How State Budget Revision Affects Wichita
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How State Budget Revision Affects Wichita
Legislators are battling over the 2009 state budget and say the decision could adversely affect Wichita.
Reporter: Abby Barnett
Email Address: abby.barnett@kake.com
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The GOP proposed deficit plan would cut funding across the board by 3.4%. Every area would suffer the same amount, and the budget would be balanced.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and many democrats want to make "Strategic Cuts." Their plan is to cut areas differently depending on their importance.

Legislators on both sides of the fence agree, the ultimate goal is to dig our state out of its deep deficit, but are not in agreement on just how to make this happen.

Representatives, Jason Watkins (R) and Jim Ward (D), said they are not only working to getting a budget approved, but they're fighting for a budget which would be in the best interest for Wichita.

Ward argues making strategic cuts is best for the state and for Wichita.

"The best demonstration on how it affects Wichita is the schools," he said. "Under the strategic plan, two million would be cut for schools. and under the across the board plan, ten million would be cut."

Watkins agrees, cutting school funding is not something to take lightly, but it is necessary.

"If we leave K-12 off the table and not make any cuts there, then we will have to make cuts so deep to regents institutions that tuition will have to be increased," said Watkins. "Regents institutions will then have to lay off employees, many of which live and work in Wichita," he said. "What it comes down to... The Governor's budget doesn't balance... doesn't work... School funds need to be cut too."

The Senate will discuss the proposed GOP deficit plan tomorrow. If passed, it will go to the House. If the House gives their approval, the plan will then go to the Governor, which just today she announced she will veto.

House Democrats


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