Kentucky is fortunate to have unique attributes that make our state attractive to business and industry. Kentucky coal provides low cost electrical energy. Geographically, we are within two trucking days of over two-thirds of the population of the United States. Kentucky has a low cost of living relative to most other states. Kentucky has excess capacity in industrial and commercial real estate. Kentucky’s work force is loyal, dedicated and hard working. We have unique and diverse cultural opportunities. Kentucky’s State Park System and recreational areas are among the best in the nation.
With these wonderful attributes why is Kentucky not overrun with job growth? Currently our economic and legislative climate is not business friendly. To attract business and industry to Kentucky and support private sector job creation:
-
I support elimination of the state personal and corporate income tax and would support other measures to reduce the tax burden on small businesses.
-
I support property tax abatements and other real estate related tax incentives to encourage economic development in instances where a financially sound and reasonable projection shows a net economic benefit to the community and a commitment of longevity and resources is obtained from the business.
-
I support right to work legislation. Kentucky workers should be free to choose to work without required union membership.
-
I support state legislation that would oppose any attempt by the federal government to implement “card check” legislation in our Commonwealth. Kentucky workers deserve the right to privacy which a secret-ballot election ensures.
-
I support state legislation that would oppose the unconstitutional provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 as they dramatically increase healthcare costs for families and businesses in Kentucky.
Alternatively, I advocate: Revision of current Certificate of Need regulations to allow greater competition among healthcare providers; Tort reform to reduce the cost of malpractice insurance; and, legislation to limit pharmaceutical prices in Kentucky to the lowest price offered by the manufacturer in any international market.
-
I oppose any form of cap and trade or carbon-tax legislation and would support state opposition to any such federal law or regulation.
Recent attempts by the federal government to stabilize the economy and stimulate job growth through legislation such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act which created the Troubled Asset Relief Program have failed to produce even moderate job growth. The Keynesian economic theory of government intervention and large public sector spending which is the basis for these programs is not the answer to our current economic crisis. These programs prove that government is unmatched at creating work but cannot foster significant job growth. Sustainable employment originates in the private sector with small business as the primary job creator. The only way government facilitates the creation of jobs is to get out of the way of the private sector. The six steps enumerated above are designed to remove government as an obstacle to economic growth and provide a legislative climate that is attractive to business and industry.
Kentucky has the opportunity to lead the nation in securing a sustainable economic recovery complete with a variety of job opportunities for its workers. Combined with the unique attributes that make our state attractive to business and industry, the six steps above will ensure economic recovery and employment for the people of Kentucky.
