Minority Democrats in the Kentucky House withheld deciding votes from a bipartisan bill in protest of their treatment during the 2020 legislative session, leading to accusations of breached trust on the chamber floor.
House Bill 475 — a constitutional amendment aimed at diversifying local government taxing options — was handed a sudden and unexpected defeat Friday. Despite enjoying cosponsors on both sides of the aisle, the measure was derailed as members of the minority caucus banded together in dissent. Fifteen either voted against or abstained from voting.
One goal, according to Frankfort Rep. Derrick Graham, was "to let our feelings be heard in regard to the process, not only of this particular bill but of the whole process of legislation not being heard from our side."
Member also cited concerns that the amendment, which would require voter approval at the ballot box, could lead to more taxes they consider regressive and dampen any momentum for comprehensive tax reform at the state level.
While Republicans expressed dismay with the turn of events, House Minority Whip Angie Hatton said she had warned House leadership not to count on Democratic votes if the bill was brought to the floor. Still, the decision by the minority to flex their political muscle led to stern rebukes from some Republicans, who said the opposing party should be "ashamed" of voting against a bill some had signed on to.
"You've made a point. The point is you're weak. You're an embarassment," Rep. Randy Bridges said before being gaveled down.
House Speaker David Osborne charged that Democrats who chose to thwart the bill were more interested in scoring points than making policy.
Lacking minority support, the amendment failed to meet the 60-vote threshold needed to pass the House, but Democrats expressed hope that the conversation about giving communities more taxing authority could continue, and a local taxing expansion could be considered again in the future.
