TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas legislative negotiators have drafted a proposal for balancing the state budget by increasing the sales tax and suspending the state's "march to zero" on income taxes.
Three senators and three House members agreed Thursday on a plan that would raise the sales tax to 6.65 percent from 6.15 percent in July but drop the rate on food in January to 5.9 percent. Tobacco taxes also would rise.
The House could vote on the measure later Thursday.
The plan would raise $432 million during the fiscal year beginning July 1 to close a budget shortfall that arose after lawmakers cut income taxes in 2012 and 2013. Legislators also committed to eventually phasing out income taxes.
The plan would allow income tax cuts in 2019 and 2020 but not after that.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Public health advisory issued for local lake
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
Flood warning issued for Missouri River
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
LATEST STORIES
Flood warning issued for Missouri River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Falls City Hot Air Balloon Festival coming in June
NW MO bridge repair project delayed
Unemployment dips in April in SE Nebraska
Former KS AG files for Congress
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations