Senator John Doll Reacts to End of Legislative Session

Garden City, KS (westernkansasnews.com) Kansas legislators wrapped up their session on Saturday with the passing of the state budget. This session was the second longest in state history at 113 days, only 2015 was longer at 114 days.

The budget bill includes $15.6 million for 2018 and $15.8 million in 2019. The budget is $239 million over what Gov. Sam Brownback had recommended. It passed the Senate 27-11 and the house 88-27.

Senator John Doll of Garden City on the State Budget.

The budget includes raises for state employees. Some will get raises for the first time in 10 years.

Some legislators think their work isn’t finished, particularly when it comes to school funding. A $293 million increase was approved for public schools. Some think the court will demand more and think they could be forced to return this summer.

Senator Doll doesn’t think that will be the case.

Despite the long session Doll says he’s proud of what they were able to accomplish.

He added he thinks they got the state headed in the right direction.