Topeka ? Kansas legislators have resumed negotiations over cutting the current state budget.

Three senators and three House members met briefly Tuesday to discuss funding for special education programs in public schools.

That’s a key issue as lawmakers try to finish work on a bill revising the budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30.

Gov. Sam Brownback wants the state to begin the new fiscal year July 1 with about $35 million in cash reserves, and House members agreed.

The Senate’s figure for reserves was less than $4 million because its members boosted special education funding. State officials now agree the extra $26 million is required by federal law.

House negotiators proposed Tuesday to divert money from schools’ base state aid to cover special education. Senate negotiators were considering the proposal.