Topeka ? Children’s advocates on Wednesday called on Gov. Sam Brownback to veto a portion of the budget that takes $5 million from children’s programs and gives it to the Kansas Bioscience Authority.

“This sweep of funds earmarked for children is just the latest in a series of moves by lawmakers that are done behind closed doors and without making all the facts available publicly,” said Shannon Cotsoradis, president and CEO of Kansas Action for Children. “The lack of transparency makes it extremely difficult for anyone to oppose these measures, and Kansas children end up paying the price,” she said.

The move was made in the final minutes of budget negotiations last week as the Legislature ended the 2014 session.

Asked on the House floor to explain the reason for it, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Gene Suellentrop, R-Wichita, said he thought the KBA needed the money more. The transfer will increase the KBA budget to $32 million, from $27 million.

The KBA was established in 2004 and charged with investing tax dollars to help develop the bioscience sector in Kansas.

During debate on the budget in the Senate, state Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka, voiced disapproval of the transfer. “We’re taking money out of the mouths of babes,” she said.

The money comes from the state’s legal settlement with tobacco companies over the health effects of smoking.

This year, the state was to receive $62 million. Brownback’s budget recommended $55 million for children’s programs, leaving $7 million for the Kansas Endowment Youth Fund. The $5 million would be taken from the KEY Fund under the budget.