Kansas House and Senate clash on urgency over coronavirus when tackling budget

As cases of the new coronavirus continue to tick up in Kansas, lawmakers are in agreement that they want to leave the Capitol this week.

How quickly is another matter.

The House wants complete a 2020 budget as soon as possible by allowing a small group of lawmakers to negotiate a bare-bones package. Senate leaders promise to hold a full debate before approving billions in spending.

Lawmakers late last week began discussing the possibility of expediting a the budget to allow the Legislature to adjourn at a moment’s notice. But days later, representatives and senators are at odds over how to do that.

Senate Republican leaders said Monday they want the full chamber to debate and vote on the budget, with all senators having the opportunity to offer amendments.

“Let’s not let fear cause us to make irrational decisions,” Senate President Susan Wagle said ahead of the chamber’s session Monday.

Senate plans to debate the budget Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. The chamber will continue to meet at that time, instead of the usual 2:30 p.m., to speed up legislative work.

“Leaders do not run from a crisis when the ability to help is within our power,” said Senate Republican Leader Jim Denning in a statement.

On Monday night, the Senate was debating a measure to allow student athletes to make money off their own image and an act to add transparency to property taxes.

At a House Republican caucus earlier in the day, lawmakers expressed frustration with the Senate for pushing back the vote on an emergency budget.

“We’re putting members at risk every day,” said Rep. Owen Donohoe, a Shawnee Republican, who added he personally is at high risk for COVID-19.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman, an Olathe Republican, said House leadership pushed for budget work to be done on the weekend, but it didn’t happen.

“We’re trying to get the Senate to move this along,” Ryckman said, “but they are seeing this from a different lens.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly banned gatherings larger than 50 people early Monday morning, following a recommendation from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. That puts the Legislature in a potentially awkward spot because the House has 125 members.

“I’d like them to wrap up their work and go home,” Kelly said Monday.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 5:00 AM.