Gov. Sam Brownback says he is "very disappointed" in the Kansas House's failure to pass a tax plan, but he still is focused on filling the state's looming budget deficit through tax increases rather than budget cuts.
Brownback described the House Thursday as "fractured," but he said he still thinks a compromise can be reached. Legislators are at an impasse over tax and spending proposals aimed at filling a projected $406 million shortfall in the fiscal year beginning July.
The deadlock has stretched the legislative session to 112 days, making it the longest in state history.
Brownback downplayed the possibility of the Legislature adjourning without a solution. In such a case, the governor would be forced to call a special legislative session or make broad cuts to the budget.
