TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate’s new budget chairman filed for bankruptcy two years ago. The Wichita Eagle reported conservative Andover Republican Sen. Ty Masterson listed nearly $885,000 in unsecured debts stemming from problems involving his former home-building business. Other incoming Senate leaders defend Masterson, who will be chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, which is at the center of budget work in the upper chamber. Masterson told the Eagle he’s working to pay off his debts, although they were discharged this year. He said his bankruptcy gives him a personal perspective on the tough economic times. Masterson is the logical choice as chairman, because he’s the only conservative who has served on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Senate Democrat Minority Leader Anthony Hensley said. Masterson has shown he can handle state budget matters, Hensley said.
Monday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m.
