Kansas lawmakers clash over withheld $43 million in federal education funds

TOPEKA (KSNT) — Kansas lawmakers are in disagreement over the federal government withholding about $43 million in state education funds.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, along with several other Democratic Governors across the nation, are asking President Donald Trump to release the money. Kansas Democrats are asking the state’s Republicans to rally behind the governor as well. However, they haven’t had much luck yet.

Kansas Democrats released a statement urging all lawmakers to condemn the president’s education cuts. Kansas Republicans that 27 News has spoken with say they agree with the cuts. They said that too much money is being used to promote radical agendas in Kansas schools and these cuts show financial responsibility.

Kansas Democrats worry that important programs and after-school care could end as a result of the cuts. 27 News spoke with Kansas Democratic Representative Kirk Haskins, who was able to tell us more about what Democrats are asking out of Republican lawmakers.

“Your job is to be a representative, is to be a senator,” Haskins said. “That means you represent your district, those who voted for you and against you. This impacts everybody in your district, and so you should come to the table, you should stand up and avoid the political theater.”

Michael Austin, an executive committee member for the Kansas GOP, provided a response on his party’s perspective on the situation.

“I see Kansas Republicans following what Kansas parents want, and Kansas parents want good education for their children no matter where they go, and of course they don’t want any politics forced onto them without their say so. That’s what we were having these last four years, so Kansas parents are undoubtedly happy with what President Trump is doing, taking the woke politics out of education.”

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