In a mere five months, new Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and likeminded lawmakers have recast the social and fiscal landscape of Kansas and made the state a laboratory for conservative ideas.

Retiree and public employee groups in Kansas are contemplating a lawsuit against a law enacted this year that would force teachers and government workers to make concessions on their pensions to address the state retirement system's long-term funding problems.

Gov. Sam Brownback signed legislation Wednesday to bolster the long-term health of Kansas' public pension system.

Kansas was close Tuesday to joining other states in enacting a law designed to block a mandate in last year's federal health care overhaul requiring most Americans to buy health insurance.

Opponents of new restrictions on unions in Kansas have blocked a debate by the state Senate on preventing labor organizations from financing their political activities with dues deducted from members' paychecks.

A bill attacking the long-term funding problems of Kansas' public pension system is close to clearing the Legislature, though some Republicans are disappointed it won't start a 401(k)-style retirement plan for new teachers and government workers.

Legal and policy issues linger on pension legislation as Kansas lawmakers prepare to vote on a compromise plan for attacking the long-term funding problems facing the state retirement system for teachers and government workers.

Republicans in the Kansas House threatened Thursday to block an important unemployment bill favored by business leaders and GOP Gov. Sam Brownback's administration unless the measure also prohibits labor unions from financing political activities with funds deducted from members' paychecks.