TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A tax exemption championed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback helped about 90,000 more business owners than previously anticipated, as well as about 53,000 farmers.

New state Department of Revenue figures have intensified a debate over how to address the budget problems that arose after lawmakers cut personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 in a bid to boost the economy.

But Revenue Secretary Nick Jordan said Tuesday that tax relief for owners of small businesses should not be blamed for budget difficulties.

Lawmakers in 2012 eliminated personal income taxes for many owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships and other businesses. The state had said 191,000 business owners would be helped.

The department now estimates that nearly 281,000 business owners were helped, along with the farmers, whose numbers weren’t estimated previously.