Government

Spring elections are drawing near and starting Wednesday the Sedgwick County Elections office will mail out advance voting applications.

Election Commissioner Tabitha Lehman says the ballots will go out through March 29, the Friday before the election.

"We just ask when you fill out that application to be sure that you read the instructions and complete it so we don't have a delay in getting your ballot out to you," she says.

A Kansas House committee has voted to eliminate around $30 million from the state's colleges and universities.

A Kansas House committee is crafting that chamber's version of the state budget, and more cuts are on the table. The committee is looking at a series of spending cut proposals requested by Gov. Sam Brownback last summer.

The Brownback administration requested state agencies prepare contingency plans and submit proposals for what they would do if the budget needed a 10 percent cut. Now, some members of the House Appropriations Committee are looking through those proposals for ideas to reduce spending.

A bill creating new regulations for strip clubs failed today Friday in a Kansas House committee.

A proposed change to Kansas alcohol laws would allow grocery and convenience stores to sell wine and liquor. Currently, wine and spirits are only available at dedicated liquor stores.

A House committee heard from supporters and opponents of the bill Thursday.

The committee room was packed with people interested in the bill, including Jon McCormick with the Kansas Food Dealers Association. McCormick told legislators that current laws cause some Kansans to drive across the state line to buy alcohol.