TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators in Kansas are moving quickly to pass a bill closing most of a projected $344 million shortfall in the state's current budget. The House is taking final action today (WED). The measure mostly diverts funds from highway projects and other special funds into the state's main bank account to cover general government expenses. Approval by the Republican-controlled House would send the measure to the GOP-dominated Senate. Top Republicans there hope to vote on the plan this week. Lawmakers believe they must pass a bill by February 13 for the state to pay bills on time. New figures from legislative researchers Tuesday showed that with tax collections short of expectations through January, the bill still would leave a budget deficit of about $800,000 at the end of June.
