The Senate meeting on Thursday. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)
The Kansas Senate has passed a bill that would cut income tax rates in Kansas and keep the sales tax at its current rate. Most of a 1 percent state sales tax increase is set to expire later this year. It would also phase out income tax deductions as tax rates decline. Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce, a Republican from Hutchinson, said the bill would promote economic growth.
Keeping the sales tax elevated will help stabilize the state budget as income tax rates are reduced. Senator Tom Holland, a Democrat from Baldwin City, said the chamber should let the sales tax increase expire.
The 25-14 vote sends the measure to the House for consideration.