House Bill 5 Doubles Down on Ineffective Policies That Will Further Increase Incarceration and Hardship
This analysis was originally published on January 10. It was updated on January 22 to reflect the most recent version...
Research
Kentucky Plummets in State Ranking of Tax Fairness
Because of recent legislative changes, Kentucky’s tax system is rapidly becoming much more inequitable, according to a new report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP). Kentucky has...
Substantial Revenues Are Available for Both Recurring and One-Time Needs, Unless Lawmakers Budget for More Tax Cuts
The budget debate is well under way in Frankfort, but the discussion is clouded by confusion and misinformation about the types of resources available and the consequences of taking advantage...
Governor’s Budget Invests in Education and Infrastructure Using Dollars Otherwise Piling Up in Excessive Reserves
Governor Beshear’s 2024-2026 budget proposal expands investment in a variety of public services, with a focus on education and infrastructure, and pays for that expansion with billions of dollars otherwise...
Kentucky Average Teacher Pay Fails to Keep Up with Inflation in Most Districts, Remains Far Behind 2008 Levels
In 80% of Kentucky school districts, average classroom teacher salaries declined in the current school year compared to last year once inflation is taken into account, according to a KyPolicy...
The Money Is There and So Are the Needs: Preview of the 2024-2026 Budget of the Commonwealth
Introduction The General Assembly faces a critically important opportunity with the 2024-2026 Budget of the Commonwealth. A strong national economy has resulted in robust recent state revenue growth, but the...
When Higher Ed Is a Lower Priority: Kentucky Campus Workers Sound the Alarm
Kentucky’s eight public universities and its community college system are invaluable resources to the students they serve, the communities they work in and the statewide economy. Our families, friends and...
Local Sales Tax Amendment Could Lead to Wider Inequality Without Better Funding Local Services
Under Kentucky’s constitution, there are limits on the types of taxes the General Assembly may authorize local governments to levy, and local sales taxes are not allowed. [efn_note]As currently interpreted,...
State Report Describes Growing Educator Shortage, and Lack of Funding Plays a Key Role
The growing shortage of teachers and other school personnel is becoming more severe, according to a new report by the Kentucky legislature’s Office of Education Accountability (OEA). Inadequate funding and...
Kentucky Is Excessively Stockpiling Needed Resources and Prioritizing Costly Tax Cuts
In recent years, the Kentucky General Assembly has prioritized an effort to reduce its single largest revenue source, the individual income tax. After decades with a graduated income tax and...