The recent letter to the editor submitted by Senate President Stephen Morris caught my attention. He claims passing the largest sales tax increase in Kansas history was the “only responsible way” to address the budget shortfall. A shortfall he blames on an “economic crisis.”

It apparently escaped Mr. Morris’ mind the legislature’s non-partisan staff predicted in May of 2007 (well before any economic downturn) the state would face a funding shortfall. Not surprising considering state spending increased by 40% in just a five year time period.

Morris also failed to mention the House Appropriations Committee proposed a budget not relying on any tax increase, but increasing K-12 funding.

Legislative staff estimates the 2012 budget at more than $200 million in the red. Considering Mr. Morris and his colleagues believe tax increases are the responsible way to address shortfalls, we can expect them to advocate for more next year. The question is, which tax will they target next?

Derrick Sontag
State Director
Americans For Prosperity