03 June, 2017
As for the differences between the two chambers, lead House negotiator Larry Campbell, an Olathe Republican, said "I don't think we're far apart". Lawmakers will now try to reach a compromise between the two plans.
House Taxation Committee Chairman Steven Johnson, a moderate Assaria Republican, said he's more inclined to work on a plan Brownback can sign.
Additionally, Kansas lawmakers worked late into the night Tuesday on a tax bill that would escalate state tax revenue by $1.2 billion during the next two years. Both the House and Senate measures would pay for all-day kindergarten classes and enact per-student funding formulas aimed at boosting spending on programs that help low-achieving students.
The plan was similar to one the House rejected last week.
The Senate had been in the middle of a marathon debate on a school finance bill but put that debate on hold to take up the tax bill in hopes that the House could vote on it before midnight. Outside of education funding, Kansas faces projected budget shortfalls totaling $887 million through June 2019.
The Kansas Senate has approved a bill that would increase income taxes to fix the state budget and provide additional funds for public schools.
Denning voted for the larger bill Tuesday night, but Wagle, who is said to be considering a bid for the 4th District congressional race next year, continued to vote no.
The bill would reinstate a third, higher income tax bracket and raise individual tax rates. Approval there would send the measure to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. He vetoed a smaller income tax increase in February.
Attorneys for the four school districts suing the cash-strapped state over education funding have said both the House and Senate plans are inadequate.
The latest tax plan split Republicans, including GOP leaders.
In contrast to the progress on school funding, legislators are still struggling to come to a consensus on tax issues.
Republican legislators in Kansas have blocked a Democratic leader's attempt to almost double the size of a plan increasing state spending on public schools. Over two years it would increase funding by $236 million.
Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley proposed phasing in a $420 million increase over two years.
Sen. Dennis Pyle, R-Hiawatha, waves a $100 bill and says "This is my property" on the Kansas Senate floor, Tuesday, May 30, 2017. Most Republicans voted no. It's now about $4 billion a year.
Kansas legislators worry about exhausting operating funds now that their annual session is among the longest in state history. If justices are willing show any flexibility, it would be only if they are convinced that the Legislature has, after years of recalcitrance, gotten the message and will in future sessions invest hundreds of million dollars more in Kansas schools. The Senate planned to consider the new plan, possibly Tuesday night.
Critics said the proposal was an attempt to micromanage school districts.
Legislators are responding to a Kansas Supreme Court ruling in March that education funding is inadequate.
