Citing her approach of “fiscal sanity” during her first three years in office, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly outlined several policy goals she says are a direct result of prudent budget management as part of her State of the State address Tuesday night.
With the state holding its largest budget surplus in 40 years — currently $2 billion, with a chance to add another billion by the end of the current session — the governor reiterated plans to rebate taxpayers $250 as well as eliminate the food sales tax.
17th District Senator Jeff Longbine of Emporia says the governor mentioned two plans on food taxes, which could lead to very different impacts on the overall budget.
If the governor pushes for a full food sales tax elimination, the cost to the budget could be over $800 million instead of the roughly $430 million on groceries.
Governor Kelly also mentioned plans to freeze college tuition, a concern for 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia — especially with no mention of the Kansas Board of Regents’ request for $200 million to offset deferred maintenance costs and other needs.
The governor’s tentative plan also includes fully fund the state’s water plan, have “historic” funding levels for law enforcement and add money for critical mental health services.
In the Republican response, House Speaker Ron Ryckman said the governor’s statements don’t match her track record.
Lawmakers say they expect more details when the governor unveils her full budget plan, which typically happens the day after the State of the State.
