Gov. Sam Brownback will tout his tax cuts as key to economic growth this evening at the Lied Center, and his economic team will hit the road to do the same.

Brownback is speaking at 7 p.m. as the Kansas University School of Business 2012 Anderson Chandler Lecture. The event is free and open to the public.

Earlier this year, Brownback signed into law sweeping tax cuts that will reduce state individual income tax rates and exempt the owners of nearly 200,000 partnerships, sole proprietorships and other businesses from income taxes.

Brownback says the tax cuts will stimulate the economy and create jobs, but critics say the cuts are reckless and unfair, and will result in cuts to schools and other government functions. Legislative researchers say the cuts will produce a cumulative budget shortfall of $2.5 billion over the next six years.

Meanwhile, members of Brownback’s Cabinet will visit seven cities on Tuesday and Wednesday to meet with business owners, economic development officials and the public about the tax changes.

Commerce Secretary Pat George, Revenue Secretary Nick Jordan, Labor Secretary Karin Brownless, and Securities Commissioner Aaron Jack will participate in what is being called the Kansas Small Business Empowerment Tour.

The officials will hold meetings in Manhattan, Norton, Hays, Dodge City, Hutchinson, Wichita and Independence.

The officials will also discuss the state’s latest efforts in recruiting businesses and provide an update on the Rural Opportunity Zone program.