The Kansas Legislature’s official three-week vacation is just about done.
Lawmakers are back in session at 10 am Thursday, and even though education funding is now largely handled — at least until the Kansas Supreme Court rules on a package approved earlier this month — it’s still the big issue for constituents in the House 76th District. Representative Eric Smith explained his “no” vote as part of his legislative update on KVOE’s Morning Show this week.
Smith says a downturn in the economy could jeopardize the plan, and he believes a tax increase or continued revenue shift may be needed even if the economy remains steady.
With all the attention paid to K-12 public education, both in this session and in years past, there hasn’t been nearly the amount of press on higher education funding.
Smith says there could be “some payback” to higher education after prior cuts, and he says he is pleased with the Senate plan to fund the Emporia State nursing program. He says it’s an appropriate and reasonable move and he hopes other lawmakers are on board.
KVOE concludes its series of legislative updates with 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber at 8:30 am Thursday. Find the interviews — in full — in the KVOE.com Audio Vault.
