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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Tax Reform Case Pleaded for Special Session

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Monday, June 1, 2009   

Frankfort, KY - Governor Steve Beshear will recall Kentucky lawmakers to the Capitol June 15 to deal with a $996 million shortfall in the state's general fund budget for the new fiscal year that begins July 1. The gap of almost a billion dollars is the largest in modern Kentucky history and will likely result in more spending cuts.

Leaders of both Democratic and Republican parties say tax increases are not an option, but a new coalition disagrees. The group, Kentucky Forward, wants elected leaders to consider tax reform during the special session.

K. A. Owens of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth says the state has depended on one-time Band-Aid fixes for long-term budget problems.

"We want to call upon the governor and legislative leaders to include comprehensive tax reform on the agenda of any special session aimed at addressing the budget crisis."

Owens says tax reform can support and sustain high-quality schools, health care, and public safety. He adds that Kentucky Forward wants to see both lower taxes and more funding for these essential programs.

"We want to minimize taxes on low-income people, and we want to see some reforms that provide adequate and sustainable revenue over time."

Not everyone agrees with the new coalition. The Kentucky Club for Growth, an anti-tax group, issued a statement expressing disagreement.

"A real solution would meet state priorities by focusing on greater economic growth in Kentucky, not by asking for more from Kentucky taxpayers. Our current tax code burdens job creation and the focus of reform need to be on lessening that burden, not increasing it."


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