TOPEKA – Lawmakers could be finishing up their business in Topeka today and heading home for first adjournment.
A budget bill for 2010 is already on its way to the governor’s desk, which was the major item the Legislature needed to take care of.
Other big issues still floating about are a debate in the House on a bill that would allow to coal-fired power plants in Western Kansas, a final vote on a late-term abortion bill in the House then possible debate in the Senate.
A proposal to increase Kansas’ minimum wage from $2.65 to the federal level. The state’s minimum wage has not risen in about two decades.
Other than that, both chambers are simply handling committee reports and cramming through a wide variety of bills.
Even if something does not clear the Legislature by the end of today, lawmakers could have a second crack at it when they return for a wrap -up session at the end of April.
During the wrap-up session, lawmakers will have the opportunity to try and over ride any bills the governor vetoed.
They will also likely be making changes to the 2010 budget.
Most years, those change are additional spending for programs. This year it is like to mean cuts. In mid-April, the state will hear from the consensus revenue estimating committee which twice a year estimates the money Kansas will have for.