Additional budget cuts to social services, schools, and other Kansas programs were averted through passage of a one-cent sales tax increase, making possible a balanced budget. The law was signed by Gov. Mark Parkinson May 27 following approval by lawmakers, and the resulting state sales tax rate increase (from 5.3 to 6.3 percent) went into effect July 1. The additional sales taxes will generate $314 million for the next state budget.

The Kansas Senate approved the bill May 6 on a 23–17 vote. The approval was critical for services to Kansas' aging population.

The tax boost, suggested by Gov. Parkinson, will cost an extra $266 a year to an average Kansas family. Parkinson said the additional taxes will spur economic recovery by preventing large-scale reductions in education and state services. The law providing for the tax increase mandates that the tax rate will go down to 5.7 percent after three years.

The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging thanks the three state senators from Johnson County who supported the bill:

Sen. Terrie Huntington, Fairway (7th District)
Sen. Tim Owens, Overland Park (8th District)
Sen. John Vratil, Leawood (11th District)