Kansas gov. ceremonially signs off on tax plan

HOLTON (KSNT) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly traveled two northeast Kansas cities on Tuesday to ceremonially sign a tax cut package.

Kelly signed off on Senate Bill 1 in the cities of Hiawatha and Holton on Tuesday, July 2, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor. The bill modifies income tax rates for individuals, decreases the privilege tax normal tax, increases the Kansas standard deduction and the Kansas personal exemption and more.

“This tax cuts package provides meaningful relief for hardworking Kansans while preserving our ability to continue fully funding our essential services and infrastructure,” Kelly said. “Now, because we have responsibly budgeted, Kansans will see significant tax cuts without sending us back to an era of fiscal shortfalls.”

The bill received support from both sides of the political aisle and gives nearly $2 billion in tax cuts for Kansas residents for the next five years, according to the Office of the Governor. Some functions of the bill include a reduction on property taxes through increasing residential property tax exemption to $75,000 and eliminating state taxes on Social Security income.

“Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have championed meaningful tax cuts for Kansans,” said Republican Kansas State Senator Dennis Pyle, District 1. “Eliminating the state tax on Social Security income has been a long-time goal of mine. I am thankful this is finally a reality for seniors in Kansas thanks to Senate Bill 1.”

Kelly officially approved of the tax cuts on Friday, June 21 following a special session meeting with legislators. Kelly previously vetoed three other tax plans sent to her from the Kansas Legislature.

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