
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Some Kansas lawmakers want to keep some money from being transferred away from transportation projects amid the state budget crunch.
Gov. Sam Brownback has recommended transferring $724 million from transportation projects to the state’s main budget during fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to fill projected budget shortfalls. A House budget panel voted Thursday to reinstate about $280 million of that funding.
Republican Rep. Russell Jennings of Lakin says he proposed the amendment because the state has too often diverted money from infrastructure to cover budget holes elsewhere. He suggested the state raise revenues in other ways.
The House Appropriations Committee will review the committee’s budget recommendations Tuesday.
Republican Rep. J. R. Claeys of Salina said that if the move passed, it could force education cuts.
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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers want to keep money from being transferred away from transportation projects.
The House Transportation Budget Committee voted Thursday to protect $280 million in infrastructure funds that would have been transferred away over the next two fiscal years under the governor’s recommendations. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback recommended transferring a total of $724 million from transportation projects to the state’s main budget over fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to fill projected budget shortfalls.
Democratic Rep. Annie Tietze of Topeka said the move was made because infrastructure works provide jobs and are important to the state’s economy. Tietze said she anticipated the state would state issue bonds to cover the shortfall if the committee’s recommendation were to pass.
The House Appropriations Committee will review the committee’s budget recommendations on Tuesday.