As many of you are aware, we are in the 113th day of the 2015 Kansas Legislative Session (at a cost of $43,000 per day).  The longest session in the state's history.

 

Two days ago, the Legislature was facing a budget hole totaling more than $400 million.  Proposals ranged from increasing taxes, heavily trim government spending, and a mixture of both.  The Governor stated that he would veto any bill which eliminates the 2012 business tax cuts.

 

Thursday, the House recessed at midnight having secured only 29 votes, falling from a peak of 44. Thursday morning's extended "Call of the House" was something never seen before. After an additional two and a half hours, the call was lifted and the tax plan failed.

 

This morning at 4am, the Kansas House passed a regressive tax package that largely mirrored what Governor Brownback had demanded on Thursday. However, the House chose to kill a provision removing tax exemptions for non-profits.

 

The sum total of the House's work still leaves a budget hole of $50 to $75 million which will cause Governor Brownback to make budget cuts. If a revenue plan is not reached, it appears that there may be an across the board cut to all services.  That means an 8 to 10% cut to I/DD rates.  Those rates pay your service providers, and haven't been increased in over eight years!  Additionally, waiting list dollars in the Governor's budget will vanish.

Your advocacy is needed now more then ever. Contact Governor Brownback today and urge that he not cut funds used to provide supports to Kansans with I/DD. You can contact the governor at 1-877-579-6757.