Senate panel begins Kansas tax study

? A Kansas commission is seeking more information and public comment on several proposals to change the state tax code.

Much of the discussion Friday focused on details of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s plan to lower the income tax rate and eliminate several credits, deductions and exemptions.

Brownback has proposed reducing the Kansas income tax rates for individuals and some businesses, with the stated goal of eventually abolishing the tax.

The commission also heard about a similar plan approved last year by the Kansas House, and a proposal to roll back the 2010 temporary increase in the state sales tax.

Two more meetings are scheduled in January before the commission offers a formal recommendation to the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee on what changes to pursue.