Without money, school-funding promise is empty

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Paul Davis promised this week to increase state funding to public schools, if he is elected. But without more money, that’s an empty promise. Based on current projections, the state is facing a budget shortfall of more than $200 million by the end of next fiscal year. To his credit, Davis has proposed delaying future tax cuts. However, that won’t be enough to cover the shortfall, let alone pay for more education spending. Neither Davis – who at least acknowledges the state’s financial problems – nor Gov. Sam Brownback – who pretends that job growth will make the shortfall disappear – is being candid with the public about what actions may be necessary to pull the state out of its budget hole. – Phillip Brownlee

This story was originally published September 3, 2014 at 7:05 PM with the headline "Without money, school-funding promise is empty."