Tax “Clean-Up” Bill Includes More Giveaways
Although House Bill 354 (HB 354) has been described as the “clean-up bill” that fixes the unintended consequences that occurred...
State Tax and Budget
Getting Real About Base Funding for K-12 Schools
Ever since the new state budget passed last spring, we’ve heard claims that Kentucky’s legislature funded K-12 education at “historic levels.” Those making such claims typically point to one part...
‘Sky is Falling’ Pension Story Not Backed by Facts
As the pension bill that passed in the 2018 session awaits a ruling from the state Supreme Court, we’re hearing false claims the systems will collapse if the bill is...
Manageable Medicaid “Shortfall” Was Created in Budget the Governor Originally Proposed
Recent testimony by Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) officials about a Medicaid “shortfall” over the next two fiscal years (just 1.3 percent of the total budget) left out...
Financial Challenges Continue for Many Kentucky College Students
As Kentucky college students head back to school, many face serious financial challenges as state support for higher education continues to fall short. In the new state budget, funding for...
Year End Revenues Below Original Projections and Concerns Going Forward
Kentucky ended the 2018 fiscal year with $119.1 million more in the General Fund than was predicted by the official revenue estimate. However, that estimate had been revised downward by...
Billions Set Aside for Retiree Health Contradict Crisis Story
The drumbeat about a "crisis" in Kentucky’s pension systems over the last year included claims the state's retiree health plans are also in trouble. But those systems are far better funded than most...
Supreme Court Ruling on Internet Retailers a Positive Step for Kentucky’s Budget
The U. S. Supreme Court yesterday overruled prior decisions that had unfairly restricted the ability of states to collect sales taxes from online, catalog and other remote retailers. Before the new ruling,...
Kentucky Tax Shift Going Into Effect
Kentucky’s new tax law is now being implemented, with income tax changes already applying to the 2018 tax year and sales tax changes and cigarette tax increases becoming effective on...
New Tax Law Shifts from the Wealthy to Kentuckians of Color and Economically Distressed Regions of State
In the waning days of the 2018 General Assembly, legislators passed House Bill 366 (HB 366), a regressive tax package that gives a tax break to the wealthiest and shifts...