Kansas City, Kan. (AP)_ The head of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and his wife have filed for personal bankruptcy.

In a court filing, Roderick Bremby and his wife April say they have debts of nearly $600,000, while their assets total $454,000. The debts include nearly $60,000 in back taxes.

The couple have a combined income of $204,533 a year.

Mr. Bremby heads a $217 million state agency.

He suggested the bankruptcy was caused in part b a loss of income due to medical reasons, but would not elaborate.

In a repayment plan, the couple has agreed to surrender their Lawrence home and make monthly payments to creditors.