TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A proposed $14.1 billion state budget is drawing bipartisan criticism from Kansas House members who don’t think it would provide enough money for community mental health services.
The House was debating a bill containing the spending plan Friday. Members expected to consider numerous amendments before deciding whether to give the measure first-round approval.
The measure sticks closely to many of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s spending recommendations for the fiscal year that starts July 1.
It includes Brownback’s proposal to spend $10 million for state grants to community mental health centers. But Rep. Pat Colloton, a Leawood Republican, noted spending is down from $30 million several years ago. Rep. Bill Feuerborn, a Garnett Democrat, said the cuts have been devastating.
But Republicans who support the budget describe it as responsible.
