Government

During a City Council Workshop Tuesday, Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer thanked the city maintenance crew that cleared snow from streets.

"Through this entire time frame, through both of the snows, we have to say hats off to our guys that were out there working the streets," said Brewer.

Brewer said the crew worked through the first storm and then immediately prepared for the next one to come in.

"They did an outstanding job in getting our streets all taken care of and getting them all cleaned up." said Brewer.

A bill in the Kansas House would require public buildings to be open to people legally carrying concealed weapons, unless the building has adequate security measures.

Under current law, concealed weapons can be barred from public buildings by posting a sign at the door.

Sen. Forrest Knox, an Altoona Republican, spoke in favor of the bill during a committee hearing Monday. He says Kansans with concealed weapons permits should be allowed to carry guns inside public buildings unless the building has enough security to ensure safety.

Gov. Sam Brownback's proposal requiring school districts to hold back Kansas third-graders who aren't proficient in reading is getting mixed reviews in the Legislature.

The Senate Education Committee heard testimony Monday on the plan. The proposal includes $10 million in grant money for intervention programs to help third-graders meet state standards in reading.

Brownback policy director Jon Hummell says the goal isn't to keep children from advancing to fourth grade but to improve overall education outcomes, including reducing dropout rates.

Kansas lawmakers are considering a resolution that would underscore the Legislature's opposition to a proposed expansion of Medicaid programs.