JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators reached what had been set as the last day of their annual session without either chamber having passed a plan for raising taxes to close a budget shortfall.
The Republican-controlled Legislature’s debate over raising new revenues centers on two key issues.
One is how much to increase the state’s 6.15 percent sales tax.
The other whether the state should retain an income tax break enacted in 2012 for more than 330,000 farmers and business owners. The policy championed by GOP Gov. Sam Brownback as an economic stimulus.
Republican legislators acknowledge they’re deeply split over both issues.
Legislative leaders traditionally schedule 90 days for lawmakers’ annual session, and Saturday was the 90th this year. But legislators plan to return Monday to the Statehouse for a 92nd day.