Friday afternoon, members of the Kansas House pulled away the cloak of hypocrisy from which Senators have been hiding behind all session.
In a 63-61 vote, the legislators declined to approve a state budget in response to the Senates refusal to bring a vote on Medicaid expansion.
This should force the Senate to call for the expansion vote, something its leaders have been loath to do for fear of its passage.
If passed, the expansion would provide health insurance for an additional 130,000-150,000 low-income residents.
Though members of the House passed the measure back in March, Senators have failed to even bring the measure to a vote, reasoning the additional $50 million would break the bank.
Less than 24 hours later, these same legislators voted for a $90 million tax cut, saying the budget can easily absorb the loss due to an unexpected bump of $81 million in tax receipts.
THIS IS WHY Kansans have so little faith in their state government.
The minute state coffers show signs of rebounding, the wealthy get tax cuts.
Were the state to expand Medicaid, it would mean an additional $900 million in accompanying federal funds. Since 2014, Republican leaders have been saying they dont trust the federal government will hold up its end of the bargain. That five-year stance has cost Kansas $3.2 billion in federal funds.
Expansion would mean those making less than 138% of the federal poverty line would be entitled to benefits. That top end is about $35,000 for a family of four. Under current law, that same family can make no more than $9,063 and receive health benefits. Kansas ranks second-lowest to Mississippi in providing benefits to the poor. Thirty-six states have passed expansion.
More than three-quarters of Kansans support expanding Medicaid.
Unfortunately, that support does not translate to their elected officials. So no, they are not representing their constituents.
Instead, they are taking umbrage at the fact that there are some who regard the tax cuts as currying favor.
In defense of the tax cuts, Senate President Susan Wagle said her crystal ball shows a reliable stream of higher-than-anticipated tax receipts.
How dare we realize in one month the money it takes to pay for this bill, knowing that its going to increase for many months to come, Wagle is quoted by the Associated Press.
A more prudent person would say lets see how the fiscal year shakes out before we start handing out tax cuts. After years of slashing vital services because of tax cuts under Gov. Sam Brownback, you would think legislators would be wary about repeating those mistakes.