United Mine Workers of America officials told thousands of retired coal miners in Western Kentucky that the bankruptcy of Patriot Coal Corp. threatens their health insurance and can be blamed on their former employer, Peabody Energy Corp.
Last night's marathon Public Input meeting marked the end of this important stage of the Blue Ribbon Tax Commission's process for recommending state tax reforms. Although a few good folks had to leave before they could deliver their statement – the meeting ran more than an hour over time – the call for progressive tax reforms and adequate revenue for health, education, and environmental protection and clean energy was loud and clear. Sixteen of the speakers lined up were KFTC members, some coming as concerned Kentuckians and some wearing the hat of an ally organization.
Tonight is the last Blue Ribbon Tax Reform Commission Public Input Meeting--the invitation for Kentuckians across the state to have their say in what kind of Kentucky we deserve, and how we can best pay for it fairly.
Even before the Blue Ribbon Tax Commission has finished its public hearings, Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson is expressing doubt that the process will result in major reforms to Kentucky's outdated tax code. He predicted that the commission is likely to recommend "minor tweaks."
Last night was the penultimate Blue Ribbon Tax Reform Commission public input meeting, and eastern Kentucky KFTC members showed up and spoke powerfully to the need for economic policies that are just and that allow for opportunities for every Kentuckian, including good jobs in eastern Kentucky.
Tuesday night was the 4th of six Blue Ribbon Tax Commission Public Input Meetings, and KFTC members showed up with grace and good solutions for raising revenue and making our tax structure fairer and more just.
The poor and middle classes have shouldered by far the heaviest burdens of the global political obsession with austerity policies over the past three years. In the United States [and Kentucky], budget cuts have forced states to reduce education, public transportation, affordable housing and other social services. But the austerity game also has winners.
Right now Congress is debating a Senate bill that would raise $800 billion over the next decade by rolling back most of the Bush tax cuts, letting the wealthiest 2% once again pay their fair share.
The Senate bill is important because its debate will shape the crucial post-election tax votes at the end of the year, when the Bush tax cuts are set to expire.
