Topeka ? Chambers of commerce collided today over Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ plan to increase taxes to fund public schools.

Larry McElwain, chairman of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, told lawmakers that the chamber believes Sebelius’ plan “offers us a foundation for a rational, tactical approach to solving a huge state problem.”

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Sebelius has proposed increases in state sales, property and income taxes to pay for a $304 million increase to public schools over three years.

The Senate tax committee started hearings on the proposal today.

McElwain said that because of revenue shortfalls, the Lawrence school board “is cutting into the meat of our educational system. This cannot continue indefinitely,” he said.

But Lew Ebert, president and chief executive of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said the organization opposed a tax increase because of the staggering economy.

“Now is surely not the time to further burden the citizens of Kansas with more taxes,” Ebert said.

The Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce also opposed the tax increase.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of Friday’s Journal-World.