Conservatives Ready To Cut State Budget

Conservative Republicans in Kansas are ready to squeeze state spending next year to close a budget shortfall that results from their push to cut taxes.

The GOP right will control the Kansas Legislature. Last week’s elections resulted in Republicans keeping majorities of 32-8 in the Senate and 92-33 in the House. And the Senate is far more conservative than it has been.

Lawmakers and conservative Republican Gov. Sam Brownback must tackle a projected $328 million gap between anticipated revenues and existing spending commitments for the fiscal year beginning in July 2013.

The projected shortfall results from massive income taxes enacted this year to stimulate the economy. Brownback promises to protect core services, but neither he nor his allies deny that a shrinking of government is part of their design.