Kansas senators are working to keep Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration from approving new economic development projects that cost the state sales tax revenue.

Senators approved a budget bill Thursday with an amendment preventing the Department of Commerce from approving new STAR bonds projects this and next fiscal year. The program has been used to finance construction of projects and allows municipalities to use sales tax revenue to pay off the bonds.

Some lawmakers say the STAR bonds program should be halted temporarily because of the state’s dire financial situation.

The Wichita Eagle reports (http://bit.ly/1Xqd9Pd) the Department of Commerce says the program is used to develop regional attractions that will spur a significant economic impact. It would not release a list of current projects Friday.

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Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, http://www.kansas.com.