Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Earlier this summer, lawmakers passed and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a tax cut package that slashes roughly $2.4 billion in property and income taxes over the next three years. The law reduces state income tax brackets from three tiers to two and eliminates the state tax on Social Security benefits, among other things. Do you think the most recent tax cut bill provides enough relief for Kansans? Why or why not? If elected, would you seek more tax cuts and, if so, what would that look like?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
District 39
Angela Stiens (Republican, incumbent)
The tax relief that we passed and the governor signed into law is a great start. It reduced taxes on working families, eliminated the tax on social security, and made positive steps on property tax relief.
However, with the state sitting on billions in surplus, more must be done in the area of property taxes, which are out of control and having a real negative impact on the livelihoods of families in my district. I support reforming the appraisal process to add fairness and accountability and bring permanent relief for homeowners. This is a key distinction in this race, and this seat could determine whether property tax relief is possible in 2025.
Vanessa Vaughn West (Democratic)
The current budget surplus presents a unique opportunity to provide additional tax relief for Kansans. With this surplus, we are in a strong position to responsibly cut taxes without jeopardizing essential services. This is the right time to make targeted tax reductions, such as eliminating the sales tax on essential items, expanding childcare credits, and providing property tax relief for both homeowners and renters. By leveraging this financial stability, we can support middle-class families and retirees while maintaining the long-term health of our state’s economy.
While the recent tax cut package provides some relief for Kansans, shifting to a flatter tax structure can disproportionately burden middle-income earners by eliminating the equity that a multitier system offers. A multi-tier tax structure is essential because it ensures that wealthier individuals contribute more, which alleviates the tax burden on working families who are often most impacted by the rising cost of living.
If elected, I would advocate for additional targeted tax cuts to better support Kansas families. This would include:
- Eliminating the sales tax on essential items like diapers, feminine hygiene products, and over-the-counter drugs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for everyday necessities.
- Introducing a sales tax holiday, allowing Kansas families to purchase school supplies and other necessities without added costs.
- Reviving the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTRF) to help lower local property taxes.
- Restoring property tax relief for renters by reinstating their inclusion in the Homestead Act, ensuring more residents benefit from property tax reductions.
- Eliminating income tax on retirement income to provide relief for retirees.
- Providing tax credits for higher education students to help ease the financial burden of tuition and living costs.
- Creating a statewide Child Tax Credit to offer financial support to families and help offset the cost of raising children.
- Expanding the Child Care Credit, making quality childcare more affordable for working families.
By focusing on these measures, we can provide additional relief to Kansans while ensuring our tax system remains fair and balanced.
Coming up:
Tomorrow we will publish the candidates’ responses to the following question:
The top issue for many Post readers remains candidates’ stances on the 2020 election, which former President Trump continues to claim without evidence was stolen from him. That has played out in Johnson County with a years-long and ultimately fruitless investigation by the current sheriff into local election procedures. Many of our readers express concern that that investigation has sown distrust in local elections. Do you believe President Biden won the 2020 election fair and square? Do you trust and have confidence in county and state election systems? If elected, would you support legislation that, in any way, would modify or place new restrictions on voting in Kansas?
