House votes to extend aviation tax credits despite complaints about favoring big corporations
Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, R-Paola, says "Kansans are desperate for tax relief while we drain millions from the state general fund to pad mega-corporations' pockets." She is seen here during a Jan. 12, 2026, session of the House. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)
TOPEKA — Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall explained to House members Wednesday that she was voting against a program that delivers tax credits to aviation companies and their employees because it was the state’s latest example of handing cash to “mega-corporations” while ignoring the tax burden on everyone else.
Poetter Parshall, a Paola Republican, said the $8.2 million annual program may seem minor but it is enough to wipe out the county property tax burden for 56 of the state’s 105 counties. Meanwhile, she said, the CEOs at a third of the benefiting aviation companies receive more than $8.2 million in annual compensation.
“This bill reflects the promises made to billion-dollar companies,” Poetter Parshall said. “My vote reflects the promises I made to my constituents to fight for tax relief for every Kansan.”
The House still passed House Bill 2464, which would extend the aviation tax credits for 10 years, but 25 members changed their vote from yes to no after Poetter Parshall’s speech. The final tally was 81-39, with both parties split on the legislation.
The bill was introduced Jan. 15 by lobbyist Jason Watkins on behalf of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The tax credits at stake provide a 50% reimbursement for tuition costs, $15,000 to a company for hiring an aviation employee, and $5,000 per year for new hires for five years.
The tax credits took effect Jan. 1, 2022, and will expire Dec. 31 this year unless the Legislature passes an extension. The state estimated an annual cost of $8.2 million based on 2023 and 2024 tax returns.
Trade groups that testified in support of the bill said the tax credits have been an effective recruitment tool. There was no opponent testimony.
Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Hutchinson Republican, joined Poetter Parshall in speaking against the bill.
“This bounty is going to a long established and very profitable industry,” Waggoner said. “The credit doesn’t go to the new construction workers, the truck drivers, school teachers or Main Street business people. These credits reduce overall state revenues, and thus reduce the chance all taxpayers will see their tax rates ratchet down.”
The opposition comments didn’t sit well with Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican who chairs the House commerce committee.
“I think it’s funny somebody can come up here and say this is for big corporations, and everybody changes their votes without checking into it,” Tarwater said. “You know, these big corporations in the aviation industry spend a lot of money and they’re not profitable. They’re still not profitable. Look what the airline industry has gone through and what the aviation industry has gone through over the last several years.”
Rep. John Carmichael, a Democrat from the aviation hub of Wichita, said he had “mistakenly” voted against the program in the past but now urged others to support it.
“I thought it was for the benefit of the big corporations, but I’ve since seen that it has helped educate and attract aircraft engineers and the like to Wichita and to the state of Kansas, and it’s an important program,” Carmichael said.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.