By Stu Johnson
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky state representative Bill Farmer thinks 2013 is the best chance to change the state's tax system. Farmer, who has offered his own tax reform plan previously, says 2013 is a non-election year. He says it might make lawmakers more open to tough votes on taxes. Farmer says a challenging economy could also work in favor of making some changes.
"We're told the economy is growing, but I've seen glaciers move faster, so this is not a fast growth economy. And with the economy moving as slow as it is, maybe they will be motivated more so if there's a little more growth in the economy to look at restructuring the tax system."
Farmer has suggested scrapping the state's income tax program and raising the state's sales tax from six to seven percent. Legislation calling for a year long study and recommendations on tax reform was approved early this session in the senate. The house has not acted on the bill.