A Republican-sponsored bill that would raise sales taxes in Kansas was defeated today in the Kansas House.
Democrats and some conservative Republicans voted overwhelmingly against the measure, in a voice vote. In large part, Democrats opposed the regressive nature of the sales tax, which they say would hurt poor and middle-class families more than the wealthy, while some conservatives opposed any tax increase.
It was the 90th day of the Kansas Legislature, when some expected the session to be over, but it will now continue on Monday with a new proposal anticipated.
In the Senate, a tax committee is working on bills but has not brought forth anything yet for a vote.
The state is facing a $406 million deficit, requiring the state either to make more spending cuts or raise taxes and revenues.
House Democratic Leader Tom Burroughs, D-33rd Dist., commented today on House Substitute for Senate Bill 270:
“It is time the GOP comes clean with the people of Kansas. The state is trailing behind the rest of the nation in virtually every economic indicator, because the failed tax plan and the state’s fiscal mismanagement has increased the financial burden on the middle class and working families.
“The Republican tax increase proposal, totaling more than $1 billion over the next three years, cobbles together indiscriminate and regressive tax increases to subsidize the governor’s failed economic experiment.
“As future tax plans come forward, Democrats will consider revenue proposals that are responsible, equitable, and sustainable.”
Some amendments were offered to today’s sales tax bill. Burroughs also commented on Rep. William Sutton’s (R-43rd Dist.) amendment to House Substitute for Senate Bill 270:
“Today House Democrats rejected a Republican proposal to eliminate the LLC exemption because it is still a massive tax break for wealthy big businesses.
“Kansas has one of the most regressive and unequal tax structures in the country; only a sustainable tax policy, where everyone shares the burden and the benefits, will promote economic growth.”