Published in the Lexington Herald Leader

By Kalista Pepper

This op-ed argues that a tax break in Kentucky, called the Angel Investment Tax Credit, is accidentally hurting the eastern part of the state by leaving out important local businesses like stores, construction companies, and nature-based tourism. Even though the state offers a huge 40% tax break in poor areas, it mostly helps new, fast-growing tech companies instead of the regular small businesses that are the backbone of rural towns.

The Appalachian region is missing about $70 billion that its businesses need, and it’s getting harder to get loans from banks. Because of this, the author thinks the tax break should be offered to more types of businesses. By giving tax breaks to investors who put money into businesses that focus on the community, Kentucky can make its financial rules match what the region truly needs. This will help create a stable economy and long-term growth.

Read more in the Lexington Herald Leader