Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The Kansas House has given final approval to the chamber's version of a $14 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including cuts to higher education.

Wednesday's 68-55 vote sends the bill to the Senate, which was scheduled to debate its own version later Wednesday.

The House budget plan spends about $6 billion in general state revenues in the fiscal year that begins July 1. It also makes a 4 percent cut to higher education, a reduction of close to $30 million for state universities and community colleges.

Both chambers closely follow a budget presented by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback for spending on K-12 education, social services and public safety.

The House is debating a tax package that diverts money from the state transportation program to fund programs.

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The Kansas House and Senate are set to act on their respective versions of a $14 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The House planned a final vote on its budget bill Wednesday after debating it for more than four hours Tuesday. The measure would spend about $6 billion in general state revenue in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Senators are scheduled later Wednesday to debate their version of the budget, spending roughly the same amounts as the House on public schools, social services and public safety.

A final version of the budget will be reconciled by negotiators from the two chambers before lawmakers begin a monthlong break at the end of March.