Hard decisions in dealing with the state’s financial crisis are still ahead for the Kansas Legislature, and local lawmakers aren’t looking forward to it.

“It’s going to get ugly,” state Rep. Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence, said during a legislative update at a Capitol Connections breakfast sponsored by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. About 75 people attended the event Saturday at the Hereford House restaurant, 4931 W. Sixth St.

“There is support out there for a tax increase,” Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, said. “I would say that a bigger case is being made for enhanced revenue.”

Legislators expect bad news March 8 when the new revenue figure will be released; it is expected to reflect more than a $520 million budget shortfall. Current revenue estimates show a $426 million shortage.

Sen. Sandy Praeger, R-Lawrence, said she favors targeted tax increases as opposed to across-the-board increases.

Legislation designed to stimulate the state’s economy has been passed in recent years, legislators said, but “in terms of something that would immediately stimulate the economy there’s nothing out there,” Sloan said.

Also, legislators said the state’s redistricting process should be reviewed. Rep. Troy Findley, D-Lawrence, noted that Iowa has a nonpartisan staff draw redistricting maps.

Concerning federally mandated testing of students in public schools, it’s unnecessary in Kansas, Praeger said, because it’s already being done.

“We should get straight what the purposes of the tests are,” Ballard said. “I’m not sure that’s always been made clear.”