KPI: Need to Reduce Taxes For All Kansans
Robust Economic Activity Key To Prevent KS From Going Over Economic Cliff
|
February 8, 2012 - Wichita - Today, Kansas Policy Institute participated in a coalition press conference focusing on the need for tax reform. Below are excerpts from the remarks delivered by KPI President Dave Trabert.
On Efforts to Reform Taxes: "We commend the efforts of this administration and the many legislators pursuing tax reform, but we don't believe that any of these well-intended efforts are aggressive enough."
On Why Reform Is Needed: "Dramatic tax reform is the only way to prevent the deficits our state faces absent the repeal of ObamaCare and that KPERS' rosy 8% investment return assumption holds up.
"We're facing unprecedented economic and budgetary challenges in the near future and the best option for successfully dealing with those challenges is to have a tax system that reduces the tax burden and is thereby capable of encouraging rapid, robust job creation and economic growth.
On Dramatic Reform Being Paired With Lower Spending: "Proposals that are revenue-neutral do not reduce the tax burden. They may be better tax systems than we currently have but Kansas does not have the luxury of waiting for those proposals to gradually generate economic growth.
"Kansas spent $3,216 per-resident (total state funds), or 32% more than the states with no income tax so it is clear that controlling spending is the key to lower taxes.
"It isn't beaches or oil, but controlled spending that allows for taxes to be lower and jobs to be created.
On Economic Reality Of Situation: "The budgetary and economic challenges facing Kansas are real and potentially quite stark. We truly wish circumstances were different but we feel a moral obligation to share this information with legislators and all Kansans so everyone can make fully informed decisions on how best to prepare for what lies ahead.
"They way to keep Kansas from going over the economic cliff is to dramatically reform taxes in a way that allows for private sector jobs to be created and for more people to be attracted to our state." |
|
# # #
Kansas Policy Institute is an independent think-tank that advocates for free market solutions and the protection of personal freedom for all Kansans. Our work centers on state and local economic policy with primary emphasis on education, fiscal policy and health care. We empower citizens, legislators and other government officials with objective research and creative ideas to promote a low-tax, pro-growth environment that preserves the ability of governments to provide high quality services. To speak with Kansas Policy Institute, please contact James Franko at (316) 634-0218.
|
