Topeka ? A program that supporters say would help thousands of low- and middle-income Kansans purchase homes was essentially killed in the Kansas House today.

Through a procedural move, state Rep. Vaughn Flora, D-Topeka, tried to raise the measure up for debate. But that effort was defeated 72-51. All 72 votes against debating the measure were cast by Republicans.

House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, and Capitol Federal Savings had opposed the legislation.

The program would have allowed the Kansas Development Finance Authority to issue tax-exempt bonds to assist low- and middle-income home buyers by providing low-interest loans and help with down payments.

The loans would be originated by participating private mortgage lenders and available to first-time home buyers or people who haven’t owned a home in the previous three years.

Kansas is the only state in the nation that doesn’t provide a statewide mortgage revenue bond program.

Mays had said he opposed the bill because it would have allowed buyers to purchase homes worth upwards of $250,000. Supporters said based on experiences in other midwestern states, few if any homes of that value would have been purchased under the program.