HOUSE LAWMAKER WANTS FUNDING FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES DURING IMPASSE

A House lawmaker wants to ensure that state payment for essential services continues during any future state budget impasse.  Republican Representative Marla Brown of Lawrence says she’ll introduce a bill that would declare certain payments for social services as essential.  The services by three state agencies would include payments for domestic violence programs, mental and behavioral health services and payments to counties for children and youth programs.  Brown says medical assistance for outpatient drug and alcohol treatment services would also need to be included.