SB 546 would end two business subsidies, cut corporate tax rate – The Sentinel
Under Senate Bill 546, corporate income taxes in Kansas would be reduced to 5.75%, and two business subsidies – PEAK and H-PIP – would be discontinued. Recipients of PEAK may retain or be refunded 95% of the payroll withholding tax of qualified employees for new jobs created in Kansas. Businesses participating in H-PIP receive a 10% tax credit for capital investment. The state’s current corporate tax rate of 6.5% would be gradually reduced under the legislation. Testifying in support of the bill was Dave Trabert, CEO of the Kansas Policy Institute, who argued that tax subsidies do not work for the economy or taxpayers. Jonathan Leuth of Americans for Prosperity – Kansas supported the bill, emphasizing the need for tax reform to remain competitive. Tim Henry, CFO of Great Plains Manufacturing and Kubota North America, opposed the bill, stating it would be detrimental to investment. Sam Sackett with Sprint AeroSystems saw merit in both lowering the corporate tax rate and preserving incentive programs. Mitch Robinson with the Kansas Economic Development Alliance also opposed the bill, highlighting disparities in H-PIP participation across counties.