Kansas Lawmakers To Consider Disaster Fund

Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill creating a special fund to cover the state’s share of federal disaster assistance.

Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the Kansas adjutant general, testified before a Senate committee Thursday about the legislation. The bill would move $12 million a year into the special fund, which would be capped at $40 million.

Tafanelli, a former legislator, says Kansas spends an average of $22 million a year to cover its 10 percent share of federal disaster aid. He suggested the Legislature transfer $22 million a year, instead of the $12 million in the bill, to build the special fund more quickly.

The full Senate is expected to debate the bill next week.