State lawmakers have passed a measure that will let Kansas make budget adjustments to offset impacts from coronavirus.
The Finance Council passed a certificate of indebtedness, which essentially lets the state borrow money against itself or shift payments to meet different needs.
This also sets the table for Governor Laura Kelly to make nearly $690 million in allotments, or budget cuts, as a stopgap move against COVID-19. Republican lawmakers had balked at approving the certificate Thursday, saying they had asked for details for several weeks and had little time to review the governor’s plan before having to vote on it.
The governor has not announced her allotment plan, but part of the plan involves halting around $280 million in loan payments to the Pooled Money Investment Board. It also involves holding off on actual cuts until January, when the Legislature returns to session..
Lawmakers representing Lyon County will offer comment and perspective this weekend.
