School finance countdown

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

Tuesday’s highlights

Public hearings started on a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. The first day of hearings before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee was devoted to supporters of the amendment; opponents testify today. The measure already has been approved by the Senate.

• House education leaders said more money was needed to teach public school students who don’t speak English. The state provides about $9.2 million for bilingual programs, which covers less than half the expense for districts statewide.
• The state’s new image slogan “Kansas: As big as you think” has been criticized since its release earlier this month. But several senators told developers of the campaign they liked it.

Today’s schedule

9 a.m.: House Appropriations, Kansas Water Office briefing on water issues.

9:30 a.m.: Senate Judiciary Committee, consideration of bill abolishing death penalty.

10:30 a.m.: Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, briefing on Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ proposed tribal gaming compact.

Quote of the day

“Tell me a state that doesn’t have openness and blue skies.”

— State Sen. Jim Barone, D-Frontenac, questioning why the new state image ad campaign focuses on the state’s skies and wide open spaces.