Demonstrating a Contrast
Here is a copy of the remarks I opened the press conference with:
We are here today to illustrate a contrast.
It is a contrast between those who place a priority on growing Kentucky's economy by protecting economic freedom, and those who place priority on maintaining power through government spending.
In a few minutes, we will present awards and recognize legislators who keep Kentucky's taxpayers first in mind when making their policy decisions. Just a few minutes after that, the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee will begin considering legislation to raise taxes in Kentucky.
This tax plan only perpetuates a chronic problem with Kentucky's General Assembly: when Kentucky needs economic growth, our legislature and our Governor are focused on government growth.
Frankfort has averaged a 5.1% increase in General Fund spending each year over the last five years, and that's including this year's decrease. We should not be so alarmed that the government's belt should be tightened, just like every Kentucky business and every Kentucky citizen. Our economy is hurting, and these tax hikes will only cause further hardship for businesses all along Kentucky's border and for locally owned restaurants and bars throughout the state, only leading to more layoffs.
Despite the tough economic times, state revenues have continued to grow. Just about the only sector of the economy that has yet to betray economic difficulty is Kentucky's state government, where revenues are up 1.1% and yet some are clamoring for a permanent tax hike to deal with temporary difficulties.
Times are tough in Kentucky, but raising these taxes will just make them tougher. The people standing here today all recognize that we need to be growing jobs, not sustaining the government's 5% annual growth rate.
