Topeka ? Kansas’ budget woes have led its Department of Transportation to cut an employee allowance for protective gear.

That’s prompted complaints from workers and the biggest union for state employees.

The agency reduced the annual allowance from $250 to $150 in early July. The move came after Gov. Mark Parkinson imposed $160 million in adjustments to keep the current budget balanced.

KDOT officials expect to save about $235,000 from the reduced allowance.

Employees must spend more of their own money for steel-toed or waterproof boots, winter jackets and gloves.

At least a few workers question whether KDOT looked hard enough for other alternatives.

But KDOT said Wednesday that workers aren’t at more risk. And they note the department needs to trim operating expenses by $10 million.