A chart detailing educational costs, displayed at the Kansas school funding lawsuit. (Photo by Peter Hancock)
A Washburn University law professor says the state of Kansas may have a difficult time convincing a court that it can’t afford to spend more money on public schools after lawmakers passed a multi-billion dollar tax cut this year. Governor Sam Brownback has argued the tax cuts are needed to stimulate the economy and spur job growth in Kansas. But Bill Rich, who teaches constitutional law at Washburn University, says courts are likely to put more emphasis on the constitutional duty to fund education.
A three-judge panel is expected to rule on the lawsuit later this year.