Chalk up another state that has felt the economic blows that many other states, including California, have experienced....
TOPEKA, Kan. -- Kansas is suspending income tax refunds and may not be able to pay its employees on time.
The state is strapped for cash in its main bank account. Republican legislative leaders blocked an effort by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to transfer funds into the account.
Sebelius wanted to move $225 million from other accounts throughout state government, allowing the state to pay its bills. That move requires approval of legislative leaders, and Republicans balked.
Now Budget Director Duane Goossen said he's not sure the state can meet its payroll. State employees are due to be paid again Friday.
GOP leaders want Sebelius to sign a bill making $326 million in adjustments to the budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30.
Legislators approved that bill last week, but it has not reached her desk.
kmbc.com
Just to keep everybody on focus, let's review the facts here:
- The State of KS is experiencing a shortfall of $200 million in the 2009 state tax revenue
- The KS Legislature passed a bill that would eliminate $300 million from the 2009 budget, while preparing for more budget cuts in 2010
- KS Gov. Sibelius disagrees with some of the budget cuts, including education cuts, and refuses to sign the bill
- KS Gov. Sibelius was attempting to borrow $225 million to transfer into the state's main account to pay the bills, but can only do so with Legislative approval
- KS Republicans have blocked this request
- Not much money exists which results in state income tax refund suspension, threat of not paying state employees this upcoming Friday, and indefinite suspension of state-allocated funding to various state agencies including school districts
IMHO this just sounds irresponsible on both ends.
The American citizens are being disenfranchised darn it!