Tagged: Juvenile Justice Authority

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback wants to merge the state's Juvenile Justice Authority with the Department of Corrections. The governor says he’ll propose an executive reorganization order in the coming legislative session to merge the two agencies.

Brownback says a Legislative Post Audit report this summer showed that the social services approach of previous administration failed to provide safety and security. He says the merger will improve safety, and that programs proven to get youth back on the right path will continue.

State drops projected budget shortfall; Brownback will try and merge JJA with corrections in next legislative session; KS BOE to consider allowing PE credit for JROTC.

State's Projected Budget Shortfall Drops To $295M

The Kansas Legislature's research staff has revised its projections for the budget shortfall facing the state next year, dropping it to $295 million.

A recent, two-part audit pointed out significant problems at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka. The first part of the audit found safety and security problems. The second part criticized the facility's education and substance abuse programs.

But, the head of the state's juvenile corrections system testified before lawmakers Thursday and said the facility is improving.

The state is expected to release new tax revenue numbers today; A Juvenile Justice Official says the facility in Topeka has improved after issues of security arose earlier this year; WSU hosts Gordon Parks' third wife in honor of his 100th birthday.

State Tax Report Out Friday

The Kansas Department of Revenue is preparing to issue a report on whether state tax collections in November met expectations.

Gov. Sam Brownback's administration has asked state agencies to prepare contingency plans for 10 percent budget cuts. The head of the Juvenile Justice Authority told a legislative committee what that could mean for the juvenile corrections system in Kansas.