House bill 257 would create a "gross utilities tax" on just about everything in your home, even the kitchen sink!

It's a three percent tax on nearly all your bills --from your water bill, to your phone bill, your cell phone, electricity, Cable or satellite service, even your natural gas bill.

Facing a $900 million budget shortfall over the next two years, House Budget Committee Chairman Harry Moberly (D- Madison) had said he was working on a plan to raise about $400 million.

This could be it.

The bill earmarks money for school districts across Kentucky.

If you pay $200 per month to LG & E,

$60 for cable or satellite tv,

$50 more telephone,

And let's say a $90 per month cell phone bill.

And a $70 water bill.

The extra three percent tax would cost a total of about $14 per month.

And, that's on top of an occupational tax and property tax in Jefferson County, that other counties don't have.

Metro Louisville' s lobbyist in Frankfort estimates it would generate at least $50 million locally, calling that a "huge burden" on Jefferson County.

A Greater Louisville Inc. spokeswoman says GLI hasn't taken an official position, but it's clear that they "could not support" this tax increase.

Ford and G-E tell GLI the tax would cost the companies about $1 million each per year.

House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark (D- Jefferson) says he's concerned that the bill would be a punitive tax on business.

Still to be determined is how much of the money generated by a county would stay in a particular county for its schools.

None of the school board members at a diversity forum tonight would comment.

The Jefferson County School Board will meet with local lawmakers about the bill tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Tomorrow afternoon, the utilities tax bill will be heard in the Appropriations and Revenue committee. Harry Moberly is the chairman, which insiders say tremendously increases the chances that the bill will proceed.