Tom Diaz, Perry Chipps, Micki Crider, Tom Crider and Mary Jane Cothran DVP
at the April 19 Spring Sprint meeting at Miss Scarlett's Restaurant in Grand Rivers, Ky.

Chapter President Tom Crider holding up
Plaque and Check for the Highest Percentage of Chapter Attendance at the Spring Sprint.
The Chapter also received recognition for the newest members ( Tom & Laurel Diaz ).

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Footnote
Perry Chipps gave a speech on the subject of Governor Ernie Fletcher’s proposed changes to the Kentucky tax structure.  In particular, Governor Fletcher is proposing a tax on government retirees’ pension annuities.  An article appeared in the Evansville (IND) Courier about Governor Fletcher’s proposal, which mentioned this item, and another article appeared in today’s (3-17-2004) Paducah (KY) Sun, which did not mention the particulars of the proposal.  After reading the Courier article, Mr. Chipp’s of our Chapter 1373 spent many hours on the phone seeking clarification but was unable to get more specific information from anyone, including state and national officers of NARFE.  He finally solicited assistance from Rep. Mike Cherry (Princeton, KY) who is a member of the state committee on budget review and appropriations.  Rep. Cherry was certainly sympathetic.  He promised to look into the matter and help in any way he could.

Members of our local Chapter are extremely upset over the prospect of paying a tax on their pensions and seek your assistance and influence in overturning this item of the proposed budget.  One member of our Chapter re-calculated his estimated taxes based upon the proposal and he said he would have to pay several thousands of dollars in additional taxes if the budget was passed as currently written.  The pensions these retirees receive are small and to enact a tax on them would be a huge burden.  In addition, members of the Chapter feel that Governor Fletcher’s proposed budget is vague and not specific enough and would allow state lawmakers too much leeway in interpreting how to enact this legislation.  We all feel that this issue is too important to too many people for the legislature to push Governor Fletcher’s tax changes through without more in-depth discussion and thought.  We would appreciate any effort you can exert on our behalf to see that this item is eliminated from the proposed budget.
 

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