Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Eastern Kentucky State Senator Files Legislation That Would Give Tax Rebates Back To Public Owned Convention Centers
State Senator Ray S. Jones II has filed a bill to allow certain governmental agencies to receive a rebate on sales taxes at government-owned convention centers. These rebates are intended to relieve taxpayers the burden of funding the operation of such facilities.
Under Senate Bill 236, a government entity in a county with a population of less than 100,000 that owns and operates a public facility, such as the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville, is entitled to a rebate of up to 100 percent of the Kentucky sales taxes collected from patrons through admission and concession sales. These multipurpose facilities, which seat more than 1,000, should offer public performances and programs relating to art, sports and entertainment. Use of the sales tax rebates are for operation of the facilities.
"This bill's intent is to create a funding source that does not put an additional strain on local taxpayers for the operation of facilities such as the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center," said Senator Jones, D- Pikeville. "This legislation will relieve both local taxpayers and local governments from the burden of supporting the operation of these facilities.
"It also may open the door for the construction of other government-owned convention centers in the Commonwealth," he added. "These centers allow communities to offer cultural and sporting events for their own citizens, as well as attract visitors to their communities.
Tourism is the third largest industry and second largest employer in the state. Tourism generates more than $10.1 billion annually and employees more than 176,000 Kentuckians.
Communities can not only feel the affects of increased tourist dollars, but also realize the benefits in growth and an increased economic base.
"The tourist dollar has a trickle-down affect that spreads to all our businesses and boosts our local economies," Jones added. "Tourism data shows that each new dollar spent turns over seven times in the community. This legislation could be catalyst for economic development."
Qualifying agencies must request rebates from the Department of Revenue.
Senator Jones, who has served in the State Senate since 2001, represents the 31st District, which includes Pike, Martin and Johnson counties. He serves on the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor, Judiciary, and Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations committees.
Under Senate Bill 236, a government entity in a county with a population of less than 100,000 that owns and operates a public facility, such as the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville, is entitled to a rebate of up to 100 percent of the Kentucky sales taxes collected from patrons through admission and concession sales. These multipurpose facilities, which seat more than 1,000, should offer public performances and programs relating to art, sports and entertainment. Use of the sales tax rebates are for operation of the facilities.
"This bill's intent is to create a funding source that does not put an additional strain on local taxpayers for the operation of facilities such as the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center," said Senator Jones, D- Pikeville. "This legislation will relieve both local taxpayers and local governments from the burden of supporting the operation of these facilities.
"It also may open the door for the construction of other government-owned convention centers in the Commonwealth," he added. "These centers allow communities to offer cultural and sporting events for their own citizens, as well as attract visitors to their communities.
Tourism is the third largest industry and second largest employer in the state. Tourism generates more than $10.1 billion annually and employees more than 176,000 Kentuckians.
Communities can not only feel the affects of increased tourist dollars, but also realize the benefits in growth and an increased economic base.
"The tourist dollar has a trickle-down affect that spreads to all our businesses and boosts our local economies," Jones added. "Tourism data shows that each new dollar spent turns over seven times in the community. This legislation could be catalyst for economic development."
Qualifying agencies must request rebates from the Department of Revenue.
Senator Jones, who has served in the State Senate since 2001, represents the 31st District, which includes Pike, Martin and Johnson counties. He serves on the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor, Judiciary, and Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations committees.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:30 PM 
