Some lawmakers, however, have said the issue could come up this session as an alternative revenue measure if Patton's proposed tax increase is rejected. House Majority Leader Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, has drafted a bill to legalize video slot machines in counties that have parimutuel wagering, but he said he will not introduce it unless he sees some support for it. Patton did not specifically mention VLTs. The tax plan includes applying the state's 6 percent sales tax to services such as car and computer repairs and interstate phone calls, but removing 200,000 low-income Kentuckians from the income tax rolls and lifting the state's property tax on vehicles. If Patton does not prevail in this session, he could try again in the 2002 General Assembly or call legislators into a special session at any time.
Lawmakers are skeptical about the governor's tax plan.
House Democrats may meet today to discuss it. They are wary that any vote they take could be undone by the Republican-controlled Senate. Patton has scheduled six stops today in Western Kentucky to explain and answer questions about his budget and tax plan. They are in Paducah, Murray, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, Henderson and Owensboro. E-mail this story to a friend.