TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A Kansas official has refused to answer some questions from legislators about a waiting list of poor residents with severe disabilities who are seeking assistance.

Gary Haulmark of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services appeared Wednesday before the Legislative Budget Committee.

Haulmark told the panel his department's legal counsel advised him not to answer any questions about Medicaid waivers because of potential litigation.

The federal government has been investigating complaints that Kansas is violating the civil rights of people waiting for help.

The Legislative Research Department says more than 7,500 Kansans are under-served or are on the waiting list for services. That's up from slightly less than 2,100 in 2008.

Republican Sen. John Vratil of Leawood said he was baffled by Haulmark's reluctance to discuss the numbers.