School finance countdown

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

Tuesday’s highlights

The Senate Education Committee endorsed a three-year, $455 million school finance plan that would increase funding by about $165 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Chairwoman Jean Kurtis Schodorf, R-Wichita, said the first year of the proposal could be done without a tax increase. But she and other Senate leaders say that in subsequent years the state will need more revenue, either through a tax increase or expanded gambling.

• The Senate Judiciary Committee recommended approval of a bill aimed at protecting restaurants and food makers from lawsuits arising out of weight gain or other conditions caused by long-term consumption of food. No such lawsuits have been filed in Kansas.

Quote of the day

“Let’s hope we work a little better than the Jayhawks did last night.”

— Rep. Todd Novascone, R-Wichita, as he took the chair Tuesday to preside over the House.

Today’s schedule

10:30 a.m.: House convenes; House Bill 2284, allowing breast-feeding in public places, is scheduled to be debated during the day.