Leaders of the Democratic minority in the Kansas Legislature have proposed a 14-point job growth plan that would be financed with gambling revenue rather than the general fund.
The plan includes $20.6 million for technical education, a $3 million income tax credit for post-secondary students, and up to $4 million for efforts to boost investment in biotechnology.
Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley said the Legislature should allow slot machines at horse tracks and relax investment restrictions so developers can build a large destination casino in southeast Kansas.
Hensley said the higher gambling revenues also could help whittle down an estimated $1 billion backlog of deferred maintenance at state universities.
“We can no longer neglect these needs,” Hensley said. “It all can be done without taking a cent from the state general fund.”
Hensley said Democratic legislators have pre-filed several bills that are part of the plan.
Democrats hold 33 seats in the 125-member House and eight in the 40-member Senate.
