Brownback administration input process for school finance contrasts with an earlier project: KanCare

Gov. Sam Brownback’s call last week for ideas on what should be in the state’s new school finance formula was welcomed by lawmakers and educators while drawing concern it may not be enough.

The chief executive’s approach to the process contrasts with how he tackled another, massive undertaking earlier in his governorship: the creation of KanCare, the state's privatized Medicaid program. In that instance, the administration used a variety of methods to solicit opinions. Now, Brownback is asking for emails.

They are not perfect comparisons. KanCare and public education both serve hundreds of thousands of Kansans across the entirety of the state. And both are of significant importance to the most vulnerable in society — the elderly and disabled, and children. But KanCare was formulated largely without the need for legislative action while lawmakers must ultimately approve the new school funding formula.

In 2011, as a new governor, Brownback wanted a bold remake of the state’s Medicaid program. Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer was appointed early that year to lead a cabinet-level task force.

Read more: http://cjonline.com/news/2016-09-05/brownback-administration-input-process-school-finance-contrasts-earlier-project