Politics

On Thursday, The House Appropriations Committee approved an amended version of Governor Brownback's proposal to issue more bonds for a federal lab.

Earlier, they'd delayed a decision on whether to approve an extra $200 million for the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility to be built in Manhattan, KS.

Some state lawmakers like Mark Hutton of Wichita, believe the deal between the federal and state government wasn't clearly defined.

The Kansas House is considering a bill that would allow religious symbols on public land.

According to the bill, religious  symbols would be allowed if they are part of the community's history or heritage. This bill was introduced in response to an incident last summer when the community of Buhler was threatened with a lawsuit because its city symbol contained a cross. 

More than 1,000 anti-abortion advocates gathered at the Statehouse to mark the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal in the country. The event is one of the largest yearly rallies held on the capitol grounds.

Speakers at the event noted that this year is the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Gov. Sam Brownback urged the crowd to keep fighting for the cause.

Gov. Sam Brownback has proposed more income tax cuts in Kansas over the coming years. And to help pay for that, he wants to make permanent part of a temporary sales tax increase that is set to expire later this year.

He's also suggested eliminating some tax deductions, like the home mortgage deduction. Though, some lawmakers may try to alter that plan.

There is now a conservative majority in both the House and Senate, and some lawmakers may try to find additional cuts to state spending instead of using the sales tax and tax deductions to help pay for an income tax cut.