Aerospace tax credits pass despite conservative populist revolt
Republican lawmakers split over $8.2 million incentive package amid growing populist concerns about corporate welfare.
TOPEKA — The House passed legislation Wednesday extending aerospace and aviation education tax credits despite sharp criticism from conservative Republicans who called the measure corporate welfare.
HB 2464 passed 81-39, but the vote exposed a rift within the GOP majority over economic development incentives. Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, R-Paola (District 6), voted no and argued the $8.2 million in credits "could wipe out the county portion of property taxes in 56 of 105 counties," adding that CEOs at benefiting companies "make over $8.2 million annually."
Rep. Paul Waggoner, R-Hutchinson (District 104), also opposed the bill, writing that the credits "reduce overall state revenues and thus reduce the chance all taxpayers will see their tax rates ratchet down." The dissent reflects growing conservative populist skepticism of tax breaks for large corporations while middle-class Kansans struggle with property taxes.
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