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Kansas Senate suspends debate on new plan to raise taxes

capitolTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Senate has suspended debate a new plan for raising taxes to balance the state budget that embraces Gov. Sam Brownback’s stance on business taxes.

Senators discovered technical flaws early Saturday morning in the measure drafted by three Senate and three House negotiators. It would increase the state’s sales tax to 6.55 percent from 6.15 percent.

The measure also would raise business taxes by $24 million during the fiscal year beginning July 1. Brownback has said he’ll veto any larger increase.

Lawmakers must raise taxes by more than $400 million to erase a projected budget shortfall during the next fiscal year.

The negotiators drafted the plan Friday night after the House voted 82-27 against a plan defying Brownback’s veto threat by raising business taxes by $101 million.

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