Sales Tax

Kentucky is now surrounded on three sides by neighbor states that are making dynamic conservative changes to their economic policy and experiencing dynamic results. Recently, we learned that the conservative leadership of Indiana has created a $1.2 billion dollar surplus in that state's coffers. By cutting spending, finding prudent efficiencies and without raising any taxes, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has put Indiana on a path to financial prosperity. By assuring businesses that the state won't come around with its tax collecting hands out any time soon, they've vastly improved their business climate.

Many people have iPhones, iTouch or iPads. These mobile devices offer great opportunities to save money and enjoy books, games and resources. There is no end to how many free apps you can find. But one thing some new users often overlook is how to keep from spending money by accident.   Don't pay for in-app purchases There are tons of free apps for kids and adults available on the iPad, iTouch and iPhone. Many of these free games give you the option of spending real money to buy “shells, bucks or smurfberries” to build the game faster or enhance your game experience, but I never spend money on these games.

As they patiently wait for leaders in Washington, D.C., to arrive at some agreement on how to save an economy in crisis, and for the markets to react, hard-working Americans who pay their bills on time every month are weary, conflicted, frustrated and downright angry. Their weariness comes from the constant struggle to get ahead and stay there in an economy that for far too long has allowed the cost of living to outpace wage increases, and with a government that can't seem to decide on a plan for the most basic of needs - energy.

Hold on to your wallets, Kentucky. Here comes the government. States all across America are facing unprecedented budget crises. Pension funds are being gutted by a market free fall, the job market is contracting and state revenues are falling. On top of all this, we have a new president who has vowed to increase taxes on employers - thus leading to even more job cuts and a continuing spiral. Facing this, the brilliance of our elected officials will lead them to raise taxes on an already hurting economy.

LIBERTY - The City Council is considering a 3 percent tax on restaurants and lodging establishments to have funds to promote tourism and economic development. Mayor Steve Sweeney asked the council Tuesday to consider the tax that could be collected by restaurants, motels and bed and breakfast establishments. The money could amount up to $200,000 annually, and a tourism commission appointed by the mayor and Liberty/Casey County Chamber of Commerce would spend it. The board will have two representatives from hotels, one from restaurants, one chamber member and three at-large.

Hold on to your wallets, Kentucky. Here comes the government. States all across America are facing unprecedented budget crises. Pension funds are being gutted by a market free fall, the job market is contracting and state revenues are falling. On top of all this, we have a new president who has vowed to increase taxes on employers - thus leading to even more job cuts and a continuing spiral. Facing this, the brilliance of our elected officials will lead them to raise taxes on an already hurting economy.

The establishment of Joint Conference and Tourism Board dominated discussion at Tuesday morning's Fiscal Court meeting. After much spirited discussion, the court split 2-2 (Magistrate Terry Wilcher was absent) on a motion made by Magistrate David Faulkner to establish the board and no action was taken. The proposed board would be a cooperative effort by the city of Stanford and Lincoln County to promote tourism in the area, which sounds innocuous, but the magistrates seem leery of chartering an entity that has the ability to establish taxes without their approval.

During a campaign stop in Winchester this morning, B.D. Wilson, a Democratic candidate for commissioner of agriculture, said the Department of Agriculture should focus on innovation and serve as an economic engine. Wilson, who spoke to about 40 locals at the Cantukee Diner, pledged to support existing agriculture while searching out new opportunities in alternative fuels, agribusiness and agritourism. “You’ve got to think outside of the box, and you’ve got to be innovative,” he said.

Three candidates for Kentucky governor appeared in Louisville Friday and sparred on issues including tax reform, a statewide smoking ban and a drug-testing requirement for those receiving public assistance. Republicans state Sen. David Williams, R-Burkesville, and Louisville businessman Phil Moffett and independent Lexington attorney Gatewood Galbraith spoke during a 90-minute forum at the Hyatt Regency Louisville during the Kentucky Press Association Winter Convention. Incumbent Democrat Gov. Steve Beshear declined to attend.

HARRODSBURG - About 70 people braved intermittent snow showers to hear their state legislators discuss the current session of the Kentucky General Assembly. Republican Sen. Dan Kelly, of the 14th Senate district which represents Mercer, Marion, Nelson, Taylor, and Washington counties, spoke first. Kelly said there were two groups of citizens when it comes to following the activity of the legislature: one group takes little notice of the goings-on by the state legislative body while the second group was very attentive, being concerned that some of their benefits were being cut. The senator said he found the first group's approach refreshing while he understood that people depending on state government might be worried about the three-month meeting of lawmakers.