$72 million in spending changes announced

Gov. Sam Brownback submitted a budget amendment last week that would reduce state general fund expenditures by $72 million.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback

In total, there were 11 budget announcements introduced Thursday, including a reduction in Medicaid spending and increased funds for repairs at Osawatomie State Hospital. Nearly $33 million would come from reducing expenditures for KanCare, Kansas' Medicaid program.

When the full legislature returns April 29, legislators will be tasked with approving tax increases and spending reductions to balance the 2016 and 2017 fiscal year budgets.

The Governor's proposed tax adjustments include slowing income tax cuts and increasing state liquor and cigarette taxes with are projected to bring in $210 million.

Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore told KHI News that providers have said their financial picture is becoming more difficult because the state has not expanded Medicaid. "This is kind of insult to injury," she said.

Read the entire KHI News article.