Topeka — Debate on school finance will remain largely behind the scenes this week as senators step back to digest the latest education proposals and assess support for them.
While there is plenty for legislators to like, there is an equal amount to dislike. Chief among the things to dislike is increasing taxes to raise more money for elementary and secondary schools.
A growing number of legislators are quick to point out what Senate Majority Leader Lana Oleen already recognizes as the looming problem: a hole in the 2002 budget.
That hole is being created by slower-than-expected revenue growth through February. As of Feb. 28, the state's revenue collections were nearly $50 million short of expectations.
"The realization is that the money is not there to fund the governor's plan and the budget," said Oleen, R-Manhattan, a member of the Senate Education Committee.
Last week, Gov. Bill Graves proposed a $112 million plan to raise the base state aid per pupil $110, from $3,820 to $3,930, increase special education funding and set aside $34 million in incentives for excellence.
The plan would be financed by raising the sales tax from 4.9 percent to 5.1 percent and increasing motor fuels taxes 2 cents a gallon.
Oleen and three other senators on the education committee have floated a three-year package that, among other proposals, raises the base state aid per pupil by $90 each year. It is financed by raising the sales tax 0.2 percentage points each year, taking the rate to 5.5 percent.
A House school finance plan is simple, following Graves' 2001 budget recommendation to the letter, adding $68 million new dollars and raising the base state aid per pupil by $50.
What will emerge remains to be seen. Oleen said there are enough options circulating the Statehouse that what develops may be a cafeteria plan a little something to satisfy everyone.
A bipartisan plan will be trotted out Monday focusing on "Skills for Success" for kindergarten through grade three. It is the product of a working group assembled by House Speaker Kent Glasscock, R-Manhattan.
The two-year plan would cost $29.4 million, with some of the money coming from the state's share of the national tobacco settlement, the rest coming from the state general fund.
Also, during the plan's first year, educators would determine where students are academically. In the second year, the state would spend $21.9 million on interventions to raise student achievement in the first three grades.
A coalition of education advocates have pledged support for the Graves' enhancement plan. Backers say the plan offers an immediate infusion of money to bring state aid in line with inflation.
The groups said last week that Kansans have shown strong support for education, including passing numerous bond issues for building improvements and technology programs.
"Everybody right now is holding together," Oleen said. "At least a majority think they need to take a big step forward."
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