Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor says the Commonwealth has already cut $1.6 billion in government spending in the past five years, and without revenue growth and tax reform another $1 billion may need to be cut by 2020.
In a speech to the Paducah Rotary Club Wednesday the Lieutenant Governor explained the Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform’s mission, and some of the recommendations. One of the commission’s proposed reforms suggests lowering the pension exemption rate from $41,000 to $30,000.
As Frankfort Bureau Chief Kenny Colston reported, Republican Agriculture Commissioner James Comer scolded Abramson for his comments and skipping the event. He also scored some political points by highlighting that the lieutenant governor is the former mayor of Louisville.
On his Facebook page, Comer wrote: "The border of (Kentucky) extends far beyond the city limits of Louisville, something the Lt. Gov. will hopefully realize before the end of his term!"
But two years ago, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who is from Bowling Green, criticized Fancy Farm when he told Fox New's Sean Hannity that he worried the onlookers would shower him with beer. And his northern Kentucky predecessor—former Sen. Jim Bunning—threatened to boycott Fancy Farm after complaining about how elected leaders were treated.
A commission tasked with coming up with elements of a new tax code for Kentucky held its second meeting in Frankfort today.
The group is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson and is made up of business leaders from across the state.
During the all-afternoon meeting, the group received overviews of the dozen tax commissions that came before the current one.
And while giving the highlights, Greg Harkenrider, an economist in Governor Steve Beshear’s administration, told members that one change won’t cure all ills.
Appearing on ESPN’s Sportscenter, Governor Steve Beshear and Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson discussed the upcoming game between the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament.
The excitement over the archrivals playing for a spot in the championship game spilled over into the political arena earlier this week when Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and Lexington Mayor Jim Gray made a friendly wager over Saturday’s outcome.
