Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she has signed House Bill 2551, the Omnibus Budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget increases funding to address water quantity and quality issues, invests in workforce development, and provides additional funding for essential services and critical mental health needs. The budget provides $8.3 million in need-based financial aid and scholarships, strengthening Kansas’ workforce pipeline. It increases investment in the state water plan fund by $10 million, in addition to the $35 million the governor previously allocated. $26.5 million is being invested to build the new South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Wichita.