TOPEKA – The Kansas revenue picture continued a positive trend Wednesday ending August with $16.8 million more than predicted in estimates. August’s receipts put the state $40.2 million ahead of estimates for the fiscal year, or 4.8 percent.

“There are positive signs here, but the economy is still fragile and we have a lot of work to do,” said Revenue Secretary Nick Jordan.

Driving that increase is a jump in state sales tax receipts which are $7.2 million more than monthly estimates. This is the first month since the state sales tax increased 1 percentage point July 1, 2010 where state sales tax numbers are being compared at the same rate as the prior year.

The 4.2 percent increase is an improvement over prior months which had shown flat or minimal growth in state sales tax receipts.

“The healthy rise in state sales and use taxes show an increase in confidence by businesses and citizens,” Jordan said. “We are working hard to keep the recovery going by focusing on creating a pro-growth environment in Kansas to attract private sector jobs.”