Leaders in the Kansas Statehouse are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s session, which went into overtime by more than 20 days.
This week, legislators began reviewing Gov. Sam Brownback’s proposals to erase a budget shortfall. Republican Rep. Ron Ryckman says they’re trying to familiarize themselves with the issues before the session resumes.
“One of the reasons we’re here today, a week before we come back, is to get these options out there. Get our members talking amongst themselves and also with their constituents. When we do come back a week from now we’ll have a better understanding of the options and the situation that we’re faced with,” Ryckman says.
Lawmakers are looking at ways to address a budget deficit approaching $300 million over the next 18 months.