Politics

Gov. Sam Brownback's administration may ask state legislators to repeal laws that restrict corporate involvement in farming.  

State Agriculture Secretary Dale Rodman told freshmen legislators Tuesday that the state's anti-corporate farming laws need to be repealed. He added later that the state can't expand agriculture as much as it could because of those restrictions. 

Also, Attorney General Derek Schmidt recently told Secretary Rodman that some of the restrictions are likely unconstitutional.

Education funding took center stage on the first day of the 2013 Kansas legislative session.

Lawmakers returned to Topeka just days after a district court ruled that the state needs to increase school funding. Some lawmakers may try to change the Kansas Constitution in response to the ruling.

The South Central Delegation heard from business, government and community leaders Thursday during their annual meeting in Wichita.

More than 30 Kansas lawmakers who are part of the delegation heard presentations on the budget, the need to fund transportation projects, the Equus Beds Aquifer, preserving Wichita's workforce, and the importance of funding education.

During a break, Kansas Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau said education remains a top priority.

The South Central Delegation will hold its annual meeting Thursday at the Wichita State University Metroplex. Wichita leaders will share their agenda with state lawmakers before the 2013 legislative session starts Monday.

Fifty state representatives and senators make up the South Central Delegation and more than half are expected to be in attendance.