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Kentucky Senate President Concerned About Budget Work in House

Sergey Kuzmin
/
123rf Stock Photo

While no formal votes have been taken on a state budget in Frankfort, that’s not to say budget talk isn’t prevalent.  Senate President Robert Stivers took to the floor Wednesday to express some concerns. 

The republican senate leader told members of his chamber he’s hearing discussion in the House about borrowing as part of a budget plan.  “You know we sat here and we talked about Governor Bevin and what he had proposed and that we can’t cut our way to prosperity," Stivers said. "Well we can’t borrow our way to prosperity either by bonding."

Following Stivers speech, Franklin Senator Julian Carrol addressed the senate.  Carrol said when he was governor, he personally drafted the budget and presented it before legislative committees.  He says a tax increase shouldn’t be ruled out.  “To make this budget work and to cause the state of Kentucky to have responsible opportunities to help the people of this state, we’re gonna have to have a little more funds than we’ve now got,” said Carrol.

Specifically, Carrol said he could vote for an increase in the tobacco tax.  He says it should have been raised higher the last time it came before the general assembly.  Carrol says the levy raised much needed funds and saved a lot of lives.

Stu Johnson is a reporter/producer at WEKU in Lexington, Kentucky.
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