TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The Kansas House has rejected a bill increasing sales and cigarette taxes to erase a projected budget deficit and avert deep spending cuts.
The Kansas Constitution prohibits the state from running a deficit. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director warned lawmakers this week failing to pass a tax bill would lead to across-the-board spending cuts.
The vote was 94-21 Thursday against a measure that would raise more than $400 million during the fiscal year that begins July 1. The tax increases would have balanced a $15.4 billion budget already approved by the Republican-dominated Legislature.
The state’s budget problems arose after legislators slashed income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s urging.
House GOP leaders held the roll open for four hours over two days but couldn’t get the votes.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.