Republican Gov. Sam Brownback is telling Kansas that the income tax cuts he championed already have started to generate long-term prosperity.

But he’s mired in questions about whether recent, short-term revenue drops show his fiscal policies are endangering the schools, universities and social services that many voters value.

His administration has been on the defensive for weeks because the state’s tax collections fell $310 million short of expectations in April and May.

For some conservative GOP legislators, there’s little angst. They promised lower taxes and smaller government, and they believe they’re delivering both through Brownback’s policies.

But the governor argues that Kansas can cut income taxes aggressively, boost its economy and ultimately have additional funds for “core” spending, such as aid to public schools and spending on social services.