To: The Kansas State House, The Kansas State Senate, and Governor Laura Kelly
Governor Brownback and the Poor
Governor Brownback has stated that reduction of tax levels would increase jobs in Kansas. With that in mind he proposed tax rate reductions, but only the most well remunerated are included in the cuts. A family with income below $90,000 will see increased tax rates. In addition, the Governor has recommended elimination of the Kansas version of the Earned Income Tax Credit, a program which rewards work. Elimination of this program will cut another average of $357 from incomes of the 255,000 participants. The Governor has proposed reduction in Services for physically disabled persons, funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and money for Child Care Assistance. In addition he would see enhanced funding to meet the needs of children in poverty and English language learners eliminated.
What could possibly be gained by this assault on the poor? Surely increasing the poverty in Kansas can't improve the business climate. Citizens of this fine state traditionally rise to accommodate the needs of the less fortunate. Tell Governor Brownback and the Kansas Legislature that this is not the right way to approach our economic problems.
What could possibly be gained by this assault on the poor? Surely increasing the poverty in Kansas can't improve the business climate. Citizens of this fine state traditionally rise to accommodate the needs of the less fortunate. Tell Governor Brownback and the Kansas Legislature that this is not the right way to approach our economic problems.
Why is this important?
The Governor's Budget includes proposals to lower taxes, but only those families who have incomes over $90,000 actually see reductions. All lower income families would see tax rate increases, making it even more difficult for these families to be financially independent.