The Kansas House has given first approval to a rules change that would make it more difficult to amend budget bills. Under the new rules, amendments that increase spending could only be made on the House floor if an equal spending cut is proposed. The measure is known as “pay as you go.” Supporters of the change argue it’s needed to get the state’s finances in order. Opponents say it means a majority of the Appropriations Committee, 12 members, will be able to set the size of the entire state budget. Here’s House Minority Leader, Lawrence Democrat Paul Davis, speaking on the House Floor.
The rule change has the support of Republican House leadership and Republicans hold a majority on the Appropriations Committee. The rule changes would also allow Democrats and Republicans to have their party meetings in private. Currently, caucus meetings are open to the public and media.