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House Fails to Override Veto of Flat Tax Bill
In a closely watched decision on Tuesday, the Kansas House of Representatives failed to overturn Governor Laura Kelly's veto of a flat tax bill, dealing a significant blow to Republican lawmakers.
HB 2284, which aimed to implement a single-rate 5.25% income tax, fell short of securing the two-thirds majority needed for an override. With a vote of 81-42, the bill missed the threshold by four votes.
The debate over HB 2284 centered on its proposal for a single-rate tax structure, dividing lawmakers along party lines. Supporters argued it would offer tax relief to a broad range of taxpayers, with exemptions for the first $6,150 of individual income and $12,300 for couples filing jointly, benefiting hundreds of thousands of Kansas residents.
However, critics, particularly Democrats, contended that the bill disproportionately favored the wealthy and could exacerbate income inequality in the state. Representative Tom Sawyer urged a reevaluation, calling for a more equitable solution prioritizing middle-class taxpayers.
Despite efforts to rally support for the override, the bill faced opposition from within the Republican ranks, with five GOP members voting against it. Representative Randy Garber expressed skepticism about its prospects in the Senate and questioned continuing down a seemingly futile path.
The failure to override the governor's veto occurs amid fiscal discussions, as Kansas projects a substantial budget surplus by fiscal year 2025. While Governor Kelly warned of a potential special session without tax relief passage, House Minority Leader Vic Miller remains optimistic about finding common ground without additional legislative sessions.
As the tax policy debate persists, lawmakers grapple with reconciling competing priorities and crafting solutions that balance budgetary needs with resident interests. The failure of HB 2284 underscores the complexity of tax reform and highlights the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing critical issues.
Senate Ed Committee Approves Alternative Teacher Licensure Bill
As the first half of the legislative session drew to a close, the Senate Education Committee made significant strides on Monday by amending and approving a contentious alternative teacher licensure bill while voting down another proposal.
The committee's focus centered on SB 407, a measure that garnered criticism from both the State Board of Education and the Kansas National Education Association. At the heart of the bill was a provision requiring the state board to grant licensure to individuals who completed specific alternative certification programs.
Leaders from one such program, the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, threw its support behind SB 407 and proposed an amendment that the committee adopted during Monday's session—this amendment aimed to address concerns raised by stakeholders and streamline the bill's language.
Key changes introduced by the amendment included removing a section stating that alternative certification applicants were exempt from certain state board requirements, such as completing pedagogy coursework or holding a license in another state. However, questions lingered about whether the bill would prevent the state board from imposing additional licensure criteria, such as classroom experience.
Tamera Lawrence, a revisor for the committee, highlighted that SB 407 mandated the state board to establish rules and regulations for its implementation. Additionally, the amendment incorporated technical adjustments to align the bill with existing Kansas State Department of Education standards and introduced a stipulation mandating participation in a mentorship program for teachers licensed through alternative pathways during their initial two years in the profession.
Despite lingering uncertainties and concerns voiced by lawmakers like Sen. Pat Pettey of Kansas City, who questioned the absence of proponents from the American Board organization, the committee ultimately voted to pass SB 407. Pettey had motioned to table the bill, citing unresolved issues surrounding the amendment, but her motion did not carry.
Sen. Chase Blasi of Wichita then proposed a substitute motion to advance SB 407, which received approval from the committee. The decision reflects the committee's determination to address challenges in teacher licensure while navigating complex legislative terrain.
As SB 407 moves forward, its impact on alternative teacher certification pathways and the broader education landscape in Kansas remains a subject of keen interest and scrutiny. With the legislative session resuming, stakeholders will continue to monitor developments in education policy, recognizing the critical role of teacher licensure in shaping the future of the state's educational system.
Kansas Senate Committee Withholds Funds Over DEI Practices
The Kansas Senate Committee took a firm stance regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in state universities, signaling a shift in legislative priorities and sparking debates about the role of race-based policies in higher education.
The committee's decision revolves around a proviso added to the budget, which directs a substantial sum—$36 million—from state universities to the State Finance Council. This allocation remains withheld unless universities can prove that they have refrained from certain DEI-related activities concerning hiring, admissions, and tenure decisions. The earmarked amount, equivalent to 5% of each institution's funds for salaries, contractual services, and commodities, underscores the committee's commitment to scrutinizing DEI practices.
The proviso's implications extend beyond traditional universities to encompass entities such as the University of Kansas Medical Center, the Kansas State extension systems, and the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Center. To release the funds, school officials must certify compliance with the prescribed conditions before the State Finance Council—a body comprising the governor and bipartisan legislative leaders.
Republican state Sen. J.R. Claeys, the architect behind the proviso, clarified its intent, stressing that it aims not to burden universities but to halt race-based practices. Claeys underscored that the proviso does not demand deference but urges institutions to refrain from actions perceived as race-based.
This legislative maneuver aligns with broader efforts to address DEI issues in higher education, mirroring similar endeavors such as a House bill prohibiting universities from mandating statements on diversity, equity, or inclusion. The decision also intersects with discussions surrounding the reconfirmation of Jon Rolph, the Board of Regents chair, whose stance on DEI has stirred controversy among Republican senators.
The proviso's unveiling underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding DEI initiatives, prompting reflections on their efficacy and implications for academic institutions. As stakeholders grapple with these complex dynamics, the broader discourse around DEI in higher education is poised to evolve, potentially reshaping policies and practices across the educational landscape.
The outcome of this legislative maneuver remains uncertain, with implications reverberating beyond fiscal allocations to encompass the very fabric of DEI efforts in Kansas universities. As the debate unfolds, stakeholders must navigate the intricacies of race, equity, and inclusion, forging a path forward that reconciles competing priorities and fosters a more inclusive educational environment.
See status report for all education-related legislation.
Budget Update
Budget committees convened twice this week to address agency budgets. The House Appropriations Committee endorsed the Governor's suggestions for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's budget while allocating additional funds for Kansas River cleanup in Topeka and Lawrence. They also earmarked $28 million from various funds for World Cup efforts in Kansas and redirected funding for business apprenticeship programs to the Board of Regents budget.
Meanwhile, the House deferred action on the Department of Wildlife and Parks budget, citing concerns over land maintenance. Conversely, the Senate Ways and Means Committee discussed the same budget, opting to remove funding for land acquisition in Jewel County.
Both chambers also addressed the Kansas State Fair budget, highlighting increased attention due to aging infrastructure needing significant updates.
Read our full legislative report.
Key 2024 Legislative Deadlines
- March 22 - Last day for non-exempt committees to meet
- March 28 - Last day for non-exempt bills in either Chamber
- April 5 - First Adjournment (Drop Dead Day)
- April 29 - Veto Session begins
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