Blue Ribbon Tax Commission

Lawmakers Ready for Tax Reform Legislation, but Bill Unlikely This Session

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:47:46 +0000

Kentucky lawmakers seemed eager to dig into another tax reform bill this year, but the chair of the latest tax reform commission says reform isn't likely coming soon.

Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson—who chaired the commission—and Mary Lassiter, the secretary of the cabinet, addressed lawmakers on the budget committees about the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Tax Commission.

Lt. Gov. Abramson Details Portions of Tax Reform Proposal to Paducah Rotary

Casey Northcutt — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:16:42 +0000

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.

KY Lawmakers Prepare for Start of Legislative Session

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:20:44 +0000

Kentucky lawmakers start their legislative session today where they're expected to consider tax reforms and search for ways to shore up the financially troubled pension system for government retirees. A task force appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear has recommended a series of changes to the state tax code that could generate more than $600 million in additional revenue. A separate legislative task force has recommended pumping more money into the pension system, which has a $33 billion unfunded liability.

Tax Reform Commission Issues Report

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:02:01 +0000

Kentucky’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform has proposed lowering individual and corporate tax rates, raising the cigarette tax and extending the state sales tax to certain services. Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson says the changes recommended by the group would generate about $659 million in new state revenue each year. Abramson headed the commission and says the changes will make Kentucky more competitive in creating jobs.

Governor Steve Beshear Plans to Tinker with Tax Reform Recommendation

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:09:11 +0000

Kentucky's Blue Ribbon Tax Commission has wrapped up its work, but Governor Steve Beshear says the biggest challenge to revising the tax code still remains.

Tax reform is on the tip of the tongue every few years in Frankfort. But historically, not much has been accomplished. Beshear will get the commission's latest recommendations for tax reform this week. And it'll be up to him to convince lawmakers that the panel's work is worth turning into law.

Tax Reform Panel to Make Recommendations to Beshear

The Associated Press and Whitney Jones — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:09:00 +0000

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform meets today to share its recommendations with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. Beshear appointed the commission earlier this year to suggest ways to simplify the tax code and generate enough revenue to meet state needs and carry Kentuckians through the recession.

Tax Reform Panel Last Meeting Next Week

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:16:30 +0000

What is expected to be the final meeting of Kentucky’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform is set for next week in Frankfort. The commission members will finalize their recommendations for reforming the state’s tax code Dec. 6.

Tax Commission Proposes Decreasing Exemptions for Pensioners

Shelly Baskin and The Associated Press — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:26:53 +0000

A tax reform panel appointed by Governor Steve Beshear is considering a proposal that would result in more retirees having their pensions taxed. Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson is chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission of Tax Reform. Abramson says members may recommend tweaking a policy that exempts annual pensions of $41,100 or less from taxes.

Blue Ribbon Commission Rejects Food Tax Proposal

The Associated Press and Angela Hatton — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:41:11 +0000

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform has rejected a proposal to tax food at grocery stores. Consultants say a 6 percent tax could generate about $500 million each year. The 17-member commission dismissed it as a burden on the poor. The Courier-Journal reports members met for nearly four hours yesterday to shorten a list of 96 recommendations.

Tax Commission Gets Final Reports as Deadline Draws Near

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:07:47 +0000

Kentucky’s Blue Ribbon Tax Commission has spent months learning how the state’s tax system works, and is now beginning to hammer out proposals to reform the state’s tax code.

The commission met again today in Frankfort to hear some final reports from the Beshear administration on how Kentucky’s current revenue systems work. State representative and commission member Jim Wayne says the reports served as another reminder of how far behind Kentucky has fallen. He says,