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May 26, 2020Topeka, Kan. |  By: AP

Kansas governor vetoes bill limiting her emergency powers

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a sweeping coronavirus bill that would have given the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature control over the state's pandemic response.

The Legislature approved the bill early Friday to limit Kelly's emergency powers, including decisions on spending $1.25 billion in federal relief funds.

Kelly vetoed the bill Tuesday. The bill also would have shielded businesses and health care providers from coronavirus-related lawsuits. 

Republicans believe the Democratic governor is moving too slowly to reopen the state's economy and has too aggressively imposed restrictions.

Democrats object to curbing Kelly's power and shielding substandard nursing homes and manufacturers of defective personal protective equipment from liability.