Topeka – Kansas House Republicans for Fiscal Responsibility stood firm today in opposition to a proposed State budget that would have increased spending by approximately 8% over last year.
“The budget work done earlier this session by the House Appropriations Committee and the Budget Committees still provides us with a wonderful opportunity to exercise fiscal responsibility and restraint in spending the public’s money,” said Rep. Kasha Kelley (R-Arkansas City). “We intend to continue to work with leadership to reduce the rate of spending growth.”
Rep. Lance Kinzer (R-Olathe) said slowing spending growth is not cutting budgets.
“We are willing to vote for a budget that allows for reasonable growth in the state budget, yet limits that growth to a more responsible level when compared to previous years,” explained Rep. Kinzer. “The budget that was defeated this morning would have resulted in increased spending of approximately $950 million since fiscal year 2006.”
Rep. Steve Brunk (R-Wichita) noted, “Earlier in the session fiscal conservatives supported a budget that was a product of the deliberative work of the Appropriations Committee. That budget provided significant new money for K-12 education and met the legitimate obligations of state government to provide needed social services.”
Spending in the last three fiscal years has increased dramatically: 8.7% in 2005; 9.6% in 2006; 9.7% in 2007. Rep. Jeff King (R-Independence) said limiting spending is about setting priorities.
“Setting a fiscal limit is not making value judgments on where the money should be spent or what programs are worthy of increased funding,” said Rep. King “Just like the average Kansas family, state government must live within its means.”
According to the Kansas Legislative Research Department the budget considered earlier today would have reduced state reserves to below the statutory requirement of 7.5%.
Rep. Jeff Colyer (R-Overland Park) pointed out that, “The proposed budget would have spent hundreds of millions of dollars more than projected revenue for the year, and would set us on the road to real fiscal crisis in coming years.”
Limiting spending will take everyone working together said Rep. Jeff Whitham (R-Garden City).
“State government spending has outpaced Kansas incomes for more than 35 years,” explained Rep. Whitham. “We must work together to hold down spending. We can do that by focusing our efforts to limit new spending, challenge agencies to find ways to reduce their expenses and pledge to long-term goals of limiting government growth.”
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