Apr 16, 2021

Governor explains her veto of Kansas tax cut bill

Posted Apr 16, 2021 8:00 PM

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed proposed income tax cuts and accused GOP lawmakers of trying to revive a nationally notorious fiscal experiment. The bill Kelly vetoed Friday would have saved individuals and businesses $284 million over three years.

Republicans could try to override her veto next month. GOP legislators have said they want to provide relief to individuals and businesses whose state income taxes have risen because of changes in federal income tax laws.

But Kelly has repeatedly recalled the persistent budget shortfalls that followed income tax cuts in 2012 and 2013 under then-GOP Gov. Sam Brownback.

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she  has decided to veto Senate Bill 50.  The legislation required "marketplace facilitators to collect and remit sales, transient and guest taxes, as well as 911 fees."

She explained the reason for the veto in statement from her office.

“Last year, despite COVID-19, Kansas experienced a record-setting $2.5 billion in new investment from businesses. These companies chose to make Kansas home in large part due to the state’s recent investments in our economic development tools, prioritizing funding for infrastructure improvements, and reinvesting in our students.

“As many of you with whom I served well remember, in order to provide sustainable funding for essential government services, we cannot return to the era of perennial, self-inflicted budget crises that undermine the very fabric and foundation of our state.”

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 50.”  Click here to read more on the bill.