Topeka

Sebelius to outline health proposals

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius plans to outline a series of health care initiatives starting today, and they include a major goal of reducing the number of Kansans without insurance.

But ensuring that more Kansans have health coverage could require additional state spending and new revenues. Estimates on the number of uninsured Kansans range between 250,000 and 300,000.

“We can’t ignore the uninsured,” Bob Day, director of the governor’s Office of Health Planning and Finance, said Monday. “Whenever you talk about health care, there’s always a price tag.”

He added: “It will not be a general tax increase, which rules out sales tax or income tax or property tax.”

Topeka

Ballot review widens lead in Senate race

In the state’s closest Senate election, the Democratic challenger’s margin of victory over the Republican incumbent widened Monday.

A review of previously uncounted ballots in Shawnee County left Democrat Laura Kelly 100 votes ahead of Republican Dave Jackson, out of more than 30,000 ballots cast in the Topeka-area district.

The first final, unofficial results from last week’s election had Kelly winning by only 39 votes.

Jackson had until Tuesday to ask the Secretary of State’s Office for a recount.

“We’re leaning toward it,” he said.

Activists from both parties had watched the race in the 18th District closely, partly because Kelly is a friend of Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who recorded a message for telephone calls to voters before the election.

The district covers northern Shawnee County, including parts of north and central Topeka, and Wabaunsee County.