KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas Legislature worked to pass a five year, $500 million dollars school funding plan early Sunday morning.
Kansas senators stayed in Topeka until about 1AM Sunday morning to pass the new funding plan.
Last year, the Kansas Supreme Court said the state was not properly funding schools. They gave lawmakers an April 30th deadline to come up with a plan.
During the week, the house and senate had different opinions on how much money should go to education.
After much debate the final plan approved by the senate by a close 21-19 vote.
Now the bill will go to Governor Jeff Colyer’s desk. Colyer backs the plan and is expected to sign the bill.
Sunday morning Governor Jeff Colyer spoke with 41 Action News about the vote.
“The budget will be tight…but we can afford this,” said Gov. Colyer.
Some have asked where does the state get that much money. Gov. Colyer says this can be done without raising taxes.
“The economy is growing, the budget will be tight, but we will be able to get the money needed,” said Colyer.
In a statement after the late night passage Colyer said “I am pleased that we were able to compromise and pass a bill that ensures our schools will remain open and are funded adequately and equitably.”
At date has not been set on when Colyer will sign the bill.
