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Aug. 18, 2021Topeka, Kan. |  By: AP

GOP claims Kansas governor is spending COVID funds illegally


TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Top Republican legislators in Kansas are accusing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's administration of illegally spending at least $86 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds by not getting their approval first.

Kelly's office didn't respond Tuesday to a letter from Senate President Ty Masterson, House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. and the House and Senate budget committee chairs.

In the letter, the lawmakers threaten to explore filing a lawsuit if Kelly does not change course. The Republicans say a budget measure requires legislative leaders' consent for any spending of relief dollars starting July 1. Kelly's office contends agencies already have the authority to spend relief dollars.