During the campaign, Combs had advocated a progressive platform that included increased funding for education, highways, parks, industry, and airports.[35] Soon after his election, he won approval for a three-percent sales tax to pay a bonus to military veterans, although he could have funded the bonuses with a one-percent tax.[11] He had asked for the larger tax in order to fund his other priorities.[11] As a result of the sales tax, Combs presided over the state's first billion-dollar budget.[36] One study showed that Kentucky doubled its per capita expenditures between 1957 and 1962, growing its appropriations faster than any other state.[36] Combs held large public relations events for each tax-funded project that was completed, declaring in dedication speeches that the sales tax had made the project possible.[35]