New revenue numbers will mean more work for Kansas lawmakers next year. The new projection drops state revenue estimates by $350 million over two years. That put Kansas into a budget deficit. Governor Sam Brownback announced a plan to cover the current year’s shortfall.
Democratic state Senator Anthony Hensley says the new revenue outlook could mean contentious tax and budget talks next legislative session.
“The Legislature’s going to have to go back in and we’re going to have to once again have a tax debate and really determine how we can bring stability to our state’s budget,” says Hensley.
Hensley blames tax cuts enacted several years ago for the budget troubles.
Republican Senate President Susan Wagle says in a statement that Kansas would be in worse shape without the tax cuts. She says Republicans remain focused on funding core government services and growing the private sector, not state government.