Earlier I reported on the reaction of Kentucky Judges to the budget cuts imposed on the judicial branch this year. It was one of those moments which should alert people to the politics of the court. Well if that didn't, this should.
Justices of the Kentucky Supreme Court oversee the entire judicial branch of government. By a constitutional amendment in the late 70's the Kentucky Supreme Court was established as a new entity. It was designed to serve as a super board of directors responsible for the management of the entire court system, which includes the Circuit and District Clerks offices and thousands of state employees.
Primary appellate responsibility remained with the Court of Appeals where it had always been. In fact, with few rare exceptions, the Supreme Court is not required to hear the appeal of any cases whatsoever. It's primary purpose is a governmental one.
Now, with the Governor of Kentucky, the House of Representatives and the Kentucky Senate treating tax increases like a hot potato, the Supreme Court is likely to increase a secret tax which no one ever gets to vote on, except the court itself.
Mark Hebert is reporting that the seven justices will be asked to vote to increase court fees in an effort to supplement the budgetary considerations given by the legislature. The money will flow into the Executive Branch budget to the tune of over $13 million.
So what's the incentive you ask? How about this, the Court gets $5 million of the money!
That's right, seven judges hold the power to take over $13 million out of our economy for government projects.
Oh, by the way, did you get the chance to ask any of them about their views on tax increases when they were running for office? I didn't think so.
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