Two months ago, Republican legislators were hot under the collar that Gov. Laura Kelly was holding steadfast in her opposition to their proposed tax cuts.
Last year, the Democratic governor vetoed two similar measures, the first for a whopping $209 million, and the second for $90 million.
This legislative session, Republican lawmakers have been at it again, insisting three years of healthy tax revenue collections is overkill.
“It’s obscene,” said Sen. Jeff Longbine of Emporia, who serves on his chamber’s tax committee.
Six weeks ago, Kansas had a cushion of more than $1.2 billion in cash reserves — more than double that required by state law.
Today, of course, those reserves are helping pay the more than 55,600 unemployment claims filed in the last three weeks from those who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EVEN THOUGH they had no way of knowing what lay ahead, fellow Democrats — and a few Republicans — backed the Governor’s prudent ways.
“It’s a good thing we’ve got some good money right now because it could turn lean here pretty fast,” Rep. Tom Sawyer, Wichita Democrat, presciently said in February.
Kelly’s initial plan was to use the extra funds to help pay down debt, restoring fiscal responsibility.
WHEN LEGISLATORS return on April 27 to wrap up the session, conservative Republicans will have no choice but to drop the notion of tax cuts.
But it’s worth remembering the lesson: Deferring pleasures today, helps prepare for times of need.
— Susan Lynn
