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 6
Pat Pettey (Democratic, incumbent)
The tax package that the legislature passed was fiscally sound. Governor Kelly shared from the first day of the 2024 session that a tax package would only get her signature if the state could afford it long term. In 2025 with a $4 billion dollar surplus I will work on these tax issues: A property tax freeze for seniors over 65, raising the home value to $450,000 and the income level to $150,000. A 3 day sales tax holiday and raising the property tax exemption from $75,000 to $125,000. These three would benefit tax payers old & young.
Tabitha Burt (Republican)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
