Top Kansas Democratic lawmakers are preparing to speak out against Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget proposals.

Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka and House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs of Kansas City are expected to detail their objections to the governor’s proposals during a news conference Friday.

Brownback’s budget recommendations call for sharp increases in cigarette and alcohol taxes and transfers of funds from the transportation budget to fill shortfalls. Kansas is facing a total budget deficit of more than $710 million in the current fiscal year and the one beginning July 1.

Democratic lawmakers have also criticized the governor’s proposal to repeal the current school funding formula and fund school districts individually. Democrats have blamed the state’s revenue shortfalls on Brownback’s tax-cutting policies.