January revenues for the State of Kansas were about 6.5% below projections, marking the third straight month revenues have been less than estimated, according to the Department of Revenue.
Gov. Laura Kelly says it emphasizes that any tax cuts must be done in a fiscally responsible way. The governor vetoed the legislature’s tax package in late January, setting up a showdown for a potential veto override. State Rep. Mike Dodson spoke on the issue during KMAN’s weekly legislative update Friday morning.
Dodson says he’s not sure if the Senate has the votes for an override. He is concerned about the loss of revenue and the amount of revenue coming in.
The governor and GOP leadership in Topeka disagree over a centerpiece of the tax bill, which would replace the state’s three-tier income tax structure with a single rate of 5.25%.
Medicaid expansion could get a hearing
As for the Medicaid expansion discussion, it continues to be among the hot topics in Topeka.
Prior to the current legislative session, Gov. Kelly had called on lawmakers to hold a hearing on the topic by Kansas Day, Jan. 29. That came and went, but still no hearing has been scheduled on the House or Senate floors. Dodson expressed some optimism that will change.
The Manhattan City Commission will consider a resolution on its Tuesday consent agenda declaring support for Medicaid expansion, joining the cities of Emporia and Russell, which have passed similar measures.
