KTKA

Topeka — Legislators in Kansas are hearing from educators and social service advocates who want them to raise taxes to close a budget shortfall.

The Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee began hearings Tuesday on proposals to raise sales and tobacco taxes.

Many lawmakers, particularly Republicans, are worried that raising taxes will hurt the economy.

The bill would raise the state's sales tax from 5.3 percent to 6.3 percent.

The measure also would increase the cigarette tax by 55 cents a pack, from 79 cents to $1.34. The tax on other tobacco products would rise from 10 percent to 40 percent.

The committee heard from public health advocates who said the tobacco tax increases not only would bolster state programs but discourage tobacco use as well.