Republicans demand Sebelius sign budget

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The state of Kansas employs 42,455 people, more than 10,000 of whom work for the University of Kansas. But if Republican legislative leaders have their way, none of those employees, including student workers, will be getting paid until Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signs the 2009 budget sent to her after approval from the Kansas House and Senate.

Republicans demanded Sebelius sign the 2009 budget before they would issue a certificate of indebtedness. This certificate would allow money that exists in other accounts to be transferred into the one used for paying bills on time.

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A budget dispute in the Kansas legislature could mean professors at the University of Kansas could be delayed in receiving paychecks.

These certificates have been approved every year for the past decade. Without one for the month of February, the legislature will be unable to pay state employees, issue income tax refunds or make payments to health care providers and public schools on time.

Students employed by the University rely on paychecks from the state to pay for groceries, tuition and monthly bills.

Alex Miller, Bonner Springs junior, works 26 hours per week at the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center. He said he counts on his biweekly paychecks to pay his bills.

“We’re already in a recession so not getting paid for a few weeks would really suck,” Miller said. “I believe there’s a little bit of room left on the credit card if it comes down to it.”

Sebelius said she would not sign the budget bill without reviewing it closely, even in the face of such demands from the legislature.

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“We’re already in a recession so not getting paid for a few weeks would really suck. I believe there’s a little bit of room left on the credit card if it comes down to it.”

— Alex Miller, Bonner Springs junior

“The problem is, due to the slow action by the legislature, the bill has not been delivered to my desk, so I have nothing to sign,” Sebelius said in a press release. “Furthermore, because this bill deals with hundreds of millions of dollars affecting almost every Kansan — once it is delivered — it would be prudent for me to review it thoroughly with my staff to make sure there are no errors in the text of the bill, as there have been in the past.”

— — Edited by Melissa Johnson

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Republicans demand Sebelius sign budget

I don't care who's right or wrong, I just want my paycheck so I can eat. Playing politics over something like this is irresponsible.

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