Kansas lawmakers could leave early for their three-week spring break if they don’t start making progress on a tax proposal. They’re currently scheduled to work through the week, but Republican House Speaker Ron Ryckman said Tuesday that they could start the break early.
“We don’t want to have people here if we’re not being very productive, but if we see some momentum in one direction or another we’ll stick around,” said Ryckman.
Ryckman and other legislative leaders met with Governor Sam Brownback Tuesday afternoon, and after the meeting Ryckman said no deal had been reached.
The top Democrat in the House, Jim Ward, called the prospect of leaving early “very frustrating.” He said they should have made more progress on taxes, the budget and education funding.
“That means we’re in for a long, bitter, confrontational wrap-up session,” said Ward.
A spokesperson for Senate President Susan Wagle said senators are planning to work through the week.
Lawmakers need to erase budget deficits that total around $1 billion by the middle of 2019.