Kansas legislators start work on plan for raising taxes

Topeka, Kan. (AP) — Kansas homeowners would pay higher property taxes to help close a projected state budget shortfall under a proposal endorsed by a legislative committee.

The Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee began work Tuesday on a plan to increase taxes, but members immediately tabled Republican Gov. Sam Brownback's plan to raise alcohol and tobacco taxes.

Members voted instead to increase property taxes for most homeowners by $46 a year. They also backed a plan to overhaul property taxes on vehicles.

The Senate committee plans to fold all of its measures into a single bill. The first pieces would raise about $50 million during the fiscal year beginning July 1.

The GOP-dominated Legislature's research staff says lawmakers must close a $422 million shortfall in the budget for the next fiscal year.

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The Gayly – May 5, 2015 @ 2:15pm.