FRANKFORT —
Gov. Steve Beshear called the mass shootings in Tucson, Ariz., which left six people dead and 14 others wounded, including U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, “a blot on our democracy” but said he sees no reason for additional security at Kentucky’s state capitol.
“I feel comfortable and I feel safe in our state capitol,” said Beshear during a news conference he called to urge low-income Kentuckians to take advantage of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. “Our rules and regulations here seem to work well. We haven’t had a problem with it.”
Under present state law, visitors to the state capitol may openly carry weapons. Last year, security officers removed a man from the House gallery who appeared to be wearing a holstered pistol (it turned out the holster was empty), leaving some lawmakers visibly shaken. There were calls for a ban on weapons in the state capitol but most lawmakers opposed a change in the law, which also allows them to carry hidden handguns if they have a concealed carry permit.
Beshear said the “legislature is in control” of the issue and he doesn’t see a reason to change the law.
Beshear called the press conference to urge low-income wage earners to file for the EITC — a refundable tax credit for federal taxpayers based on income level — “one of the most significant anti-poverty programs” and said it “puts money directly into the pockets” of low-income Kentuckians. He said the federal credit provides low-income taxpayers “money they receive and turn right around and spend in the local economy.”
He said 97 percent of the money returned in federal tax credits is spent in local communities. Two years ago, Kentucky taxpayers filed more than 400,000 claims for a total of $870 million. The average credit was a bit more than $2,100. Eligibility is based on income and family size. A family with two parents and two children can earn up to $45,373 and still qualify for credits for up to as much as $5,000. Still, an estimated 15 to 20 percent of eligible Kentucky taxpayers do not apply for the credits.
Beshear said that he supports the idea of a state EITC — an idea proposed repeatedly by lawmakers like Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, but that has never passed.
But not right now, Beshear said. “Quite frankly, we can’t afford it at this point.”
He was asked why it shouldn’t be implemented now if it significantly addresses poverty and aids the economy.
“I support it in the long run,” Beshear said, “but right now it would take several millions of dollars out of a balanced budget we can’t afford to take.” He dismissed the idea of cutting spending elsewhere or raising enough revenue from other sources to offset a state EITC.
Beshear said there are nearly 200 free-tax preparation sites in more than 80 counties where IRS-trained volunteers can assist taxpayers with taxes and applications for the EITC. Information and phone numbers for these sites can be found online at www.assistance.ky.gov, Beshear said.
Ronnie Ellis writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com. Follow CNHI News Service stories on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cnhifrankfort.
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