Topeka (WIBW) - A debate over sales tax hikes will take place in the Kansas House Tuesday.

Majority Leader Ray Merrick, R-Stillwell, says he scheduled the debate on HB 2549 so Democrats can "put the taxpayers' money where their mouths are."

“They refuse to look for waste or for ways to curb the 33.5% growth we’ve had in state expenditures in the last ten years, even through this recession,” Merrick said. “Let’s have a full and open debate on the merits of taxing our citizens during this recession.”

The House will debate a measure that does away with sales tax exemptions on utilities, such as gas and electric, and on certain purchases by religious organizations.

It also does away with the sales tax exemption on lottery tickets. Kansas Lottery officials say such a move could be problematic for participating in the multi-state PowerBall game.

The bill would also be open to amendments, such as the Governor's proposed sales tax hike.

Democrats say some sort of tax increase is needed to avoid drastic cuts to education and services for people with disabilities.

Republicans like Merrick insist savings can be found.

“I don’t like this bill and will vote against every amendment to raise taxes on our hard-working citizens struggling to live within their means.
It’s not too much to ask for government to do the same,” Merrick said. "Tax increases are a short sighted approach to solving the Kansas budget and will only put the state at a competitive disadvantage in the region.”