aimed at KU sex class
Thursday, April 17, 2003
(Updated Tuesday at 11:09 a.m.) The Kansas Board of Regents has been added to the groups urging Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to veto a measure aimed at stopping a human sexuality course at Kansas University.

Text of complaint filed on sex education class by Senator Wagle
Wednesday, April 16, 2003

Governor's staff hears students' sex class views
Saturday, April 12, 2003
Three Kansas University students from professor Dennis Dailey's human sexuality class met Friday with members of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' staff.

KU panel opposes obscenity bill
Friday, April 11, 2003
A Kansas University governance group has given supporters of professor Dennis Dailey more ammunition as they meet today with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' staff. University Council, which consists of faculty, staff and students, approved a resolution Thursday encouraging the governor to veto an amendment to the budget bill aimed at cutting funds to Dailey's human sexuality class and the School of Social Welfare.

University Council resolution on sex-ed
Friday, April 11, 2003
Here is the text of the resolution, to be sent to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and legislators, approved Thursday by University Council at Kansas University.

K-State joins ranks seeking obscenity veto
Thursday, April 10, 2003
Kansas State University faculty senators voted Tuesday to send an open letter to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius encouraging her to veto an amendment that would require the Kansas Board of Regents to cut funding to university departments that use "obscene" videos in human sexuality or other classes.
K-State faculty president Al Cochran drafted the letter, which said the amendment was "ill-conceived and would harm the quality of education at Kansas Regents' institutions."

Hemenway to speak to lawmakers
Monday, March 10, 2003
(Web Posted Monday at 11:32 a.m.) Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway plans to ask state legislators Monday to ease up on restrictions that make it more expensive for KU to operate.

KU funding takes a hit
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
The House Appropriations Committee Monday approved Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' higher education spending plan, which falls short of financing the current level of services at Kansas University and other state colleges.

KU aims to cut red-tape costs
Friday, February 7, 2003
Cutting the state's red tape would save Kansas University $1.4 million yearly, Chancellor Robert Hemenway told lawmakers Thursday. Standing before the House Education Budget Committee, Hemenway proposed eliminating bureaucratic restrictions in five areas -- purchasing, financial management, architectural services, printing and surplus property -- as a way to counteract budget cuts.