By Scout Nelson
The 2026 session of the Kansas Legislature began at a rapid pace, with committees quickly meeting to review and hear new bills. Early activity signaled that water policy, budgeting, and tax issues will be major topics throughout the session.
Water once again emerged as a top priority. During the opening week, the governor highlighted the importance of continued investment in water resources and encouraged lawmakers to support the newly created Water Task Force.
This initiative was developed to guide long-term water planning and management across the state. Continued funding for the State Water Plan fund was also proposed, reinforcing the focus on protecting water supplies for communities and agriculture.
The governor’s budget proposal includes several waters related investments. These include additional funding for a water resource cost share program, support for addressing chloride contamination in the Equus Bed Aquifer, and funding for water planning and project development across Kansas watersheds.
Together, these proposals aim to improve water quality, support infrastructure planning, and strengthen long-term water sustainability.
The budget outline also projects a strong financial position for the state. The state general fund ending balance is estimated at $2.23 billion for fiscal year 2026 and $1.58 billion for fiscal year 2027. These figures provide lawmakers with flexibility as they consider funding priorities during the session.
Tax policy is another key issue under discussion. A proposed constitutional amendment would limit annual increases in assessed property values. Concerns have been raised that such a change could shift the local tax burden unevenly, placing more pressure on commercial and agricultural property classes.
Broader tax relief approaches, such as adjusting statewide school mill levies and using state funds to offset local impacts, are being discussed as alternative solutions.
The Kansas Livestock Association is actively engaged in the legislative process and continues to monitor developments related to water, taxation, and budget policy. Members and stakeholders can follow session updates through official KLA communication channels and online resources.
Photo Credit: pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich
Categories: Kansas, General, Government & Policy