A group that supports early-childhood programs in Kansas is preparing for massive budget cuts next year.

The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund has been told that up to 75 percent of its $56 million budget could be cut because of a drop in money from a lawsuit against tobacco companies.

Topeka Capital-Journal reported Wednesday that the head of the cabinet, Amanda Adkins, told board members to prepare two different program recommendations. One would assume the group would continue to receive $56 million in tobacco funds. The other would assume the group gets only $12 million.

Kansas and 30 other states are currently in arbitration over provisions in the tobacco case settlement, leading to speculation that funding for the cabinet will be cut.