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KASB legislative roundup for Tue. Jan. 12


Posted Date: 01/12/2021

KASB legislative roundup for Tue. Jan. 12

In her State of the State address, Gov. Laura Kelly said her goals were to get everyone vaccinated, help the economy recover and “get all our kids back into the classroom.”

Kelly and Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, gave their messages through pre-recorded messages because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kelly also praised teachers for dealing with the disruptions and changes to teaching brought by the pandemic and emphasized the need to expand broadband to help the economy and education. The governor’s budget plan will be unveiled Wednesday to the Legislature.

Masterson focused his remarks on cutting taxes, putting an anti-abortion amendment on the ballot and giving Kansans choice in educational opportunities.

A brief KASB video covering the speeches by Kelly and Masterson can be seen here.

Earlier in the day, a number of education bills were filled, including HB 2039, which would require students pass a civics exam to graduate high school. Here is a link to a story that provides details on this and other bills.

Meanwhile, the State Board of Education held its first meeting of the new year and elected new officers and approved a plan to implement anti-bullying recommendations. Here is a link to a video covering the day’s events in the Legislature and State Board of Education.