Thursday, August 16, 2012

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is facing criticism over his budget director's order to state agencies to draft proposals for 10 percent cuts in spending for the next budget year.

House Minority Leader Paul Davis, a Lawrence Democrat, said Thursday the directives represent failed priorities. They come after the Republican governor signed income tax cuts into law.

Brownback spokeswoman Sherriene Jones-Sontag says the governor is protecting core services and public schools. She said the 10 percent cut won't apply to aid to public schools.

The proposals would be for the fiscal year beginning in July 2013.

Budget Director Steve Anderson sent the directions to state agency directors in a letter in July. He also told agencies not to include proposals for pay raises.