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K-State Today

March 26, 2019

Legislative Update

Submitted by Sue Peterson

The Kansas House of Representatives and Senate will spend the first three days of this week debating bills in their chambers. Last Thursday, March 21, the Kansas Senate debated and passed the fiscal year 2020 budget. On Monday, March 25, the Kansas House of Representatives will debate the fiscal year 2020 budget. Following the passage of the budget in the House, a Conference Committee will be appointed. The differences between the two chambers' budget recommendations need to be resolved before the budget can go into effect on July 1, 2019.

The House recommendations:

  • Approved governor's recommendations of $8.9 million for all higher education to fully restore fiscal year 2017 allotment.
  • Approved governor's recommendation of $4 million for global food systems at K-State for fiscal year 2020.
  • Approved an additional $10 million for all higher education for fiscal year 2020.
  • Approved $500,000 additional for Comprehensive Grant Program.

The Senate recommendations:

  • Approved governor's recommendations of $8.9 million for all higher education to fully restore fiscal year 2017 allotment.
  • Approved governor's recommendation of $4 million for global food systems at K-State for fiscal year 2020.
  • Approved an additional $5 million for all higher education for fiscal year 2020.
  • Approved $500,000 additional for Comprehensive Grant Program for fiscal year 2020.
  • Approved the addition of $1.45 million to the Kansas Forest Service in the K-State Research and Extension budget for wildfire suppression.
  • The Senate Subcommittee recommended an additional $33 million be considered as the Legislature is drafting the omnibus appropriations bill in May. The appropriation increase for the universities should be used to offset any tuition increases.

The Office of Government Relations hosts bimonthly Legislative Updates. Future dates include March 29 and April 12. All updates are brown bag sessions at noon in the K-State Student Union's Cottonwood Room.

For information on the 2019 Kansas Legislature, visit k-state.edu/govrelations.