UPDATE: Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Kansas legislators are struggling to get a handle on the rising costs of social services as a Senate committee works on a $14.1 billion state budget.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday discussed a
spending plan for state government for the fiscal year that begins
July 1.

One big issue is setting aside extra dollars to cover rising costs for social services, particularly Medicaid, which covers medical services for the needy, poor and disabled.

Officials said last week that the state needs to spend $44 million more on social services than previously estimated, most of it on Medicaid.

Gov. Sam Brownback's administration says the figure would be even higher without his efforts to overhaul Medicaid, but senators are skeptical.

The full Legislature reconvenes April 25.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A Kansas Senate committee is preparing to reopen work on a $14.1 billion state budget.

The Ways and Means Committee planned to meet Tuesday to resume
work on a spending plan for state government for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Legislators were close to taking final action last month on a compromise budget crafted by House and Senate negotiators. But the
agreement unraveled just before lawmakers adjourned for a break
that ends April 25.

The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday
and Friday to craft its version of a new spending plan.