Democratic leaders at the Statehouse are calling on legislators and Governor Sam Brownback to look for new revenue to prevent education funding cuts. The governor’s budget proposal would not replace federal dollars that are helping pay for education in Kansas. That federal money will soon run out, meaning a loss of around 200 million dollars for schools. Senate Minority Leader, Topeka Democrat Anthony Hensley, believes lawmakers should look at the state tax code.
Lawmakers have considered repealing some sales tax exemptions as a way to raise revenue, but haven’t taken the action. Governor Sam Brownback’s office has said the state just doesn’t have the money to replace the federal dollars that will be disappearing.