Topeka — Gov. Bill Graves said Tuesday that the education proposal he unveiled a week ago is fighting for its life and will need help from Democrats.
"I'd say on a scale of one to 10, our chances are a little more than five, but not more than six," Graves, a Republican, said.
Last week, Graves proposed a two-tenths of a cent increase in the state sales tax, and a 2-cent increase in the motor fuels tax to finance a $112 million increase in proposed spending on public schools.
The proposal would increase base state aid per pupil by $110, phase-in full-day kindergarten and increase spending for special education and programs for at-risk children. Graves' proposal also would provide funds for summer schools, and bonuses for teachers who excel, as well as high-performing schools.
After a week of meeting with lawmakers, mostly Republicans, Graves said Democrats are the key to his plan's success.
"Without the involvement of the Democratic legislators, I don't think we have a chance," Graves said.
Democrats are in the minority in both the House and Senate. Republicans outnumber Democrats in the House, 79-46, and in the Senate, 30-10.
But Democrats often form coalitions with different wings of the Republican Party in order to form majorities. Graves said he plans to meet with House and Senate Democratic leaders next week to discuss the education proposal.
Democratic leaders have said they support some of Graves' initiatives but not the proposed tax increases, saying they will hurt low- and middle-income Kansans most.
Instead, Democratic leaders have said they want to revisit inheritance tax cuts made in 1998. Those cuts only helped extremely wealthy families, they say.
Graves said he is game to talk about the inheritance tax.
"Since they have the capacity to control a significant number of votes, I'm not going to rule out a conversation about whatever they want to talk about," he said.
Graves is traveling the state this week, trying to build support for his school plan.
He told the staff of The Emporia Gazette on Tuesday that he had found about a third of the number of "dance partners" he needs in the Legislature to get his plan approved.
He extended an invitation to legislators willing to get behind doing something substantial on public education spending.
"If your idea adds votes, I want to talk," Graves said.
On Monday, Graves began his day in his hometown of Salina. From there he traveled to Hays, Garden City and Hutchinson. Tuesday's itinerary included a stop at the Wichita Eagle, the state's largest newspaper.
Graves plans to be back on the road Thursday and Friday, traveling to Iola, Chanute, Parsons, Pittsburg, Kansas City, Overland Park and Olathe. Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer also plans to travel the state, pitching the plan.
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.