The top Democrats in the Legislature say lawmakers should have a hand in mediation in a case over school funding. They say they'll file a motion making that argument this week. The Kansas Supreme Court ordered mediation between the parties, a move requested by Governor Sam Brownback. Democrats say they’ll request the State Finance Council be included in the process.
The council includes both Democratic and Republican legislators. Paul Davis from Lawrence is the top Democrat in the House. He says since lawmakers have the power to appropriate money, they should have a seat at the table.
"I'm not optimistic that mediation is going to lead us anywhere," said Davis. "But the fact of the matter is that the court has ordered us to mediate and I think we have to mediate in good faith."
A district court recently said the state needs to increase education funding. That order has been put on hold until the state Supreme Court takes up the case.
