Future of gambling tied to school finance case

Monday, May 2, 2005 | 9:41 a.m.

Lawmakers did a lot of talking but took little action this session when it came to casinos, but gambling could become popular really fast if the Kansas Supreme Court rules against legislators in a school funding case.

When the Senate adjourned Friday evening, two gambling proposals remained in play but did not have enough votes for passage. Lawmakers hope to wrap up their session Saturday and Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence, said gambling isn't on the call sheet.

In January, the Supreme Court told lawmakers to change the _$2.7 billion school funding system because it failed to meet a constitutional duty to provide for the continuous improvement of education.

Legislators approved an additional $142 million for next year's education budget. The justices will decide after arguments May 11 whether that's enough and if the money is distributed fairly.

archive