TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have been urged to reject Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s proposal to increase alcohol taxes by beer and liquor industry lobbyists and even one of his former budget directors.

The House Taxation Committee had a hearing Wednesday on Brownback’s proposal to raise the state’s tax on packaged liquor, wine and beer to 12 percent from 8 percent.

The proposal is included in a bill that also would boost tobacco taxes, raising the cigarette tax to $2.29 a pack from 79 cents.

Former Budget Director Steve Anderson says the state should look at cutting spending first. Liquor and beer industry lobbyists say the alcohol tax increase would hurt businesses and consumers.

House Speaker Ray Merrick said before the hearing that he opposes the tax increases.

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House Speaker Ray Merrick says he opposes Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s proposals to increase tobacco and alcohol taxes to help close a projected budget shortfall.

Merrick said Wednesday that he opposes all tax increases. The Stilwell Republican added that lawmakers should look to trim spending first before they consider higher taxes.

The speaker made his comments as the House Taxation Committee opened two days of hearings on a bill containing the governor’s proposals. They’re a key part of Brownback’s plan for eliminating a projected shortfall of nearly $600 million in the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

The bill would boost the cigarette tax to $2.29 a pack from 79 cents and raise the tax on alcoholic beverages to 12 percent from 8 percent.