TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) The Kansas Senate has given first-round approval to Gov. Sam Brownback’s proposal to authorize an additional $202 million in bonds for a new, national biodefense lab in Manhattan.
The bill advanced Tuesday on a voice vote after brief debate. Approval on a second vote scheduled Wednesday would send it to the House.
According to Senator Tom Hawk of Manhattan, who spoke with KMAN Tuesday afternoon, the bill has strong bi-partisan support and will likely pass. $105 million in bonds have already been authorized, bringing the total obligation for the state of Kansas to $307 million, should SB 245 pass.
President Barack Obama’s latest budget proposal includes 714 million dollars for the project. Congress must approve the President’s budget before the project can move forward.
