TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Jan 19th, that each part of her three-part ‘Axing Your Taxes’ package has been introduced in the Kansas House and Senate. 

The Governor’s ‘Axing Your Taxes’ package saves Kansans more than $500 million over the next three years. 

“Kansans need relief from rising grocery prices, the cost of school supplies, and the social security income tax cliff retirees currently experience,” Governor Kelly said. “Because of the work we’ve done to balance our budget, fully fund schools, and attract business to the state, we can provide responsible tax cuts for Kansas families. Now that these bills are introduced, let's work together to get them passed.”  

“Under Governor Kelly’s leadership, legislators from both sides of the aisle came together to reduce the food sales tax – and we can do it again this session, once and for all,” Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes said. “We also have the opportunity to truly help Kansans at every life stage by reducing costs on essentials like diapers and feminine hygiene products, making school supplies more affordable for families, and easing taxes on Social Security for our seniors. We have the means to make a living, raising a family, and retiring in Kansas more affordable while protecting our future economic security, and I’m proud to have introduced legislation that will provide this relief for Kansans.” 

“Over the last year, the legislature heard from hundreds - if not thousands - of Kansans from all corners of the state. Their demand was clear: Axe the food tax,” Representative Tom Sawyer, District 95, who introduced the bills in the House, said. “Election year politicking prevented us from an immediate elimination of the tax in 2022. Hopefully, now that the election is complete, we can move forward at full speed and respond to the critical needs of our state.” 

Kansans can track the progress of the Governor’s proposals at the following links: 

• SB 57 and HB 2111 – Elimination of State Sales Tax on Groceries, Diapers, and Feminine Hygiene Products 
  In 2022, Governor Kelly signed bipartisan legislation gradually eliminating the 6.5% state sales tax on groceries. With this plan, Governor Kelly again urges the legislature to provide immediate tax relief for Kansans. If passed, Kansans would see the immediate elimination of the state sales tax on groceries – as well as the state sales tax on other essentials like diapers and feminine hygiene products, which were not included in the 2022 bill. 

• SB 55 and HB 2108 – Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday 
  This legislation creates a four-day sales tax holiday on school supplies, personal computers, instructional materials, and art supplies every August. The holiday would provide relief to families and teachers gearing up for back to school and keep Kansas retailers competitive with surrounding states. 

• SB 56 and HB 2107 – Social Security Income Tax Relief 
  Currently, Kansans earning less than $75,000 annually do not pay state income tax on social security income. But once they earn a dollar more – including through investments and life insurance policies – the entirety of their social security income is subject to state income tax. This legislation would smooth out that cliff, so no Kansan making under $100,000 pays full taxes on social security. 

Kansans can advocate for these bills by calling their legislator at 800-432-3924.