© 2024 Kansas Public Radio

91.5 FM | KANU | Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City
96.1 FM | K241AR | Lawrence (KPR2)
89.7 FM | KANH | Emporia
99.5 FM | K258BT | Manhattan
97.9 FM | K250AY | Manhattan (KPR2)
91.3 FM | KANV | Junction City, Olsburg
89.9 FM | K210CR | Atchison
90.3 FM | KANQ | Chanute

See the Coverage Map for more details

FCC On-line Public Inspection Files Sites:
KANU, KANH, KANV, KANQ

Questions about KPR's Public Inspection Files?
Contact General Manager Feloniz Lovato-Winston at fwinston@ku.edu
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

KS Democrats Respond to Gov's Budget and Tax Plan

House MInority Leader Tom Burroughs. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)
House MInority Leader Tom Burroughs. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)

Democratic leaders in the Kansas Legislature have been tight-lipped about Governor Sam Brownback’s tax and budget proposal, until now. Top Democrats voiced their concerns about the plans at a press conference today (FRI).

House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs, from Kansas City, Kansas, said the plan puts a burden on low-income and middle-class Kansans. He also took issue with proposals to divert highway funding and reduce payments to the state pension plan.

 

“The majority of the governor’s budget proposals are short-term fixes to a long-term, systemic problem,” says Burroughs.

 

Brownback’s plans would also slow income tax rate cuts and increase taxes on tobacco and liquor to help fill a budget gap.

In a statement, the governor said he’s willing to work with Democrats.

 

Democrats have a small minority of seats in the Legislature. The Senate’s top Democrat, Anthony Hensley, says they will have a role in the process and their votes could even be needed to pass a compromise.

Stephen Koranda is KPR's Statehouse reporter.