‘Flat tax’ fails in Kansas House

TOPEKA (KSNT)— Kansas lawmakers have failed to revive their “flat tax” package.

The Kansas House of Representatives took up the vote for an override on Tuesday, Feb. 20 falling three votes short of the 84 votes needed to override Governor Laura Kelly’s veto.

Part of the bill that’s been under scrutiny from Democrats includes a single-rate income tax of 5.25%, or “flat tax” as some call it. It’s been criticized by Kelly for being “reckless” and doing “nothing” for the middle-class.

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However, Republican leaders argue that it provides sufficient relief. At least three Republicans voted against the bill on Tuesday.

“The legislature’s decision to sustain my veto is a win for working- and middle-class Kansans who would have seen little relief under this irresponsible flat tax experiment,” Kelly said. “Now, we should move forward the bipartisan plan I proposed on the first day of legislative session to cut $1 billion in taxes over the next three years, without risking funding for our public schools and roads.”

“Kansans need and deserve significant tax relief now. I urge legislators to work together to cut taxes in a way that continues our economic growth and maintains our solid fiscal foundation while benefitting all Kansans, not just those at the top,” Kelly said.

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