Kansas Budget Deal Moves Ahead Senate Next

(AP) – The Kansas House has approved a plan for eliminating a projected deficit of nearly $200 million in the state’s next budget.

The vote Wednesday was 68-53 on a compromise bill drafted by negotiators for the House and Senate to reconcile differences between the two chambers.

The Senate expected to vote on the plan Wednesday evening, and its approval would send the measure to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

The plan makes dozens of changes in the state’s $16.1 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. It contains most of Brownback’s proposals to help close the gap by juggling funds and capturing unanticipated savings.

The measure includes a House proposal for a 2.5 percent pay raise for uniformed corrections officers at state prisons..