Kentucky lawmakers send bill to cut the state's income tax to the governor. He supports it.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky lawmakers completed their work Tuesday to reduce the state's individual income tax rate, delivering on a top Republican priority just five days into this year's session.

Final passage came on a 34-3 Senate vote to lower the tax to 3.5% from 4% at the start of 2026. The bill goes to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who has said he supports the tax cut. It continues a downward trend in the personal income tax since the GOP gained full control of the legislature in 2017.

"It's been said that there are only two things in life that are certain -- it's death and taxes," Republican Sen.

Chris McDaniel said Tuesday. "We've added another thing that's fairly certain - which is the General Assembly is going to do everything in its power, and frequently with success, to lower your taxes. And that's what House Bill 1 is all about."

Supporters say the lower tax rate will promote long-term economic growth and population gains in Kentucky by enabling people to keep more of the money they earn.