School finance countdown

56 days: The state Supreme Court has given lawmakers until April 12 to produce a constitutional school finance plan.

Tuesday’s highlights

A House select committee on education unveiled a proposal to increase school funding by $65 million. A Senate Republican leadership plan would increase funding by $415 million over three years, while two House Republicans have proposed a two-year $208 million plan. All three plans rely on existing revenue streams, which Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has said is problematic.

Business organizations pushed for a prohibition on cities and counties from establishing living wage ordinances. The groups say local governments shouldn’t have the power to set minimum wage levels, while supporters of the ordinances say that local governments should be left alone to determine what is best for their community.

Today’s schedule

8:15 a.m.: Budget director Duane Goossen briefs House Democratic Caucus on proposed school finance plans.

8:30 a.m.: Senate Commerce hearing on abolishing Kansas Inc.

Quote of the day

“Big Brother has arrived in Topeka.”

— Rep. Candy Ruff, D-Leavenworth, speaking against a proposal to prohibit local governments from setting living wage levels.