Topeka ? House Democrats on Thursday endorsed expanding health care but not the recommendation sought by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, which would increase the state tax on cigarettes.

The caucus, outnumbered by Republicans in the chamber 47-78, also came out in favor of:

¢ Implementing all-day kindergarten.

¢ Enhancing teacher salaries.

¢ Adding another year of funding to the three-year school finance plan.

¢ Property tax relief for low-income seniors.

¢ Increasing the state minimum wage to the federal level.

¢ Increasing state-funded housing assistance.

¢ Allowing Kansas consumers to receive full credit for producing solar energy.

“Expanding opportunities while demonstrating responsibility is the prevailing theme of our 2008 agenda,” said House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, D-Greensburg.

On health care, the Kansas Health Policy Authority has recommended 21 reforms, which include a 50-cent per pack increase in the cigarette tax.

While the House Democratic Caucus didn’t endorse the tax increase, it did “look forward to a full discussion of KHPA recommendations.”

The caucus also supported tax credits for small businesses that provide health coverage for their employees; utilizing the purchasing power of the state employee health plan to help small businesses and school districts; and reducing waiting lists for home- and community-based health care services.