Regardless of the topic, revenue will likely be the underlying issue when state lawmakers convene their veto session Monday.
Part of that will include possible tax cuts or rebates. 76th District Representative Eric Smith of Burlington cited revenues above projections as a cause for both relief and caution moving forward. He says those figures don’t always mean revenues are strong enough to clear all the state’s debts.
Like other area lawmakers, Smith expects direction on the state’s 6.5-percent sales tax will be among the lead topics during the veto session. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly wants the tax eliminated in one fell swoop. Smith and other lawmakers want a phased approach, and he asks taxpayers to pay attention to who really benefits with a cut of this magnitude.
Smith has been concerned all session about the potential $500 million hit to the overall budget. He believes a tax reimbursement or refund for low-income residents should get more attention and possibly be expanded.
Overall, Smith says he was pleased with the budget because of its focus on debt reduction while adding funds to certain core services like mental health, corrections and law enforcement.
