
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Democrats in the Kansas Legislature have little to say so far about Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s proposals for balancing the state budget.
Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka and House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs of Kansas City said Friday they’re reviewing Brownback’s proposals.
The governor’s proposals include increases in tobacco and liquor taxes and a slower implementation of personal income tax cuts already promised for the future.
The state is facing projected shortfalls totaling more than $710 million in the current budget and the one for the next fiscal year. Brownback’s proposals would balance the budget through June 2017.
Hensley and Burroughs said in a joint statement that they have concerns about several components but were not more specific. They said they’ll comment further next week.