House successfully votes to override Gov. Kelly's veto of bipartisan tax bill

After Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of Senate Substitute for House Bill 2036, a bipartisan bill to lower taxes for Kansans, was met with widespread backlash from Republicans and Democrats alike, the House has successfully voted to override the Governor’s veto. The following joint statement was issued by House Speaker Dan Hawkins (R), Majority Leader Chris Croft (R), and Speaker Pro Tempore Blake Carpenter after the vote:

“Kansans need tax relief and revenue estimates tell us it’s time to make that happen. With this significant, bipartisan vote of 104 to 15 to override the Governor’s misguided veto, we’re closer than ever to delivering broad and sustainable property, income, Social Security, and food sales tax relief to all Kansans. I want to thank our Democratic colleagues for working with us and Tax Chair Smith in an overwhelming bipartisan fashion. It’s truly remarkable what we can accomplish for the people of our state when we work together.”

The House voted 104-15 to override the veto, losing 15 votes from the previous 119-0 vote which sent the bill to the governor. Of the 15 who voted against the veto override, 14 originally voted in favor of the bill. Everyone who flipped their vote were Democrats including House Minority Leader Vic Miller. Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat, was the 15th vote against the veto override, but was absent and not voting when the House had originally voted to send the bill to Gov. Kelly’s desk.

The Senate will vote next to decide if the veto will be overridden or sustained. To override the veto, they will need two-thirds (27) to vote in favor of the bill. The Senate originally voted 24-9 on the bill with two Democrats, Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau and Sen. David Haley present and passing. Five Republican Senators were absent and did not vote.