Kansas Legislature Approves Special Committee for 2025 Budget Planning

TOPEKA — In a party-line vote, Kansas legislative leaders have approved the formation of a special committee dedicated to drafting the state budget ahead of the 2025 legislative session.

This 23-member committee, comprised of 16 Republicans and 7 Democrats, will convene five times between the upcoming general election on November 5 and the session’s start on January 13, 2025.

Traditionally, the Kansas Legislature relies on the governor’s budget as a starting point for budget discussions.

However, this new approach, initiated by House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, aims to allow the Republican-controlled Legislature more time to evaluate agency budget requests prior to receiving recommendations from Democratic Governor Laura Kelly.

Hawkins defended the committee’s formation, stating that it would facilitate a more thorough examination of budgetary needs and not merely accept the governor’s proposals.

In contrast, Governor Kelly and House Minority Leader Vic Miller criticized the move, suggesting it undermines the typical legislative process and creates an elite group of legislators with disproportionate influence over the budget.

Miller also highlighted concerns about the structure of the committee, questioning the involvement of legislators who may not return after the November elections.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes echoed worries about the potential strain on legislative staff due to the expanded budget process.

Republicans plan to introduce legislation to establish the special budget committee as a permanent entity within Kansas law, emphasizing the importance of this reform regardless of the governor’s political affiliation.

Rep. Blake Carpenter suggested that the proposed changes are not about current political dynamics but rather about improving the budgeting process overall.