Topeka ? A Senate committee Thursday endorsed a proposed $2.3 billion budget for services for the poor and disabled, including Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ proposal to increase spending on programs for young children.

The Ways and Means Committee’s spending plan would allow the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to increase its spending by $158 million, or 7.3 percent, for the fiscal year beginning July 1. However, much of the increase reflects higher costs associated with providing medical services to needy Kansans.

The committee adopted Sebelius’ plan to add $6.8 million for Smart Start programs, which provide parent education, day care and other services in 19 counties to families with children age 5 or under.

Currently, the state spends $3.2 million on those programs, so Sebelius’ plan would bring the total to $10 million. Sebelius made expanding Smart Start one of her major legislative initiatives.

On the Net:

Kansas Legislature: http://www.kslegislature.org

SRS: http://www.srskansas.org/