The state budget for 2020 passed by the Kansas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly totals $18.4 billion. When the Governor first presented the Governor’s Budget Report, it took 869 pages in two volumes to explain, in addition to a 171-page report comparing the budget to what the Legislature adopted. Such details are necessary — but overwhelming. Most Kansans simply do not have the time to understand the budget.
The Kansas Health Institute (KHI) and the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) believe all Kansans should have a better understanding of the way state government sets its priorities. After all, civically engaged Kansans can help shape policies, express needs and expectations, determine how resources are used and elect policymakers to represent them in Topeka.
KHI and KHF produced this series of five infographics to tell the story of the Kansas budget.