Government

Kansas continues to have a lengthy waiting list for services for people with disabilities, but advocates are hoping the list will be addressed thanks to a clause in KanCare that earmarks savings for disability services.

According to the last report issued in May 2012 by the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, 4,994 Kansans with developmental disabilities were on a waiting list for services, and some have been waiting for more than eight years. They’re waiting for services like residential and employment support, respite care and personal assistance.

The Wichita City Council approved funding Tuesday for two of the most heavily used municipal pools in Wichita. The pools must meet new ADA requirements.

College Hill pool on the east side of Wichita and Harvest on the west side will split $80,000 from the Capital Improvement Program to meet the new federal ADA standards. That's half of the funding, with the other 50 percent coming from the Department of Public Works and Utilities.

Kansas legislators are considering major changes in a state law governing contract negotiations between teachers and school districts, prompting the state's largest teachers union to complain of what it calls a "war" on educators.

Kansas National Education Association President Karen Godfrey said Monday the bill before the House commerce committee would hurt public schools. A hearing on the measure is set for Wednesday.

Leaders in the Kansas Senate say they'll likely pursue cuts to the budget recommended by Gov. Sam Brownback. Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, says their goal is a long-term elimination of the state's income tax.

A Senate committee recently endorsed a plan that would cut income tax rates. To help balance the budget, it would also eliminate the state's tax deduction for mortgage interest and keep the sales tax elevated.

Wagle says to make the budget work, they will need to make more cuts.