Kansas House approves tax bill, sent to Governor

Update 12:43 p.m.: The Kansas House of Representatives approved the tax plan 121 to 2, the bill now heads to the Governor's desk.

“I appreciate the Legislature’s quick work today to pass this tax relief package," Governor Laura Kelly said. "Although this package is not perfect and emphasizes income tax reductions instead of property tax relief, it does provide significant relief while preserving our ability to continue fully funding our public schools, roads and bridges, and State Water Plan. I will sign this bill upon receiving it.”

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins issued the following statement:

“After 2 years of hard work by our legislative tax committees and multiple vetoes by the governor, long overdue tax relief for all Kansans is now on its way. Seniors will greatly benefit from the elimination of the tax on Social Security. A simplified, lower, dual-income tax rate with expanded deductions and exemptions will provide immediate relief for all hardworking Kansans. Lower-income families receive a significant break by eliminating their income tax burden altogether. The higher property tax exemption for homeowners and the increased child tax credit will also greatly benefit Kansas families. While it’s unfortunate Governor Kelly chose to deny further relief, this is an important step in the right direction. Rest assured, when the legislature returns in January, we will immediately get to work providing further tax relief, especially much-needed broad-based property tax reform.”

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Senate has approved a new tax plan after several rounds of proposals.

Gov. Laura Kelly called for a special session to decide on the state tax plan on May 29.

The new tax plan sees bi-partisan perks such as cutting the tax on social security and food but makes adjustments to meet the "affordability criteria" from Kelly. That includes removing property tax relief that had been proposed.

On April 22, Kansas’ Democratic governor vetoed a broad package of tax cuts for the second time in three months, describing it as “too expensive” despite the bipartisan support it enjoyed in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Republican leaders say the new package simplifies the tax code into two brackets, lowers rates, includes substantial exemptions to help lower-income Kansans, reduces statewide property taxes, and repeals the state tax on Social Security. However, they said it does contain “minor adjustments.”

"The personal exemption for dependents increases from 2,250 to 2,320 for every dependent that you have," Sen. Caryn Tyson, (R) Senate Tax Chair said. "Then, we get rid of the bottom tax bracket, 3.1%. I think the calculation during session was $31,000 and below will not be paying state income tax."

The tax plan was approved by the Senate 34-4. The proposed tax plan under Senate Bill 1 now heads to the Kansas House of Representatives. Once the House votes on the bill, it will go to Kelly's desk.

The full tax plan can be viewed by clicking here.

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