Kansas Governor Parkinson Discusses Strategy To Balance Budget, Despite Shortfalls

May 28, 2009 -- In anticipation of lower than expected revenue receipts and the resulting budget shortfalls for fiscal years 2009 and 2010, Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson has released the following statement:

“Throughout the country, states are struggling with declining revenues, and Kansas is no exception. Fortunately, we are in a much better position than most states.

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“We have a strategy in place to manage our budget shortfall through the end of the current fiscal year on June 30th. This strategy includes delaying some education payments a few weeks and speeding up the Department of Revenue’s tax amnesty program.

“After taking these steps, we will finish the current fiscal year with a positive ending balance and meet our financial obligations without legislative action.

“However, we will begin Fiscal Year 2010 with less money than we had planned.

“This means further reductions to the 2010 budget will likely be necessary. I believe this can adequately be accomplished through current statutory authority. I will work with the Director of the Kansas Budget Office, legislative leaders and all state agencies to ensure any needed reductions protect the vital services Kansans rely on every day.

“Times are tough, and the decisions that will have to be made will not be easy, but they are necessary. Every group, every agency and every program affected by our budget will be called upon to share in this solution, and I will make sure that the action we take is responsible and reasonable,” Parkinson said.

Source: Kansas Governor