Kansas Legislature Passes Flat Tax Package; Gov. Kelly Pledges Veto

Political divide deepens as Republicans push for flat tax and Democrats argue for progressive taxation.

Kansas Legislature, controlled by Republicans, passed a flat tax package setting a single income tax rate of 5.25%, which Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has pledged to veto.
The House appears to have a veto-proof majority, but the Senate lacks the necessary votes to override the veto due to opposition from two Republican senators and a conservative independent senator.
The tax package would cost over $1.6 billion over three years and would tax any income above $6,150 for individuals and $12,300 for married couples at 5.25%.
Gov. Kelly's alternative tax plan, which would cost $1.1 billion over three years, includes several tax policies introduced by Republicans and Democrats over the years and some included in the bill she vetoed last year.
Republicans argue the flat tax will improve Kansas’ economy while drawing new residents and businesses, while Democrats say the flat tax will disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Kansans and leave middle class residents behind.