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Legislative Update: Rep. Carney reports on budget session Extraordinary Session Yields Executive Branch Budget and Road Plan By State Representative Bam Carney With a budgetary shortfall in excess of $1 billion and the possibility of a state government shutdown looming closer to becoming a reality, my colleagues and I returned to Frankfort for an Extraordinary Session to pass the Commonwealth's executive branch biennial budget and six year road plan. A stark contrast from past budgets, Kentucky's current two year spending plan contained in House Bill 1, approved by a vote of 86-7, totals $17.1 billion. It is important to note this budget is $1.2 billion less than what was appropriated in the previous biennium. Most state agencies, programs, will see cuts but not scholarships and SEEK education funds Most state government agencies and programs will see cuts of 3.5 percent in fiscal year 2011 and 4.5 percent in fiscal year 2012. Funding for Medicaid, merit-based KEES scholarships, and per pupil Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) school funding were protected from budget reductions. General Fund supported debt will be limited to $437 million and agency fund debt for universities and other offices will be kept around $515 million. The budget bill preserves two instructional days for public elementary and secondary schools. Under this new budget plan, one of these two school days will be paid by the state with the other day covered by local school districts. Some money added to replace decaying school buildings On Friday, the Senate added appropriations for the construction of some replacements for our decaying school buildings. After providing that only districts which pass a tax of 5 cents per $100 in property value to fund facilities construction will be eligible, the House passed the bill by a vote of 86-7. Accelerated sales tax collection left out of budget House Bill 2, the revenue plan, was also given final passage and sent to the Governor on Friday. This measure is expected to save the state upwards of $89 million over the budget cycle through tax code changes, including modifications to the state's new home tax credit and a credit for the film industry. Tax incentives to benefit rural and low-income communities through business investment are also part of the revenue legislation. The accelerated sales tax collections were left out of this revenue package, while the current net operating loss tax break for businesses was maintained. Governor's plan authorizes a road plan Even though the passage of a biennial budget was the paramount issue during this Extraordinary Session, the Governor's agenda also included calls to pass legislation that would replenish the state's unemployment insurance fund and authorize a state road plan. House overwhelmingly approves HB 5 The House overwhelmingly approved House Bill 5, a solution to the Commonwealth's depleted unemployment fund. This bill, which is similar to a measure that passed the House in the recent Regular Session, will return the state's fund to solvency through raising the taxable wage base that determines how much employers pay into the fund and requiring interest payments be made to the fund by most local governments. The passage of legislation addressing our state's fund became necessary after months of high unemployment forced Kentucky to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government to keep the fund afloat. HB 3 for roads, passes both chambers House Bill 3, the biennial operating budget for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, was approved by both chambers and will now go to the Governor's desk for his signature. Important work on roads, bridges, aviation and other areas can continue because of action taken during this special session. With the 2010 Extraordinary Session completed, I will return to Frankfort for monthly committee meetings during the interim. Stay in contact with me through our Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 or via e-mail at john.carney@lrc.ky.gov and let me know how you feel about the issues facing our Commonwealth. This story was posted on 2010-06-01 17:34:09
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Red Cross schedules Adair blood drives July 2010 AC Board of Education will close early, Fridays, in Summer 2010 (ADV) Notice of Public Hearing Schedule: 14th Annual Adair County 2010 Relay for Life (ADV) Absolute Auction, June 5, 2010 at 10amCT Adoption fair held in Russell Springs, KY Bro. Todd Akin will preach, 3N1 will sing, at Harrods Fork Church Events for June and July now updated Person who rented the VFW Hall for June 12 needs to re-schedule Breanna Meeks will compete at State track meet View even more articles in topic News |
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