Governor Seeks Disability, Mental Health Funding
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Governor Sam Brownback says he will be asking Kansas legislators to increase funding for mental health services for the uninsured and to reduce waiting lists for individuals waiting for disability services. A request was sent yesterday (FRI) to legislators seeking a total state funding increase of $5 million in the current budget year and in fiscal year 2015.
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Union Considers Tenure Lawsuit
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas National Education Association officials say it may consider a lawsuit to determine if the state can take away tenure rights of teachers. At issue is a provision in a school funding measure signed by Governor Sam Brownback on Monday. While increasing funding for public education, the Lawrence Journal-World reports the measure also reduces the due process rights of teachers if they are fired by a school district.
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Access to School Track Questioned
MULVANE, Kan. (AP) — Some south-central Kansas parents cited the Columbine and Sandy Hook massacres as reasons why senior citizens should not be allowed to use a new walking track at an elementary school while classes are in session. The Wichita Eagle reports a few hundred people showed up Thursday in Mulvane Grade School's new $13 million gym for a special school board meeting.
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KC Woman Sentenced in Basement Imprisonment
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City woman has been sentenced to seven years in prison for her part in locking a 9-year-old girl in a basement. The Kansas City Star reports the woman previously pleaded guilty to child endangerment, felonious restraint and abuse or neglect of a child.