TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Department of Corrections could be forced to eliminate programs and cut staffing if the Legislature can’t pass tax increases to balance the state budget.

Spokesman Adam Pfannenstiel said Wednesday that such cuts would compromise public safety.

Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director has said that Brownback would most likely cut $400 million from the budget approved by lawmakers for the fiscal year beginning July 1 if they don’t raise taxes to avert a deficit. Agencies would lose 6.2 percent of their state funds.

Pfannenstiel said the Department of Corrections could eliminate several programs aimed at transitioning prisoners into productive civilian life. He said the prison population would rise.

He said at least 70 vacant corrections officer positions could be eliminated and many probation officers could be laid off.