Republicans in the Kansas Legislature are poised to approve a proposed state budget that includes provisions aimed at restricting diversity initiatives on college campuses and supporting Texas in its battle with the Biden administration over border security. The $25 billion budget for Kansas’ 2025 fiscal year is expected to be voted on by both chambers this week. State Senate President Ty Masterson stated that this budget is an opportunity for Republicans to make a point and assert their power through controlling the purse strings.
The budget includes additional funds for resources to be sent to Texas to help enforce its law allowing the arrest of migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally. Republicans also added provisions that would withhold funding from state universities unless their presidents confirmed that they were not requiring statements endorsing diversity, equity, or inclusion initiatives. Republicans in multiple states have been trying to limit DEI initiatives, arguing that they are discriminatory and promote a liberal political agenda. This issue has also been addressed through bills at the state and federal level.
Despite the provisions in the budget, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has the power to veto individual budget items. If she were to veto the anti-DEI provisions, the $35.7 million intended to be withheld from universities would also be affected. Republican lawmakers in the state are determined to push for legislation that would prohibit universities from making admissions or hiring decisions based on statements related to DEI or any political ideology. The Kansas Board of Regents is working on a policy change that would address these concerns raised by GOP lawmakers.
Republicans’ interest in border security and immigration issues has been fueled by former President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and spreading of misinformation. Republicans in many states, including Kansas, have framed initiatives to support Texas or restrict diversity initiatives as a way to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border. Democrats argue that the focus should be on reforming national immigration laws and addressing the root causes of migration, rather than targeting immigrant communities.
Governor Kelly is expected to veto the provisions related to diversity initiatives in the budget, as she has stated that she is the commander-in-chief of the National Guard and decides how its resources are used. Republican state Senator J.R. Claeys has mentioned that there are other ways to use budgetary measures to achieve their goals, indicating that they may continue to pursue these initiatives through various means. The ongoing debate in Kansas reflects broader national discussions about immigration policy, diversity initiatives, and the role of state governments in addressing these issues.
