Taking money from schools and endangering social workers: call for tax reform grows

Two weeks ago the state papers reported that mines were going unmonitored because the state couldn't afford to send the inspectors needed to the do the work. 

Last week, the papers reported that Kentucky has a projected $161 million shortfall, on top of the $1 billion shortfall that we already knew about.

This week, the calls for the need for tax reform are growing louder.

Both Stumbo and Gov. Steve Beshear argue that taxes shouldn't be increased during this recession. But there is no better time than a recession to pass real tax reform that moves the state away from a tax structure that relies on retail sales and toward a tax structure that captures the growing service sector of the economy.

Then, the move from Speaker Stumbo that inspired the editorial.  Speaker Stumbo is contemplating taking money from schools to fill the gaps in the General Fund.  Since when is taking money from schoolkids a better option than much needed and long-awaited comprehensive reforms?

Meanwhile, state social service workers are pointing out that the Boni Bill of 2007, which was supposed to make it safer to be a social service worker in Kentucky, has gone unfunded, and is not fulfilling its promise to social workers.  You can read more in this Courier-Journal article, "Budget cuts may leave social workers vulnerable to violence."

Taking money from schools?  Endangering social workers?  Letting mine waste contaminate people's water, without even a nod to monitoring them? You might have other stories. If so, feel free to share them.

There's never been a better time for these much needed tax reforms.  The call is out there. Are our elected officials hearing it?