Bill raising state’s sales tax to bolster budget remains in limbo in Kansas House

Sales tax increase in limbo in Kansas House

TOPEKA, Kan. — A state sales tax increase to bolster the state budget remains in limbo in the Kansas House.

The chamber held its voting open late Monday night and members switched their votes so that both supporters and opponents were prevailing at different times.

Results often change during voting, even on major issues.

The tax bill already has passed the Senate.

The bill would boost the 5.3 percent sales tax to 6.3 percent on July 1, when the state’s new fiscal year begins. The tax increase was expected to raise $314 million for the next state budget.

The new revenue is needed to balance a $13.6 billion state budget that also cleared the Legislature on Monday.