The following editorial was written by Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, and House Democratic Leader Paul Davis, D-Lawrence:

At a time when the citizens of Kansas are dealing with an unprecedented economic crisis, thousands of families, seniors, workers and business owners are now facing yet another challenge: wondering whether their paychecks and Medicaid assistance will arrive in the mail as scheduled on Friday. In an effort to force Governor Kathleen Sebelius into signing the 2009 budget in full, Senate President Steve Morris and House Speaker Mike O’Neal yesterday refused to approve a certificate of indebtedness requested by the governor to pay state bills. The Republican leaders abruptly announced their refusal during a scheduled meeting of the State Finance Council, announcing that it is illegal to sign such a certificate without an approved state budget plan. The argument that it is illegal for the State Finance Council to issue a certificate of indebtedness before Governor Sebelius considers the budget bill is simply false. State Budget Director Duane Goossen has repeatedly conveyed to members of leadership that one has nothing to do with the other. A certificate of indebtedness – which has been issued every year for the last decade – is a routine cash management tool that allows the state to move money from one account to another so we can meet our financial obligations on time. Granting a certificate would allow the state to meet payroll for more than 40,000 state employees, pay refunds to income taxpayers, meet capital outlay demand transfers to public schools, and to provide Medicaid assistance to countless disabled and elderly Kansans, among other obligations. But, instead of supporting the certificate of indebtedness for $250 million – the very amount they agreed to in December – Morris and O’Neal have misled the public by insinuating the unconstitutionality of such an action. Ironically, the budget bill which Morris and O’Neal are using as an ultimatum has not even been delivered to the governor yet, leaving her with nothing to sign. In their thoughtless and reckless leadership, Morris and O’Neal have effectively put the livelihood, health and welfare of countless Kansas citizens at stake just to win political points. What has transpired in the last 24 hours is as irresponsible an action ever witnesses within the halls of the Kansas Statehouse. Unfortunately, it’s Kansas citizens who have been caught in the cross hairs, unsure now whether they’ll be able to pay their monthly mortgage, put gas in their cars, or visit the family doctor. Kansans need immediate, responsible action from their legislative leaders in order to protect our most critical interests. If Republican leaders don’t come back to the table for discussion in the next day, our obligations can’t be met in time and it will Kansas citizens who suffer.