By Barb Shelly, Kansas City Star editorial page columnist

It looks as though the Kansas Legislature has opted for amputation at the wrist instead of the elbow.

The old Democrat-moderate Republican coalition teamed up again to vote for a budget that essentially opts for a 2.75 percent cut rather than the 4.8 percent cut favored by more conservative members of the House.

The bill passed a little while ago still leaves a $70 million hole, which legislators will attempt to fill with measures such as amnesty for delinquent taxpayers and postponing scheduled tax phaseouts that favor businesses.

The budget won't leave the state with much, if anything, in reserve. But it spares schools, social service groups, etc., from severe layoffs and cuts in services.

No easy solution to this budget picture. I'd say lawmakers handled the situation pretty well.