Negotiators Working on Final Version of Kansas Budget

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Negotiators for the Kansas House and Senate
are working on the final version of a $14.1 billion state budget.
Three senators and three House members opened talks Monday aimed
at resolving dozens of differences over a spending plan for the
fiscal year that begins July 1. They’re expected to negotiate most
of the week.
The budget probably will cut overall state spending by at least
$570 million, or about 4 percent. Lawmakers hope to leave the state
with cash reserves of at least $400 million at the end of June
2013, though the amount will depend upon how much they cut taxes.
The House’s version of the budget is less generous than the
Senate’s version. But both stick closely to Gov. Sam Brownback’s
recommendations in many areas.