Highlights of Thursday activities at the Kansas Legislature:

¢ The House prepared to take final action on a $139 million school finance plan crafted by Republican leaders, after rejecting a larger plan brokered by Democrats, moderate House Republicans, senators and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

¢ A proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution to make it clear that the Legislature enjoys a monopoly over the power to appropriate money was on the House’s agenda for debate.

Also:

Gambling promoters were still lobbying senators for a proposal to authorize casinos and permit slot machines at dog and horse tracks, despite GOP leaders’ lack of interest.

Clock is ticking:

Thursday was the ninth day of the 20th special session in state history.

Meter is running:

Through Wednesday, the estimated cost of the special session was $290,800, according to legislative staff. However, legislators ended this year’s regular session on May 20 with about $430,000 left in their budget.

Special Session Snippet:

In 1919, Gov. Henry Allen called a special session to have legislators ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, providing voting rights for women. In Kansas, women could vote in local school board elections in 1861, in municipal elections in 1887 and in all state elections in 1912.