TOPEKA — While Republican Gov. Sam Brownback is avoiding the issue, a Democratic legislator says Kansas is likely to divert additional funds from highway projects to balance its budget.
Brownback declined to say Friday whether he would propose the diversion of highway funds to other government programs during the fiscal year that begins July 1. It’s a move he and other governors have used regularly in the past when faced with budget problems.
Democratic state Sen. Laura Kelly of Topeka said the state isn’t likely to have any other choice to fill short-term gaps in the budget. She predicted Brownback will propose tapping sales tax revenues now set aside for transportation projects.
Brownback also said a task force he appointed will be releasing proposals Tuesday for improving the state’s revenue projections.
