Kansas Needs the 2026 Responsible Kansas Budget Now

Originally posted at Kansas Policy Institute. 

Kansas’ fiscal future is at risk. For years, state spending has outpaced economic growth, placing an increasing burden on taxpayers. Without serious reform, Kansas will continue down a path of higher taxes, slower job growth, and economic stagnation. The 2026 Responsible Kansas Budget (RKB) offers a solution—controlling spending, lowering taxes, and ensuring long-term prosperity.

Why Kansas Needs Fiscal Discipline

Kansas has a spending problem. Since 2005, state appropriations have grown at an average annual rate of 5.7%, far outpacing population growth plus inflation, which averaged 2.7%. This unchecked growth has cost taxpayers an extra $56 billion over the past two decades.

For 2025 alone, the state budget is $8.7 billion larger than if spending had followed a responsible limit. Instead of reining in government, lawmakers have expanded budgets at the expense of Kansas families and businesses. Without action, taxpayers will continue footing the bill for a bloated government that limits economic opportunity.

How the Responsible Kansas Budget Works

The 2026 RKB imposes a strict spending cap to keep government growth in check. Using the past three-year average of state population growth (0.06%) and U.S. chained-consumer price index inflation (4.84%), the total spending growth limit is 4.9%.

• The 2025 budget of $20.88 billion should increase by no more than 4.9%, setting the 2026 RKB at $21.91 billion.
  
• Any revenue above this cap must be used for tax relief, not new spending.

This model has been successful in states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, where spending restraint has led to lower taxes, stronger economies, and more job creation. Kansas must follow their lead.

What the Responsible Kansas Budget Will Achieve

By adopting the 2026 RKB, Kansas can:

• Control Spending – Preventing budget growth from outpacing taxpayers’ ability to pay.
  
• Reduce Taxes – Using surplus revenue to lower the individual income tax rate, making Kansas more competitive.
  
• Boost Economic Growth – Attracting businesses and workers by keeping government lean and efficient.
  
• Ensure Fiscal Stability – Avoiding budget crises and reducing reliance on federal aid.

Kansas Must Act Now

The time for fiscal reform is now. Without the 2026 Responsible Kansas Budget, government will continue to expand unchecked, leading to higher taxes and weaker economic growth. A responsible spending limit ensures that Kansas spends wisely, protects taxpayers, and sets the foundation for a prosperous future.
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Lawmakers must act boldly to limit spending, lower taxes, and create a stronger economy. The 2026 RKB is the solution Kansas needs to spend less, tax less, and prosper more.