TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback says challenges facing Kansas can be resolved only by strengthening families and changing the culture from one that focuses too much on personal satisfaction rather than obligation and sacrifice.

Brownback’s inaugural speech on Monday came hours before the Legislature was scheduled to convene for its 2015 session, where lawmakers face massive budget deficits widely blamed on tax cuts endorsed by the Republican governor.

He says too many people have not progressed in recent years because of a slowly growing economy or overly paternalistic big government.

Brownback says solutions to problems facing the state are “principally cultural and moral,” not as dictated by government but “emitting from our hearts alive with a loving God.”