Douglas County state legislators still aren’t sure what action lawmakers will take to address the lingering public school finance issue, but most are optimistic something will be done by spring to appease an order by the Kansas Supreme Court.

But it can’t be done without enhancing revenue, whether it is through taxes or other means, according to Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. Cutting funding to other state budgets to cover the education shortfall will dangerously affect other state operations, she said.

“Even if you make these cuts you’re not going to find the right amount of money,” said Ballard, who is on the House Appropriations Committee.

Ballard and other local legislators talked about education funding and other issues during Saturday morning’s Kansas Capitol Connections Forum sponsored by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and by the Lawrence Journal-World, Aquila and SBC. About 50 people attended the session during a breakfast at the Hereford House, 4931 W. Sixth St.

Late last year the Supreme Court upheld a lower court decision and declared the state’s school financing system unconstitutional, giving the Legislature “one more chance to do something about it,” said Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence.

“I’m not sure how you get the House, Senate and the governor on the same page to send something over to the court,” Davis said.

Rep. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin, thinks a funding solution will be found.

“There will be a formula determined; the question is will the court accept it,” he said.

Other legislators, such as Rep. Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence, think the court wants a concerted effort by the legislature to address the problem, even if the final solution isn’t perfect. Instead of rejecting the Legislature’s decision, it might ask for certain adjustments, Sloan said in a comment made after the meeting.

Among other issues:

l The House will hear testimony this week from attorneys concerning the wording of a bill that would put the issue of a constitutional amendment defining marriage and essentially banning gay marriages to a popular statewide vote. What the attorneys say will have a key effect on what action the House takes, Davis and Sloan said. A bill was passed by the Senate last week.

l Because of the focus on education funding, legislators don’t expect action on Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ health care proposal.

Also attending the Chamber breakfast were new legislators Sens. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, and Roger Pine, R-Lawrence.