TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Kansas Republican leaders are turning their attention to the budget as they finish the first half of the legislative session. They're saying more cuts are likely to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback's spending plan, regardless of the outcome of his proposed tax cuts.

Senate President Susan Wagle and others say those cuts are necessary to balance the funding of state government with the reduction of revenues caused by income tax cuts enacted by legislators last year.

Brownback is asking legislators to consider cutting taxes even deeper, which raising revenue through the elimination of certain deductions and keeping the sales tax rate flat.

Democrats argue significant cuts have already occurred in state spending and further reductions would harm core functions, such as education and social services.