TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have finished their business for the year after stretching the 99th day of their annual session well past midnight. The Senate adjourned at just after 2 o'clock this morning. The House followed 11 minutes later. The only remaining scheduled business is a brief, formal adjournment ceremony on June 20th.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican Governor Sam Brownback is expected to sign the tax plan pushed through the Kansas Legislature by its GOP leaders. The measure raises new revenues for the state to prevent future budget shortfalls while still cutting individual income tax rates in the future. It's designed to close projected budget cuts caused by massive income tax cuts enacted last year to stimulate the economy.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House members have rejected a measure aimed at delaying or blocking new, multi-state standards for math and reading in public schools. The House voted 58-55 late last night to kill the measure, hours after the bill cleared the Senate 24-12. Critics of standards contend they endanger state control of education and will be costly.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Recent rain has raised water levels at Cheney Reservoir slightly, but officials say more heavy downpours are needed to improve the drought. The Wichita Eagle reports that Cheney was nearly 68 percent full after rainstorms this week, up 3 to 5 percent from last week. The city's water advisory committee is scheduled to present a water conservation plan to the council on Tuesday.