Kansas Legislators Adjourned Until June 1

Kansas legislators have approved a plan for balancing the state budget that gives Republican Gov. Sam Brownback broad discretion to make spending cuts.

The Senate approved the measure on a 22-18 vote early Monday morning. The measure initially was failing, but several GOP senators switched their votes. The House approved the plan earlier Monday morning, 63-59.

The state faces projected shortfalls totaling more than $290 million in its current budget and in the one for the next fiscal year beginning July 1.

The plan assumes Brownback follows through on plans to cut higher education spending and delay major highway projects.

Brownback also would have to make up to $92 million in as-yet-unspecified spending cuts during the next fiscal year but would be barred from touching aid to public schools.