Kansas Legislature Passes Major Tax Overhaul Bill

Governor Laura Kelly weighs veto amid concerns over fiscal sustainability and budgetary impacts.

Kansas lawmakers pass a bill to overhaul state income taxes, proposing to cut income, sales, and property taxes by more than $1.5 billion over three years.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly might veto the bill, citing concerns over fiscal sustainability and the potential for future budget problems.
The legislation aims to reduce the number of personal income tax rates from three to two, and includes provisions to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits and lower state-imposed property taxes for public schools.
Despite bipartisan support in the House, the bill faces opposition from some Senate Democrats and uncertainty over whether it can withstand a gubernatorial veto.
Kansas's fiscal situation contrasts with other states like Georgia, which have successfully enacted tax cuts, highlighting the political and budgetary challenges unique to Kansas.