Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly wants to eliminate the state's sales tax on food
Kelly says a Kansas family of four will save an average of $500 or more on their grocery bill every year
Kelly says a Kansas family of four will save an average of $500 or more on their grocery bill every year
Kelly says a Kansas family of four will save an average of $500 or more on their grocery bill every year
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday that she will introduce a bill in the Kansas Legislature to eliminate the state sales tax on food in Kansas.
"I'm pleased to introduce a plan that will 'Axe the Food Tax' and end the state sales tax on food," Kelly said in a news release. "For too long, Kansans have been paying more for groceries than people in almost every other state. This legislation will save the average Kansas family $500 or more a year on their grocery bill; and thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions we made before and during the pandemic, we can cut the food sales tax and keep Kansas' budget intact.
"This tax cut will put money back in Kansans' pockets and create real savings for those who need it most."
Kansas is one of seven states in the nation that fully taxes groceries. Kansas' food sales tax rate is 6.5%, the second-highest rate in the country.
Under the proposed bill, the governor's office said a Kansas family of four will save an average of $500 or more on their grocery bill every year.
"This tax cut will keep Kansans spending their money in Kansas, not going across our borders to buy groceries," Kelly said.
Monday is exactly a year from the next Kansas election for governor.
Kelly's likely Republican opponent called for eliminating the food sales tax. Republican attorney general Derek Schmidt said that Kelly has waited three years into her term before trying to keep her 2018 campaign promise on the food tax.
"This is not something new. This is not something we dreamed up last night. This is something I've wanted to do for a very, very long time," Kelly said.
Republicans said the governor vetoed a 1% drop in the food tax in 2019. Democrats countered that Schmidt voted to raise taxes several times while in the Legislature.