The fourth is Sen. Christine Downey, D-Inman. Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, said he also was concerned about the effect of a sales tax increase on poorer Kansans. Vratil said he didn't know when the committee would act on the proposal. I think both sides will have to caucus on this. But I think it is possible.
Legislators only have to vote for the tax increase in the bill one time.
The bill does more than raise taxes. The proposal also would more fully fund special education. The state pays about 85 percent of whatever special education costs aren't covered by the federal government. The bill would increase that commitment to 96 percent over three years. The Topeka Capital-Journal's Jim McLean and The Associated Press contributed to this report.