Kansas Governor Sam Brownback says he isn’t concerned by budget bills in the House and Senate that aren’t balanced. The chambers are considering bills that would require a tax increase to keep the state out of the red. That comes after lawmakers cut taxes in recent years. As Stephen Koranda reports, Brownback fielded some questions about the budget at an event in Topeka on Monday.
Brownback does not seem phased by the budget bills. He says lawmakers will fill the deficit, like the Kansas Constitution requires.
“They have to. At some point in time they will come up with a budget and it will balance. It’s required and they will do it,” says Brownback.
But Brownback does not sound so confident when reporters question if his tax proposals would make it into the final product. He says lawmakers are considering many options.
“Right now you’re in this season of people throwing out a hundred different ideas. You could go over there right now and you could hear 20 different ideas. That’s good,” says Brownback.
The governor has proposed canceling some future income tax reductions and instead giving lawmakers authority over when tax cuts take place. He’s also proposing increases in alcohol and tobacco taxes.
