Congressional Plan to Cut Taxes Now and Programs Later Would Harm Kentuckians
Now that the Senate and House have both passed budget plans that include a fast-track process for tax cuts, Congress...
Research
Additional Contribution for Retiree Health Benefits Is an Unnecessary Wage Cut
The state’s proposed framework for pension legislation would require public employees to pay three percent more of their salaries toward retiree health benefits, the effect of which is the same as...
Supplemental Security Income is the “Assistance of Last Resort” for Kentucky’s Most Vulnerable
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), similar to Social Security Disability Insurance, provides a vital lifeline to blind, disabled and aged Kentuckians. Being a means-tested program, however, SSI is specifically designed for those with...
Film Industry Tax Credits are Growing Rapidly and Pose a Significant Threat to State Revenues
In a recent important article, the Lexington Herald-Leader examined the proliferation of Kentucky’s film industry tax credits. The state’s law allowing the credits was amended in 2015 to reduce the...
Pension Framework Makes Harsh Benefit Cuts, Adds Costs Without New Revenue
The governor and legislative leaders released a framework today that makes substantial cuts to pension benefits for current workers, new employees and even retired teachers. It includes a shift to...
Report Shows Kentucky’s Preschool and Kindergarten Programs Effective, Need Greater Investment
High quality early childhood education has long been understood to be an important investment with a significant return. While our state has done more in recent years to expand access...
Group Provides Insight Into Growth of Kentucky’s Inmate Population
The Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Work Group, which held its third meeting this week, plans to propose criminal justice reforms in December for consideration during the 2018 General Assembly. The first...
Social Security Disability Insurance Works for Vulnerable Kentuckians
There are many misconceptions about Social Security Disability Insurance (DI). Despite recent arguments that DI is a hindrance to people’s wellbeing and the commonwealth’s economy, it is instead a vital...
Pension Legislation Should Solve Real Problems and Avoid Harmful Consequences
Legislative leaders say they will soon share a framework for potential pension legislation the General Assembly will consider in a special session this fall. Big questions loom over the legislation,...
Level Dollar Approach Shifts Enormous Burden to Upcoming Budget
The proposed level dollar approach to funding Kentucky’s pension liabilities would shift a large burden to our upcoming state budget and ask comparatively little from budgets a couple of decades...