Kansas budget director to outline spending cuts Thursday

Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director is preparing to outline $50 million in adjustments to keep the current Kansas budget from resulting in a deficit.

Budget director Shawn Sullivan scheduled a news conference for 4 p.m. Thursday at the Statehouse.

The governor’s office said Sullivan would discuss recommendations for reducing costs and shifting funds within state government to cover general expenses. It was not more specific.

Brownback did not plan to attend the news conference because he is planning to meet with Wichita business owners.

GOP legislators counted on Brownback’s administration making adjustments under a plan to balance the state’s $15.4 billion budget that also increased sales and cigarette taxes this month.

Budget problems arose after lawmakers cut income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s urging to stimulate the economy.