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Dear Friend:
In my newsletter last week, I shared the details of HB 2178 which the House passed 76-48 last Thursday. The Senate debated and passed the bill Friday (22-18), sending it to the governor’s desk. On Tuesday night, using the backdrop of the annual Kansas Chamber of Commerce dinner, Governor Brownback announced his plan to veto the bill. He made good on that promise at 8:30 Wednesday morning.
Kansas City Star article: Gov. Sam Brownback says he’ll veto tax bill, setting up fight with lawmakers
The House gaveled in at 9 am and made consideration of the veto our first order of business. After spirited debate, we voted 85-40 to override the governor’s veto. I voted YES.
Those of you who have followed me from the beginning know I have steadfastly advocated for comprehensive tax reform, seeking a plan that broadens the tax base, restores fairness for all taxpayers, provides balance across consumption, income and property taxes, and raises enough revenue to responsibly pay our bills. I have held out for a plan that allows us to stop employing fiscal tricks, delayed payments, excessive borrowing and short-selling state assets in order to make ends meet. For all the one-time gimmicks, we face a $350 million shortfall in the current fiscal year, and a $580 million shortfall next fiscal year. As a reminder:
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