Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has announced a new plan that will help Kansans save hundreds on their grocery bills each year.
In a news release Monday, the Governor announced she will be eliminating the state sales tax on food if recently announced legislation passes through the Kansas Legislature next year. According to the release from the Governor’s office, the state of Kansas is one of just seven states which fully taxes groceries and boasts the second highest food sales tax rate at 6.5 percent.
Governor Kelly estimates that the legislation could help an average Kansas family of four save up to $500 a year in grocery bills. The bill comes as Kansas revenues have continuously come in well above projections over the past year.
In the aforementioned news release, Governor Kelly stated, “thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions we made before and during the pandemic, we can cut the food sales tax and keep Kansas’ budget intact.”
Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes stated that the high tax on foods is “Without exception” one of the largest hindrances that is stopping the state from creating a “better future for Kansas families.” Kansas House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer stated, “Over the years, the tax on food has been increased 10 times – from an initial 2 percent to 6.5 percent today. Throughout that time, there has been much talk about the unfairness of this tax, but until now, it’s been all talk. Thanks to Governor Kelly’s fiscal responsibility, the Kansas economy is booming, and Kansans will finally get the tax relief they deserve.”
The legislation is scheduled to be presented to the Kansas Legislature during the 2022 Legislative session which is set to begin in January.
