Kansas House Passes Freeze Bill
Topeka – After almost four hours of debate, the Kansas House passed Governor Brownback’s freeze bill which transforms a projected $50 million deficit for the current fiscal year into a $37.5 million positive ending balance. Because the budget for the current fiscal year serves as the base for the next year’s budget, every dollar saved in this year’s rescission bill is worth two dollars in the 2012 budget.

“In the first budget debate under the new pay-go provision of the House Rules, the House has passed a responsible budget that provides a positive ending balance for this fiscal year,” said House Speaker Mike O’Neal. “Pay-go has proven its value. I am encouraged that the House now has an understanding of how the rule provides budget responsibility and discipline. The debate was extensive and open. The pay-go provision is working as intended.”

During the debate, the House approved three amendments. An amendment offered by Representative Goico moved $181,000 idle funds from the Regents operating grant to provide support funding for veterans. A second amendment, offered by freshman Representative Goodman, transferred $195,000 in idle funds from the Regents operating fund to veterans claim assistance programs. The third amendment, offered by Representative Kinzer and approved by ninety-one members, took all state funding away from Planned Parenthood to ensure that state dollars are not used for abortion services.