GOP claims Kansas governor is spending COVID funds illegally

(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.