School finance countdown

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

Thursday’s highlights

A House committee recommended approval of a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions for gay couples. The bill will be voted on by the full House next week. If approved by two-thirds in the House, the measure will be on the April 5 ballot for voter consideration.

Atty. Gen. Phill Kline, and a coalition representing a broad spectrum of politics, launched proposals that would ensure Kansans’ better access to government meetings and records.

A committee writing science standards for public schools rejected proposals that they said were attacks on the teaching of evolution.

Quote of the day

“It kind of feels like we’re stepping off into a black hole.” — Kansas Water Authority Chairman Steve Irsik on a proposed study of the Kansas River.

Today’s schedule:

9 a.m.: House Utilities Committee, briefing on low-level radioactive waste compact.

9 a.m.: House Select Committee on school finance, discussion on suitability standards for public schools.

1 p.m.: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Lt. Gov. John Moore, Adjutant Gen. Maj. Todd Bunting announce the Kansas Military Bill of Rights in Wichita.