Senate 32: Reynolds Wins, Let's Hold Him to His Words
Democrat Mike Reynolds won the special election contest to replace now-Congressman Brett Guthrie. We have questions about Reynold's committment to economic freedom, but he should be a vote against HB 144 raising taxes on Kentuckians.
Losing Candidate J. Marshal Hughes had noted strong opposition ot tax increases, but now-Senator Reynolds had put limits on what sort of new taxes he would accept:
6. An increase in the cigarette tax is being suggested as a way to produce new revenue. If, after further budget cuts, it is still apparent that more revenue is needed for the state, how much of a tax increase would you support and why?
Hughes: I do not support increasing the cigarette tax or any other tax.
Reynolds: I would only support a 25 cent increase on a package of cigarettes and only if it comes to a vote.
HB 144 contains a 30 cent increase in cigarette taxes and a new 6% sales tax on alcoholic beverages, making them double-taxed (at the wholesale and retail levels) and making Kentucky sport the highest alcohol taxes in the country (we're #1!). That would not seem to fit within Mr. Reynolds' criteria.
