State lawmakers hoping to get a lot accomplished during the veto session will not have that opportunity.
Earlier this week, the Legislative Coordinating Council approved a one-day veto session May 21 instead of a three-week session that would have started in late April if it wasn’t for COVID-19. Looking at the state’s response, 76th District Representative Eric Smith of Burlington says it’s becoming clear the state has “flattened the curve” and the phased approach now being used by the state seems appropriate. He also credited residents for the steps they have taken to help slow down the virus.
Budget matters may well dominate the short session, given the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group’s projection of a $1.3 billion budget hit through June 2021. 51st District Representative Ron Highland of Wamego says at least one aspect of the budget will get close scrutiny, and he says lawmakers might not be done with their work when the session ends later this month.
Governor Laura Kelly may have to make a series of allotments, or budget cuts, to make sure the current-year budget is balanced getting into fiscal 2021 in July.
60th District Representative Mark Schreiber and Kansas Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, both of Emporia, have not commented on the short veto session timetable.
