Text of Senate President Steve Morris’ letter

Text of memorandum released Wednesday to the Republican caucus by Senate President Steve Morris regarding his lunch with Kansas Supreme Court Justice Lawton Nuss:

On March 1, 2006, Senator Brungardt, Justice Nuss and I had lunch together. Our conversation regarding school finance lasted approximately 5 minutes.

The Justice asked how the recently announced House bill of $500 million compared to Augenblick and Myers and the Post Audit study. He showed us a worksheet he had prepared. I pointed out the $500 million was cumulative and would have totaled in excess of $1 billion over three years.

The Justice did make a comment that he had read quotes in the paper indicating several leaders would like to see a bipartisan school finance plan adopted by the Legislature before final adjournment. He said he thought that sounded good.

This was the extent of the discussion.

Recently Justice Nuss recused himself from further deliberation on the school finance case. I think that was an appropriate action.

With pressing issues still awaiting action, it is unfortunate some are attempting to blow this situation out of proportion. We must move on to the important issues yet to be resolved.

During the veto session, we must focus on the business of creating a suitable school funding plan and resolving pending tax legislation.