Topeka ? Lawmakers today returned for the wrap-up session and found a message waiting for them from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius — let’s get to work on school funding.

” … the most important work of the session remains — the work we must do to ensure that every child in Kansas receives the quality education he or she deserves,” Sebelius said in a letter delivered to each legislator.

The Legislature is scheduled to debate school funding, gambling and possibly gay marriage during a scheduled four-day wrap-up session.

Sebelius said a tax increase is needed to provide an increase for education because school districts are proposing cuts, a court has declared the Kansas system of school finance unconstitutional, and the federal government is reducing promised funding.

“We must set our political differences aside and come together on a plan to adequately fund our schools. Leaving the Statehouse without addressing this critical issue isn’t an option,” she said.

Legislative leaders have opposed a tax increase, saying it would hurt the economy.

Later today, groups on both sides of the tax issue are planning rallies and news conferences at the Capitol.

— Staff writer Scott Rothschild can be reached at 785-354-4222.