TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Top Republican legislators moved aggressively Wednesday to take control of how Kansas reopens its coronavirus-battered economy from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.
Six GOP leaders rejected her request to have top lawmakers extend a disaster declaration she issued for the coronavirus pandemic into mid-June. The Republicans instead extended the declaration only through May 25, Memorial Day, to give the GOP-controlled Legislature a chance to pass a law governing the state’s coronavirus response.
The full Legislature is scheduled to reconvene May 21 for a final day in session this year after beginning its spring break early on March 20 because of the pandemic. Legislative committees are meeting this week and next week to draft legislation on multiple issues.
Kelly was forced to call a meeting with eight legislative leaders to get her disaster declaration extended under state laws that also give her broad power to act in an emergency. A stay-at-home order she issued expired May 4, and Kelly planned to phase out restrictions on businesses and public gatherings through June 15.
Republican leaders questioned whether Kelly is moving too slowly to reopen the economy, and Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said Kelly was “overreaching” in her orders.
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