From the Herald Leader:
"Vice Mayor Mike Scanlon will not run for re-election to his seat on the Urban County Council.
Scanlon discussed his decision this morning on the Dave Baker show on WLAP radio.
"We're going to sit this one out," said Scanlon, whose first term has been marked by controversy and disagreements with Mayor Teresa Isaac.
Scanlon said on the radio that he will focus on his business, Thomas and King, which owns Applebee's franchises in Lexington and elsewhere"
Good!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Jim Keller for State Senate
I agree with Jim Keller, "I like Alice (Forgy Kerr), personally," Keller said. "She's a nice person."
But it will be nice have a State Senator that will actually do the job. Alice is a nice lady, but her main claim to fame is putting her name on bills written by other members of the Legislature.
Jill Keller will make a great state Senator for Fayette County and Kentucky.
But it will be nice have a State Senator that will actually do the job. Alice is a nice lady, but her main claim to fame is putting her name on bills written by other members of the Legislature.
Jill Keller will make a great state Senator for Fayette County and Kentucky.
Tax Breaks That Don't Work
Here is what’s wrong with giving business tax breaks to come to Kentucky or create jobs.
From the Herald Leader:
“FRANKFORT - Lexmark International might be cutting 200 jobs in Kentucky, but that won't stop the printer maker from accepting more than $1 million in tax breaks offered by the state last month.
Under a new tax incentive program created under Gov. Ernie Fletcher's Jobs for Kentucky plan, Lexmark won approval from the state Cabinet for Economic Development in December for a $1.05 million sales tax refund.”
Excuse me, we’re giving away over $1,000,000.00 in our tax money to a company that is cutting jobs?
The article continues:
“After learning that fact, one lawmaker expressed concern that the program isn't working as intended.
"That's not what we set out to do," said Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder, who is vice chair of the House Economic Development Committee. "We've got to quit giving these companies inducements and then letting them turn around and run with our money."
Keene said House Democrats will introduce legislation in coming months to tighten regulations on business incentives, although he was not sure whether a majority of legislators will embrace the reforms.”
I wonder what gave him a clue the program is not working. It is also not surprising that a majority of legislators would not be ready to embrace reforms, (see the previous post).
How many times do we need to repeat this kind of bone-head mistake before our elected officials understand that an educated work force and a high quality of life creates jobs, not tax breaks for corporations.
They will probably figure it out about the time they realize that a tax system that generates sufficient revenue is necessary to educate all of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
From the Herald Leader:
“FRANKFORT - Lexmark International might be cutting 200 jobs in Kentucky, but that won't stop the printer maker from accepting more than $1 million in tax breaks offered by the state last month.
Under a new tax incentive program created under Gov. Ernie Fletcher's Jobs for Kentucky plan, Lexmark won approval from the state Cabinet for Economic Development in December for a $1.05 million sales tax refund.”
Excuse me, we’re giving away over $1,000,000.00 in our tax money to a company that is cutting jobs?
The article continues:
“After learning that fact, one lawmaker expressed concern that the program isn't working as intended.
"That's not what we set out to do," said Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder, who is vice chair of the House Economic Development Committee. "We've got to quit giving these companies inducements and then letting them turn around and run with our money."
Keene said House Democrats will introduce legislation in coming months to tighten regulations on business incentives, although he was not sure whether a majority of legislators will embrace the reforms.”
I wonder what gave him a clue the program is not working. It is also not surprising that a majority of legislators would not be ready to embrace reforms, (see the previous post).
How many times do we need to repeat this kind of bone-head mistake before our elected officials understand that an educated work force and a high quality of life creates jobs, not tax breaks for corporations.
They will probably figure it out about the time they realize that a tax system that generates sufficient revenue is necessary to educate all of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
We Pay Them To Do This?
Again in the words of Mark Twain:
“No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session”
Here is some of the collective wisdom coming from the Kentucky House of Representatives and the titles I think they should have. Thank goodness most of these puppies will die a merciful death.
The Damn I’m Tired of Running Every Two Years Act
HB 43 (BR 245) - A. Arnold, R. Meeks
AN ACT proposing an amendment to Sections 30 and 31 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to elections of the General Assembly. Propose to amend Sections 30 and 31 of the Kentucky Constitution to extend the terms of State Representatives from two to four years beginning in 2008; submit to voters.
A Little More Gun Fire to Welcome Them Home Act
HB 235 (BR 1136) - T. Kerr, E. Ballard, S. Baugh, J. Carr, M. Cherry, H. Cornett, J. DeCesare, J. Fischer, D. Ford, J. Gooch Jr, M. Harmon, G. Lynn, J. Vincent, M. Weaver, A. Wuchner
AN ACT relating to hunting and declaring an emergency. Create a new section of KRS Chapter 150 to establish the Recent Veterans Special Hunt program; require the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to offer two periods of hunting, at least ten days each, to recent veterans who missed a portion of the previous deer hunting season due to active duty; EMERGENCY
Cousin Earl Can’t Pass the Test Act
HB 385 (BR 1437) - J. Bowen, J. Arnold Jr, E. Ballard, J. DeCesare, D. Floyd, J. Gooch Jr, T. Thompson, M. Weaver, B. Yonts
AN ACT relating to licensing of electricians. Amend KRS 227A.030 to exempt employees of natural gas pipeline facilities performing work at those facilities from electrician licensing requirements.
Cousin Thelma Only Needs Two Years to Retire Act
HB 18/AA (BR 16) - C. Embry Jr
AN ACT relating to retirement.
Amend KRS 61.552, relating to purchased service in the Kentucky Retirement Systems, to allow vested members to purchase credit for employment with a Head Start agency.
Sports Really Is the Most Important Thing Act
HB 15 (BR 133) - De. Butler
AN ACT relating to intercollegiate athletics. Amend KRS 164.220 to require the University of Kentucky's football team to play the University of Louisville's team in the first game of the former university's football season; amend KRS 164.830 to authorize the board of trustees of the University of Louisville to establish proper regulation for the government of the university and the training of its students; require the University of Louisville's football team to play the University of Kentucky's football team in the first game of the former university's football season.
Another Unenforceable Act
HB 9 (BR 76) - P. Marcotte, T. Burch, M. Harper, R. Meeks, J. Wayne
AN ACT relating to the operation of a motor vehicle. Create a new section of KRS 189 to define the term "wireless communication device"; prohibit the use of wireless communication device by the operator of a motor vehicle; provide limited exceptions; amend KRS 189.990 to set fine for violation of Section 1 at between $20 and $100.
We Will Never, Ever Pass a Tax Again Act
HB 225 (BR 420) - M. Harmon
AN ACT proposing to amend the Constitution of Kentucky relating to taxes and expenditures. Propose to create new sections of the Kentucky constitution, providing that budget expenditures for an biennium shall not exceed expenditures for the previous biennium plus growth; providing a mechanism for a self-financing budget without taxation.
What Do You Mean This Card is No Good Act
HB 259 (BR 1160) - J. Vincent, A. Simpson
AN ACT relating to gift cards. Create a new section of KRS Chapter 367 to define "gift card"; require that gift cards shall not be sold without an expiration date that is at least one year from the date of purchase; prohibit any fees being assessed to deduct the value of the card before the expiration date; and provide that any fees to be assessed must be disclosed.
Another Rinky Dink Carnival Act
HB 46 (BR 271) - C. Embry Jr
AN ACT designating the Clarkson Honeyfest as the official state honey festival. Create a new section of KRS Chapter 2 to designate the Clarkson Honeyfest as the official state honey festival.
I Want the One with the Cardinal Act
HB 285/LM (BR 204) - R. Adams
AN ACT relating to special license plates. Create a new section of KRS Chapter 186 to permit a person to exchange one special license plate for a different special license plate without having to obtain a regular registration in-between
Hell They Don’t Do Anything Anyway Act
HB 387 (BR 1223) - J. Arnold Jr
AN ACT relating to occupational safety and health standards. Amend KRS 338.051 to require the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to meet annually instead of semiannually; permit the chairman of the board to adopt established federal standards without board approval if necessary to meet federal timelines; amend KRS 338.061 to conform.
You Want Me to Pay Taxes Too Act
HB 29/FN (BR 173) - S. Baugh
AN ACT relating to sales and use tax. Amend KRS 139.480 to exempt from sales and use tax LP gas and natural gas purchased for use in a commercial greenhouse or nursery.
Big Brother Will Always Be Watching Act
HB 116/CI (BR 835) - R. Meeks
AN ACT relating to the collection of DNA. Amend KRS 17.170 to require the collection of DNA from any person, including any juvenile, who is convicted on or after the effective date of any felony offense, or who is in the custody of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, or a local or county jail on the effective date for conviction of a felony offense, or who is on probation, parole, conditional discharge, conditional release or diversion for a felony offense that occurred prior to the effective date; repeal KRS 17.171, 17.172, 17.173, and 17.174.
“No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session”
Here is some of the collective wisdom coming from the Kentucky House of Representatives and the titles I think they should have. Thank goodness most of these puppies will die a merciful death.
The Damn I’m Tired of Running Every Two Years Act
HB 43 (BR 245) - A. Arnold, R. Meeks
AN ACT proposing an amendment to Sections 30 and 31 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to elections of the General Assembly. Propose to amend Sections 30 and 31 of the Kentucky Constitution to extend the terms of State Representatives from two to four years beginning in 2008; submit to voters.
A Little More Gun Fire to Welcome Them Home Act
HB 235 (BR 1136) - T. Kerr, E. Ballard, S. Baugh, J. Carr, M. Cherry, H. Cornett, J. DeCesare, J. Fischer, D. Ford, J. Gooch Jr, M. Harmon, G. Lynn, J. Vincent, M. Weaver, A. Wuchner
AN ACT relating to hunting and declaring an emergency. Create a new section of KRS Chapter 150 to establish the Recent Veterans Special Hunt program; require the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to offer two periods of hunting, at least ten days each, to recent veterans who missed a portion of the previous deer hunting season due to active duty; EMERGENCY
Cousin Earl Can’t Pass the Test Act
HB 385 (BR 1437) - J. Bowen, J. Arnold Jr, E. Ballard, J. DeCesare, D. Floyd, J. Gooch Jr, T. Thompson, M. Weaver, B. Yonts
AN ACT relating to licensing of electricians. Amend KRS 227A.030 to exempt employees of natural gas pipeline facilities performing work at those facilities from electrician licensing requirements.
Cousin Thelma Only Needs Two Years to Retire Act
HB 18/AA (BR 16) - C. Embry Jr
AN ACT relating to retirement.
Amend KRS 61.552, relating to purchased service in the Kentucky Retirement Systems, to allow vested members to purchase credit for employment with a Head Start agency.
Sports Really Is the Most Important Thing Act
HB 15 (BR 133) - De. Butler
AN ACT relating to intercollegiate athletics. Amend KRS 164.220 to require the University of Kentucky's football team to play the University of Louisville's team in the first game of the former university's football season; amend KRS 164.830 to authorize the board of trustees of the University of Louisville to establish proper regulation for the government of the university and the training of its students; require the University of Louisville's football team to play the University of Kentucky's football team in the first game of the former university's football season.
Another Unenforceable Act
HB 9 (BR 76) - P. Marcotte, T. Burch, M. Harper, R. Meeks, J. Wayne
AN ACT relating to the operation of a motor vehicle. Create a new section of KRS 189 to define the term "wireless communication device"; prohibit the use of wireless communication device by the operator of a motor vehicle; provide limited exceptions; amend KRS 189.990 to set fine for violation of Section 1 at between $20 and $100.
We Will Never, Ever Pass a Tax Again Act
HB 225 (BR 420) - M. Harmon
AN ACT proposing to amend the Constitution of Kentucky relating to taxes and expenditures. Propose to create new sections of the Kentucky constitution, providing that budget expenditures for an biennium shall not exceed expenditures for the previous biennium plus growth; providing a mechanism for a self-financing budget without taxation.
What Do You Mean This Card is No Good Act
HB 259 (BR 1160) - J. Vincent, A. Simpson
AN ACT relating to gift cards. Create a new section of KRS Chapter 367 to define "gift card"; require that gift cards shall not be sold without an expiration date that is at least one year from the date of purchase; prohibit any fees being assessed to deduct the value of the card before the expiration date; and provide that any fees to be assessed must be disclosed.
Another Rinky Dink Carnival Act
HB 46 (BR 271) - C. Embry Jr
AN ACT designating the Clarkson Honeyfest as the official state honey festival. Create a new section of KRS Chapter 2 to designate the Clarkson Honeyfest as the official state honey festival.
I Want the One with the Cardinal Act
HB 285/LM (BR 204) - R. Adams
AN ACT relating to special license plates. Create a new section of KRS Chapter 186 to permit a person to exchange one special license plate for a different special license plate without having to obtain a regular registration in-between
Hell They Don’t Do Anything Anyway Act
HB 387 (BR 1223) - J. Arnold Jr
AN ACT relating to occupational safety and health standards. Amend KRS 338.051 to require the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to meet annually instead of semiannually; permit the chairman of the board to adopt established federal standards without board approval if necessary to meet federal timelines; amend KRS 338.061 to conform.
You Want Me to Pay Taxes Too Act
HB 29/FN (BR 173) - S. Baugh
AN ACT relating to sales and use tax. Amend KRS 139.480 to exempt from sales and use tax LP gas and natural gas purchased for use in a commercial greenhouse or nursery.
Big Brother Will Always Be Watching Act
HB 116/CI (BR 835) - R. Meeks
AN ACT relating to the collection of DNA. Amend KRS 17.170 to require the collection of DNA from any person, including any juvenile, who is convicted on or after the effective date of any felony offense, or who is in the custody of the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, or a local or county jail on the effective date for conviction of a felony offense, or who is on probation, parole, conditional discharge, conditional release or diversion for a felony offense that occurred prior to the effective date; repeal KRS 17.171, 17.172, 17.173, and 17.174.
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