Sam Brownback vs. Kansas Supreme Court a risky fight over school funding

Kansas moved a day closer Monday to a full shutdown of public schools later this month.

Of course, that’s only if you think the state Supreme Court has the power to essentially close the schools by not allowing taxpayer funds to flow into the K-12 education system.

Gov. Sam Brownback and other extremist Republicans think different options exist. All are dicey.

▪ Ignore the court and see whether it really tries to close the schools. Blame the court for any shutdown and campaign for Kansas voters to throw out the “liberal” justices in November.

Downside: Kansans are going to be super mad at plenty of incumbent GOP lawmakers up for election this year if schools are closed.

▪ Go to federal court and try to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Downside: This could take time. It also might fail, which would be even more embarrassing for Brownback and Co.

▪ Call a special session of the Legislature but sabotage it. Come up with another unconstitutional funding plan, drag out the drama, increase the pressure on the court to keep schools open because — hey — lawmakers tried to do the right thing.

Downside: The court doesn’t fall for this and shutters the schools. Back to square one.

Plenty of moderate Republicans and even some ultra-conservatives now hope Brownback will call a special session that will make a serious attempt to properly fund schools.

Unfortunately, admitting mistakes and changing course have never been Brownback’s strong points.

This story was originally published June 6, 2016 at 4:48 PM with the headline "Sam Brownback vs. Kansas Supreme Court a risky fight over school funding."