“The House paused a failing vote on the largest tax increase in Kansas history at midnight, with members scattering until 8 a.m. – allowing hours of early-morning arm-twisting…
“Soon after the vote began, a call of the House was initiated, empowering state troopers to bring absent members to the chamber. About 10 members were not present. Ten of the 125 members must support the call at any given time for it to continue.
“The House this year adopted a rule prohibiting work from taking place between midnight and 8 a.m. With midnight approaching, legislative leadership decided to suspend floor action until 8 a.m. When lawmakers return, they’ll pick up where they left off.
“While the break gives representatives a chance to rest, it also gives hours for legislative leadership, lobbyists and constituents to place pressure on lawmakers…
“[House Speaker Ray] Merrick indicated failure could result in large state budget cuts, including to public K-12 education. The Brownback administration has indicated without a revenue package in place, it will likely slash state spending by 6 percent — an approximately $197 million cut to education spending.
“’If you’re for education, I expect to see a green light, I expect you to vote for this. Because the consequences of what comes down the line,’ Merrick said…
“Some representatives have expressed concern about policy provisions in the Senate-passed bill, such as a requirement that cities and counties can’t increase property tax revenue beyond the rate of inflation without a public vote.
“Another provision that expands a private school tuition program has also drawn opposition.”
Read more here: http://cjonline.com/news/2015-06-10/house-hits-pause-midnight-failing-tax-vote-will-continue-morning