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21 June 2024 | Early Learning Tax and Budget

KAC June 2024 Newsletter and Special Session Statehouse Snapshot

Kansas Action for Children

June 21, 2024

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Compromise Tax Package Passed and Signed into Law 

State lawmakers returned to Topeka on Tuesday, June 18, for a special one-day legislative session that delivered a new bipartisan package of tax cuts. Also squeezed into the short session was a bill using STAR bonds to make an offer to the Kansas City Chiefs and/or Royals to move to Kansas.

This morning, Gov. Kelly announced the signing of SB 1, which will give all Kansans reductions on their state income tax. This package of tax changes met the Governor's threshold for fiscal responsibility as she evaluated the state's financial outlook for the years to come. It will reduce approximately $1.23 billion of state revenue over the next three years.

Kansas now moves from a three-tiered income tax system to two tiers with rates of 5.58% and 5.2%. Increases to the standard deduction and personal and dependency exemptions were also included.

Additionally, homeowners will see a small amount of property tax relief because of an increase to the residential property exemption; social security recipients won't be taxed on any social security income; and parents paying for child care can now take a larger state child and dependent care tax credit (CDCTC). The state increased their match of the federal CDCTC from 25% to 50%, effective tax year 2024.

 

Summer Learning for KAC Staff

Our team visited the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park yesterday as part of our summer learning series. 

Our visit coincides with several recent events: the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board decision, Juneteenth, and Senate Resolution 1703, which was passed on Tuesday to set Nov. 14, 2024, as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. 

KAC Welcomes New Staff

Nathan Kessler joined KAC on Monday as our Tax Policy Advisor! In this role, Nathan will advocate to improve the financial security of Kansas children and families through policies that strengthen equity through the state’s tax system and credits for low-income families.

Nathan's prior experience as a Labor Economist will strengthen KAC's tax policy presence in the Kansas Statehouse.

 

National KIDS COUNT Data Book Released

In partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, we release the 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book, which features 16 indicators in four domains - economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors. These indicators help us understand children's well-being across the country and within our state.


Kansas ranked 19th overall -- 12th in economic well-being, 19th in health, 23rd in family and community, and 28th in education.

For more information, you can explore the Data Book and Kansas data to see the specific indicators featured.


Have you heard? We moved! Our office is still in Downtown Topeka, but we're now at 100 SE 9th St., Suite 300, Topeka, KS  66612.