Tax reform commission holds first meeting

The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform held its first meeting today in Frankfort. The commission was appointed to review Kentucky’s tax code and to make recommendations on how to improve it.

The first meeting was primarily an organizational session. Kentucky’s chief economist Greg Harkenrider presented a “Tax Boot Camp” for members of the commission. He discussed the five issues the governor asked the commission to consider: elasticity, fairness, economic growth, competitiveness and adequacy. He also went over several state tax rankings. Although this meeting was an introduction to tax theory and principles, there was a notable focus on the concept of “adequacy.”

Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson announced that all meeting information will be available on the Lieutenant Governor’s website.  The commission website also provides a sign-up form to present to the commission and a place for business owners and individuals to make public comments.