The shortfall in tax collections reported Monday complicates the state’s budget picture as legislators prepare to open their annual session next week.

The state Department of Revenue said Tuesday the state collected $599 million in taxes last month instead of the $626 million projected in a fiscal forecast issued in November. The shortfall is 4.4 percent.

Since the current fiscal year began in July, the state has collected $2.84 billion in tax revenues. That’s $19 million less than anticipated.

Kansas has struggled to balance its budget since personal income taxes were dramatically cut in 2012 and 2013 to stimulate the economy.