In a recent editorial, critics of Kansas’s Truth in Taxation law argued that the policy is “confusing, ineffective” and “politically motivated.” What’s truly confusing is how property taxes in Kansas continue to rise while local governments dodge accountability year after year.

Let’s be clear: Truth in Taxation is not a tax cut. It’s a transparency tool. It requires local taxing entities, of which Kansas has more than 4,000, to notify taxpayers and hold a public hearing if they plan to collect more property tax revenue than the previous year. That’s not radical. That’s responsible governance.

Truth in Taxation was brought by Kansas lawmakers and advocated for by Kansans as property taxes skyrocket year over year. The Great Bend Tribune article that ran on Sept. 13, (“Annual RNR battle - State law causes struggles for counties”) suggests that Truth in Taxation is a distraction from meaningful reform. But the real distraction is the annual blame game played by local governments. Despite the Kansas Legislature previously levying only 1.5 mills over the remaining 20 which are required by the Supreme Court for school funding. Essentially, that means the Supreme Court has required a statewide 2% property tax for additional school funding (milage rates are calculated per $1,000, not per $100, so 20 mills is equal to a 2% tax rate). The legislature eliminated the additional 1.5 mills they had the ability to reduce this past session, delivering the relief they can at this time. Sadly, local officials routinely point fingers at Topeka while quietly increasing their own levies.

Kansas ranks 12th highest in the nation for property taxes and is the third most governed state per capita, a reflection of the bloated size and scope of local government. With so many taxing entities: cities, counties, school districts, fire boards and even cemetery districts, it’s no wonder that taxpayers struggle to understand who’s raising their taxes and why. Truth in Taxation shines a light on that process, and it’s working. 

An analysis of KansasOpenGov reports that the Revenue Neutral Rate law, a key component of Truth in Taxation, has helped to slow the growth of property taxes. 

Property tax collected for the operation of local government entities declined over the last three years in six counties: Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clark, Hamilton, Neosho and Ottawa. The increase averaged less than 2% each year in 21 counties. Further proof that this policy is working is reflected in the fact that in 2024, 48 counties and 270 cities held tax revenue constant. 

Additionally, a recent ruling by the Kansas State Board of Tax Appeals found that a school district violated the law and must refund or reduce taxes. This is a clear sign that enforcement matters and even more must be done to increase accountability at the local level. 

Critics also claim that Truth in Taxation hearings are poorly attended and misunderstood. That’s not a failure of the law – it’s a call to action for civic engagement. Transparency only works when citizens participate. 

The solution isn’t to scrap the law; it’s to strengthen it, enforce it and educate the public.

Let’s not forget that Kansas has one of the highest ratios of public employees per capita of any state. That means that local budgets are substantial – and growing. Truth in Taxation holds those budgets to a reasonable standard, requiring elected officials to justify increases in public view. 

The article also laments that Truth in Taxation doesn’t address property valuations. That’s true, and it’s not supposed to. Valuation or assessment reform is a separate issue. Local governments have many reform options they can pursue which are outlined in our Property Tax Playbook.  But conflating valuation caps with transparency laws only muddies the waters and shields taxing authorities from accountability.

In a state where local governments wield enormous taxing power and have few restraints on their spending habits, Truth in Taxation is a vital check. It doesn’t prevent tax increases; it simply ensures they happen in the light of day and gives taxpayers a voice. That’s not political. That’s principled.

Kansas taxpayers deserve honesty, clarity and accountability. Truth in Taxation delivers all three.

Elizabeth Patton is a regional director at Americans for Prosperity in Kansas.