Governor Laura Kelly outlined her policy priorities during her second State of the State address Wednesday night.
One of the governor’s main points of business will be tax reform on at least two levels.
The governor said she was pleased a compromise has been hammered out on Medicaid expansion and lawmakers worked last year to improve public education funding. She encouraged lawmakers to build on last session with a transportation plan, increased emphasis on exports and added strength in the corrections system.
The Republican response was mixed, based on the perspectives offered by area lawmakers. Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine of Emporia says lawmakers share a lot of the governor’s priorities.
60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia agrees. He was pleased to hear the outline of tax reforms.
One thing not stated was the governor’s plan to reamortize KPERS. 76th District Representative Eric Smith of Burlington says Republicans are not keen on that idea.
The governor’s formal budget plan should be handed to lawmakers Thursday.
