A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Letter to the Editor: JoAnn Schwartz urges Gov. Bevin to move Kentucky toward sensible tax code


It’s been a week now since Governor Bevin’s State of the State address. I have been mulling over his words, guardedly optimistic that the Commonwealth may actually change our outdated tax system. The governor said we must search out more revenue, not only for our monumental pension liability but for other services. A healthy tax structure, bringing in enough revenue, influences our ability to invest in schools, good roads, affordable higher education, and public health and safety.

I hope that Kentuckians will share with their legislators ways to make taxes more fair to everyone. Not many folks realize that low- and middle-income Kentuckians pay about 11% of their income to state and local taxes, while the state’s wealthiest 1% pay about 6% of their income to state and local taxes. Strange but true. It seems a simple and fair fix to correct this discrepancy. For the lower-income 60% of us, these changes would likely result in reduced taxes.

The governor talked about closing business tax loopholes. Good idea! Ask your legislator about taxing luxury services like limo rides, armored car services, and private golf club fees. Surrounding states do; why not Kentucky?

Governor Bevin, we’re ready to move Kentucky forward! Let’s make our tax code just yet adequate to Kentucky’s needs.

JoAnn Schwartz
Fort Thomas


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