Critics of multi-state, Common Core reading and math standards are pushing Kansas legislators to block their use in the state’s public schools.

House Speaker Ray Merrick said Thursday that some fellow Republicans want an up-or-down vote on an anti-Common Core measure. They were vocal enough that GOP House members were holding up action on a proposed state budget for each of the next two fiscal years.

Common Core resulted from efforts by states to develop uniform standards for reading and math. The Kansas State Board of Education adopted the new guidelines in 2010. Critics argue the standards are a threat state control over schools and expensive to implement.

But Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce said chances are slim that an anti-Common Core measure will be considered.