Hello Dave, the Greater Louisville District, and friends of the club industry.  Yes, the following language from Kentucky HB 223 is almost exactly the same language that Jim Wayne (D) and others tried to get passed last year.  I was told by insiders last year that he tries to get these same amendments in and passed every session, and that for 2008, there “wasn’t a snowballs chance in h___” of it passing. 

After reading this and seeing the others sponsoring I fear that with the state of the economy, the $456 million budget gap, and Kentucky’s legal requirement to have a balanced budget, it may stand a better chance this time around, although that is pure speculation.  I think it may again be time to mount a challenge with phone calls, letters, e-mails, etc. 

Bill Farmer (R) is trying to push through tax modernization, I’ll try to get in touch with him and see where he thinks this bill is heading.  In the meantime, I’ve copied the GLD on this and I think we should all again contact our elected officials and remind them what great contributions we make in our communities and how damaging additional taxes on a) Income over $75,000 and b) Greens Fees and Membership Fees at Private Clubs could be to our memberships, resulting in job cuts, less spending in the communities, etc.

I hope everyone will take a moment to contact their legislators.  You can call 800-372-7181 and leave a message for all Representatives voicing your objection to HB223.  I’ve also attached the letter I drafted last year in opposition to then HB 262.  I’ve updated it to oppose HB 223 for 2009.  I encourage you to send this letter to Jim Wayne and all of the other bill sponsors below.  Their addresses are available on the OVC Web Site under the Legislative tab in a spreadsheet of Kentucky Legislators. 

Thank you again, Dave, for alerting me to this bill. 

Best regards,

Gerald