With the 2021 Kansas Legislative Session coming to a close later this week, Kansas’ budget is now set for the coming fiscal year.
The state’s “all funds budget” — includes federal dollars coming into the state — comes out to $21 billion with a state general fund — based solely on state taxes and fees — of $7.4 billion. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed the budget on Friday.
Monday morning, local lawmakers took time to speak with KVOE News and offer their thoughts on the finalized budget.
51st District Representative Ron Highland of Wamego is not a fan saying he feels there was a severe lack of restraint in spending.
Highland went on to say that every state agency increased its allocation requests with the increased revenues, however, he does not blame the agencies for doing so. He says he puts the blame on the sub-committees and believes they did not require an adequate level of justification for the increases.
60th District Representative of Emporia Mark Schreiber was of a different mind on the matter and feels the state’s increased revenues over the past year gave the legislature more flexibility for spending. Schreiber also commented on an inclusion in the budget to assist higher education.
The budget includes $53 million to assist state universities and colleges. Schreiber says that he believes it will be a helpful inclusion, however, it is not a “long-term strategy.”
He feels more direct communication is needed between lawmakers and higher learning institutions in the future.
The 2021 legislative session is scheduled to officially conclude Wednesday.