Both the statewide papers have editorials about the urgent need for tax reforms that are just begging for a little conversation from KFTC members.

The Herald-Leader editorial, Budgeting with Smoke, Mirrors, takes issue with the limited scope of the Governor's recent musing that raising the cigarette tax again could help the state budget woes: "...as a means of addressing the state's revenue problems, either short term or for the long haul, tinkering with the cigarette tax is akin to attacking a forest fire with a thimbleful of water."  The column goes on to call for real reforms, mentioning the KY Forward Bill (sponsored by Rep. Wayne) as an option for a starting point for comprehensive tax reforms. 

Write in to say thanks for this editorial, and by the way, our bill is the only options for reforms that would generate revenue, and generate it fairly.

The Courier-Journal editorial, Kentucky Budget: Code Red, also calls for tax and revenue reforms.  Citing a recent Pew Center report that put Kentucky in the second tier of states that are in especially bad financial situations. The column points out Pew's recommended next steps, including "lawmakers stepping up and making the tough decisions demanded by this economic crisis," and the editorial boards' frustration with Gov. Beshear in not showing leadership to pass revenue reforms. 

This is a great opportunity to write letters to the editors of these papers! Here are some talking points:

• Rep. Wayne's plan is the only plan that raises revenue while bringing some much-needed balance to our tax structure.  We need revenue, but we also need to get it in a way that doesn't continue to overtax working families.  We need to reduce their tax burden--and it is a burden, for many of these families--and let the state's wealthiest chip in their fair share.
• Rep. Wayne's plan is a long-term solution that balances how we're taxing Kentucky's working families and our wealthiest 5%. 
  

And specifically for the H-L column...

• According to the Legislative Research Committee, Rep. Wayne's bill would generate about $300 million of the revenue that we need, whereas Rep. Farmer's bill might eek out $90 million.  Why are they both being talked about as revenue solutions?
  

• The H-L editorial board is right on with their call for reform, but Rep. Farmer’s bill takes us a few steps in the wrong direction.  It wouldn’t raise revenue, and it would make taxes even more unfair to the working class.  We need real reform, not the latest fad from a radio host.  Rep. Wayne’s bill is the only real starting point for much needed reforms.