Douglas County’s key elected officials have “common ground” on several major issues that will go before the Kansas Legislature when it convenes next week.

The Taxpayers Bill of Rights, eminent domain and support for adequate funding for education rose to the top of the issue agenda discussed by officials during a breakfast forum Wednesday at Kansas University’s Dole Institute of Politics.

Those issues, however, were among many cited by Douglas County commissioners, Lawrence city commissioners, Lawrence public schools and Kansas University officials. More than 70 people – mostly elected officials – attended the breakfast designed to set legislative priorities.

“I fully support the government’s ability to take property for the public good – (for) schools, hospitals,” Rep. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin, said, referring to the eminent domain issue.

At the same time, Holland said, he thought there were projects in the state on which developers and governments had collaborated that were questionable as far as the public good was concerned.

City and county commissioners said they opposed efforts to unnecessarily restrict or remove eminent domain powers for public and economic development purposes.

City and county officials also said they opposed the so-called Taxpayers Bill of Rights, also known as TABOR, which they think would reduce revenue.

While legislators agreed, Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, said legislators should work for more equitable taxes.

“We need to make sure our tax mix is fair,” she said.

Rep. Ann Mah, D-Topeka, said TABOR “was a disaster” for Colorado when it was tried in that state. Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, said TABOR “is not good for Kansas.”

As in past years, funding for education for public schools and higher education will once again be a key issue, legislators said. A post audit report on education spending, which is expected to be released next week, will set the stage for this year’s funding battle, legislators said.

“Quite frankly, I don’t think most of us know what to expect,” said Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence. “This is going to be a difficult session again.”

Sen. Roger Pine, R-Lawrence, said he was optimistic about what the audit’s results would be “until I hear otherwise.”

Lawrence school officials support a funding system that will increase spending for special education, at-risk and bilingual students. They also seek a “significant increase’ in the base state aid per pupil.

KU officials are seeking ongoing financial support for the Cancer Research Institute and for funds to address deferred building maintenance.