Some Republicans in the Legislature are pushing a plan to sell off state assets, saying it could help fund schools and avoid a tax increase.

But Democrats and some other Republicans are calling the proposal wishful thinking.

State Rep. Marvin Kleeb, R-Overland Park, unveiled the plan Tuesday during a budget debate in the House.

His amendment would have set up a committee of state leaders to inventory the state-owned assets that could be sold, such as buildings, easements and farm land.

“This is a great time to sell assets,” Kleeb said. He said the state had $2 billion worth of assets, and he estimated that $175 million could be sold easily.

But under questioning, Kleeb didn’t name any properties that he knew of that could be sold.

And other legislators said the market is too difficult now to make much money.

“In today’s depressed economy, I don’t see it,” said state Rep. Cindy Neighbor, D-Shawnee. Kleeb’s amendment was defeated.