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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is conducting a statewide listening tour to gather public input for the 2026 state budget.

The governor highlighted a state rainy-day fund that has grown to $2 billion, contrasting it with past budget shortfalls.

Key budget priorities discussed included economic development, attainable housing and fully funding public schools.

Concerns were raised by attendees about underfunded special education programs and a lack of cost-of-living increases for retired teachers.

In a world of cancelled flights, SNAP ping-pong, gerrymanders run amok, and “Dancing with the Stars” blackouts, it was refreshing to see an old friend — the town hall budget meeting — could not be shut down earlier this month.

Billed as a statewide listening tour to guide her penu

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