The Kansas Senate could vote on Gov. Sam Brownback's tax proposal this week, but it is unclear if the provision that cuts income tax rates can pass the House.
To balance the budget, the bill would eliminate some income tax deductions and keep the sales tax elevated. But Speaker Ray Merrick, a Stilwell Republican, says House members are cool to keeping the sales tax.
“Of course we’re a long way from the finish, and the finish changes a lot of thinking, but right now I don’t see a lot of appetite out here to retain the sales tax,” he says.
Merrick says there are multiple tactics they can take, starting with making government more efficient and looking for possible spending cuts. He has also said lawmakers should consider using some of the state's reserves if they need to.
On Friday, Democratic leaders said they would offer some alternatives to the governor's tax plan, but released few details.