Republican lawmaker seeks amendment to limit state’s spending, taxation

? A south-central Kansas Republican is seeking a constitutional amendment to put restrictions on spending and taxing.

Rep. Steve Brunk of Bel Aire said Monday that the measure would force legislators to set budget priorities and be better stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Brunk’s proposal would require a two-thirds vote of both chambers of the Legislature to increase taxes. It also would limit spending increases to the rate of inflation.

Any revenues collected above the rate of inflation would first go to two new state reserve funds. Anything above those amounts would be returned to Kansas taxpayers.

The measure is similar to other budget limit proposals sought in previous years. Brunk wants to put the issue to voters in November.