Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Conservative Republicans anticipate trimming the Kansas budget and even considering additional tax cuts after cementing large majorities in the Legislature.

The GOP appeared poised to maintain its majorities of 32-8 in the Senate and 92-33 in the House following Tuesday's election. Some races remained very close Wednesday.

Conservatives within the Republican Party are now on track to hold a supermajority of 27 in the 40-member Senate. They also could have as many as 75 seats in the 125-member House.

Massive income tax cuts enacted this year have left the state facing a budget gap, and Gov. Sam Brownback would need the newly constituted Legislature's approval for spending cuts or other measures.

Conservatives see the problem as manageable and are still in favor of eliminating state income taxes altogether.