March 5, 2014
2014 Kansas Legislature update
The Kansas Legislature has reached the midpoint of the session finishing Turnaround Day on Feb. 28, taking a two-day break and returning to the State Capitol on March 5.
Budget Subcommittees of both the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Committee have both been thoroughly reviewing the Governor’s budget recommendations for higher education and Kansas State University. Both of these committees will begin budget deliberations the week of March 10.
The Kansas State University recommendations:
- Restore one-half funding in FY 2014 for the salary cap on the university imposed by the 2013 Kansas Legislature. This is a recommended restoration of $949,829 for K-State and $1,500,562 for K-State Research and Extension.
- Restore all funding in FY 2015 for the salary cap on the university imposed by the 2013 Kansas Legislature. This is a recommended restoration of $1,196,484 for K-State and $1,419,764 for K-State Research and Extension.
- Provide $1.5 million for the College of Architecture, Planning and Design to begin the renovation and construction of Seaton Hall, with $5 million to continue the funding in FY 2016 and beyond.
- Provide a 1.5 percent increase for classified salaries. State universities are required to self-fund the increase.
- Continue $10.5 million to address repair, rehabilitation and maintenance needs for campus facilities.
- Continue $5 million for animal health initiatives on the campus.
- Continue $5 million for the College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Continue $5 million for the launching NBAF related research at K-State.
- Continue $3.5 million for the University Engineering Initiative Act.
The first adjournment of the Kansas Legislature is scheduled for April 4. The Veto Session will commence on April 30, and final adjournment is scheduled for May 15.
You can stay informed on the Kansas Legislature and legislative activities by visiting the Kansas State University Office of Governmental Relations website.