Budget boost to be unveiled

Kentucky.com

March 06, 2008

House leaders will unveil to Democratic lawmakers Thursday several plans to raise $800 million over the next two years to beef up an anemic budget.

House Budget Chairman Harry Moberly Jr., D-Richmond, said the different proposals will include a 25- to 30-cent increase in the state's 30-cent-a-pack cigarette tax, but he declined to provide any other specifics.

Other areas under consideration include the state income tax, corporate taxes and new tolls on roads.

'I think everything at this point is on the table to some degree,' said Rep. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, the Budget Committee's first vice chairman. She said the proposals are mixes of 'regressive and progressive initiatives.'

Moberly said that House members who vote for the revenue-generating package would be given top consideration for possible new projects in their districts, saying that is part of the political process.

'If we have a revenue package, naturally those members who vote for a revenue package would be first in line for any new projects,' he said.

Rep. Hubert Collins, D-Wittensville, said he understood that lawmakers' votes to approve a tax-increase package would ensure there would be enough money to 'just hold' proposed road projects in the two-year budget.

Moberly and House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, strongly denied allegations by Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, that House leaders are offering members projects and support for their legislation if they back a constitutional amendment to allow casinos.

'The casino bill is not linked to the budget bill in any way,' Moberly said.

Richards said House Democrats will hold a private meeting Thursday to discuss ways to find more money.

The package will not be filed Thursday as a bill, Richards said. The goal is to vote it out of the House next Tuesday, he added.

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