Jerry Abramson

Statewide Smoking Ban Supporters Make Second Pitch to Kentucky Legislators

Kenny Colston — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:25:05 +0000

Supporters of a statewide smoking ban in Kentucky are once again trying to persuade a House committee to pass the the legislation this session.

The House Judiciary Committee is the second committee—after House Health and Welfare—to hear the smoking ban bill sponsored by State Rep. Susan Westrom, a Lexington Democrat.

This time, property rights and business rights were the main topic of questioning, but Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson told the committee that Kentucky's businesses have long supported smoking bans.

"Some say the ban will have a negative impact on business," Abramson said. "And as I said to you, the Chamber of Commerce back at home and at the state made it clear that asthma and lung cancer keep employees out of their jobs."

Kentucky Lawmakers Ready for Tax Reform Legislation, but Bill Unlikely This Session

Kenny Colston — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:06:24 +0000

Kentucky lawmakers seemed eager to dig into another tax reform bill this year, but the chair of the latest tax reform commission says reform isn't likely coming soon.

Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson—who chaired the commission —and Mary Lassiter, the secretary of the cabinet, addressed lawmakers on the budget committees about the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Tax Commission.

Many lawmakers were eager to see a bill filed, even if tax reform is unlikely in this year's regular session. But Lassiter and Abramson implied that one was not likely anytime soon.

But State Rep. Jim Wayne, a Democrat from Louisville, who unveiled his own tax reform bill today, said he would still like the see the commission's suggestions in bill form.

Abramson: I'm Not Going to Run Against McConnell

Kentucky News Network — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 18:31:23 +0000

Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson will not be a Democratic Senate candidate in 2014, taking on the nation's most powerful Republican, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Abramson says having served about a quarter-century as Louisville Mayor before taking on his current post, he sees himself more as an executive, than a legislator.

Kentucky Tax Reform Commission Will Ask for More Time

Kentucky Public Radio — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:23:20 +0000

The Governor's Commission on Tax Reform will likely miss a November 15th deadline. Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson chairs the panel and says progress is being made, but more discussion is needed to finalize a report.

Panel Dismisses Idea of New Tax on Kentucky Food

Associated Press — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:40:31 +0000

A panel appointed by the governor to study tax reform in Kentucky has rejected a proposal to tax food at grocery stores. The idea was unpopular with the 17-member Blue Ribbon Commission of Tax Reform, which dismissed it as a burden on the poor. Consultants said a 6 percent tax could generate about $500 million each year.