Tax Reform Commission Discusses Hiring Consultant at First Meeting

The special commission formed by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear to overhaul the state’s tax code held its first meeting Tuesday and put out a proposal to hire a consultant.It is expected the group will makes changes aimed at improving the state's ability to withstand future economic downturns, produce adequate revenue and make the code equitable for all taxpayers. The consultant is being hired to give the panel an outside perspective on how to improve the tax system and give Kentucky a competitive edge over surrounding states.From the Lexington Herald-Leader: Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson, chairman of the 23-member panel, said Beshear considered it “imperative that we have someone from the outside who could lead this group through the issues” the governor considers important. The consultant, Abramson said, will focus initially on how Kentucky’s tax structure measures up with surrounding states and should be in place by the commission’s next meeting on April 10. Cost for the consultant has not yet been determined, he added.The recommendations are expected by November 15.