Topeka ? Higher education officials will seek increased funding, some nuts and bolts administrative changes, and oppose the so-called Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights when the 2006 legislative session starts in January.

Nothing flashy, Kansas Board of Regents Chairwoman Donna Shank, of Liberal, said of the agenda.

“You’re not going to see a lot of big, life-changing initiatives this year,” Shank said.

But that is because the regents and institutions are planting the seeds for some substantial proposals next year.

By next year, the 1999 higher education reform bill, known as Senate Bill 345, will have run its course, and the regents are working on new strategies, she said.

“Basically, we are going to take a global look at what is the best way to fund the system as a whole,” Shank said.

On deck

But that doesn’t mean higher education won’t have a presence during the legislative session.

On Wednesday, the regents will put together its proposed legislative package. And on Thursday, they will consider ways to tackle an estimated $584 million backlog of repairs and maintenance on university campuses.

Earlier this year, the regents recommended approval of a budget that would increase state funds to universities by 6.3 percent, community colleges by 5.6 percent, and technical schools and colleges by 6 percent.

This week, many of the proposals before the regents would give universities and other institutions of higher education more say in their financial operations.

“The board believes that fiscal and management efficiency is vital, especially in the context of today’s challenging budget environment,” Shank told lawmakers.

Reggie Robinson, president and chief executive officer of the regents, said the proposals represent the regents’ “effort to pursue logical, common-sense administrative relief.”

One proposal, long supported by Kansas University, would allow the six public universities to keep the interest earnings on tuition and fees, which currently flow to the state general fund for use in other areas.

These funds generate $5.6 million annually. The proposal has stalled for several years in the Legislature as lawmakers have swept up numerous funds in tight budget times.

Another measure would enable the regents to procure health insurance plans for students. Currently, the State Employee Health Commission is in charge of purchasing health insurance for state employees, student employees and students who chose to participate. The regents say they think they could find better deals.

Universities also are seeking authority to determine their own insurance needs to purchase policies, such as property insurance. Employee health insurance would not be affected by this proposal.

And schools are seeking more authority in making general purchases and in handling real estate gifts to the institutions.

A specific proposal from Fort Hays State University would allocate $250,000 to operate the Kansas Wetlands Educational Center at Cheyenne Bottoms.

State Rep. Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence, who is chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, said he anticipated a healthy debate on the initiatives.

“I look forward to giving the regents the opportunity to explain how they can operate more efficiently and effectively, which benefits all Kansas taxpayers,” he said.

TABOR battle

And the regents will be working against a proposed constitutional amendment called TABOR that would limit growth in state spending to population plus inflation, refund revenues above that amount and require statewide elections on proposed tax increases.

At a recent meeting, Rep. Steve Huebert, R-Valley Center, and a proponent of TABOR, told Shank that a letter she wrote to newspapers opposing the proposal was off base. “Let’s try to have a rational discussion,” he said.

Shank said the proposal would hurt higher education and that she welcomed the debate.