The average family of four in Kansas could save at least $500 a year if the state ended its sales tax on groceries, according to Kansas Appleseed.
Gov. Laura Kelly addressed a group of more than 70 members of Kansas Appleseed’s Hunger Action Team, anti-hunger advocates and others from across the state in a virtual discussion on the food sales tax on Wednesday morning.
With inflation bumping 8%, it’s important to end the food sales tax as soon as possible, Kelly told the attendees.
“The families that you are advocating for are really suffering more now than ever, so it’s imperative that we get this done and get it done now,” Kelly said.
Eliminating the food sales tax would reduce the state’s total sales tax collections by 15%, or roughly $429 million each year.
“We know we can afford that now and we know we can afford it in years to come,” Kelly said.
The measure has broad bipartisan support, but exactly how to make that happen has not yet been determined.
Some would rather eliminate the food sales tax gradually, Kelly said, but she cited inflation as proof of an urgent need.
She also was concerned that politics could derail the bipartisan efforts, as the GOP may be reluctant to approve a measure that has her support.
“Battle me on everything else but not on this one. It is absolutely crucial for so many of our Kansas families,” Kelly said. “Let’s not make the people of Kansas the victims of our political battles.”
Several of those who attended the virtual meeting were from Allen County, including Paige Olson with Kansas Appleseed, Marilyn Logan with the Marmaton Market, Greta Ingle with Thrive Allen County, Dorothy Sparks with Hope Unlimited and Georgia Masterson with Humanity House.
Kansas Appleseed members also talked about legislation they were watching during the session. Two bills they supported to increase access to SNAP benefits — ending a lifetime drug felony ban and eliminating a child support enforcement requirement — did not pass.
