Time for compromise
Gov. Bill Graves called it "a game of chicken." House speaker Kent Glasscock called it "this pathetic agony."
Whatever you call it, one thing's for sure — this year's Kansas legislative session has become ridiculous.
It's now the longest legislative session in Kansas history, and it threatens to stretch even longer if our state legislators can't compromise on a tax increase package.
As of Wednesday morning, House representatives were vowing that this was the end — tax increase or no, Wednesday would be the last day in session.
By the time this paper is published Thursday, we'll learn the truth of those statements.
But one thing has become evident to both Democrats and Republicans: a tax increase has got to happen.
Are we excited about it? Absolutely not. No one wants higher taxes.
But something's got to give. Either Kansas gets the $300 million it now needs to even out the budget through tax increases, or state funding to public schools will be slashed.
That's our governor's promise.
Fellow voters, when it comes time for the next election, let's not forget this ridiculous session — one that's truly embarrassing for Kansas.
— JENNIFER WILSON
