Email from Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley:

[proud2BlibKansan]

Session Ends with Passage of Devastating Budget

The 2012 Session officially adjourned at 5:30 a.m. Friday morning, after legislators spent nearly 21 straight hours debating some of the most important legislation to reach our desks this year. Foremost was the omnibus appropriations bill, which outlines our state budget for the next five fiscal years.

Typically, budget decisions are made much earlier in the year. But because the House has been unwilling to negotiate for much of the session, these important decisions were left until the final day.

Unfortunately, the budget approved cuts funding to Kansas public schools next year by $232 per student, resulting in teacher layoffs, school closures and increased class sizes. The plan will also cut $2.5 million in early childhood programs, causing harm to Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers.

This plan also breaks a promise to our lower paid state employees by eliminating the fourth and fifth year of the under-market pay plan. By reneging on this promise, thousands of state employees who maintain our highways, provide our public safety and care for the disabled will continue earning far below their private sector counterparts.

There was no reason to force these sweeping cuts. April revenues were up more than $25 million above estimates and May revenues are expected much higher than previously reported. The economy is clearly recovering. To leave a $72 million ending balance while cutting funding for school children, disabled Kansans, and our state workforce is a penny wise and a pound foolish.

Although I support measures to fund the Kansas Arts Commission, Washburn University and the Kansas Neurological Institute, I could not vote for a plan that balances the budget on the backs of Kansas families and school children.

As always, it is an honor to represent you in the Kansas Senate. My office is located in room 345-S and is open year-round. Please feel free to contact me with questions at [phone] or [e-mail]. During the interim, you may also call the Kansas Legislative Hotline at 1-800-432-3924.