Governor Chooses Big Government Over Kansan Taxpayers

Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb issued the following statement in response to Governor Laura Kelley's veto of House Bill 2702, the Kansas Truth in Taxation Act.

"Today could have marked a great day for Kansas families, seniors and small businesses whose property taxes have increased exponentially without local governments having to vote for the tax increases. Instead, Governor Kelly chose to side with big government, confirming she is more concerned about government interests than the Kansas taxpayers who fund it.

Her veto means businesses that were forced to close and families who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic can no longer have a penalty and interest-free delay in their property taxes. Her veto means local governments can continue their non-transparent property tax increases by keeping mil rates flat while inflating home values for more money.

Governor Kelly promised a bipartisan tone as governor. This bill had bipartisan support throughout the process, passing the Kansas Senate 39-0. Yet she vetoed the bill to protect government interests, rather than Kansas taxpayers.

The Truth in Taxation bill vetoed by Governor Kelly is modeled from Utah's law that has been in place for 30 years. Utah has proven you can control the growth in property taxes while adequately funding essential services at the local level.

Kansas taxpayers have had enough. We urge the Kansas Legislature to pass this bill again next session, including a refund of penalties and interest for taxpayers who were unable to pay their property tax burden on time because of the pandemic."