This post was originally published by Kentucky Lantern.
Lawmakers in Frankfort have started the next two-year state budget process, and House leaders say this year will be different. Rather than introducing a plan and swiftly passing it through the chamber, they filed what they call a “bare bones budget” that contains many cuts despite leaving more than $1 billion in projected revenue unspent. They’ve said those seeking additional funds should put their “best case forward” through hearings and meetings before the chamber moves the bill forward.
Improving this proposal will be necessary, because there are grave problems with the budget as filed. And hidden among the budget’s many words and numbers is a choice: whether to continue the radical path of state income tax elimination or halt the process that has already gone too far and is threatening vital public services…