To the editor:

I recently traveled to Wichita to participate in a forum on economic development. The leading theme was that high taxes are prompting jobs and people to leave. As someone who examines tax policy around the country, I certainly agree.

Tax reform that broadened the tax base while cutting tax rates would have been best, but Kansas’ tax policy relative to other states does improve with the bill Gov. Brownback signed. As noted in your reporting (May 31), we have concerns about a few aspects of the bill, but that should not be taken as opposition to Kansas’ tax reform efforts.

Because the cuts reduce revenue, Kansas must now make decisions about how to cut spending. This does not necessarily mean taking a hatchet to the state budget; a recent independent analysis suggests the state can allow for spending growth in the future after a one-time statewide efficiency effort.

This would not be easy, but it is now necessary for the state to prosper. After all, Kansas government is no different than any business operating today; it must become more efficient and save money.