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Brownback’s proposals on courts linked to school finance

“This is precisely why some lawmakers say Brownback wants to remake the courts. “Brownback’s proposed budget for next year cuts more than $100 million from classroom aid. And even when spending increases in other areas of the budget are factored in the cut stands at $22 million. “Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said there’s ‘been an attempt to blackmail our courts by essentially saying if you issue rulings that members of the Legislature don’t like…we’re going to come after you and essentially oust you from office.’… “In addition to Brownback’s push to change...
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Steve Rose on cuts coming to schools

Brownback said during his campaign that he would not cut spending on public education. Now, he says, the spending on K-12 education is “unsustainable.” He says schools cannot remain “untouched” in budget cuts…Many conservative legislators, like Merrick, don’t care about the impending deficit…Finally, they can shrink government — including school spending — and get what they have wanted all along. Perhaps there is a way to cut school spending and skirt the courts, as well as confuse Kansans. Brownback knows the people of Kansas would rise up if the per-pupil costs were cut any more than they already...
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Valley Center Superintendent explains impact of block grant funding

In Valley Center, [the governor’s block grant proposal] could have very negative consequences that should concern parents and community members. Since 2010, Valley Center schools have increased an average of 101 FTE (full time equivalency) students per year. In other words, each year we see an increase equivalent to 101 new students (combining increase in the number of students 1.) enrolled, 2.) receiving at-risk or special education services, 3.) enrolled in career ready courses, and/or 4.) receiving bus transportation services). Under Governor Brownback’s two year block grant proposal, USD 262 would not receive additional funding for those 202...
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Goossen: Governor’s Budget Misses the Mark

From Duane’s latest blog: Governor’s Budget Misses the Mark “The governor is also proposing serious spending cuts, especially to public education. Kansas classrooms do not get more money. Rather, $127 million comes out…The cuts to education and other services are damaging, but will get even worse if more revenue is not found.” See the full post on the Kansas Center for Economic Growth website, http://realprosperityks.com/duane-goossen-governors-budget-misses-mark/...
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