Kansas, Courts, Education and American Values

Think this nation is on an even keel? Think there is nothing seriously wrong with the course this country is on? I'm not gonna make a diagnosis here, I'm just going to point out a symptom; one simple example of "mainstream American values" at work in our political system which impacts what may be the most vital function of our society, the education of children.

Kansas high court may close schools

Saturday, July 2, 2005; Posted: 8:27 p.m. EDT (00:27 GMT)

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) -- The Kansas Supreme Court said Saturday it will consider keeping schools closed because state legislators have failed to comply with the court's demand for more money for public schools.

The order was the latest development in a school finance lawsuit filed in 1999 by parents and administrators in Dodge City and Salina. They argued the state did not spend enough money on schools and distributed its aid unfairly.

The court ruled in January that legislators had failed to fulfill a constitutional duty to finance a suitable education for every child, then followed up with a ruling in June demanding additional money.

The justices had ordered legislators to provide, by no later than July 1, an additional $143 million, which lawmakers failed to do.

Saturday marked the 11th day of a legislative special session called by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Some legislators wanted to approve changes in the state constitution to limit the court's power, and an impasse over that issue held up passage of an education funding bill.

cnn.com

Now, look me in the eyes and tell me nothing is wrong. I wonder which party controls the Kansas legislature? Hmmmmm....couldn't be the Republicans now, could it?