Kansas gubernatorial candidates debate taxes and education

As midterm elections approach, Kansas gubernatorial candidates Ty Masterson and Cindy Holscher presented competing visions for the state during an event in Baxter Springs. The candidates focused on property taxes, education funding, and economic development.

Democratic state Senator Cindy Holscher criticized the Republican-controlled Legislature for failing to provide sufficient property tax relief. She also pledged to fully fund public schools and opposed school choice programs, arguing they divert funds from traditional public education.

Republican Senate President Ty Masterson defended the state’s tax legislation, citing the elimination of income taxes on Social Security benefits and sales tax on groceries. He advocated for school choice and literacy reforms, pointing to models used in Mississippi to improve classroom accountability.