But, like Jenkins, he said he doesn't support a tax increase. Sen. Christine Downey, D-Inman, said the Senate's 10 Democrats support increased funding for education, but many don't like the idea of raising the sales tax to generate the revenue. Sen. John Vratil, R-Leawood, is convinced of the need for a tax increase. Vratil said while he believes there is significant support for the tax increase proposed crafted by members of the education panel, he isn't sure if there is enough. Since the beginning of the session, Glasscock has said he doesn't believe there is support for a tax increase in the lower chamber.
Democratic leaders agree.
Tanner, the chairman of the House Education Committee, said the two houses might be headed for a showdown at the end of the session. If that happens I guess we can do one of two things. We can either fix it or we can go home. And I wouldn't be surprised to see us go home. The events of the coming week could determine whether lawmakers are headed for consensus or stalemate.