Beshear proposes cigarette tax boost, 3-day furloughs
UPDATED THROUGHOUT AT 8 P.M.
FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear wants to raise the state cigarette tax from 30 cents to $1 a pack and put state workers on three days of unpaid leave to tackle a $456.1 million budget shortfall.
His plan also includes implementing 4 percent budget cuts in most state agencies and the legislative and judicial branches, diverting surplus coal severance tax proceeds and draining the state’s “rainy day fund” for emergencies.
The plan now goes to state legislators, many of whom are wary of Beshear’s call for a tax hike.
Some lawmakers expressed doubt that a 70-cent increase would make it past either the Democratic-controlled House or the Republican-controlled Senate.
“I don’t think realistically you could pass a 70-cent tax increase,” said Rep. Jimmie Lee, D-Elizabethtown, noting that he would vote for it.
“Those legislators that live close to a border state may find 25 cents more palatable because it would keep Kentucky cigarette taxes lower than most states,” Lee said. “I think he has a lot of selling to do.”
In the meantime, Cabinet secretaries will make public next week how they plan to cut their budgets by 4 percent, which might include some layoffs. Beshear is not seeking any cut in state workers’ salaries.
Under Beshear’s plan, the state Department of Education, public universities and the state police are being asked to trim 2 percent from their budgets. The move would save a new class of 60 state police troopers who are scheduled to begin training in January.
Spared from any cuts are basic funding formula for schools, student financial aid for higher education, the corrections department, juvenile justice facilities, Medicaid, mental health and retardation programs, the teachers’ retirement system and the Executive Branch Ethics Commission.
Beshear unveiled his plan at a Capitol news conference Thursday morning on the anniversary of his first year in office. He said he will work with the legislature on “every aspect” of his plan.
Senate President David Williams, who has been reluctant to back a tax hike, had little to say about Beshear’s plan. The governor briefed him and other legislative leaders shortly before the news conference.
“As of this date, we have only received a press release” Williams, R-Burkesville, said in a statement.
“We look forward to viewing the proposed legislation as we continue our commitment to working together whenever possible for the benefit of all Kentuckians,” he said.
House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, said the House will support an increase in the cigarette tax, but he declined to say by how much.
At a minimum, he said the 25-cent increase that cleared the House earlier this year could pass again. That proposal died in the Senate.
Richards said the biggest concern about Beshear’s proposal is his intention to divert about $17.5 million in surplus coal severance tax proceeds that otherwise were headed to coal-producing counties — a move he opposes.
Those funds are part of $40.6 million in various “restricted” state funds that Beshear wants to tap.
During the first half of this fiscal year, counties collected $20 million more than the budget assumed they would from coal, natural gas and oil severance taxes, said John Hicks, Beshear’s acting state budget director.
The counties will keep those funds, which “are out the door and already distributed,” he said. But the state is planning to skim off an estimated $17.5 million in additional windfall coal severance tax receipts the counties would receive for the rest of the fiscal year.
A disgruntled state Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, said in a statement that it appears the Beshear administration “continues to put the interests of the coal counties last.”
Beshear called his budget plan “a starting point.” He added that he is open to other ideas to resolve the money crisis, but hopes legislators will deal with his plan in January.
Lawmakers are scheduled to be in session Jan. 6 through 9 to elect their leaders and then return Feb. 3 to work through March 24 on legislation. They could change their schedule to add working days in January or Beshear could call them into special session during their time off in January.
Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, said a tax hike would have a better chance of passing during a special session, when only 50 percent of the vote in each chamber — rather than the 60 percent required in the regular session — would be needed for approval. Buford said he would support a tax increase to dissuade children from smoking.
The governor’s plan to raise the tax on cigarettes by 70 cents and double the tax on other tobacco products like snuff would raise $81.5 million in this fiscal year, which ends next June 30.
The tax increase would bring in $144 million the following year. That money would be used to help replenish the $178.9 million taken this year from the rainy day fund.
An increase in the cigarette tax, Beshear said, not only would raise money for the state but would create a “healthier population and substantially decrease long-term health-care costs.”
Beshear said the proposed three-day furloughs for state workers were an alternative to massive layoffs. Still, he acknowledged that cabinet secretaries may have to implement some layoffs to address their budget cuts.
Lee Jackson, president of the Kentucky Association of State Employees, said he prefers furloughs to layoffs but reserved judgment on furloughs until the administration released more information.
Beshear’s plan got mixed reaction from advocates for the poor, disabled and neglected.
Health advocate Sheila Schuster said she was pleased that the plan protects mental health programs.
But child advocates were dismayed that Beshear allowed cuts to child protection services.
“(Beshear) said we were obligated to pay for beds for people in jail but I don’t see how we aren’t obligated to care for kids in foster care,” said Bart Baldwin, president of the Children’s Alliance, a non-profit that represents agencies that provide services for children in foster care.
Beshear’s plan also does nothing to address a deficit of more than $180 million in Kentucky’s Medicaid program.
Beshear said he hopes that a stimulus package to be considered by Congress in January will include more federal dollars for states to pay for Medicaid, the health-care program for the poor and disabled.
Prosecutors also were disappointed with the governor’s plan.
Christian County Attorney Mike Foster said Commonwealth and county attorneys will have to furlough staff, lay off people or reduce salaries. County attorneys face about $1.1 million in cuts while Commonwealth attorneys would see a $1.3 million decrease.
Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Larson has said he will ask his staff to take furloughs of up to two weeks to make up for the budget cuts.
The state Transportation Cabinet, which faces a projected $104.7 million shortfall in the Road Fund, has not yet determined how to deal with the problem, said spokesman Chuck Wolfe.
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S.G. | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
An increase in the cigarette tax has been long over due. With that said, 3 day furloughs would exhaust already stressed out state employess. In addition, furloughs would further overburden state offices that are already suffering greatly due to high caseloads and understaffing. CPS workers are already struggling to keep abused and neglected children safe, however, KY fatalities are at an all time high likely due to the lack of staff to adequately cover all of the work that needs to be completed. Furloughs would further deplete the already staggeringly low morale of frontline workers. Frontline CPS employees cannot afford mandated furloughs and neither can the children we protect.
amy | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Proposing three day furloughs for already overworked state employees will just lead to more problems. When state offices are already having difficulties meeting requirements of their office because of understaffing I do not see how a mandatory 3 days off wothout pay will help that problem. What about the cabinets that are criticals needs? Can the federal requirements be met when there is no personnel to perform their jobs because they are being forced to take a day off?
I agree a cigarette tax is long overdue but here is another option to consider. How about cutting off all the privileges the inmates have? Lets get rid of their cable TV and all the other ammenities that people on the outside have to pay for. how much money would that save? Why can\’t corrections face cuts like the other cabinets?
Paul | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I’m a smoker and the hike in the cigarette tax is a no-brainer. If smokers don’t want to pay it, quit smoking. I’d rather pay more for my smokes than have education and services cut or people laid off.
B.A. | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Why not mandate retirement after 30 years? This would help alleviate the top heavy burden that the Commonwealth is already carrying. Clearing out these positions will free up monies that could be used to hire more staff with the same funds. Thus creating less of a burden and relieving some of the stresses caused by the understaffing that\’s present throughout the government.
stwkr | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
So a 3 day furlough – why not just take away the measly 1% pay increase instead – that is what they are essentially doing right? But at least by taking away the increase no one depends on that money yet – better than taking money right from our pockets.
Will these 3 days be forced to be taken all at once? Or spread out? Do they understand how this will impact state workers budgets? I know many who live paycheck to paycheck and to have 3 days not paid in one pay period will be hard.
S.G. | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I also believe many forget that Beshear and the legislator voted a 10% raise for themselves upon Beshear getting into office. Beshear announced recently that he and others are giving up 10% of their salary due to the budget crisis. Essentially they are giving up nothing- how can you miss something you never had to begin with?
Pat | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I am a state worker and a smoker. Why do we talk about raising the cigarette tax everytime there is a need for money. Why not target another group for a change, alcohol tax for example. The smokers are already discriminated against enough.
Furloughs, ha, you will end up spending more money in overtime than you save by ordering furloughs and the court system would be in complete chaos.
420it | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Legalize marijuana and tax those sales.
cps1 | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Is the governor going to circulate a memo to the public asking them to go 3 days without abusing or neglecting their children. I think not. CPS work is never done, even when you work overtime every day.
citizen | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
While it is true that several of our critical offices, such as child protection, are GREATLY understaffed, that is not the case for all of state government. I believe that central offices in Frankfort should be required to reduce operations comparable to how frontline social workers and other “critical” staff are having to work. We do not need all those Frankfort administrators…citizens need the services in their cities and towns. While you do need some admin, again, Frankfort offices should be staffed minimally as field offices are currently being forced to operate…this includes higher up offices such as Cabinet Secretary offices. I’ve seen Cabinets increase the number of staff in such offices than were there previously – it’s just not necessary. All of Frankfort running around with Blackberry devices and services is also UNNECESSARY. Paying employees for personal mileage when state vehicles are available, monitoring types of supply purchases, etc…there are still places they could become more efficient.
Daniel | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Legalize Marijuana and tax it.
citizen | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I’ll add that they could use furloughs effectively if they did it selectively. Certain functions that are already understaffed and overworked and that are important to meeting human safety and health needs should not be included. I am a state employee and I’m not in any of these critical areas (used to be!)…but even I can acknowledge that we could indeed not suffer much from some of these nonessential offices not operating for a few days…or staggering their off days so that they are still open a full week.
sick&tired | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Shew, always the state workers getting the hit, why not cut some of the low lifers living for free. Why not cut out his (Beshear\’s) oversees trips with all his entourage and travel vouchers. I agree with taxing alcohol. Where is the lottery funds going? Some state employees are already eligible for food stamps and medical cards. How pitiful the state employees get treated. Wake up America!!!!
Sally | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I think the three day furlough would be fine as long as it\’s spread over multiple pay periods. For example, set aside a three month time frame and then require each employee to take one day off per month without pay. If it were handled in this manner the financial burden should be lessened for each employee as well as the workload would be minimally affected per agency or department.
merit employee | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
3days off take away every black berry and cell phones for six months.and do not say you can not do this. Iwork in state gov for 13 years before getting my cell phone
FedUpWith the Govt. | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Before you single out just the smokers and put a tax on cigarettes why not tax something that everyone uses. Not just a certain group of people. How about taxing alcohol? How about taxing milk? If you want to make up the budget by adding taxes to something then why not pick something that all people use instead of being discriminant and singling out just smokers. I mean hell we already have to leave Earth to smoke as it is. Just because the Gov. doesn\’t smoke doesn\’t mean he should tax cigarettes firs thing. How about cutting what his staff and his Legislators salaries? I mean they don\’t get s*&t accomplished anyway when they are here for 6 weeks to 3 months every year. Why shouldn\’t they take the cut for us? I will tell you why, the State is corrupt and doesn\’t believe in helping their own.
Richard | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Unfortunately our politicians are not in any hurry to correct the public view that state workers are overstaffed, overpaid and underworked. I’ts like having a job with a large target painted on you. One might note that Revenue has been hit with reductions and early retirements like other state offices. The diference is that we bring in money. What good is talking about new revenue sources while cutting the heart out of the administration that collects said revenue?
state employee | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
i think its crazy to make the smokers pay for the irresponsible decisions the government is making. working for the state has made me a smoker!!!!!
i think we could save a load just by doing what amy has proposed, cutting the privileges of our ky inmates, we have no choice but to pay their way as it is. who thinks thats fair? they put themselves there, lets not make it a vacation for them. who knows, maybe by taking away our inmates privileges, we could actually cut the crimes rates down a little as well.
A better idea | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I’m all for “sin taxes.” I don’t smoke, but I do drink occasionally. Increase the alcohol taxes to go along with the increase in cigarette taxes. Even at a dollar a pack, Kentucky’s cancer sticks are undertaxed when compared to most other states.
Instead of requiring state merit workers to take three days off without pay, order at least a 10 percent pay cut for all appointed (non-merit) management employees including cabinet secretaries, division directors, department commissioners, executive directors, deputy directors and secretaries, chiefs of staff, etc. These political hacks are overpaid anyway, especially Joe Prather and Jonathan Miller.
Beshear and Mongiardo are independently wealthy. If they really want to make a statement, they should work for a dollar a year like Congress is asking the auto companies’ CEOs to do.
Aren’t mandatory retirements now illegal? The most famous mandatory retirement in Kentucky history was that of Adolph Rupp. Wasn’t the law changed sometime after 1972 to make mandatory retirement ages illegal?
Not Governor Steve | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Help Balance Budget
by abolishing 90% of the non merti and contract jobs.
Non merit at $100,000 X 1,000 =
$100,000,000
contract jobs? = $50,000,000 ?
Fed Up | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Cutting services evenly across the board is the cowardly way out. How about showing some leadership and cutting the non-critical areas as deep as needed.
How much was eliminating the state treasurer position and moving his office under finance estimated to save? Many states have already done it. Maybe the political environment would be more considerate of this idea now.
cabinetinsider | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
It’s hard to believe there’s such a problem with the budget when a merit employee who gave to the campaign can still receive a 10 percent raise and bump to non-merit status. (CHFS)
Joe | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Tax farts ten cents for loud ones, 5 cents for silent and 15 cents for stinky ones.
Chris | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Let’s see….I work for UK and this will make 2 years in a row that we have not gotten a raise, we only work 37.5 hours a week, never allowed overtime and all our benefits have increased and now you want to tax me more because I smoke? INCREDIBLE! If we are so d*mned broke as a State then I think you should raise the State Sales Tax and that way ALL KENTUCKIANS can help bail out the State Government! Jeez o Pete, I am tired of being picked on every time the State has a shortfall. All this will do is raise the black market crime on cigarettes and then we will have our Police Depts. chasing thier tales over something stupid instead of focusing on real crime which we have plenty of. I urge all smokers to start contacting your State Reps. and stay on thier butts until they raise the tax on all Kentuckians and not just a small portion of the States citizens!
Harriet | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Finally, a cigarette tax. FINALLY!
Thank you Gov. Beshear, I begged for it last year
and I’m inclined to do the same this year.
uthink | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Put a 5 cent tax on every grocery bag sold. It will help reduce waste and generate revenue. It is only a short term fix however. But its worth the try.
amy | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
yeah 5 cents on every grocery bag would be great- especially since Krogers only puts 1 item per bag anyway.
HUGOO | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Nothing new here. Nothing for a long term fix. Nothing brave. Just the same old tax.
It seems we are all in this fix. Why just the poor smokers who are already short on
cash? Sure some may quit, but gosh if they
do then we are bankrupt. Smokers will get the idea pretty soon. If you vote to tax us
then we vote to unseat you.
Look at your payroll stub, your utility and
phone bills. Taxes are just eating us up.
Some where it has to stop.
UKemployee | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I also work at UK, and will not be receiving a raise for the second time this year. My position is monthly/salaried, so I can not receive overtime either. However I estimate that I have about $200 dollars more a month in the bank because I do not spend it on a pack or two of cigarettes a day. Smoking is a choice. So is drinking alcohol, which I do sometimes, and I would be fine with the state taxing it as well. Smokers will suffer from more diseases, driving up health care costs and premiums for all of us in the insurance pool. Tax away. And if you want to implement a tax on bourbon, go right ahead and do that too. It’s a luxury, not a necessity.
SAM | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I KNOW I CAN NOT AFFORD A THREE DAY OFF WITHOUT PAY. AND IF WE ATATE EMPLOYEES HAVE TO TAKE THREE DAYS OFF ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE ALL THE LEGILATURE\’S AND LRC EMPLOYEES TAKE OFF ALSO. THEY GIVE THEIRSELVES 30-40 % RAISES AND THEN WE GET 1% AND WE WONDER WERE ALL THE MONEY GOES. THEY GEE NEW PLUSH OFFICES, WHILE THE REST OF US HAVE TO SIT IN OUR LITTLE CUBACLES AND ON TOP OF EACH OTHER. WHAT ABOUT YOUR OFFICE ARE THEY GOING TO TAKE THREE DAYS OFF ALSO.
ANOTHER THING WE HAVE ALL THESE PEOPLE WHO RETIRE AND COME BACK TO WORK. IF YOU RETIRE JUST STAY RETIRED OR DON\’T RETIRE AT ALL. WHY WOULD WE PAY SOMEONE TWICE FOR DOING THE SAME JOB BECAUSE THEY JUST COME BACK AT THE SAME PSTION, WITH A DIFFERENT NAME.
SO WE GET OUR 1% RAISE, WHILE GAS GOESUP, CIGERETTES GO UP, GROCERIES GO UP, AND THEN TO TOP IT ALL OFF WE GET LAID OFF FOR THREE DAYS. THAT SOUNDS REAL FAIR.
Career State Merit Employee | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
There are so many contractors working for the state that have already retired from state government and drawing a pension. Most of these people need to be let go along with many other contracted workers way before taking money away from the very hard working merit state employees. I know of at least 3 that work in my area that should have been let go a long time ago as they are being paid who knows how much on the hour and doing very little work. Someone needs to seriously check in to ALL these contracted workers within state government.
Amanda | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
So is Beshear going to come pay my bills? I dont see how he thinks anyone is going to make it if he makes us going without pay. Its hard enough to live without going without money for no reason. Quit having double dippers. Tax alcohol. Legal marijuana. Thats a lot of money there. But making hard working employees go without pay when weve done nothing wrong isnt going to help anything. I cant afford to go any without pay. Im not going to lose what Ive worked for just because he wants to propose something dumb.
Sarah | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Governor Beshear,
Here is an idea. Let the non-merit appointees take a two-week furlough during that same time period. They can better afford it and really won’t be missed anyway. And, politically speaking, it is the smart thing for you to do. You’ve got their votes for re-election already. It is the merit workers votes that may be in doubt.
QuitUrCrying | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Voluntary Furloughs should be one of the first options given to State Employees and then raise taxes.
Very unpopular and would take some political backbone to implement. But I think Governor Beshear should be commended for taking a pay cut and setting an example for certain over-compensated upper staff.
I think everyone who really cares about the future of this Commonwealth should be willing to share the pain and the sooner the better or we may end up like California.
Face it, we are in the worst financial climate since the great depression. Wake up fellow Kentuckians!
ellie | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
HERE’S WHAT I THINK. RAISE THE TOBACCO BY $3.00 PER PACK FOR 1 YEAR. BUDGET BALANCED, RAINY DAY REPLENISHED, NO LAY OFFS, NO FURLOUGHS, AND NO CUTS.
BY THE WAY – WHERE’D THE MONEY GO FROM THE LOTTERY???????
ReconMarine | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Why is a cigarette tax way overdue? Why should the smokers of this state, who have been vilified, and ostracized at every turn for the last 5 years have to carry the tax burden of the rest of this state?
You people treat smokers as if they are second hand citizens, you trample their rights at every turn, and then you expect them to cover the tab for Kentucky’s lack of fiscal responsibility.
I hope the smokers of this state take a bite back at the idiots in office of this state. All of them should stop smoking for 2 weeks, stop smoking, don’t buy a dimes worth of tobacco, and then this state will be reminded about who pays their way and who doesn’t.
How about you have the state tax those welfare checks they send out so religiously. How about the state go after the back fines owed by the broke down POS coal operations.
It is always the same, tax smokers, tax drinkers…..
How about the state make those lottery funds that were supposed to be funding education in Ky, actually fund education in Ky, and then all the money Ky is subsidizing in education can go back into the state coffers.
This state had a reported and certified surplus then that crooked toothed con artist took office……now there is a 1/2Billion dollar deficit, BS.
Semper Fi
Rodney | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
First of all I don’t work for the state, unless you consider me to be a slave for the state because of the taxes I’m already forced to pay. We are all sick and tired of our governments’ only answer to problems being the raising of taxes. We are taxed to death already. Give us a break. Also, making people take 3 days off without pay to decrease the deficit is incredibly stupid. (Our Governments Brilliant Plan)Government is always punishing people who work for a living; let’s try something different for a change. First let’s cut all government checks to those who are on welfare. Stop giving our money away and make people work for a living. Second, send our elected legislatures home for the next five years without pay and without their benefits. Why? We have plenty of laws and do not need any new ones. Taxes are more than adequate. Frankly you people are like welfare recipients with benefits. GET A REAL JOB. Thirdly, if pot is our major cash crop, as was stated by the discovery channel, then legalize the growing of the plant and export it to states or even countries that use it for medicinal purposes instead of spending millions each year setting fires all over the state trying to eradicate the only cash crop left. Frankly, I’m tired of you people stealing our hard earned money and referring to it as a tax increase.
KEEP TAXING THE CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY AND IT WON\’T BE LONG BEFORE YOU HERE THE PHRASE “GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH” ALL OVER AGAIN.
Annie | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I worked for the state until 2 months ago, and left for a better paying job. There is no way you can ask an employee who barely scrapes by to give up three days of work, considering you only get paid 2x/mo to begin with. So, the governor doesn’t want to cut medicaid services, well by God, have them get their butts out of bed before noon, get a job, and help pay for their bills, like everyone else would have to do.
soontoretire | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Well, where do I start? First it’s good that the Gov. has taken a pay cut. The legislators vote themselves a hike in pay, but the merit state employees only get 1%…. UNFAIR !
I think all of the non-merit employees should be looked at to see if they are needed. There are way too many chiefs and not enough Indians. You are wanting the employees to are the ones who get the work done, to take a 3 day non-paid furlough? Get real… there is nothing fair about that at all… I agree with Career State Merit Employee about the contractors, and I agree that ALL contractors should be reviewed to see if they are doing the job they are being paid for.
I think non-merit, contractors, and over-paid cabinet secretaries, directors, and legislators should have to take furloughs without pay long before you try (I hope without success to take money away from the merit employees)…..
merit employee | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
the reason we are in this spot is the white house and the kentucky senate.
Dancer | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Beshear just needs to put his cards on the table. This is all leading up to his agenda of legalization of gambling in Kentucky.
red | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
what wrong with legalization Gambling number one whiskey has kill more then gambling and nobody care about that and it is the pride of kentucky
UK96 | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Every state employee here says how important his job is, how greately he served the KY people.
I used to work in State Gov as a consultant. I know first hand how they work. Most of the time, they do nothing but chanting. They have all knids of parties almost every week at working hours. They couldn’t do anything right so they have to hire lots of contractors to do the work.
UK96 | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I bet all the state employees posting on this site are using working time to do that and look how many of them are doing that.
Lynne | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I propose a tax on gambling, and another tax on liquor might as well cover all the luxuries and vices….save alot more that way.
Rob | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Frankfort should cut out all this people retiring and then coming back at the same pay or more.
Bonnie | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
To the guy who says state workers don’t do anything. I work for probation and parole for the division of mental health. I personally cover 7 counties and get people into substance abuse treatment before they die and many have completed treatment and have become productive citizens. Our officer protect the community and people like you. Our officers have caseloads of over 100 people. we have a sex offender officer that covers 7 counties. I dare you say we don’t do anything. We work very hard to save people’s lives and protect folks such as you.
SOSG | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I would say very few field offices across the state are overstaffed. It is just not done. Positions are created in Frankfort for people all the time and political appointments are made constantly. The small agency I work for just received yet another political appointment to a non merit position. The person is totally unqualified and has never worked in this field. If they would do away with that position, which very well could be done, that salary would probably cover the three day furloughs for all of the employees in my agency. Before they start furloughing merit employees, especially in field offices where there is no one to do the job when they are gone, they should fire half of these non merits in Frankfort. A lot of these departments could be combined and do away with all these extra Executive Directors. A lot of agencies have 15 or 20 divisions and each division has a non merit Director, Commissioner, etc. Some of these divisions don’t have a half a dozxen people in them. I would think that some of these divisions could be joined and answer to one Director.
Rob | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Take away the pay raise that Frankfort voted in for them selfs on the hill. Take away the blackberries and cell phones, state pays .10 per minute even though they maybe talking to somebody that is a ATT customer. The state cell phones are contracted thru ATT. I would just about bet that most of the calls they get are personel, but tax payers pay the bill anyway. I work for the state and 3 days off would make it hard to make ends meet, especially when you are putting a child thru college. Then you have college saying that there will be double digit tution increase then announce that they are going to build a 18 million dollar building. Who pays for that? I do not smoke, but a tax raise on smokes will bring in more money, because I see people traveling thur KY stopping at exits long the I-75 buying cartoons of smokes because KY is the cheaps to buy smokes. Raise taxes on beer, I drink but I can also stop if I can afford it, unlike smokers.
Michael | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
How dare anyone say that State Workers do not earn their pay. I have been employed by the State for over 17 years and I am proud of it. I work very hard every day. I work at Probation and Parole and I supervise the officers who protect the public. Not only are my officers under-paid and over-worked, they are very dedicated. We are on call 24/7 and yet we are not compensated for this. We are ranked 49th. in the United States are far as salaries are concerned. Only one State pays their Probation/Parole Officers less than Kentucky. We are also required to have a college education. I challenge any contractor to do what we are expected to do on a daily basis. We do not “party” on State time. We simply do not have time. As far as taking a 3 day furlough without pay, forget it. My officers deserve better than that. Yes, I am writing this while at work. I have been here since 7:00 AM and it is now 4:20PM and I am just getting a short lunch break.
Anonymous | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Just legalize gambling and get it over with, then all these problems with money will go away…and we’ll have the revenue to hire the state employees it will take to increase staff in courts, police, and corrections from all the other crime which will come out of people bankrupting themselves with their gambling addictions. I’m all for it, as long as it makes money and they stop trying to screw everyone else. Oh yeah, add a 1 dollar tax to every 12 pack of beer, bottle of liquor, or bottle of wine too, that’ll make you more money than a cigarette tax ever will.
hank | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Instead of a 40 hour week state workers only work 37.5 When you add it up those 2.5 hours per week add up to 139 hours they do not work for the year and when you divide that by 8 you get 17 work days they do not have to work with full pay and benefits. That is not counting holidays. A pretty sweet deal.
Valerie | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Does anyone know if it is legal to furlough state employees? The merit system seems to protect a lot of things.
Any attorneys out there?
Rob | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I bet you are a retire state employee and went to work for contractor. Consultants in my department are the problem, they do nothing but get paid big and when they screw nothing happens to their pay, bu get paid more.
Jack | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I think we should have a voluntary furlough first for up to a month. Then see what else is needed. I’d take the month of June 2009!
GetReal | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Increasing the tobacco tax is a good idea. It will pay off in the long-run by decreasing our health care costs (Medicaid alone is putting us in the hole). While we are at it, I think we should work on our obesity problem. Businesses do not want to relocate here because we are a liability to their bottom line because our health is so poor. When are people going to start making the connection between health and wealth???
Bill | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
How about cutting out those contracts to Vaughn Melton where they furnish a contract inspector to inspect state road construction projects? The state has the employees to do this but for some strange reason in some highway districts the contractor is given priority over the state personnel.Vaughn-Melton was getting something like $75 per hour for an inspector and the vehicle that they drive to the job.The inspector themself was probably making about 20-25 bucks per hour.Vaughn-Melton was getting the rest.This started under the Fletcher admministration and if it still continuing it needs to be investigated and stopped.
Clay | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Still can’t make the hard call, lay off those on probation, freeze hiring, and limit travel
Bill H | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
All probationary employees, interim employees and contractors should be immediately released before any permanent employee is touched. Then let’s see what we have.
There seems to be a lot of outrage at contractors. Do you think Beshear has any idea of the number of contractors?
The Finance Cabinet needs to go back to 37.5 hours and employees salaries adjusted.
Where are the unions? All I hear from them is that we will do so much for you, but I don’t see them protecting anything.
Thunder Storm | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Bank of America said Thursday …
……..
“The reductions are designed to eliminate redundancies created as a result of the merger with Merrill Lynch and to reflect the current recessionary environment,” Bank of America said in a statement.
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This is what state government needs to do. Get rid of the non merit redundancies, merge divisions, agencies, and do as Bank of America is doing.
Rob | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
If they are looking at layoffs and furloughs then why have job opens posted for state jobs to be filled.
Puzzled | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
There are still some agencies that are working 40 hours per week. If they were reduced to 37.5 that could result in a substantial savings.
I would favor a general sales tax increase to make it more fair rather than single one product (tobacco).
Also, the $8 million to be saved with the 3-day furlough is a pittance compared to the 10′s or 100′s of millions of dollars from the other proposals. I find that curious.
Finally, when is this proposal going to be reviewed by the GA? I’ve heard no dates yet, no deadlines.
inspector | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
How much is going to cost for the governor to go out and pitch this idea to the people?
Ted | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
What I dont understand is this.
He wants to furlough state workers, at a savings of 8 million. This will be a huge burden to many state workers who barely get by anyway.
8 million is a DROP in the proverbial bucket compared to the WASTED money spent on road contracts to people like Leonard Lawson, on projects that we don’t even need.
ru4uk | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Kentucky is a commonwealth. Increase sales tax so the entire population of our commonwealth pay the freight. To single out smaller groups (smokers) is not fair. Do we tax the obese more for the health issues overweight causes them and the $ burden it puts on the health care system. Heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, etc… To profile a group of law abiding and tax paying citizens is not the way to go. Whats next, increase for Catholics and reduction for Baptists. Get the gambling issue to the voters of Kentucky for their input. Can’t see any political harm in letting the people that put our elected officials in office make the decision for them. If we truly are a commonwealth lets all contribute and have a voice.
Mary Hargis | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I am a retired state worker who now works for the UAW as an organizer. Have you signed your membership card yet, Bill? The larger the voice the louder the sound. The Unions had a GEAC (Governor\’s Employee Advisory Council)meeting on Demeber 9th and we were told of the Governor\’s budget plan being in the works. We asked why the Unions were not involved in this as it directly affects our membership as stakeholders. We were not given a sufficient reply and the Union representatives walked out on the meeting. We have had limited success in signing state employees for various reasons (fear of retaliation, indifference, lack of knowledge in regard to Unions) but we are here and perhaps this 3 day furlough will put people to action. Remember, your bosses are elected officials. Go to the Personnel Cabinet web page, click on the GEAC heading and
help us to help you, get involved, sign a card.
Dennis | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Four steps to solving this problem. Raise the tobacco tax by 25cents per pack. This would increase revenue by $125 million based on a 10% reduction in carton volume that such an increse will cause(Remember the govs democratic buddies in Washington will be increasing cigs per carton by $6 to $7 per carton to pay for SCHIP legislation that Pres Bush vetoed this year). Add these two increases together and it increase the price of cigs by $10 per carton which will result in a significant decrease in tax revenues(30 per cent or more). Not the conditions you need when you are trying to cover a shortfall. Next raise the tax on beer and alcohol by the same percentage. This will keep you competitive with states around Ky and keep those out of staters paying Ky sales taxes on these purchases. Next raise the sales tax rate by 1/4 of 1% for three years-do NOT make it permanent,just keep it in place until the economy improves then revert back to current levels. This would amount to the consumer paying $2.50 more on a $1000.00 purchase. This move will generate more money than the tobacco and alcohol increases combined.Based on 2008 revenue so far,this will amount to $185 million just on this sales tax increase. Then cut the states budget across the board by 1%(including education). The cost savings from these four proposals amount to approximately $475 million dollars-$25 million more than the shortfall. Everyone contributes, smokers and drinkers pay more, and the budget ax does not have to cut so deeply.
Bill H | Dec 12, 2008 | Reply
Mary Hargis:
Why would I want to join a union when it doesn’t sound like you can do anything anyway? Walking out of a meeting – what does that solve? Tell me why I should pay my money to a union and what I get in return. I haven’t seen the unions accomplish anything yet. Workers want more money and better benefits – and if you can’t deliver that then why would I join?
Might save some money if the unions left state govt and let the workers go back to work.
Mary | Dec 12, 2008 | Reply
IF DAVID WILLIAMS FIGHTS AGAINST THE CIG. TAX AGAIN IN JANUARY, HE SHOULD BE, **@@**, FORCED TO LEAVE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE OF THE CONTINUED STRESS AND FINANCIAL BURDEN THIS WILL PUT ON KENTUCKIANS….
THE GOVERNOR WILL USE THIS TO CONTINUE HIS RAMPAGE OF CUTS, BLAMING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FOR NOT WORKING WITH HIM.
I SAY FIRE THEM ALL, TAKE ALL OF THEIR SALARY, EARMARKS, CORPORATE DONATIONS, CAMPAIGN FUNDS, DIVIDE ALL OF THAT MONEY BETWEEN KENTUCKIANS AND I’M SURE WE’D HAVE SOME MONEY FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!
red | Dec 12, 2008 | Reply
If you talk about 3 days off let do the math on the website a 175 jobs open. a av. of apay grade10 =24000*175=4,200,000.00
Phil Fogle | Dec 12, 2008 | Reply
Why not keep the 1% slap in the face raises they pay the state workers this would be easier than having them take off 3 days without pay. They are already underpaid anyway
C | Dec 12, 2008 | Reply
Why no cuts to prisons? You want to take $$ from education, but not from incarceration???! RELEASE NON-VIOLENT CRIMINALS, STUPID! you are willing to spend +/- $25,000 per inmate per year, but, not on a student??? this is another reason why KY is at the bottom of every list we are on— just STUPID! Commonsense isn’t common in the Commonwealth!
Anonymous | Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
Well, all I got to say is that I work approximately 12-18 weekends a year in state government, in addition to my regular work hours, because the job I do isn’t a 8-4:30 M-F job that can be closed the rest of the time (I WISHED I HAD ONE OF THOSE). So, to slap me in the face when I’m already giving up 3-4 months of my weekends a year to “the man” to keep the state looking good and helping others…let’s see how many of those weekends I work in the next year. I would say I’ll call in sick, but since it’s comp time, I don’t have to use my time since it’s an EXTRA day, there will just be a lot of cancellations and your administration, Mr. Beshear, will look bad. Looks like those salaried non-merits you hired will have to start working weekends, because I’m finished.
Chad | Dec 16, 2008 | Reply
Most citizens do not realize that inmates’ “privileges” are paid for by the inmates via profits from the jail canteen, not tax dollars. Also, states’ are limited in cutting penal budgets because of federal regulations and judicial precedence. Budget cuts to corrections are dangerous as are cuts to necessary services such as police, fire, and EMS. People want the drug dealers and thugs off the streets and in jail, but do not want to pay the price to put them there or keep them there. Please support your local corrections officers, these “unknown cops” take an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the commonwealth regardless of the sacrifice required. Thanks.
thomas grant | Dec 17, 2008 | Reply
once again the smokers has to pay the taxes for the rich, and all the non smokers. Thanks so much for making sure everone has to pay their share fair. The rich will still be able to afford their alcohol and bon bons. Theres a clue, put taxes on alcohol, somethin thats NEVER been taxes.