TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House members are preparing to debate a bill to eliminate a projected shortfall of more than $330 million in the state's current budget. The bill up for discussion Tuesday would mostly divert highway funds and shift other funds around to patch holes in the funding for general government programs. The shortfall is in the state's main bank account. The state's budget problems arose after lawmakers aggressively cut personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013, at Gov. Sam Brownback's urging, to stimulate the economy. The current budget runs through June. Brownback's budget director has said lawmakers need to approve adjustments by February 13 to ensure the state keeps paying bills on time. The state faces an additional $436 million budget shortfall for the next fiscal year beginning July 1.
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