Trade Deficit with China Has Cost 41,100 Kentucky Jobs, Many in Manufacturing
Kentucky has paid heavily for the U.S.’s growing trade deficit with China—41,100 fewer jobs between 2001 and 2013 according to...
Research
Gas Tax Formula Needs Change to Protect Investments in Infrastructure
A drop in the price of gasoline means that, come January, Kentuckians will also pay 4.3 cents less per gallon in gas taxes. But while many drivers won’t even notice...
Despite Exemptions, Kentucky’s Sales Tax is Still Regressive
Some proponents of a local option sales tax are making the claim that the regressive nature of the sales tax is taken care of in Kentucky because the state exempts groceries...
Some Manufacturing Jobs Growing in Kentucky, but Not at Wages of Before
The recession hit Kentucky manufacturing jobs hard, with the state losing 48,800 or nearly 20 percent of its manufacturing employment between December 2007 and February 2010. In the last four...
Refinancing KTRS Debt a Sensible Step Toward Addressing Budget Challenge
Because of the recession and subsequent shortfalls in the state’s annual contributions to the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System (KTRS), the system’s liability is growing and the problem is becoming more...
Kentuckians Will Benefit Under the President’s Immigration Action
President Obama’s announcement yesterday that nearly 5 million unauthorized immigrants will be eligible to receive a temporary stay and work permit is good news for Kentucky. By removing the fear...
Testimony: College Affordability in Kentucky
Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education Thank you for the opportunity to speak today on this important topic. Research shows that there are numerous factors associated with success in postsecondary...
Is Another Budget Shortfall in the Works?
One-third of the way through the budget calendar, the state is on track for a revenue shortfall if growth doesn't pick up for the remainder of the year. According to a...
As Costs Rise, Disadvantaged Students Falling Behind in Higher Education in Kentucky
A new report from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education shows that the state is not on track to meet several critical higher education goals it set for itself a...
What’s So Dangerous About Cutting Income Tax Rates
When talk turns to state tax reform, some make the claim that Kentucky’s income tax rates are an impediment to growth and need to be reduced. But there’s nothing more...