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Pension Shortfall Could Boost Interest in Tax Reform, Lawmakers Say

Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort.
lrc.state.ky.us
Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort.

Discussions about Kentucky tax reform have circulated around the state capitol for decades but no comprehensive tax measure has passed.

Two state lawmakers say major pension shortfalls could help move the issue along. 
Governor Matt Bevin says his proposed spending cuts across state government aim to deal with the more than $30 billion pension shortfall.

House Appropriations and Revenue Chair Rick Rand says the pension issue could speed up action on so called ‘real’ tax reform. But Rand admits it’s not likely during the current session.

“You know I don’t hear anybody that has an appetite to vote on anything that’s gonna increase taxes or really make any changes to it during this session,” said Rand. 

Senate Appropriations Vice-Chair Stan Humphries says the governor needs to take the lead on tax reforms. Humphries is from far western Kentucky, near the Tennessee border. He says Tennessee’s tax changes are food for thought. 

“I see them all the time making improvements and moving forward, based on the issues they have and the tax reform they’ve done in the number of years there,” said Humphries. 

Governor Bevin has indicated an interest in exploring tax reform issues following the current legislative session.

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