In two weeks, lawmakers will be considering a state budget that cuts education and other state spending in an effort to eliminate a budget deficit. The proposals would cut around 230 dollars per student in state funding for education. Joan Wagnon chairs the Kansas Democratic Party. She's concerned over the level of cuts to education.
Lawmakers have also been considering tax cuts as a way to bolster the state's economy. Wagnon hopes lawmakers won't focus on reducing taxes. She believes that would hurt state revenues as the economy rebounds, meaning fewer dollars the state can put back into schools. One tax proposal would lower the income and corporate tax rates in Kansas. Leaders in the House believe tax cuts will help the state budget by growing the economy in Kansas. Lawmakers will resume budget talks when they return to the Statehouse during the last week of April.