Cut to food sales tax up for debate in Kansas Senate committee

Kansas’ unusually high sales tax on groceries could come down as senators weigh a constitutional amendment aimed at easing prices for consumers and supporting grocery stores near the state’s borders.

According to KC Healthy Kids, Kansas’ 6.5 percent statewide sales tax is more than the four surrounding states charge.

The Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee considered a resolution Thursday that would allow voters to decide in November whether the state should lower food sales taxes to 4 percent in mid 2019 and 2 percent in mid 2020. The measure would have to pass the House and Senate with a two-thirds majority and get support from a simple majority of Kansas voters. Lowering the sales tax on groceries would cost the state $446 million over the next two fiscal years, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin Democrat, brought the proposal. He and proponents argued Kansas’ food sales tax makes it difficult for families to afford groceries, making it difficult to eat nutritious food and putting Kansas businesses at a disadvantage.

Read more: http://www.cjonline.com/news/20180202/cut-to-food-sales-tax-up-for-debate-in-kansas-senate-committee