Memo to Kansas Legislators:
For a minute there, it looked like Kansas lawmakers had made some real progress Tuesday on a school finance plan with some hope of satisfying the state Supreme Court.
The House passed a bill that would have put $500 million more into public schools over the next five years. But not so fast, cried GOP leaders in the Senate.
Republican Senate President Susan Wagle and Majority Leader Jim Denning said they wont even debate education funding until after lawmakers approve a constitutional amendment that would declare the level of school funding no business of the court, not subject to judicial review.
They might as well declare that they wont debate until after the session is over.
Because the amendment, which would have to pass the House and Senate with a two-thirds majority, then be put to a statewide vote, almost certainly lacks that level of support.
Weve been pushed into a corner, Wagle complained.
But then, so have Kansas schools and all the students who deserve a better education than theyre getting.
Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer expects a school funding plan on his desk before lawmakers leave Topeka on Friday for their usual long April break.
They shouldnt leave town until they deliver it.
The Kansas City Star
