TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican Governor Sam Brownback and top GOP legislators are at odds over reconsidering an income tax break for business owners enacted by lawmakers three years ago. Senate President Susan Wagle of Wichita and House Taxation Committee Chairman Marvin Kleeb of Overland Park say that a reconsideration of the policy will get a serious look. Brownback and lawmakers must close a projected budget shortfall that legislative researchers peg at $422 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1st. The state slashed personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback's urging to stimulate the economy. It exempted 281,000 business owners and 53,000 farmers from income taxes. Brownback said Wednesday that he wants to preserve the policy. He said among other alternatives, he'll push legislators to eliminate income tax deductions instead.
