budget

In a 5-4 vote last year, Jackson County legislators approved a budget that was later vetoed by County Executive Frank White. Now more than three months into 2025, Jackson County has yet to pass a spending plan. Hear why the gridlock has led to a lawsuit and why some county services aren't being funded.

County Executive Frank White vetoed the Jackson County budget in January, then four county legislators sued him. Three months later, the county is still at odds — and services are coming to a halt.

The gutting of the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services has many local institutions, including Kansas City's World War I museum, wondering if they’ll receive promised grant money.

The House's budget bill is $3 billion less than last year's budget, and includes raises for state employees and $375 million for school transportation. It now goes to the Senate, where changes are likely.

The Kansas City Council passed a $2.5 billion budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, its largest ever. The police department will get even more money than before, while council members will discuss a proposal next week to fully fund the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority in the short term.

This year’s supplemental budget includes money for services for developmentally disabled people and avian flu response, among other programs. The budget also has about $300 million for public education.

Financial troubles with the KCATA could come at a cost to bus riders in the future. A budget shortfall could mean the end of free bus service, a reduction of routes and layoffs if the agency can't secure additional funding. Kansas City Mayor Pro Tem Ryana-Parks Shaw says that no matter what, service will look different in the future.

The potential cut to a federal meal program for high-need school districts would result in about 900,000 students in the Midwest and Great Plains losing free school breakfasts and lunches.

The Democratic governor is once again proposing the state expand eligibility for Medicaid, but Republican leaders will almost certainly not allow a vote on it.

Of the $474 million bond on April's ballot, up to $50 million in funding would go to participating charter schools to address facility needs. The charters' agreements with the district will go before the KCPS board on November 20.

Kansas City Public Schools hasn’t passed a bond measure since 1967, and hopes to win over enough voters between now and April to change its luck with feedback from students, staff and the community. The district is asking for $474 million to address deferred maintenance and update school buildings.

The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, fire department and Wyandotte County Sheriff all saw millions of dollars in cuts. The Unified Government had a $12 million budget hole after voting unanimously to freeze property taxes in June.