Kansas lawmakers and Democratic Gov.-elect Laura Kelly are preparing for a possible showdown over taxes after the legislative session kicks off next month.
Kelly wants Kansas to let the dust settle after tax changes in recent years, but some lawmakers argue doing nothing will effectively create a tax hike.
The federal tax cut last year triggered changes in state law. That cost some taxpayers the ability to itemize, increasing their state tax bills.
Republican state Sen. Caryn Tyson said lawmakers need to make changes because the resulting windfall amounts to a state tax increase
“We absolutely would be letting a tax increase occur, and that is not good policy," Tyson said. "We need to address it.”
Lawmakers debated that issue last session but didn’t reach an agreement. Tyson is working on legislation and wants a debate early in the session before Kansans start filing their taxes.
Stephen Koranda has more: