Thursday, March 18, 2010

Kansas House Republicans are proposing a 2011 state budget that would cut government spending and create more than $300 million in reserve, all without raising taxes.

The plan is being outlined by GOP leaders of the House Appropriations Committee. It would close the projected budget shortfall by not replacing federal stimulus dollars for education and borrowing $50 million from the state highway fund.

It also cuts all other state agency budgets by 1 percent, eliminates all overtime unless authorized and would close all state offices at 3 p.m. on Fridays.

Senate Republicans have a spending plan, too. It follows much of what Democrat Gov. Mark Parkinson has proposed, leaving a $364 million hole to be filled by tax increases.

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Kansas House Republicans are ready to share their blueprint for balancing the state's 2011 budget without raising taxes.

The House Appropriations Committee is expected to roll out the plan Thursday. The GOP-controlled panel has spent several weeks reviewing budgets for state agencies, as well as expected revenue collections.

Chairman Kevin Yoder, an Overland Park Republican, says the plan will force state government to live within its means without putting any additional burden on the Kansas economy.

Senate Republicans have a spending plan, too. It follows much of what Democrat Gov. Mark Parkinson has proposed, leaving a $364 million hole to be filled by tax increases.

Negotiators will reconcile the two plans later in the session.