Kansas governor proposes ending state sales tax on groceries

By JOHN HANNA
AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly is proposing to eliminate the Kansas sales tax on groceries. The plan outlined by the Democratic governor Monday would save many families hundreds of dollars a year and consumers a total of $450 million a year. She unveiled her proposal three days after Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt called on the GOP-controlled Legislature to reduce or eliminate the tax next year. Schmidt hopes to unseat Kelly in the 2022 governor’s race. Their support is likely make reducing or ending the 6.5% state sales tax on groceries a top issue for lawmakers once they reconvene in January. Kansas has the second-highest state sales tax rate on groceries.