Cig Tax, Social Workers Rallies This Week
Even though his plan for a 70 cent increase in the cigarette tax is getting the cold shoulder from state lawmakers, Governor Beshear obviously isn't giving up.
The governor is scheduled to attend a rally and news conference with the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and other organizations on Wednesday, March 19th at the Capitol. Beshear has said the House's budget plan is not realistic and pushes spending into future years. That's why he wants the 70 cent hike in a pack of cigarettes. So he's bringing some friends along to make the point on Wednesday. The House's budget included a 25 cent increase in the cig tax.
Also this week, the National Association of Social Workers is scheduled to hold a rally on Tuesday at the Capitol. Kentucky social workers are hoping to keep the revenue measures in the final state budget so front line social worker position aren't frozen or cut.