Gov. Laura Kelly is taking a cautious approach to spending taxpayer money. Her proposed budget for Kansas anticipates just a 0.7% increase on the already approved 2025 budget. As a result, the state can’t afford large increases in government services.

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.

Kelly’s budget lays out spending on state agencies and services but the budget director said the plan keeps funding relatively flat. Among the governor’s pitches is a call for Medicaid expansion and a 2.5% pay increase for most state employees.

Balanced Budget Fully Funds Schools, Continues Investments in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, and Addresses Water Needs~~ TOPEKA  – Governor

Kansas budget director Adam Proffitt delivers Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's budget proposal to the Republican-led Kansas Legislature.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday announced her annual budget. In a news release from her office, Kelly -- a Democratic governor in her second term in office -- said her fiscal year 2026 budget is balanced and continues to fully fund Kansas’ K-12 public schools.