TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas officials are awaiting word on whether state tax collections this month met expectations.

The state Department of Revenue’s report Friday afternoon was coming as lawmakers worked on proposals to eliminate a projected $279 million shortfall in the state’s current budget.

The state also faces an additional, projected $436 million gap between anticipated revenues and spending commitments for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The projected gaps are pegged to revenue predictions made in November. Tax collections in December were $15 million short of expectations.

The budget shortfalls arose after lawmakers aggressively cut personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s urging to stimulate the economy. Some Brownback critics contend that it’s been difficult since to project how much the reductions have cost the state.