Topeka ? With two new state-owned casinos opening for business, Gov. Sam Brownback wants to use almost $70 million from the state’s share of gambling revenues to retire outstanding debt.

The bonds were issued in recent years to finance state projects, including a new Statehouse parking garage, cabins at state parks and improvements to the Kansas Judicial Center.

Budget Director Steve Anderson said the policy decision was in response to growing concern among some legislators that debt was being ignored or not retired as quickly as it could.

Kansas has more than $4.2 billion in outstanding debt, including $1.2 billion in bonds backed by general state revenues.