Statehouse Live: Senate OKs historic renovation tax credits

? Kansas lawmakers continue to vote for more tax credits.

On Tuesday, the Kansas Senate increased the tax credit for historical renovation projects in a 29-7 vote. The measure, Senate Bill 430, now goes to the House.

The proposal would cost an estimated $5.7 million in the next fiscal year, officials said.

“This causes us to spend $5.7 million at a time when we don’t have $5.7 million,” said state Sen. John Vratil, R-Leawood, who voted against the measure.

Legislators have cut approximately $1 billion from a $6.4 billion state budget, and still face an estimated $400 million shortfall.

But state Sen. Les Donovan, R-Wichita, said the tax credits will stimulate historical renovations and create jobs.

In 2009, legislators capped the credits, which stalled many historic renovation projects, according to supporters of removing the cap.