Week 7 Wrap-Up: Budget and tax measures advance
By Timothy R. Graham
Director of Government Relations
KNEA hosted its Ambassadors Table at the Statehouse on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The table was staffed by retiree volunteers who engaged with lawmakers, legislative staff and members of the public throughout the afternoon.
Week seven included continued committee activity and significant floor debate in both chambers. The Senate advanced a proposed constitutional amendment related to property valuation, while the House passed a substitute state budget bill for fiscal years 2026 through 2028.
The Senate Committee on Education remained active throughout the week, holding hearings on measures addressing tax credit scholarships, applied behavior analysis services in schools, and statewide assessment performance levels.
KNEA members also maintained a visible presence at the Statehouse through the Ambassadors Table, providing opportunities for direct engagement with legislators, staff, and members of the public.
Committee action and bill hearings
View all KNEA testimony submitted this session here.
The Senate Committee on Education had three hearings this week on measures affecting school finance, student services and statewide assessments.
A hearing onthe voucher bill(House Bill 2468) - federal tax credit scholarship participation and expansion - was heard Tuesday, Feb. 24. The bill would elect Kansas to participate in a federal tax credit program for contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) and increase the statewide cap for the existing Low-Income Students Scholarship Program tax credit from $10 million to $20 million beginning in tax year 2026, with an automatic escalator up to $30 million. KNEA provided in-person testimony in opposition.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Senate Committee on Education heard Senate Bill 441, which would permit students with autism spectrum disorder to receive applied behavior analysis services from licensed private providers during school hours at parental request. KNEA submitted written testimony in opposition.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, the committee heard Senate Bill 458, which would revert statewide assessment performance levels and cut scores to those established by the Kansas State Board of Education in 2024. KNEA testified in opposition.
Chamber floor action
The Senate and House both engaged in significant floor debate this week, including action on a proposed constitutional amendment related to property valuation and passage of a substitute state budget bill.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616
Proposing a constitutional amendment to cap annual increases in assessed property valuations - received final action in the Senate.
Senate vote: 30-10
House vote: Not yet taken
Governor action: Not applicable (constitutional amendment)
KNEA position: Oppose
Next step: Referred to the House Committee on Taxation
KNEA testimony link:Click here
Following adoption in the Senate, the resolution was received in the House and referred to the House Committee on Taxation for further consideration.
Substitute for House Bill 2434
The House also took final action on Sub HB 2434, the substitute budget bill making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 for various state agencies.
House vote: 68-53
Senate vote: Not yet taken
Governor action: Not applicable
Next step: Referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Members at the Statehouse
KNEA hosted its Ambassadors Table at the Statehouse on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The table was staffed by retiree volunteers who engaged with lawmakers, legislative staff and members of the public throughout the afternoon.
Several legislators and staff stopped by to discuss current education policy issues and to visit with members. The table also provided an opportunity for informal conversations about public education and the legislative process.
The Ambassadors Table continues to serve as a consistent presence in the Capitol, providing visibility for educators and creating space for direct engagement with policymakers in a professional setting.
In the news
Under The Dome covered Senate passage of SCR 1616, the proposed constitutional amendment to cap annual increases in assessed property valuations. The article outlines the debate in the Senate and the potential fiscal implications for local governments and school districts. Read the article here.
Under The Dome also reported on House passage of Sub HB 2434, the substitute state budget bill for fiscal years 2026 through 2028. The coverage summarizes major components of the budget proposal and the House vote. Read the article here.
This week’s episode of the Under The Dome Podcast, which can accessed on Apple Podcast, Spotify Podcast and YouTube (all linked at ksutd.org), features a conversation with Anthony Hensley, a long-time educator, KNEA member and former Democratic member of the Kansas Senate. The discussion reflects on his legislative experience and public education advocacy in Kansas.
Looking ahead
The Legislature returns next week with continued committee activity as budget discussions advance and education policy measures remain active in both chambers.
The Senate Committee on Education is scheduled to hear SB 491, establishing an Office of Education Inspector General; and SB 350, the Age-Appropriate School Device Act. The committee will also take up SB 438, related to the federal Community Eligibility Provision for school meals.
The House Committee on Education is scheduled to hear SB 387 concerning income verification for at-risk students and restrictions on participation in the federal Community Eligibility Provision. The House Committee on Taxation is scheduled to hear HB 2645, which extends the income tax credit program for contributions to community and technical colleges.
Additional detail on these measures and KNEA’s positions will be included in the Legislative Preview, which will be published Monday, March 2.
KNEA will remain engaged at the Statehouse and keep members informed as the session moves forward. Stay updated at http://www.ksutd.org/.
Timothy R. Graham can be reached by email at timothy.graham@knea.org.