Budget Compromise Reached

Legislative leaders have compromised on a bill balancing Kansas’ fiscal 2009 budget that makes $324 million in adjustments for a revenue shortfall estimated at almost $200 million.

The Legislature is expected to vote over the weekend on the compromise hammered out by Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, and House Speaker Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson. Republicans hold a 31-to-9 edge in the 40-member Senate and hold 76 seats in the 125-member House.

About half of the budget adjustments consist of spending cuts, with the rest provided by refinancing some state bonds and taking $72 million from a surplus in funds set aside for state workers’ health insurance claims and disability benefits.

The proposed budget bill cuts $28 million of state aid to all of Kansas’ 295 local school districts.

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