Kansas lawmakers have approved two tax bills that will now head to the governor’s desk for final approval. These bills aim to provide tax relief to residents, but they have sparked intense debates between Republicans and Democrats over whether the measures truly deliver on campaign promises.
The two bills, Senate Bill 35 (SB 35) and Senate Bill 269 (SB 269), focus on cutting property taxes and reducing income tax rates, respectively. However, Democrats argue that these cuts are too small to make a real difference for Kansas residents.
Property Tax Cuts Receive Mixed Reactions
SB 35, which aims to reduce property taxes, passed in the Kansas House with a 96-26 vote and later received unanimous approval in the Senate (40-0). The bill eliminates two statewide property tax levies:
- 1 mill for the state education building fund
- 0.5 mills for the state institution building fund
To replace the lost revenue, funds from the State General Fund will be used instead. Starting in fiscal year 2027 (beginning in June 2026), approximately:
- $56 million will go to the education building fund
- $25 million will go to the institutional building fund
Despite unanimous approval, Democrats criticized the bill, calling the tax relief insignificant. Sen. Patrick Schmidt (D-Topeka) expressed frustration, saying, “Promises, promises, promises… and what do we get? Just one-and-a-half mills.” He further accused the Republican-led legislature of offering Kansans only “scraps.”
However, Republicans defended the bill, arguing that it’s a step in the right direction. Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), who presented the bill, said lawmakers worked hard to bring tax relief to Kansas residents.
“We can go home with our heads held high, knowing we worked for our constituents,” Tyson said.
Income Tax Cuts Face Opposition
SB 269, which aims to reduce individual and corporate income tax rates, was passed by the House in an 84-38 vote and later approved by the Senate 30-10. Unlike SB 35, this bill did not receive unanimous support.
Under the bill:
- Individual and corporate income tax rates would drop to 4%
- Bank tax rates could go as low as 2.6%
However, these cuts will only take effect if the state’s budget stabilization fund remains intact. The state’s budget director will determine if the General Fund revenue exceeds the previous year’s revenue (adjusted for inflation). If this happens, tax rate reductions will begin:
- Income tax rates will be reduced first
- Once the individual tax rate reaches 4%, corporate and bank tax rates will be adjusted
- The final targets are:
- 4% for corporations
- 2.6% for banks
- 2.62% for other financial institutions
Republican lawmakers framed the bill as a way to control “out-of-control government spending.” Tyson, a key supporter of the bill, admitted that taxpayers won’t see immediate relief, but the changes will help in the long run.
“Instead of growing government and feeding the beast, we’re reigning in spending,” Tyson explained.
Democrats Argue Tax Relief Is Insufficient
Sen. Ethan Corson (D-Fairway) criticized both bills, saying they fail to provide immediate financial relief to struggling Kansas residents.
“Kansans have been crying out for property tax relief, but what they’re getting is just a measly one-and-a-half mills,” Corson said. He noted that a person owning a $150,000 home would save only $25.88, while someone with a $230,000 home would save $39.68.
“As my grandpa used to say, ‘Don’t spend it all in one place,’” Corson added sarcastically.
He also compared the Legislature to Lucy from the Peanuts comic strip, “We keep promising property tax relief, and then we yank it away.”
Republicans Defend the Tax Cuts
Tyson pushed back against the criticism, urging lawmakers to “stop thinking about what’s in it for me.” She argued that the tax relief measures are necessary to control government growth and that the changes will benefit taxpayers in the long run.
“This is about stopping government expansion. This is absolutely needed,” she said.
What’s Next?
The Kansas Legislature adjourned at 9:40 p.m. after passing these bills. Lawmakers will return on April 10 for the veto session, where the governor could approve or reject the bills.
With strong Republican support, the bills are likely to pass into law, but the debate over their effectiveness will continue. As Kansas residents wait for the promised relief, both parties will have to answer one key question: Will these tax cuts truly help the people, or are they just political moves?
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