A Kansas House committee has voted to undo part of the tax cuts pushed by Governor Sam Brownback. The committee voted to reinstate some business income taxes, which were completely eliminated by the 2012 tax cut. Republican Representative Mark Hutton says the current law creates an unfair system and may not be spurring much job growth.
“I would argue, as a business owner, that the federal code takes precedent far ahead of any consideration that I get from the state on this issue,” says Hutton.
Republican Representative Kasha (CASH-uh) Kelley says reversing the cuts sends a bad message. She says the tax cuts are working and Kansas should stay the course.
“When you have a ground that’s packed after years and years of doing the same thing, you have to take some time to till it, you have to take some time to nourish it. That’s what this tax package is doing, but it takes time,” says Kelley.
The bill will now be considered by the full House. Legislators are trying to find a way to fill a budget hole of more than $400 million. They’re facing a time crunch, as this is scheduled to be the final week of the legislative session.