Kansas lawmakers from both parties welcomed new revenue forecasts Wednesday that project a $2.89 billion surplus to the state general fund as evidence the state can afford to exempt groceries from the state sales tax. Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat seeking re-election, called on lawmakers to “axe” the food tax earlier this week and promised to introduce corresponding legislation in January. By exempting groceries from 6.5% sales tax collections, the state would lose an estimated $450 million in annual revenue. Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is expected to win the GOP nomination for governor in next year’s election, also asked lawmakers to eliminate or reduce the tax burden on food.
Source: Kansas Reflector
