If legislators want to hasten the state’s economic recovery, supporting Kansas business is the right priority.

It’s good to know that leaders in the Kansas Legislature understand the importance of maintaining a strong business climate in the state.

Members of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry heard pretty much what they were hoping to hear Tuesday when House Speaker Doug Mays and Senate President Dave Kerr addressed their luncheon meeting . The two legislators told the group they believed it was unlikely that taxes on businesses would be increased this year.

They also predicted that Kansas Lottery money would continue to be directed to economic development efforts in the state and that sales tax exemptions that benefit Kansas businesses will remain in place.

Some Kansans may question that priority. They see that individual Kansans are suffering and wonder, “Why shouldn’t businesses take up the slack?” On the surface, it may seem that businesses should shoulder a greater share of the tax burden.

But during difficult economic times, it’s exactly the wrong strategy to place the businesses that support the state’s economy under more pressure. Mays noted, “The business environment in the state is so fragile right now” that repealing tax exemptions might push some businesses over the edge.

When businesses suffer, everyone suffers. The reason some Kansans are struggling is that there aren’t enough jobs available. Local governments, especially in small rural towns, are struggling because their business-supported tax bases have eroded. Fewer businesses mean fewer jobs, less tax revenue and less prosperity.

Hopefully, as legislators work through the state’s difficult financial status, they all will realize the importance of supporting Kansas businesses. Nothing would stall the state’s economic recovery more than strangling business interests.

Not increasing the tax burden on existing businesses is one piece of the puzzle. Continuing the efforts to attract new business investments in the state is the other. Both are necessary to maintain the business base and make sure the state economy is in a position to bounce back when the business climate improves.

Almost every individual and business in the state is having to tighten its belt. Businesses are bearing their share of the burden — there’s no free ride — but the businesses that survive are what will pull the state out of its economic doldrums. It’s the right priority to make sure they are healthy and ready to lead the charge.