Economic Justice News | Kentuckians For The Commonwealth

Economic Justice News

Report says Kentucky’s proposed pension ‘reforms’ could make everything worse

October 16, 2017
Herald-Leader

Sweeping changes recommended for Kentucky’s public pension systems would cost taxpayers and public employees more money while making public employment far less attractive to future generations, according to a report released Monday.

Profitable Fortune 500 Companies in Kentucky Avoid Paying Millions in State Corporate Income Taxes

April 27, 2017
Kentucky Center for Economic Policy

Despite strong profits for the nation’s biggest and most successful multistate corporations, a large share of Fortune 500 businesses — including some Kentucky-based companies — are paying taxes at a rate much lower than established tax rates, with some paying no taxes at all, according to a new report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP). 

Pension Benefits Inject $3.4 Billion into the Economies of Kentucky Counties

June 6, 2017
Kentucky Center for Economic Policy

As the governor and General Assembly consider additional cuts to pension benefits for employees, it’s important to understand the role such benefits play in local economies...

Scott County chapter hosts community conversation on taxes

September 8, 2017 at 02:27am

The Scott County chapter hosted a community conversation around tax reform, allowing for members and others to discuss what they envision for Georgetown and Kentucky, and the role of state government in helping to bring that about.

Fair, flexible tax code will benefit all

July 17, 2017
Lexington Herald-Leader

Eastern Kentuckians rally in support of health care for all

August 1, 2017 at 07:49pm
Big Sandy, Perry County

A video of the rally can be viewed on KFTC's Facebook page.

Eastern Kentuckians showed their support for health care for all at a rally in Pikeville Saturday that drew nearly 100 people.

“We’re here because we’re human beings and every human being deserves health care,” said Bev May, a Floyd County KFTC member who emceed the event. “Every life counts, and every life needs health care.”

Jefferson County members help secure nearly $10 million for affordable housing

July 6, 2017 at 06:03am
Jefferson County

It's not easy to be a person with progressive values in Kentucky. At the moment, our federal and state policy makers are overwhelmingly pushing a conservative agenda that goes against our values.

Major tax breaks for Kentucky's wealthiest under McConnell health care bill

June 22, 2017
Kentucky News Connection

Kentucky's millionaires could see an average tax cut of close to $48,000 a year if the Senate GOPhealth care bill becomes law, according to a new analysis. Those tax cuts would be paid for in part by removing roughly 250,000 Kentuckians from health insurance rolls.

SOKY members canvass for Tax Justice

Member Deane Oliva ready to talk taxes in a neighborhood doorway
June 16, 2017 at 01:46pm

Members from the Southern Kentucky chapter engaged the Bowling Green community in conversations about tax justice last Saturday as part of a deep canvass session.

The day began with a training to equip members with deep canvassing skills and review the key conversation points before hitting the streets.

Between the three groups of participants we had 18 high-quality conversations with folks about what an equitable tax system looks like. Member Deane Oliva reflected, “Even though the folks we spoke with had little knowledge of the tax structure, the script gave us a comfortable entrée to discussion and the folks were all visibly engaged with the powerful graphics. In a short time, we raised awareness and made good contacts.“

The day was productive and has members loooking forward to next steps. As member Dr. Alex Poole said, "It wasn't always easy, but if not us, then who? Getting together with like-minded people gives me hope. We can all do our part."

What Good Tax Reform Looks Like

May 11, 2017
Kentucky Center for Economic Policy

Though the details remain unknown, Governor Bevin has described the kind of tax reform he’ll introduce in a special session this year as shifting Kentucky toward a “consumption-based” tax system, or from income to sales taxes. In contrast, HB 263, filed in Kentucky’s 2017 General Assembly by Rep.

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