Moderate and conservative Republicans alike are not pleased with one key component of Governor Laura Kelly’s budget plan.
The governor had said she would ask lawmakers to reamortize payments to the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, or KPERS, and she detailed the formal plan as part of her overall budget Thursday. Senate Vice President and 17th District Senator Jeff Longbine of Emporia is not a fan of the timing.
51st District Representative Ron Highland is not a fan of the concept.
Longbine is also concerned there is a minimal funding increase for higher education. He says the governor’s KPERS plan is likely dead on arrival, putting more emphasis on bonding and transfers.
Highland, meanwhile, says the state has to prioritize its funding — which means some spending will have to be reduced if reamortization fails.
