Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
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.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
KS replacement plates see long wait times
LATEST STORIES
Planned outage for Brown-Atchison Electric Tuesday
KS Courts: those affected by past cyber attack being contacted
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Falls City Education Assn awards nearly $39K in scholarships
Richardson Co Commission approves Sheriff's Dept items
Latest Brown, Doniphan Co filings
Council approves Aquatic Center hirings
Motorcyclist injured in Holt Co MO crash
Hiawatha, Ks 66434