Wichita lawmakers propose eliminating sales tax on fresh fruit, vegetables

A pair of Wichita lawmakers, one a Democrat and one a Republican, have teamed up to push a bill that would eliminate sales tax on fresh fruit and vegetables.

Sen. Michael O’Donnell, R-Wichita, acknowledged that eliminating a tax won’t be easy as the state faces a revenue shortfall, but he said that since the tax code is in flux there may be opportunities down the line to pass the legislation, which he said would benefit all Kansans.

O’Donnell said the state has the second highest tax on food in the nation.

He said eliminating the tax on fruits and vegetables could help encourage people to make healthy choices in the grocery store, contending that right now it’s cheaper to buy unhealthy processed food than fresh food.

Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita, who is partnering with O’Donnell on the legislation, said that encouraging people to eat healthier would have long-term public health savings for the state. She said the legislation would help middle class and working families.

Both lawmakers acknowledged that it’s an increasingly rare occurrence for members of the opposing parties to collaborate on legislation.

“We’re trying to show other legislators that we can put our differences aside and work on something that’s good for the people,” Faust-Goudeau said.

This story was originally published February 18, 2015 at 7:31 AM with the headline "Wichita lawmakers propose eliminating sales tax on fresh fruit, vegetables."