Kentucky lawmakers work to pass budget and tax bills

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ)- Amid chants from thousands of protesting teachers, lawmakers passed through the senate a new tax bill and budget bill.

Despite strong opposition from democrats and teachers, the republican majority is on their way to passing a new 2-year state budget and tax reform.

The budget bill would increase funding for K-12 education to $4,000 per pupil.

It also fully funds transportation costs for districts, something Gov. Matt Bevin had proposed cutting.

However, the bill keeps many of Gov. Bevin’s proposed cuts to higher education.

The tax bill, among many things would cut the individual and corporate tax rate to 5%.

It would also increase the cigarette tax by 50 cents and create a 6% sales tax for several services including car repair, gyms, and dry cleaning.

Republicans say the two bills will make Kentucky more competitive but democrats say the bills will directly hurt working class Kentuckians.