This week – Thursday, January 17, 2013:
COURTING CONTROVERSY
A three-judge panel has ruled that the school finance provisions in Kansas do not conform to constitutional standards. The court-ordered changes could amount to half-a-billion dollars. The state will appeal the ruling. Some argue that dollars-and-cents decisions of this sort should be made by elected officials, not appointed judges.
STATE OF THE STATE
Kansas Governor Brownback delivers his State of the State address this evening. (6:30 p.m. Check your local tv listings for details.) The Star’s editorial page has outlined a five-point agenda it urges Brownback to implement.
TEMPORARY?
Kansas City, Missouri, voters will be asked in April to pass a “temporary” renewal of the health care levy to assist the poor and uninsured. Critics say this is too long an extension in view of the changes taking place in health care, especially “Obamacare.”
DEFENDING HIS “POWELL”
Colin Powell gave an unequivocal endorsement to Defense Secretary nominee, Chuck Hagel. Powell rejected criticisms of Hagel’s views on Iraq, Iran, and Israel.
ROASTS AND TOASTS
