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Its somewhat amazing the length Republican lawmakers seem to be willing to go to undo touching Gov. Sam Brownbacks signature income tax cut that has affected the states ability to do its work.

While it seems that the source of the states budget problems is easy to see, and the solution seemingly would be to simply undo the source of injury, some lawmakers instead want to keep shifting the burden to the states sales tax as a way to preserve a misguided philosophy.

This week, the Kansas House approved a bill that would add the states sales tax to services like towing, storage, security, pet boarding and some cleaning services, in the hope of raising about $110 million over two years.

The amount raised wont come close to solving the states budget issues, yet leaves in place the income tax cuts that are so near and dear to Brownbacks heart. But make no mistake about it: This group of lawmakers has no problem with raising taxes; they just want to make sure its the right taxes that are raised.

If approved by the Senate, this would be the third round of sales tax increases that have been put in place as a way to save the governors income tax vision. In Hutchinson, the sales tax hovers near 10 percent a tax that includes groceries and necessities so that a handful of people across the state can avoid paying income taxes altogether.

As the Legislature nears the end of its session, compromises will be made to wrap up the states business and to pass a plan to fund education and set the states budget. Yet its remarkable how much effort some factions will put into preserving a tax cut that hasnt worked as promised even to the point of raising taxes elsewhere to keep a bad idea alive that has never even come close to spreading sunshine across Kansas.

Jason Probst, for The Hutchinson News editorial board

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Republican lawmakers again look to boost sales tax revenue - Hutchinson News