Remember when legislators sold the block grant bill as a way to provide districts with certainty in funding? We were skeptical; still are. Sen. Masterson has proposed a 6% cut across the board, which would include schools.

“The latest destructive plan emerged Tuesday, pushed along by Sen. Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican.

“It calls for a nearly 6 percent across-the-board cut of close to $400 million in state spending — including an estimated $180 million from K-12 school districts. That would be an unconscionable decision by legislators, one that would have long-term, devastating effects on the state’s educational system…

“It was encouraging to see late Tuesday that House leaders did not think such a large cut would pass in that body. Then again, if a compromise plan emerges, it could still lead to a steep decline in school funding, so the issue is not dead.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article22958319.html

We wondered whether the 6% cut proposal was symbolic to show legislators they either need to increase revenue or make difficult cuts, but this article indicates it’s being considered a real option that some legislators will prefer.

“Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce, who denied Kelly’s accusation that the proposal is a trick, said the full chamber would take it up but he had not decided when…

“In budget talks Tuesday among negotiators from both chambers, House budget leader Rep. Ron Ryckman agreed to sign off on the version of the budget with heavy cuts so that it could be considered in the Senate. But he said he would not support the measure if it reached his chamber, where he said it would have no chance of passing.

“But some conservative House lawmakers such as Rep. John Bradford say they want to see more cuts rather than tax hikes.”

Read more here: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2015/jun/02/kansas-senate-puts-spending-cuts-table-budget-stal/