House and Senate negotiators discuss tax legislation. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)A legislative conference committee is working to reconcile differing tax bills that passed the Kansas House and Senate. In the first round of negotiations today (WED), House leaders suggested eliminating a proposed tax break for health clubs. The measure would exempt health clubs from property taxes because some club owners say they face unfair competition from YMCAs, which are tax exempt nonprofit organizations. Representative Richard Carlson, a St. Marys Republican, is concerned that giving health clubs a tax break could lead to other businesses asking for a similar tax cut.
YMCA leaders have argued that they offer community services that health clubs don’t. The proposed tax exemption passed the Senate but isn't included in the House bill.