Lawmakers call special session on school funding

The deadline to shut down Kansas schools is June 30. State representative Ron Ryckam of Olathe says some lawmakers don't want to meet again, because they believe the Kansas Supreme Court has overstepped their power.

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"They've asked us to do something, the courts have that's really impossible and so we're going to let this play out," he said. 

While some lawmakers don't want to do anything, Ryckman believes the only way to keep schools open is to call a special session.

Ryckman wrote his colleagues yesterday to make sure lawmakers get back together.

"We have less than 30 days and, in so the quicker we determine we are going to get back, the quicker we can start working on solutions and building the momentum and consensus among our colleagues to pass another bill," said Ryckman.

It’s up to Governor Sam Brownback or a two-thirds vote from the House to get lawmakers together again.

Some in the state House are skeptical Brownback will make the call.

"I think the governor is going to try and play this for as long as possible and make pawns of our children," said Representative Barbra Bollier of Mission Hill.

She says as soon as nothing approved Wednesday, she knew she would be back in Topeka for a special session. She says the sooner lawmakers can get back to work-the better.

"I am ready to go tomorrow, I already understand what I think needs to be done and hopefully they will have that in bill form so we can vote on it," said Bollier.

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Ali Hoxie can be reached at ali.hoxie@kshb.com

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