Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson is pushing for an override of Governor Kelly’s veto of new tax policy voted on by the legislature. Kelly calls it a ‘flat tax experiment’ that is reckless and says it would take the state back to the Brownback years. Tyson disagrees. She cites many other states that have the same flat tax system and are thriving. A flat tax is what many people a call a single rate, but Kansas could be considered a dual rate because low income amounts will not be taxed at all. Tyson says there are many states, both Republican and Democrat that have adapted a single rate income tax.
Under the proposal, Kansas would tax adjusted gross income at 5.25%, after subtracting $12,300 for married couples, $6,150 for single people. She says that makes it a cut for all. Over 341,000 low income filers would pay no state income tax. Social security would be exempt from state income tax, there are inflation busters on income taxes and homeowners’ property taxes. Tyson is hopeful legislators from all parties will vote for the veto override and put the people of Kansas above politics.
