JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has a new plan for raising taxes to close a projected budget shortfall.

But he wouldn’t discuss the details Friday evening.

Republicans who control the Legislature have been divided over how to raise new revenues to erase the $406 million shortfall for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

They are considering increasing sales, tobacco and business taxes but can’t agree on specific proposals.

The Republican governor called a news conference for Friday evening to announce his new plan but canceled it less than 40 minutes later, just before the event was to start. He met privately with top legislators instead.

The state’s budget problems arose after lawmakers slashed personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s urging as an economic stimulus.

 

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JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has canceled a news conference he called to outline a new proposal for raising taxes to close a projected budget shortfall.

Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley said the governor was instead meeting with legislative leaders Friday evening.

Republicans who control the Legislature have been divided over how to raise new revenues to erase the $406 million shortfall for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

They are considering increasing sales, tobacco and business taxes but can’t agree on specific proposals.

The Republican governor called a news conference for Friday evening but canceled it less than 40 minutes later, just before the event was to start.

The state’s budget problems arose after lawmakers slashed personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s urging as an economic stimulus.