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Lawmakers Warming To Local Option Sales Tax

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and his Louisville counterpart Greg Fischer lobbied hard for what’s called a “local option sales tax” in the 2014 session, but to no avail. Now, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle could be warming to the idea.

The local option sales tax, or as it’s been rebranded – LIFT, Local Investments for Transformation, is priority number one for the Democratically-led House. In 2014, legislation failed to clear either chamber, but leaders in both parties are signaling a little more optimism this time around.

Still, the bill faces a steep climb – 60 percent support in both the House and Senate is required, in addition to voter approval at the polls. If successful, local communities would be allowed to vote on temporary sales tax increases to fund specific projects.

Republican Senate President Robert Stivers says it’s an idea with some merit.

"I'm not going to push it. I'm not going to impose my will on the body, but that's democracy in its purest form," he says. "If this body feels like it wants to, Democrats and Republicans support it, then it will come to a vote."

Other Republicans, however, are wary of okaying another measure that could increase taxes, even if the majority of voters in a community are in favor.

House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he expects up to 40 co-sponsors to eventually sign on to House Bill 1. 

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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