Governor Laura Kelly announced her annual budget on January 16, following her State of the State address on January 15. In this year’s budget proposal, Kelly emphasized the importance of fiscal stability, fully funding public schools, expanding access to healthcare, and investing in critical infrastructure like water and economic development.
Below, we delve into the key highlights of the governor’s budget, detailing its priorities and implications for Kansans.
Education: Fully Funding Schools and Supporting Students
One of the most prominent aspects of Gov. Kelly’s budget is her unwavering commitment to funding education in Kansas. This year marks the seventh consecutive year that Kelly has proposed fully funding public K-12 schools, with a particular focus on special education.
- K-12 Schools: $72.6 million is allocated to Special Education State Aid, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.
- Early Childhood Care and Education: The budget includes $13.4 million to expand childcare slots and bolster the childcare workforce through various state grant programs.
- Free School Meals: In an effort to combat food insecurity, Kelly’s proposal eliminates co-payments for students on reduced lunch, offering free meals to over 35,000 Kansas students.
Healthcare: Expanding Access and Reducing Costs
Healthcare continues to be a pressing issue for Kansans, and Kelly’s budget seeks to address these challenges head-on.
- Medicaid Expansion: The proposed budget brings over $1 billion in tax dollars back to Kansas, expanding Medicaid coverage to an additional 150,000 residents. This move is expected to cut healthcare costs for the broader population.
- Hospital Safety and Compliance: A $2 million investment is earmarked for capacity-building funds to ensure healthcare facilities meet safety and compliance standards.
- Disability and Employment Services: The budget includes $20 million for grants supporting Home and Community-Based Services, which assist individuals with disabilities in living independently and securing employment.
Water Infrastructure: Addressing Long-Term Needs
Kansas faces significant water resource challenges, particularly in smaller towns. Gov. Kelly’s budget prioritizes water funding, increasing the annual allocation by $30 million to nearly $90 million. These funds will support water infrastructure projects to secure resources for the long term.
Economic Development: Investing in Growth
Economic development and workforce investment remain at the forefront of Kelly’s agenda.
- Higher Education: Nearly $50 million in additional funding is designated for the postsecondary sector to lower costs for Kansas students. This includes $14.4 million to increase need-based aid.
- Tourism and International Business: The budget allocates resources to enhance Kansas’s ability to attract international business and promote economic growth.
Agriculture and Natural Resources: Promoting Sustainability
Recognizing the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy, Kelly’s budget includes:
- Sorghum Improvement: $1 million is dedicated to the Center for Sorghum Improvement to promote the growth of water-saving sorghum crops, a critical step for sustainability in Kansas agriculture.
Public Safety: Enhancing Security and Infrastructure
The budget invests heavily in public safety, allocating critical funds to:
- Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI): Resources are earmarked to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
- Corrections System: Additional funding will support the Kansas Department of Corrections to improve safety and infrastructure.
Budget Overview Table
| Category | Allocation | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Education | $72.6 million | Special Education State Aid; free school meals for 35,000 students |
| Healthcare | Over $1 billion | Medicaid expansion for 150,000 Kansans; $2 million for hospital safety |
| Water Infrastructure | $90 million | Long-term funding for small-town water projects |
| Higher Education | $50 million | Reducing costs and increasing need-based aid |
| Agriculture | $1 million | Sorghum research for sustainable farming |
| Public Safety | Significant investments | Enhanced funding for KHP, KBI, and corrections |
| Economic Development | Strategic investments | International business recruitment and tourism |
Governor Kelly’s Vision for Fiscal Responsibility
Gov. Kelly reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing the state’s pressing needs. “I’m a fiscal conservative, which is why, once again, I’m proposing a budget that’s balanced, maintains fiscal stability in the future, and ensures Kansans have access to the services their government has promised them,” Kelly said during her announcement.
Her plan not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the groundwork for long-term growth and sustainability, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and water infrastructure.
