Democratic Governor Laura Kelly is proposing that Kansas burn through more than half of its cash reserves to pay off some debt early. The proposed budget she released Thursday would do that while taking longer to close a long term funding gap for the State Pension System for teachers and government workers. Kelly’s Budget Director, Larry Campbell, outlined her spending blueprint during a joint meeting of the House and Senate Budget Committees. He told reporters that it “smooths out the ride” for State Government. Her spending plan anticipates expanding Kansas’ Medicaid Program at a cost of $35 million a year to the state.
She is also calling for boosting spending on higher education, public safety and human services. She would aim to cut some taxes, but look to add new ones for streaming video and music services.
