Kansas Democratic leaders in the state legislature have proposed an increase in the minimum wage, while Republican leaders are talking about eliminating state taxes on tips.
Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover and other Republican leaders have announced a proposal to eliminate taxes on tips, following the national initiative by the Trump administration. Masterson said “A tip is a thank you for good service and a thank you shouldn’t be subject to tax. This will ease the burden on Kansans employed in our service industry and will also help our small businesses that depend on service staff.”
Democratic Governor Laura Kelly and Democratic leaders responded with their own bills. A statement was released by the governor, Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard:
“President Masterson’s proposal will do nothing to make eggs more affordable for Kansans – so we’re proposing something that will. Raising the minimum wage to $15 will put more money in people’s pockets. There is no reason workers in Kansas should make less than workers in Missouri. We’re open to a discussion about cutting taxes on tips. Still, the most important thing we can do for minimum wage workers is actually raise the minimum wage – which is embarrassingly low in Kansas.”
The minimum wage in Kansas is $7.25 an hour, while Missouri’s minimum wage is $13.75 an hour.
