Senate Bill 194 was labeled a “shell bill” which basically serves as a place holder. It was then amended with tax rebate language which would give single filers a rebate of up to $500 and joint filers up to $1,000 back on last year’s taxes. Republican Senator Chris McDaniel, the chief sponsor of the bill says the bill would help Kentuckians who are dealing with “crushing inflation.”
Democrat Senator Reggie Thomas calls the bill another measure that gives a tax benefit to the wealthy and harms poor working families.
Thomas supports the Governor’s plan to temporarily lower the sales tax which he says would benefit all Kentuckians. The two Democrats on the committee were not present for the vote, which passed unanimously by Republican lawmakers. McDaniel says if the legislation becomes law, rebate checks would be in Kentuckians hands by the end of summer.
Response from Crystal Staley, Governor Andy Beshear’s Director of Communications on SB 194:
“The Governor will carefully review any proposal, but he has not yet received a copy of the legislation. Last week, along with House Democratic Caucus Whip Representative Angie Hatton of Whitesburg, the Governor proposed temporarily cutting the state sales tax to 5%, which directly addresses inflation by lowering prices for all Kentucky families and small businesses.”
