Kansas governor proposes $250 tax rebates; GOP skeptical

By JOHN HANNA
AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is proposing to give Kansas residents who filed state income tax returns last year a one-time rebate of $250. Kelly dropped the idea Wednesday on a skeptical Republican-controlled Legislature as she faces a tough reelection race. Kansas can afford one-time rebates because the state’s budget picture has improved and because the payments won’t permanently reduce state revenues. Top Republican lawmakers said they prefer permanent tax cuts and accused Kelly of a move aimed at boosting her chances of reelection. Kelly’s plan would provide $250 to individual tax filers and $500 to married couples filing jointly. About 1.2 million people would rebates totaling $445 million.