Views differ on elimination of sales tax on food

Two views—one pro and the other con—were recently expressed in Kansas publications concerning the elimination of Kansas state sales tax on food.

Bonita Gooch, the editor-in-chief of The Kansas Voice, a newspaper that serves the black community in Kansas, favors the elimination. Ron Smith, a lawyer writing in the Kansas Reflector, says it would create a mess and favors tax holidays.

Gooch, who is also a member of the Kansas Black Leadership Council, argues that the sales tax on food is regressive. She said poorer people spend a larger amount of their income on food. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly favors such a plan.

Smith dismisses the elimination plan as an election gimmick; Gov. Kelly is seeking re-election in 2022.

“Cutting taxes is easy,” Smith said. “Cutting budgets with big numbers would electrocute candidates at the polls.”

Gooch says eliminating the food sales tax would save a family of four about $500 a year. Smith favors a tax holiday (or holidays) for all businesses charging sales tax. “This would do more to stimulate the economy,” Smith said.

BPU warns of scam

The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities has warned its customers of a scam that threatens to cut off utilities in 30 minutes unless a payment is made. A caller tries to get bank account or credit card information. BPU never asks for payment over the telephone or threatens to disconnect utilities due to nonpayment. Customers should report such scams to the BPU by telephoning 913-573-9190.

Business West seeks Executive Director

Business West, an independent, voluntary neighborhood business association founded in 1985, is seeking an Executive Director.

Candidate should:

*Be familiar with needs of small business

*Have strong written and oral communication skills

*Be able to carry out policy directives as defined in an annual Program of Work

*Have strong sales skills in recruiting new members

*Have a working knowledge of computer skills

*Willing to take a stand on issues affecting business

Benefits of job:

*Membership in KCK Chamber of Commerce

*Membership in Congressional Forum

*Monthly networking meeting

*Office supplies such as paper, toner, paperclips, etc.

*Cell, landline telephone, Internet and Zoom service

Send resume to Pam Rowe at [email protected]

For more information, telephone 913-766-4300 or 913-406-6266 (cell) or email [email protected].