TOPEKA – On Monday, Dec 19th, Governor Laura Kelly released her three-part ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan to save Kansans more than $500 million over the next three years. The comprehensive plan includes:

• A push to immediately 'axe the tax' on groceries and eliminate the state sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products.
  View the bill draft here.
• The creation of an annual four-day sales zero percent sales tax holiday on school supplies, personal computers, instructional materials, and art supplies, every August. 
  View the bill draft here.
• Tax cuts for retirees so no Kansan making under $100,000 pays full taxes on social security.
  View the bill draft here.

KEY QUOTE: "I’m pleased to introduce a plan that axes taxes for Kansas families and retirees in a way that keeps our state’s economy and budget strong,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By cutting taxes on groceries and diapers, school supplies, and social security, this plan will put money back in Kansans’ pockets and create real savings for those who need it most."

Here’s what they’re saying: 

"As inflation continues to impact Kansans, there’s no reason to wait until 2025 to eliminate the food tax. Governor Kelly’s plan to Axe the Tax will end the state sales tax on essentials like food and diapers. This tax relief will help all Kansans, especially those with the fewest resources, at a time when they need it most." -David Jordan, President and CEO of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund

"We are grateful for the bi-partisan support of last spring’s bill to gradually eliminate the state-level food sales tax, but Kansans have still not seen any relief on their grocery bill. Food prices have continued to rise and the state’s budget surplus has continued to grow since the legislation was signed. The time for the complete elimination of the food sales tax is now." -Brian Walker, President & CEO of the Kansas Food Bank

"These items are medically necessary items that over half our population needs on a regular basis and there should not be any extra barrier in accessing them. For a person to go without these products not only decreases dignity but it can increase health risks that could easily be avoided if they were more affordable. If KS can follow the 22+ other states that recognize diapers and menstrual products as basic necessities, than it would be a step in the right direction for providing dignity through basic needs to all Kansans." -Lindsay Weiss, Affiliate Director of I Support The Girls KC, Volunteer Manager for Giving Hope & Help

"The food sales tax is a regressive tax that affects every Kansan, but disproportionately affects low-income families who are struggling to meet their basic needs. It takes the most from those who have the least."
-Stephen Davis, President & CEO of Harvesters

"A sales tax on necessities, such as groceries, is especially burdensome for older and lower-income individuals and families who may already be struggling to meet their daily needs. A tax on groceries may require older Kansans to choose between the purchase of food for themselves and their families and other vital necessities, such as prescription drugs or heat. By eliminating the food tax now, these Kansans can access nutritious food without having to sacrifice other essential needs." -Ernest Kutzley, AARP Kansas Advocacy Director

"Food security is about more than just food; it’s about family resources. The elimination of the sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products will help our most vulnerable neighbors provide for the basic needs of their families."
-Chad Higdon, CEO of Second Harvest Community Food Bank

"All Kansans should have the resources they need to support themselves and raise healthy families. By eliminating the state food sales tax outright, Kansans will save hundreds each year—especially as inflation has caused food prices to soar...Though major progress was made last year, this plan eliminates the food sales tax immediately! The plan also ends the tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products, creates a three-day sales-tax-free holiday in August for school supplies, and smooths out the tax cliff for retirees." -Kansas Appleseed

"The Kansas Food and Farm Coalition strongly supports Governor Kelly’s proposal to immediately eliminate the state-level sales tax on food during the 2023 legislative session. Our organizations are united in support of this effort, which will save Kansas families more than $450 million over the next three years...keep money in Kansas communities and in farmers’ pockets." -Kansas Food and Farm Coalition

"Why wait until 2025, completely eliminate the sales tax on groceries right now. It's part of Gov. Kelly's tax plan! But there's more, like tax cuts to help Working Families for School Supplies & Income tax cuts for Retirees."
-Kansas AFL-CIO

"The Kansas Rural Center strongly encourages the Kansas Legislature to support Governor Laura Kelly’s proposal to immediately eliminate the state-level sales tax on groceries in Kansas. We also support her proposal to include the elimination of the state sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products." -Tom Buller, Executive Director of the Kansas Rural Center

ICYMI:

‘Axing Your Tax’: Gov. Laura Kelly proposes 3-day sales tax holiday

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly releases 3-part tax cut plan to save Kansans more than $500M

Gov. unveils plan to immediately ‘axe tax’ on groceries, diapers

Kansas Gov. Kelly announces ‘Axing Your Taxes’ policy

Kansas governor announces three-part plan to lower taxes

Kelly launches legislative campaign for three-year, $500 million state tax reduction plan

Laura Kelly uses trip to JoCo to lay out $500M tax cut plan