Kentucky's "tax relief" special session of the legislature last month was really just a reduction of a tax increase. With today's news of a $136.5 million surplus in state coffers, now is the time to start talking about real tax cuts.
If we did that, we would be following the example of states like Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Mexico, and Arizona who have finally figured out that lowering taxes increases revenues by unleashing business activity.
UPDATE: Liberal blogger Mark Nickolas arrives on the scene to declare the $2 billion of bonded borrowing in the just-passed budget somehow responsible for the current budget surplus. Economic Illiteracy is NOT a family value, Mark.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Who Is KY's Lieberman 2007?
I have to laugh at the liberal outrage over Governor Fletcher's suggestion that we rethink electing bozos like Greg Stumbo and Jonathan Miller to constitutional offices.
If nothing else, he got Miller lathered up. That's always funny.
"It's so blatantly partisan and such blatant retribution," Miller said, blatantly.
Like every other news story coming out of Frankfort these days, this one turns up the anxiety a notch or two over which Democrat will get to take on Fletcher -- or a possible GOP upgrade --next year.
This of course brings up the question: in a crowded field, which Democrat gets to play the liberal bloggers' Joe Lieberman, a sometime reasonable politician who is getting killed online for not being liberal enough on the War on Terror?
Steve Henry put his name in the running for that distinction by taking a swipe at liberal fave Rep. Ben Chandler. Henry told the Courier-Journal Chandler is "a lot of flavor, no substance."
Tweaking the liberal "netroots" will be Kentucky Democrats' best shot at separating themselves from the national party that continues to cause them all manner of indigestion.
The increasing influence of bloggers on Kentucky's left-wing sets up a trap for any reasonable Democrat who might want to run for Governor.
If nothing else, he got Miller lathered up. That's always funny.
"It's so blatantly partisan and such blatant retribution," Miller said, blatantly.
Like every other news story coming out of Frankfort these days, this one turns up the anxiety a notch or two over which Democrat will get to take on Fletcher -- or a possible GOP upgrade --next year.
This of course brings up the question: in a crowded field, which Democrat gets to play the liberal bloggers' Joe Lieberman, a sometime reasonable politician who is getting killed online for not being liberal enough on the War on Terror?
Steve Henry put his name in the running for that distinction by taking a swipe at liberal fave Rep. Ben Chandler. Henry told the Courier-Journal Chandler is "a lot of flavor, no substance."
Tweaking the liberal "netroots" will be Kentucky Democrats' best shot at separating themselves from the national party that continues to cause them all manner of indigestion.
The increasing influence of bloggers on Kentucky's left-wing sets up a trap for any reasonable Democrat who might want to run for Governor.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Don't Write Fletcher Obit Just Yet
After Louisville's GOP chairman got "Meteor Destroys Earth, Film At 11" news coverage for dressing down Governor Fletcher last week, we might expect others to jump on that bandwagon. They would do well to reconsider.
While as a fiscal conservative I have had my own frustrations with this Administration, it is clear that Ernie has a pretty clear path to re-election.
Despite the media coverage of Greg Stumbo's court mandated day off on the merit hiring case, the real story is the strength of the case for dismissing the whole sorry thing.
This will be devastating for Fletcher's GOP detractors and there is little they can do to repair or prevent that damage. They find themselves merely confirming the old adage that you can't beat somebody with nobody. Fletcher opponents don't have a candidate and one is unlikely to materialize. This set of circumstances may be more luck than anything else, but the undeniable fact is that Fletcher's detractors are about to find themselves on the wrong side of history.
Also, Democrats don't have a candidate for 2007.
While as a fiscal conservative I have had my own frustrations with this Administration, it is clear that Ernie has a pretty clear path to re-election.
Despite the media coverage of Greg Stumbo's court mandated day off on the merit hiring case, the real story is the strength of the case for dismissing the whole sorry thing.
This will be devastating for Fletcher's GOP detractors and there is little they can do to repair or prevent that damage. They find themselves merely confirming the old adage that you can't beat somebody with nobody. Fletcher opponents don't have a candidate and one is unlikely to materialize. This set of circumstances may be more luck than anything else, but the undeniable fact is that Fletcher's detractors are about to find themselves on the wrong side of history.
Also, Democrats don't have a candidate for 2007.
Long-Dead Pope Endorses John Yarmuth!
Congressional candidate John Yarmuth's endorsement page on his website contains few surprises for the most part. Left-wing politicians endorse Yarmuth; we already knew that. So it was unexpected to see, near the bottom of the page, the name of one non-leftist.
Apparently John Yarmuth wants voters to believe Pope Paul VI supports him in his bid to make San Francisco's own Nancy Pelosi the Speaker of the House.
Apparently John Yarmuth wants voters to believe Pope Paul VI supports him in his bid to make San Francisco's own Nancy Pelosi the Speaker of the House.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
KEEP Corzine Taxers in Jersey
The irony of Kentucky's Gaming & Revenue Plan's PAC questionnaire hitting candidates' mailboxes this week is inescapable.
At the same time that Big Gambling's big lie -- that casinos' flood of revenue to state coffers make tax increases unnecessary -- was being ripped to shreds in New Jersey, KEEP PAC was asking 2006 candidates to help promote their charade in Kentucky.
Also inescapable is the conclusion that if the equine industry is in such bad shape that it can't survive without casinos (and all their hidden costs), perhaps it isn't worth saving.
The truth is the industry can perhaps be saved with better marketing. Casino gambling just isn't the way to get it done.
At the same time that Big Gambling's big lie -- that casinos' flood of revenue to state coffers make tax increases unnecessary -- was being ripped to shreds in New Jersey, KEEP PAC was asking 2006 candidates to help promote their charade in Kentucky.
Also inescapable is the conclusion that if the equine industry is in such bad shape that it can't survive without casinos (and all their hidden costs), perhaps it isn't worth saving.
The truth is the industry can perhaps be saved with better marketing. Casino gambling just isn't the way to get it done.
Talking Fetus Shows Panic in KY2
Decimated campaigns often get funny when they start reading the handwriting on the wall. Case in point: a supporter of Rep. Ron Lewis' hapless opponent has resorted to heckling Lewis with this talking fetus.
Someone must have read him the latest poll showing Ron Lewis ahead by 18 points.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Jack Richardson IV Gets Headlines
Jefferson County GOP Chairman Jack Richardson IV has had his comments about Governor Fletcher reported widely.
Less so his involvement in a shady pyramid scheme. Might be worth a look to see what else he has been up to.
Less so his involvement in a shady pyramid scheme. Might be worth a look to see what else he has been up to.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Tom Barlow Does The New Jersey
Tom Barlow used to represent Kentucky's 1st district in Congress. He was elected in 2002 and served one term.
What, you may ask, is his proudest moment from his term?
Why, raising taxes of course!
From Barlow's campaign website: "His key vote for the 1993 economic package put the federal government on a path to monetary surplus and financial security."
That means that of all the things he could have done in Washington, his favorite was when he voted for the largest tax increase in our nation's history.
What, you may ask, is his proudest moment from his term?
Why, raising taxes of course!
From Barlow's campaign website: "His key vote for the 1993 economic package put the federal government on a path to monetary surplus and financial security."
That means that of all the things he could have done in Washington, his favorite was when he voted for the largest tax increase in our nation's history.
New Jersey Gamblers, Spenders, Taxers
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine announced today that the legislature in his state has agreed to go along with his 1% sales tax increase.
Good thing they have casinos in their state, so they don't need to raise taxes, don't you think?
Good thing they have casinos in their state, so they don't need to raise taxes, don't you think?
Loser Pays In Kentucky!
A fine illustration of the value of a "Loser Pays" statute is happening in Frankfort right now.
Using an obscure Kentucky law, a Pike county woman has filed a petition to impeach Attorney General Greg Stumbo. If she succeeds, Stumbo will be removed from office. Though many of us would not have any complaint about that, it isn't going to happen. The interesting thing about this story is that the law has apparently been on the books for a long time, but probably has never been used. That has to be attributable to the fact that unsuccessful petitioners under the statute are responsible for all legal expenses.
Now if we only made filers of frivolous medical lawsuits face the same risk as would-be citizen impeachers, we would really be doing some good.
Using an obscure Kentucky law, a Pike county woman has filed a petition to impeach Attorney General Greg Stumbo. If she succeeds, Stumbo will be removed from office. Though many of us would not have any complaint about that, it isn't going to happen. The interesting thing about this story is that the law has apparently been on the books for a long time, but probably has never been used. That has to be attributable to the fact that unsuccessful petitioners under the statute are responsible for all legal expenses.
Now if we only made filers of frivolous medical lawsuits face the same risk as would-be citizen impeachers, we would really be doing some good.
FairTax Ground Zero: Tennessee
With all three Republican hopefuls speaking positively about the FairTax, Tennessee could be the tax reform hotspot in the region this fall.
Harry Reid won't let his guys and gals do anything but lie about the FairTax, so this should be fun. FairTaxer's were 8-0 in 2004.
Harry Reid won't let his guys and gals do anything but lie about the FairTax, so this should be fun. FairTaxer's were 8-0 in 2004.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Quote Of The Week
Atlantic City casinos have been shut down since this morning in the New Jersey state budget meltdown. Meanwhile, some people in Kentucky think all we need here to end our government financing woes is expanded gambling.
So it should be instructive to some that Reuters interviewed some bonehead from Philadelphia who summed up in one sentence why casinos won't get it done for the Bluegrass state.
"I'm down about 1,200 bucks, now they're going to be closed for good so I'm not sure what I'm going to do," he said.
Who could possibly think more gambling losses would be a good idea?
Oh, how about Senator Ed Worley (D-Caesars)?
"To maintain state government at the level we're spending, the answer is expanded gaming," Worley told the Blood Horse magazine.
So it should be instructive to some that Reuters interviewed some bonehead from Philadelphia who summed up in one sentence why casinos won't get it done for the Bluegrass state.
"I'm down about 1,200 bucks, now they're going to be closed for good so I'm not sure what I'm going to do," he said.
Who could possibly think more gambling losses would be a good idea?
Oh, how about Senator Ed Worley (D-Caesars)?
"To maintain state government at the level we're spending, the answer is expanded gaming," Worley told the Blood Horse magazine.
Casino State Tax Fight Rolls On
New Jersey Democrats' money grab continues to provide a stark warning for Kentucky. Now, the battle moves to sales tax hike versus income tax hike.
Nevertheless, we keep hearing from casino supporters that if we just open casinos in Kentucky we won't have to raise taxes.
"Unquestionably there is $450 million lying on the table. This (casino gambling) is an option the people of Kentucky ought to have as opposed to having their taxes raised," Sen. Ed Worley (D-Richmond) said.
Well, it looks like desperate New Jersey Democrats are planning to double down. They are proposing to raise income taxes, rather than implement Governor Corzine's sales tax increase. Meanwhile casinos, the would-be salvation for that state's big spenders, battle to stay open.
Nevertheless, we keep hearing from casino supporters that if we just open casinos in Kentucky we won't have to raise taxes.
"Unquestionably there is $450 million lying on the table. This (casino gambling) is an option the people of Kentucky ought to have as opposed to having their taxes raised," Sen. Ed Worley (D-Richmond) said.
Well, it looks like desperate New Jersey Democrats are planning to double down. They are proposing to raise income taxes, rather than implement Governor Corzine's sales tax increase. Meanwhile casinos, the would-be salvation for that state's big spenders, battle to stay open.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Media Appearance Wednesday
I'll be on WLAP 630 AM in Lexington Wednesday morning at 10AM talking about the FairTax. Call in then with questions at (859) 280-2287 or toll-free (800) 606-4263.
Monday, July 03, 2006
July Is Ed Worley Trash And Cash Month
Twin scandals are about to shake up Sen. Ed Worley -- and soon. Stay tuned for details.
Kentucky Watches New Jersey Crash
As more evidence mounts that Rep. Ben Chandler plans to run for Governor in 2007, any glimpse into what that might mean for Kentucky could be enlightening.
For today's insight, we turn to Jon Corzine's New Jersey.
Corzine, a former U.S. Senator and currently Democrat governor of New Jersey, has caused a partial but growing shutdown of state government while he tries to force through a large tax increase on the people of his state.
Chandler, who favors expanded gambling and -- after refusing to swear off tax increases in '03, switching gears and promising not to raise taxes in '04, and then flip-flopping again and voting for tax increases since then -- has a problem telling the truth on taxes, might be a Jon Corzine kind of Governor.
The funny thing is that the New Jersey government shutdown will likely result in the shutdown of the state's twelve casinos.
And I thought casinos were supposed to be the Holy Grail for big government spenders, making tax increases unnecessary.
This is with a Democrat-controlled legislature. How bad would the train wreck be in Kentucky under similar circumstances?
For today's insight, we turn to Jon Corzine's New Jersey.
Corzine, a former U.S. Senator and currently Democrat governor of New Jersey, has caused a partial but growing shutdown of state government while he tries to force through a large tax increase on the people of his state.
Chandler, who favors expanded gambling and -- after refusing to swear off tax increases in '03, switching gears and promising not to raise taxes in '04, and then flip-flopping again and voting for tax increases since then -- has a problem telling the truth on taxes, might be a Jon Corzine kind of Governor.
The funny thing is that the New Jersey government shutdown will likely result in the shutdown of the state's twelve casinos.
And I thought casinos were supposed to be the Holy Grail for big government spenders, making tax increases unnecessary.
This is with a Democrat-controlled legislature. How bad would the train wreck be in Kentucky under similar circumstances?
Calderon Wins In Mexico!
This is very good news. Al Gore's lawyers on probably on the next plane down to start the protest for leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador, but Felipe Calderon has won a close one. This should help slow the tide of Mexican pioneers fleeing their nation's chaos.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Viva La Revolucion!
The most important election in America Sunday was in Mexico.
I'm up at the last minute, hoping for a result that is not going to come. If the leftist candidate wins, the flow of illegals coming into our country will explode.
Reports from Mexico are that the close election results may not become available for a few days. In other words, let the cheating begin!
I'm up at the last minute, hoping for a result that is not going to come. If the leftist candidate wins, the flow of illegals coming into our country will explode.
Reports from Mexico are that the close election results may not become available for a few days. In other words, let the cheating begin!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)