Kansas lawmakers narrowly pass budget and end 2016 session
Perhaps the biggest news story of the week was the announcement that Kansas lawmakers had worked through the night to pass a budget bill early Monday morning. Without enough votes to reinstate any taxes, legislators instead are relying on Gov. Sam Brownback to make $80 million in additional cuts to keep the budget balanced—but it’s not clear where the cuts will come from.
Planned Parenthood sues over Kansas’ termination of its Medicaid funding
The same day the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced it was terminating Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid funding, the organization—which provides abortions, among other medical services—sued the head of the agency, alleging the termination was unlawful and based on “spurious” grounds. The termination is delayed until May 24 as both parties agree to take more time to prepare for the first hearing, set for May 17.
Moody’s downgrades Kansas’ credit outlook over highway bonds
The bond ratings service Moody’s downgraded Kansas’ credit outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘negative’ as it struggles to fill a $290 million budget gap and shuffles highway funds to help cover the shortfall. Standard and Poor’s had earlier put Kansas on a “credit watch,” meaning the state’s AA rating is in jeopardy if revenue shortfalls continue.
Jane Hamilton’s ‘The Excellent Lombards’ examines a changing way of life
Strange Currency host and all-around pop culture guy Jedd Beaudoin speaks to Jane Hamilton—author of Book of Ruth and A Map of the World—about her latest novel, elements of which she based on her life in Wisconsin. (By the way, it was just one of three wonderful arts features Jedd produced this week. Check them all out here.)
