Jim Waters joined WHAS' Mandy Connell on Monday morning and much of the discussion was focused on tax and budget reform. You can hear the podcast here:

In August we armed Kentuckians with a few key questions to ask their legislators about the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform. These questions are below and are still relevant!

(1) Despite the fact that most lawmakers from both sides of the aisle say Kentucky’s tax code is outdated and a hindrance to economic growth, Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson, the chairman of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform said last week that any kind of big, bold reform is unlikely. But Kentucky needs bold reform: The 2012 Alec-Laffer State Economic Competitive Index ranks Kentucky No. 39 out of 50 on economic outlook and No 49 out of 50 on our public debt and unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.

QUESTION for your legislators: What specific action will you take to make our tax policy more business-friendly, competitive and prosperous?

(2) Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson, who also is chairman of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform, recently indicated that a sweeping overhaul of the state’s tax code isn’t in the works. He also said: “I don’t think anyone ever thought there would be a complete rewrite of the tax code.”

QUESTION for Gov. Beshear: Do you agree with Lt. Gov. Abramson’s views? If so, did the tax commission fail to fulfill its purpose? If you do not agree with Lt. Gov. Abramson, what overhauls do you plan to address, and how?

To contact your legislator, call toll-free (800) 372-7181. You do not have to have to know the name of your legislator. You only need to give your name, address and question. It will then be forwarded to those legislators that represent your area of Kentucky.

To contact the Governor’s office, you will be transferred to a voice mail. All you need to do is leave your name, phone number and question.