Taxpayer amendment clears first hurdle

? A measure that would require a public vote on any proposed state tax increase cleared its first legislative hurdle today.

The House budget-writing committee approved the proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution.

The amendment would require a statewide vote before the Legislature could increase taxes or fees, and it would also attempt to limit growth in government spending.

Before it could become part of the State Constitution, it must receive two-thirds approval in the House and Senate, and then would be placed on the ballot for statewide consideration.

The measure is HCR 5034.