Questions Grow About Who Will Pay the Cost for Big Data Centers in Kentucky
Large “hyperscale” data centers are spreading nationwide, and questions have grown about their true costs and benefits. These projects often...
State Tax and Budget
Budget Agreement Cuts and Freezes Funding for Most Services, Continues to Underfund Medicaid
The legislative chambers have agreed to a new two-year state budget (HB 500, later amended by SB 197) that includes 7% cuts to many state agencies. The agreement falls $691...
Senate Proposes to Ease Some House Reductions, but Austere Budget Reflects Recent Tax Cuts
The Senate’s version of the next two-year state budget eases some of the cuts included in the House budget, which passed in late February, by spending funds the House allocated...
It Can’t Be All About, Or In, the Base
As the 2027-2028 state budget continues through the legislative process, legislative leaders have repeatedly assured the public that key investments for programs like senior meals, childcare, salary increases, and increased...
House Proposes Still-Austere Budget That Freezes and Cuts Funding, Adds to Already Large Budget Reserves
The original HB 500, introduced late last month, was met with significant public criticism, including for its cap on employer health insurance contributions and cuts to Medicaid and education. The...
State Budget Cuts to Medicaid Are Unnecessary and Would Leave Kentucky Worse Off
As introduced, the upcoming biennial budget includes major cuts to large, state-funded programs as lawmakers contend with falling revenues from recent income tax cuts. Medicaid, as the second single largest...
There Is a Choice Hidden in the Pages of the Next State Budget
Lawmakers in Frankfort have started the next two-year state budget process, and House leaders say this year will be different. Rather than introducing a plan and swiftly passing it through the Chamber, they filed what they call...
Legislature Wants to Take Power From the JCPS Board While Cutting Funding to Its Schools
Legislative leaders have been critical of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in recent years on issues ranging from student performance to transportation problems and budget shortfalls. In response to these...
Initial House Budget Slashes Funding for Many Services, Prioritizes More Tax Cuts
As introduced, the House budget (HB 500) severely cuts or freezes many parts of the state budget and underfunds essential public services, with the apparent goal of triggering more income tax cuts under the legislature’s formula. The filing of the budget...
Property Tax Is Vital to Funding Schools, Public Safety and Other Local Services
Kentucky’s property tax is a cornerstone of how we fund public services that keep our communities safe, educated and healthy — especially at the local level. Approximately $5 billion is collected in Kentucky annually from property taxes, which apply to real...