Following the conclusion of the 2019 Legislative Session, Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine joined KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Monday morning to offer his thoughts on the session as a whole.
Overall, Longbine feels they had “a really good session,” specifically when it comes to financial matters. Longbine tells KVOE he feels confident the K-12 education funding matter may be soon put to bed with the recent proposal submitted to the Kansas Supreme Court for approval.
Longbine says they also addressed several budget areas including corrections, DCF, additional funding to higher education and “got the fiscal house in order.” With all of these accomplishments, one item which did not see action this session was Medicaid expansion.
Longbine says they made the attempt to “rally the troops,” but unfortunately fell short.
In response to this, several pro-Medicaid supporters filled the gallery last Wednesday to voice their opposition. Eventually, the protestors began singing and chanting to the point where, according to Longbine, work could no longer be conducted.
Longbine explains the Senate was then recessed after Capital Police asked Senators to leave the floor.
Despite the somewhat chaotic end to the session, Longbine still feels much was accomplished and gave praise to Governor Laura Kelly for the work she has done since stepping into her position. Longbine adds he is anticipating the Kansas Supreme Court will announce their decision on the K-12 education funding matter either this Friday or the next.
Senator Longbine will be in Emporia Tuesday as part of the final legislative dialogue of the year at 6 pm in the Trusler Business Center, 719 Commercial. You can listen to the full interview with Senator Longbine online in the KVOE.com Audio Vault.
