Martina Jackson (Democrat)
Tax Policy
Existing tax exemptions are critical to maintaining Kentucky as the place to do business for the horse industry and growing the nearly 80,000 jobs supported by our industry. These exemptions include sales tax on veterinary and pharmaceutical services for equines, the sale of horses to out-of-state buyers and equine boarding services.
Will you continue supporting tax exemptions like these that are proven to have a positive impact on the state?
I would continue to support tax exemptions to support our horse industry.
Due to a decision made by the legislature several decades ago, there is currently a confusing and burdensome division in sales tax policy on livestock feed and supplies depending on whether a farmer is purchasing for their equines or for other types of livestock. For equines, sales tax is required. For other livestock, the purchase is exempt from sales tax. KEEP has long called for tax parity for equines, which would be especially beneficial to smaller businesses. In 2017, the Kentucky legislature formally broadened the definition of livestock to include equines.
Would you support tax parity and extend the sales tax exemption on feed and supplies to all livestock, including equines?
I would work to find the best solution to move towards tax parity for feed and supplies for equines.
Land Use Policy
In a recent legislative session, legislation was proposed that would allow the state to supersede local governments’ land use ordinances. KEEP believes that land use and its economic impact is not a one-size-fits-all issue and local governments should maintain their ability to make land use policy. In counties like Fayette and Woodford, horse farm land is the lifeblood of the economy. Without local consideration and protections, that economy could evaporate overnight.
What is your position on local land use decision-making, particularly as it applies to the horse industry?
I am well aware that counties vary in their needs, and industries. I acknowledge that one size fits all can be more harmful be potentially more harmful to groups, and organizations. Our legislature should be mindful of that in their policy making. I would look to address a more fair approach to the industry as to not cause harm to local governments and small business owners.
Similarly, during the last legislative session, there was an effort to give control over siting for industrial solar facilities to a state commission, rather than local communities. This would also impact Kentucky’s limited horse farm land. Additionally, many of the issues with industrial solar facilities may not be felt until the decommissioning process decades down the road.
What is your position on whether industrial solar siting should be made at the local level?
Again, I am looking to find the best approach or policy that helps industries thrive, and not cause harm to Kentucky in the long term. I would consider the implications that each of these particular entities have on one another. A solution that can maintain healthy diversity in our economy, but mindful of the long term impact on Kentucky is key. I don’t want to generate harmful policies towards the equine community.
Sports Wagering and Expanded Gaming
Sports wagering is now legal or is pending in all but 14 states, including in 6 states that border Kentucky. KEEP believes that legal sports wagering in Kentucky could have a positive impact on our horse industry, especially with how the legislation was previously drafted in Kentucky to include the industry. Gaming issues like sports wagering may come before the legislature.
Would you be supportive of legalized sports betting that would provide economic investment and jobs in your district?
I would support legalizing sports betting in Kentucky.
In 2021, Kentucky saw a proliferation of “skill games” across the state. These slot-like machines are unregulated, not taxed, and pose a threat to the legal, regulated gaming options provided by charitable gaming operators, the Kentucky Lottery, and Kentucky’s horse industry.
Would you support the elimination or regulation of “skill games” in Kentucky?
I would support regulation of skill games in Kentucky.
Job Training and Workforce Development
Over the past four years, KEEP has worked in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation to create a Talent Pipeline Initiative focused on how to fill the needs of the horse industry’s demand for labor and how to bring more Kentuckians into the industry.
As Frankfort considers the importance of job training and workforce development programs, will you commit to including the horse industry in those conversations?
As we look at the workforce shortages, this is critical time to make sure that we meet the demands of many industries such as our horse industry. I would work to be mindful and partner with those looking to train and develop our workforce.
Equine Events
In 2010, the Kentucky Horse Park hosted the World Equestrian Games. This event successfully showcased the “Horse Capital of the World” on the global stage. However, in the 12 years since that event, Kentucky has not bid on hosting other large-scale events.
Would you encourage the state to bid on international events and return a spotlight to the Commonwealth?
I think it is important that we not only look at how we can attract folks nationally to Kentucky, but internationally. We need to be globally minded and engaged because we do have a lot to showcase here in the commonwealth. I would support working towards being ready to host an international bid for the World Equestrian Games.