NICHOLAS CLAYTON, Associated Press
JOHN HANNA, Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director says the state would likely lay off prison guards, cut aid to public schools and reduce payments to health care providers if lawmakers don’t raise taxes.

Budget Director Shawn Sullivan said Monday that the most likely scenario would be an across-the-board cut of 6.2 percent in the funds allocated under a budget approved for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

That budget isn’t balanced, as required, and lawmakers are divided over raising taxes.

Sullivan provided details to House Republicans. An Associated Press reporter declined to leave the closed meeting.

Sullivan said the cuts would be $400 million and would take effect in late July or early August.

Kansas’ budget problems began after lawmakers slashed income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s urging.