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ICYMI: Governor Kelly Wants to Cut Taxes, Bring More Business to Kansas

Government and Politics

February 2, 2023

From: Kansas Governor Laura Kelly

KEY QUOTE: "Food prices have soared over the past year, I think I heard they went up 12%," Governor Kelly said. "The least we can do is take this other 4% sales tax off of groceries and take the entire six and a half off diapers and feminine hygiene products."

Gov. Kelly wants to cut food taxes and alludes to a business looking at Reno County

  • In addition to increasing access to broadband, eliminating the food tax and creating an annual four-day state sales tax holiday for school supplies, Gov. Laura Kelly wants to help bring more businesses to Kansas.

  • As for taxes on food, Kelly is adamant. She said with inflation and high food costs she wants to cut these taxes as soon as possible...Kelly is hoping for an April 1 deadline. In addition to food, she wants diapers and feminine hygiene products to be exempt from the state sales tax.

  • As of now, according to The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 13 states have some form of food tax. Arkansas, Illinois and Missouri have 1.5% or less tax on foods. Virginia has a 2.5% tax, followed by Utah with 3%. Alabama, Hawaii and Tennessee each have a 4% tax, with Oklahoma and South Dakota following with 4.5%. Idaho has 6.1% and Mississippi has 7%. Kansas had been the second highest with 6.5%.

  • Kelly said she is looking into everyway she can provide relief to working families...Along with eliminating food taxes, Kelly wants to change the income tax paid by those receiving social security. If someone makes $75,000 or less in the state of Kansas, they do not pay income tax on their social security. But if they make $1 more than that, no matter what the reason, they must pay income tax on the entire amount.