Kansas Governor Sam Brownback defends the tax increases he recently signed into law, saying they are not really tax increases, if viewed in the proper context.  He also touts the state's economy and job growth in this interview with political reporter Steve Kraske, host of KCUR Radio program "Up to Date."

Here's a summary of the day's Kansas news headlines from the Associated Press.

Regional headlines from the Associated Press

Anti-tax activist Grover Norquist is slamming some of the governor's budget proposals, including a steep hike in tobacco and alcohol taxes.