During a late night vote Tuesday night, Kansas senators approved a bill that would have rolled back many of the state’s 2012 tax cuts. However, House members then promptly shot down the bill.
The plan would have raised income tax rates and reinstated income taxes on more than 300,000 Kansas business owners. Republican Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine supported the bill, because he said voters in his area want him to fix the state budget.
“We are days away from running out of money. It’s time for action,” said Longbine.
The proposal would have raised around $600 million a year to eliminate a budget shortfall.
Conservatives opposed the plan and said lawmakers should take a harder look at cutting spending. Some Democrats also opposed the bill. Representative Vic Miller said they simply shouldn’t rush such an important vote.
“People do not believe that good laws are made after midnight. I happen to agree with them,” said Miller.
Today marks day 103 of what was slated to be a 100-day session. Each overtime day costs taxpayers around $45,000.
Stephen Koranda reports: