KS Republicans passed largest tax increase in history in 2015 and now again in 2017

[Keith and stuff]

In 2015, Republican legislators in Kansas increased sales and cigarette taxes to create the largest tax increase in state history. However, it would appear that some voters were still upset that taxes were too low because of the historic 2012 tax cuts ushered in by Gov. Brownback. So in 2016, some of Gov. Brownback's conservative Republican allies were voted out and replaced with fiscally liberal Republicans or Democrats. The new taxes increase the personal income tax from 4.6% to 5.7% and remove the income tax LLC exception that more than 330,000 farmers and small business owners currently enjoy. Gov. Brownback vetoed the tax increases, but was immediately overridden by Republicans and Democrats in the KS Senate and KS House.

Kansas is no longer a low tax state. I realize that AK has been in recession for years, OK is hurting, and the moderate oil prices are hurting several other Republican controlled states, but unemployment rates are low across the country and most states have recovered. I didn't really expect massive tax increases 2 budget cycles in a row led by Republicans in a very conservative state. Very sad news and terrible government over site.

Overriding Gov. Brownback’s veto, Kansas lawmakers pass school aid increase, income tax hike
Posted 10:19 pm, June 6, 2017, by AP Wire and Dave D'Marko, Updated at 10:56PM, June 6, 2017
http://fox4kc.com/2017/06/06/overrid...come-tax-hike/

The state will increase its personal income tax rates and end an exemption for more than 330,000 farmers and business owners. Legislators expect the changes to raise $1.2 billion in new revenue over two years to close projected budget shortfalls totaling $889 million through June 2019 and also provide additional funds for public schools.

The conservative Republican governor still touts the income tax cuts enacted in 2012 and 2013 as pro-growth policies. But voters soured last year on the governor's policies, ousting two dozen of his allies from the Legislature and giving more power to Democrats and moderate Republicans who then backed this year's tax increase. The Legislature's action leaves his main political legacy in tatters.

[sparebulb]

Kansas: The John Brown State.

Kansas "republicans" are a real freak show.

[Suzanimal]

The tax increase was designed to also cover extra aid to the state's 286 local public school districts because the state Supreme Court ruled in March that education funding is inadequate. The state spends about $4 billion a year on its schools and lawmakers passed a plan Monday night to phase in a $293 million increase in education funding over two years.

It's for the children.

[tod evans]

It's for the children.

And the brave heroes!

Can't forget them.