Friday, March 16, 2012

The Kansas House has added $25 million to a proposed state budget to help public schools cover unanticipated costs in the current school year.

Friday's 116-1 vote on the additional school funding came as the House debated a proposed $14.1 billion state budget for the fiscal
year beginning July 1.

Republicans who control the House had previously blocked a plan to have the state cover $29 million in costs faced by school districts because of higher-than-expected enrollment and because they have more students than expected need programs to avoid failing.

But they relented when backers proposed diverting $25 million
from highway projects.

Gov. Sam Brownback had included the funding his budget recommendations, but the House Appropriations Committee deleted the money, arguing school districts should tap their cash reserves
first.