The House Appropriations Committee today (TUE) approved a budget proposal for the fiscal year starting July 1st. The legislation mirrors much of Governor Sam Brownback’s budget plan, including a 230-dollar-per-student cut to education funding. But the committee decided to trim more spending. They also reduced funding for social services and cut pay for state employees who make more than 40 thousand dollars per year. Elected officials and other state officers would see a 7.5 percent pay cut. The legislation was criticized by members of both parties, but passed on a 12-10 vote. Representative Dave Crum, an Augusta Republican, supported the bill.
Shortly before passing the bill, the committee voted to exempt legislative staff members from the employee pay cut. The budget proposal is now headed to the full House.