Image courtesy office of Gov. Kelly

Governor Laura Kelly unveiled her annual budget, which is balanced and continues full funding for Kansas K-12 public schools for the seventh consecutive year. The plan invests in early childhood care, special education, higher education, and free school meals for qualifying students, while also covering Advanced Placement test fees for low-income students.

The budget prioritizes water infrastructure, allocating nearly $90 million for projects including small-town systems, Ogallala Aquifer conservation, and groundwater clean-up. Medicaid expansion is included to provide coverage for 150,000 more Kansans without raising taxpayer costs.

Other investments support foster care improvements, mental and behavioral health services, hospital and healthcare capacity, disability and employment services, and economic development. Agriculture research, cybersecurity in higher education, and public safety initiatives are also funded.

Governor Kelly emphasizes fiscal stability, measurable progress, and sustaining essential services for Kansans while addressing both immediate and long-term needs.