The Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council approved a
plan to cut the Legislature's spending for Fiscal Year 2009 by 2%.

"We knew early last session our state faced a downturn in its
economy. And in spite of the Legislature's hard work to limit new
spending, recent revenue reports show bigger decreases than expected and
we need to do more to keep our state's budget in line," House
Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) who chairs the committee said.
"These cuts will reduce the Legislative branch?s spending by
nearly $600,000."

Among the spending to be reduced: legislative travel; printing and
postage; and limiting the number of interim committees and hiring.

"We have been disappointed with revenues since last consensus estimate.
It is important to be prudent with our plans. All branches of state
government need to respond to this financial crunch, and the Legislature
will certainly do its part," Senate President Steve Morris (R-Hugoton)
said.

Speaker Neufeld said he and Senator Morris sent the Governor a letter
last month, asking her to consider similar cuts to her administration
and its state agencies.

"I was very pleased when the Governor announced she would indeed
order her agencies to cut their spending. It is the fiscally
responsible thing to do. We look forward to working with the Governor
in addressing this serious issue facing the state," Neufeld said.

The Kansas Legislative branch includes the Legislature as well as the
LCC; Revisor of Statutes; Legislative Division of Post Audit and
Legislative Research Department.