Tax-Happy Senators
Recently, the Courier-Journal surveyed Kentucky's senators asking about whether they would support an increase in the cigarette tax. A majority indicated strong reluctance to increase taxes. However, these thirteen are eager to raise taxes, regardless of necessity.
Tim Shaughnessy, D-Louisville - Yes - "You can't make it high enough for me."
Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, - Yes - "said he could go as high as $2 or $3."
Perry Clark, D-Louisville - Yes - "It's not out of my realm to vote for this thing." Regarding possibly reducing spending: "I think we honestly could kill people."
Walter Blevins, D-West Liberty - Yes - "I think it's an easy way to raise revenue."
Julian Carroll, D-Frankfort - Yes - "I am for it."
Julie Denton, R-Louisville - Yes - "I support a cigarette-tax increase."
Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville - Yes - "I think its time we gather up the courage and increase the tax on cigarettes."
Gerald Neal, D-Louisville - Yes - "We clearly have a need for new revenue, and this is the most logical and efficient way for the state to raise it."
R.J. Palmer, D-Winchester - Yes - "I think it makes sense."
Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville - Wouldn't rule it out - "Lets take a look at everything."
Kathy Stein, D-Lexington - Yes - "Of course"
Johnny Turner, D-Drift - Would consider it - "I could probably do that."
and
Ed Worley, D-Richmond - Yes - "I'm for increasing the cigarette tax."
