The gap between revenues and expenses  in the proposed fiscal year 2016 budget for Kansas  could be in the vicinity of $650  to $657 million dollar range.

That was a rough estimate by legislators during a Chamber of Commerce legislative coffee in Junction City on Saturday.

State Representative Tom Moxley noted a large hole remains in the spending plan, leaving three options. They would include spending cuts, revenue increase, or a blend of both.

State Senator Jeff Longbine does not feel a proposed cigarette and alcohol tax will pass this year. He also noted that $350 million has been transferred out of the Kansas Department of Transportation into the General Fund, but  that’s not sustainable in the future.

State Senator Tom Hawk reported that Kansas State University took some cuts, but some of those may be restored, and said input doesn’t seem to matter in this legislature. Hawk added that bothers him.

State Representative Lonnie Clark said he voted no on the proposed budget and on the school block

grant funding proposal.   Longbine indicated he feels the courts will rule the school block grant unconstitutional.

The Legislature is currently on spring break. The budget and school finance issues are not yet resolved.