(AP) – Legislators continue to question the policies and changes put forth by Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Rob Siedlecki as he transforms the agency.

During a hearing Tuesday on proposed changes to the state’s Medicaid system, legislators asked Siedlecki to explain comments they said he made about some Kansans being more willing to accept state assistance rather than find jobs.

Siedlecki said he doesn’t think that accepting assistance is an addiction. But he said some people refuse to help themselves by finding a job.

He says many of the reforms his agency is considering would put greater emphasis on helping clients find employment and improving their lives.

Legislators say that the difficult economy has made public assistance the only option for some people.