Three senators and three House members were meeting Thursday. They launched their talks Wednesday without resolving any issues.

Lawmakers must close a projected $406 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Top House negotiator and Republican Rep. Marvin Kleeb of Overland Park said he’ll push for a plan similar to one outlined last week by GOP Gov. Sam Brownback so that the House can vote on it.

But Kleeb said he’ll probably propose a smaller sales tax increase than the governor.

Brownback’s plan would boost the sales tax to 6.65 percent from 6.15 percent and raise the state’s cigarette tax by 50 cents a pack to $1.29.