JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says his budget director will outline spending cuts next week to help prevent a deficit.
Brownback said Friday that budget director Shawn Sullivan’s duties also have been expanded so that he’ll examine what the governor called “back office” operations across state government to see whether savings can be found.
The Republican governor said his administration will seek to cut about $50 million. That’s the amount lawmakers counted upon when they approved increases in sales and cigarette taxes last month to help balance the state budget.
Brownback said the cuts won’t touch aid to public schools, but state law limits his power to trim education funding.
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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback’s chief spokeswoman says he expects to outline spending cuts next week to keep Kansas’ current budget balanced.
Brownback spokeswoman Eileen Hawley confirmed his plans Friday as the Republican governor announced that he’s expanded the duties of budget director Shawn Sullivan to help find efficiencies throughout state government.
Sullivan’s duties already included finding ways to trim spending when necessary, but the governor’s office said he’ll now work with agency directors across state government. Brownback’s office also said that Sullivan will develop a new performance management system, without providing details.
Brownback was expected to address the moves further during a Friday afternoon news conference.
Legislators presumed the governor would make $50 million in cuts, even after they raised sales and cigarette taxes in June to avert a deficit.