Rep. Carlin optimistic on K-12 funding as legislators prepare for break

Both chambers of the Kansas Legislature adjourned Friday for a three week break.

One of the key issues that passed through both the House and Senate was a school finance bill to infuse $90 million into K-12 education next year. It’s the latest attempt by lawmakers to satisfy a Supreme Court ruling last year which said funding was inadequate. Speaking to KMAN Friday, 66th District Representative Sydney Carlin (D-Manhattan) was optimistic since lawmakers have added an adjustment for inflation.

Carlin also praised the bill for helping close an achievement gap for special education students. The goal is to make that 92 percent, and while not a guarantee, Carlin does say it’s an improvement from the past.

Gov. Kelly was expected to sign the school funding bill Saturday. The Supreme Court plans to begin oral arguments in May. Carlin says while the legislative session has had it’s challenges, the overall political climate in Topeka has changed.

Carlin also expressed her opinion after the ACLU of Kansas announced a suit on behalf of three Kansas State University students who were detained after unfurling large protest banners in the Capitol rotunda.

When lawmakers return May 1, it’s expected that a Medicaid expansion bill will be pulled out of committee and voted on in the Senate. The House passed it’s version of the bill in March.