"Right-to-work" guts Kentucky budget

Since Kentucky passed an unconstitutional right-to-scab law early this year, the state now has the weakest jobs outlook in modern times.

The Kentucky economy has been weakened so much that the state's General Fund - which pays for most public services - is expected to have a shortfall of $113.2 million when the fiscal year ends on June 30.

So what's in store for Kentuckians? A sales tax increase - of course. And more budget cuts - of course. State officials won't do anything smart like repeal right-to-scab, or eliminate handouts for corporations and Answers in Genesis.

Out-of-touch right-wing extremists like State Rep. Steven Rudy seem to be generating lots of laughs directed at their own visages. Rudy declared, "I think the people would say they prefer a more consumption-based tax system to one that taxes incomes."

Um, no.

But - under one-party Republican rule - that's what we're likely to get. The scandal-tarred Matt Bevin plans to expand Kentucky's 6% sales tax to cover all food items. As states like Idaho are on the brink of repealing food taxes - progress in Idaho was blocked only by a right-wing governor's veto - Kentucky revs up in reverse.

It's a Republican tradition. They mismanaged the state budget and passed laws that kill jobs - and now they're leaving the people on the hook to pay for this greed and incompetence. Oh well, nothing new.

(Source: http://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article148120724.html)