Topeka ? An independent review is planned for a controversial funding increase to a group that provides services to Kansans with developmental disabilities.

The Kansas Health Policy Authority agreed to contract with someone outside state government to look over a decision by Kansas Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services Don Jordan.

Jordan approved providing $713,000 in extra funding to Community Living Opportunities, a nonprofit Lenexa group.

CLO’s board includes Kansas Democratic Party Chairman Larry Gates, and up until recently, Gates’ law partner Dan Biles, whom Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed to the Kansas Supreme Court.

The decision has angered other groups that assist the developmentally disabled. Those groups say they are underfunded and it appears CLO received preferential treatment. Republican subcommittee chairs have said they plan to hold hearings on the issue.

“There is widespread interest in airing out these allegations and finding out what happened,” said Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence.

Jordan and Sebelius have defended the funding decision. Jordan said that 43 of CLO’s clients were severely disabled enough to warrant extra funding from SRS.