Thursday, January 30, 2014

Day Seventeen of KY's 2014 Session In Review

HB1, a bill that would raise the state’s minimum hourly wage of $7.25 to $10.10 by July 2016 cleared the House Labor and Industry Committee on Thursday. The wage would be increased incrementally to $8.10 an hour this July, $9.15 per hour in July 2015, and $10.10 an hour the following July under House Bill 1, sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg. The legislation also proposes a prohibition on wage discrimination, specifying that Kentucky workers be paid equal wages for equal work, regardless of sex, race, or national origin, with a few exceptions based on seniority, merit pay, or productivity measures. Stumbo said approximately 391,000 working Kentuckians earn less than $10.10 an hour—including parents of one in five Kentucky children. He added that the current state minimum wage rate translates roughly to $15,080 in gross annual pay for many full-time Kentucky workers. HB 1, he explained, would raise that to $16,209 a year for those workers.
SB8, a measure that would change the informed consent process for the abortion procedure in Kentucky was approved by the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee today. SB8, sponsored by Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, would require an ultrasound prior to informed consent being given for an abortion. Under provisions of the bill, the physician would be required to display the ultrasound images and provide a medical description of the images. A woman would not be required to look at the images if she prefers not to, according to the legislation.

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Click on the links below

    LINKS TO SOME OF TODAY's HEADLINES:

     UPCOMING MEETINGS:

    Friday, January 24, 2014
    9:00am, House Chambers
    House Convenes (Orders of the Day)
    9:00am, Senate Chambers
    Senate Convenes (Orders of the Day)

    SOME OF THE LATEST POLITICAL STORIES:


    By Sam Youngman syoungman@herald-leader.com Actress and Kentucky native Ashely Judd said Thursday she had no second thoughts about her decision against challenging Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky's U.S. Senate race this year. "At this time, absolutely not," Judd told Politico Thursday. "And I'm grateful for that because life is not always so tidy. I didn't understand why at first because it was a very below-the-neck experience, it was very guttural. I didn't have an explanation at first but then my life became very clear in terms of my need and desire right now to spend a lot of time with family." Judd [...]
    Fri, Jan 31, 2014 1:20:00 AM, Continue reading at the source

    The Senate Education committee on Thursday approved a bill that addressed when high school students can use Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship money. .Click to Continue » [...]
    Thu, Jan 30, 2014 11:22:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

    WASHINGTON – So we know a lot of people watch the Super Bowl for the ads more than the football. Well, okay, among sports fans, they like the ads and the football. Anyway, we already know that this year’s Super Bowl broadcast is featuring commercials for yogurt, cars (well, duh), beer (double-duh), candy, cereal and soda. Well, we are here to tell you that there will also be ads for – yes indeed! – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who is seeking his sixth term. McConnell has purchased ads in Kentucky to air on Fox stations in Louisville and Lexington during [...]
    Thu, Jan 30, 2014 10:26:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

    A bill that would require more training to help Kentucky doctors recognize and prevent abusive head trauma in children won approval Thursday from a legislative committee.Click to Continue » [...]
    Thu, Jan 30, 2014 9:34:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

    By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT -- The state House signed off Thursday on a bill that would require state and local government agencies to notify citizens if their personal information on government computers is exposed or hijacked. House Bill 5, backed by Auditor Adam Edelen, got unanimous approval in the House on the chamber's consent calendar. The legislation, co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Denny Butler of Louisville and Republican Sal Santoro of Florence, requires state and local government agencies to notify individuals affected by a data breach within 35 days of the incident. Notification must be provided on the agency's website and to the media. [...]
    Thu, Jan 30, 2014 8:51:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

    Nearly half of Kentuckians have a poor view of the Affordable Care Act, and 57 percent say they don't have enough information to know whether the sweeping health care reform…Click to Continue » [...]
    Thu, Jan 30, 2014 7:23:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

    Calling it a war on free speech, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is urging the head of the Internal Revenue Service to resist rule changes regarding politically active groups that are tax-exempt.The Obama administration is tightening the tax code for non-profits under section 501(c)4 to curb the influence of "social welfare" groups, which are often involved in political campaigns and activities. [...]
    Thu, Jan 30, 2014 5:35:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

    WASHINGTON – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s “bridgegate” troubles are costing him in the polls in the 2016 presidential race, but that appears to be helping other Republicans more than Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. Paul had the support of 11 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents surveyed in the latest Washington Post-ABC News Poll, about the same level of backing the Kentuckian has seen in other polls. But that now puts him in fifth place in the GOP field, compared to second or third place in some earlier national polls. The Post-ABC survey of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents found that Wisconsin Rep. Paul [...]
    Thu, Jan 30, 2014 4:44:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

    A large majority of insured and uninsured Kentuckians say they still lack the necessary information about the Affordable Care Act to determine its impact on them.And a declining number of residents view the federal overhaul favorably compared to two years ago. [...]
    Thu, Jan 30, 2014 1:00:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

    They say it could save millions of dollars by eliminating the office of Kentucky State Treasurer. [...]
    Fri, Jan 31, 2014 4:20:07 AM, Continue reading at the source

    Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says industrial hemp will make a comeback in Kentucky after decades of being banned if Congress finishes work on a farm bill that includes hemp language. [...]
    Fri, Jan 31, 2014 4:20:07 AM, Continue reading at the source

    After more than two years of partisan squabbles over food and farm policy, the House passed and sent to the Senate Wednesday an almost $100 billion-a-year, compromise farm bill containing a small cut in food stamps and preserving most crop subsidies. [...]
    Fri, Jan 31, 2014 4:20:07 AM, Continue reading at the source

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    Wednesday, January 29, 2014

    Day Sixteen of KY's 2014 Session In Review

    A Senate committee approved SB1 on Wednesday. The legislation would allow voters to decide on a proposed amendment to the state constitution to permit the General Assembly to prohibit the adoption of administrative regulations it finds deficient. SB1, sponsored by Sen. Joe Bowen and Sen. President Robert Stivers was approved by members of the Senate State and Local Government Committee on a 7-4 vote. “It is important because it preserves the basic tenants of a democratic form of government— that being a balance of power, a system of checks and balances,” Bowen said of the legislation.
    HB 154, a bill that would require certification of  Kentucky school finance officers, change annual in-service training requirements for school board members and superintendents, and require both monthly and yearly public financial reports from districts passed the House after much debate and political wrangling. HB 154, sponsored by Rep. Mike Denham, cleared the House by a 58-41 vote on Wednesday.
    A bill that would allow low-level one-time Kentucky felons to ask the courts to seal—or “expunge”—their felony record has passed the House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 64, sponsored by Rep. Darryl T. Owens, would apply to “Class D” felons whose conviction was not based on a sex offense, crime against the elderly, or crime against child; who completed their sentence or probation at least five years prior; and who was not convicted of a felony before their conviction and has not been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or violation since. It would also apply to those for whom felony charges did not result in an indictment, and would provide discrimination protection for felons whose records have been expunged. The bill would apply to any eligible felon, regardless of how many decades have passed since their conviction. As many as 94,000 individuals could be eligible for expungement under the legislation, according to Owens. Current Kentucky law only allows expungement in misdemeanor cases.


    newlogoshraderbuLEGISLATIVE TRACKERS BY INTEREST

    Click on the links below

      LINKS TO SOME OF TODAY's HEADLINES:


       UPCOMING MEETINGS:

      Thursday, January 30, 2014
      8:30am, Annex Room 171
      HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
      Agenda: Update on the propane price and supply problems in Kentucky from representatives of the Office of the Attorney General, Kentucky Propane Gas Association, and the Energy and Environment Cabinet
      9:00am, Annex Room 169
      SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON VETERANS, MILITARY AFFAIRS, AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
      10:00am, Annex Room 125
      HOUSE BUDGET REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
      10:00am, Annex Room 125
      HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND INDUSTRY
      Agenda: Consideration of HB 251, HB 108, HB 1 and HB 191
      10:00am, Annex Room 149
      SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM, AND LABOR
      11:30am, Annex Room 171
      SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
      Noon, Annex Room 169
      HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND WELFARE
      Agenda: Consideration of Referred Bills: HB 146 and HB 157
      Noon, Annex Room 154
      HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT
      Agenda: Consideration of HB 137, HB 138, HB 228 and HB 229

      2:00 pm, House Chambers
      House Convenes (Orders of the Day)
      2:00 pm, Senate Chambers
      Senate Convenes (Orders of the Day)

      SOME OF THE LATEST POLITICAL STORIES:


      Gov. Steve Beshear sees no need for a constitutional amendment approved Wednesday by a Senate committee that would curb the governor's power to issue administrative regulations.Click to Continue » [...]
      Wed, Jan 29, 2014 11:58:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

      A bill that would further reduce state regulation of telephone service in Kentucky could speed through Senate committee and floor votes on Thursday.Click to Continue » [...]
      Wed, Jan 29, 2014 10:43:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

      By Sam Youngman syoungman@herald-leader.com A new poll from a liberal-leaning group shows Kentucky's U.S. Senate race remains deadlocked, but the news isn't all bad for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. A survey conducted by Public Policy Polling group for the liberal group Americans United for Change found little change in a head-to-head match-up between McConnell and likely Democratic nominee Alison Lundergan Grimes, with McConnell leading 45 percent to 44 percent. The same company polled Kentucky in late December and found McConnell leading Grimes 43 percent to 42 percent. The margin of error in the most recent poll was plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. Of[...]
      Wed, Jan 29, 2014 9:22:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

      Here’s what Gov. Steve Beshear said during an impromptu interview Wednesday about being recognized by President Obama in the State of the Union address Tuesday night: Gov. Steve Beshear “It was obviously an honor for both Jane and me to be the guests of the President of the United States and the First Lady, to witness the State of the Union address and be able to meet with them and talk with them for a few minutes while we were there. It was also a great honor for this state – to be mentioned in the State of the Union address by [...]
      Wed, Jan 29, 2014 7:13:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

      WASHINGTON – Just as Republicans generally gave President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday poor reviews, Democrats on the whole praised the speech. The lone Democrat in the Kentucky congressional delegation, Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Louisville, has been a staunch defender of the president and an advocate for his policies. The 3rd District congressman was pleased with what he heard from Obama, especially the president’s recognition of Kentucky’s efforts so far in implementing the Affordable Care Act. Yarmuth said this in a statement: “Tonight, the president made a powerful case for rebuilding the economic security that is the foundation of our middle class. [...]
      Wed, Jan 29, 2014 6:44:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

      WAShINGTON – Shortly before President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address Tuesday night, Rep. Ed Whitfield issued a statement charging that the administration’s policies on climate change were costing Americans jobs. Whitfield, R-1st District, is chairman of the House subcommittee on energy and power and has been a frequent critic of Obama’s efforts to curb carbon pollution. Kentucky, of course, is a major coal-producing and coal-consuming state. Here is what Whitfield said: “Tonight, President Obama will devote a considerable amount of his State of the Union address talking about climate change, which should be unnerving to anyone in America who [...]
      Wed, Jan 29, 2014 6:37:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

      Former Louisville mayoral candidate Hal Heiner is launching a new group aimed at helping Kentucky Republicans win a majority in the state House.The political organization is called New Direction Kentucky, and as an independent expenditure it will be able to raise and spend an unlimited amount of money to aid GOP candidates running this year.Democrats are clinging to a 54-46 majority in the lower chamber, and many observers believe 2014 could be the year Republicans take over. [...]
      Wed, Jan 29, 2014 6:00:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

      Hal Heiner, likely Republican candidate for Kentucky governor is working to make some allies in the state's legislature. He is launching a PAC to help Republicans take control of the…Click to Continue » [...]
      Wed, Jan 29, 2014 3:16:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

      By Sam Youngman syoungman@herald-leader.com Likely Republican gubernatorial candidate Hal Heiner is working to make some allies in the Kentucky legislature. Heiner, a former Louisville councilman and mayoral candidate, announced Wednesday he is launching a Super PAC, New Direction Kentucky, that will focus on helping Republicans in their effort to take back the Kentucky House for the first time since 1921. "The Kentucky House of Representatives has been controlled by a single party for almost a century," Heiner said in a statement. "And in that time, Kentucky has fallen far behind our competitor states. Our unemployment remains high, our per-capita income ranks near the [...]
      Wed, Jan 29, 2014 3:09:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

      Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says industrial hemp will make a comeback in Kentucky after decades of being banned if Congress finishes work on a farm bill that includes hemp language. [...]
      Thu, Jan 30, 2014 3:47:24 AM, Continue reading at the source

      After more than two years of partisan squabbles over food and farm policy, the House passed and sent to the Senate Wednesday an almost $100 billion-a-year, compromise farm bill containing a small cut in food stamps and preserving most crop subsidies. [...]
      Thu, Jan 30, 2014 3:47:24 AM, Continue reading at the source

      Ahead of an anticipated run for Kentucky Governor, former Louisville Metro Councilman Hal Heiner on Wednesday announced the formation of a Independent Expenditure group aimed at electing Republicans to the statehouse. [...]
      Thu, Jan 30, 2014 3:47:24 AM, Continue reading at the source
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      Day Fifteen of KY's 2014 Session In Review

      There is a full calendar today with BR Subcommittee on Human Resources hearing the Medicaid Budget at 10:00 am and Senate Health & Welfare will consider SB 52, a bill that will create a Medicaid pilot program at 10:00 am. In addition, eight other committees will meet today before the Senate and House convene at 2:00 pm.
      A total of 221 candidates filed for the House and Senate by the 4:00 pm deadline yesterday. To see a full listing of candidates click here.
      The Senate Agriculture Committee approved SB 78 on Tuesday, amending the state’s legal definition of a dog owner. According to Sen. Chris Girdler, R-Somerset, who sponsored SB 78, the bill would prohibit rental property owners from being held liable for attacks by dogs owned by their tenants.  The current definition of a dog owner includes landlords that allow the pets on their properties, he said. “This is a common sense personal responsibility issue. Individuals should be responsible for their own pets.  A landlord or property owner should not be held liable for another person’s dog,” Girdler said.
      The Senate unanimously approved SB 45, a bill that would allow search warrants to be completed electronically. The bill would also require a person being served any search warrant to be provided a paper copy.
      The following three bills passed on the House Consent Calendar:
      • HB 73, Rep. Richard’s bill that requires managed care plans to file copies of their provider contract terms and conditions with the Department of Insurance;
      • HB 176, Rep. Smart’s bill dealing with electronic distribution of open records; and
      • HB 179, Rep. Jimmie Lee’s bill that allows a local law enforcement agency to sell a government-issued firearm to the law enforcement officer to whom the firearm was issued upon that officer's retirement.
      HB 206, Rep. Greer’s bill on loan modifications passed the House 97 - 0.

      newlogoshraderbuLEGISLATIVE TRACKERS BY INTEREST

      Click on the links below

        LINKS TO SOME OF TODAY's HEADLINES:

         

        UPCOMING MEETINGS:

        Wednesday, January 29, 2014
        8:30am, Annex Room 129
        HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND SMALL BUSINESS
        Agenda: John McCauley, State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency - Update on the Farm Bill; information on FSA commodity, conservation, disaster assistance, and farm loan programs. Becky Naugle, State Director, Kentucky Small Business Development Center - Presentation on the KSBDC's small business planning, consulting, and training services.
        9:00am, Annex Room 169
        HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON LICENSING AND OCCUPATIONS
        Agenda: Consideration of SB 7
        9:00am, Annex Room 154
        SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
        Agenda: Consideration of the Following Bills: SB 44, SB 59 and SB 64
        10:00am, Annex Room 129
        HOUSE BUDGET REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES
        Agenda: New Business. Medicaid Services, Income Support
        10:00am, Annex Room 131
        SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND WELFARE
        Agenda: Consideration of SB 47 and SB 52
        11:00am, Annex Room 154
        SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY
        Agenda: Consideration of SB 67 and SJR 67
        Noon, Annex Room 171
        HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
        Agenda: Consideration of HB 51, HB 64, HB 105, HB 130, and HB 165.
        Noon, Annex Room 131
        HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
        Agenda: The following bills are posted and may be called for consideration: HB 102, HB 192 and HR 51
        Noon, Annex Room 169
        HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE ON VETERANS, MILITARY AFFAIRS, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
        Agenda: Bills for Consideration: HB 189, HB 246 and HJR 47, Widespread Flu Outbreak in Kentucky. Dr. Stephanie Mayfield, Commissioner, Department for Public Health
        Noon, Annex Room 154
        SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
        Agenda: Consideration of SB 1 and SB 20
        2:00 pm: House Chambers
        House Convenes (Orders of the Day)
        2:00 pm: Senate Chambers
        Senate Convenes(Orders of the Day)

        SOME OF THE LATEST POLITICAL STORIES:


        By Sam Youngman syoungman@herald-leader.com President Barack Obama on Tuesday night hailed Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear for implementing the president's health care law in Kentucky, praising the governor who attended as Obama's guest. In defending and promoting the embattled and controversial law, Obama listed the high points of the law since the majority of it took effect on Oct. 1 and railed against Republican efforts to repeal it. "And if you want to know the real impact this law is having, just talk to Gov. Steve Beshear of Kentucky, who's here tonight," Obama said. "Kentucky's not the most liberal part of the country. That's not [...]
        Wed, Jan 29, 2014 3:35:00 AM, Continue reading at the source

        The Kentucky Baptist Convention is taking its fight against expanded gambling to church sanctuaries and Christian radio stations as state lawmakers consider the issue.Click to Continue » [...]
        Wed, Jan 29, 2014 5:01:00 AM, Continue reading at the source

        Fewer than half of the 100 seats in the Kentucky House will be contested in this year's General Election as Democrats and Republicans battle for control of the chamber.Click to Continue » [...]
        Wed, Jan 29, 2014 12:30:00 AM, Continue reading at the source

        More than 40 candidates have filed to run in 12 council district races and for three at-large seats on the Urban County Council.Click to Continue » [...]
        Tue, Jan 28, 2014 11:55:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

        Mitch McConnell (Associated Press) WASHINGTON – We know that when President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union address this evening, one part will highlight what he sees as Kentucky’s success in implementing the health care reform law. Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear will be in the House gallery as a guest of the Obamas, a very public way for the White House to show its appreciation for his efforts on behalf of the law. But another Kentuckian also will be in the House tonight: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has been a vocal critic of the health care law. Earlier today, [...]
        Tue, Jan 28, 2014 11:53:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

        Churches are seeking ways to take the venom out of political discourse…Click to Continue » [...]
        Tue, Jan 28, 2014 9:47:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

        WASHINGTON – Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is pretty much divided right down the middle about whether to seek the White House in 2016. That’s what he tells a fourth-grade interviewer from Potter Gray Elementary School in Bowling Green, Ky. The video, posted by Paul’s office Monday, identifies the interviewer as “Charles W.” MORE | We have other blog items on Rand Paul MORE | News stories about Rand Paul “You know, it’s probably 50-50. We are thinking about it and looking at what it would take to run. It is a big job. But we probably won’t make our decision for about a year,” [...]
        Tue, Jan 28, 2014 6:09:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

        By Sam Youngman syoungman@herald-leader.com Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Tuesday morning laid the groundwork for the Republican response to President Barack Obama's Tuesday night State of the Union address. McConnell took aim at the president's health care law and Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, who will join the Obamas at the annual address, warning that they "can keep telling Americans to 'get over it' if they don't like this law, but sooner or later they're going to have to come to terms with reality." "They're going to have to accept that Obamacare just hasn't worked like the administration promised -- in Kentucky, and across America [...]
        Tue, Jan 28, 2014 4:36:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

        HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU FRANKFORT – A state Senate panel unanimously approved two bills Tuesday dealing with physician assistants and acupuncturists. The sponsor of Senate Bill 41, Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, said it would reduce doctors’ administrative workloads so that more patients can be treated. The bill requires a supervising physician to review and countersign at least 10 percent of the medical notes written by a physician assistant every 30 days. Buford said the bill has the backing of the Kentucky Medical Association and Kentucky Association of Physician Assistants. The Senate committee also approved another bill sponsored by Buford. Senate Bill 29 would change acupuncture from [...]
        Tue, Jan 28, 2014 4:17:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

        Gov. Steve Beshear WASHINGTON – It’s a big deal to be invited as a guest at the State of the Union address. And the White House likes to dribble out the names of invitees a little at a time. So, when Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear got a call from the White House last Thursday, asking him to be a guest in First Lady Michelle Obama’s box in the House gallery, he had to keep the news under wraps for more than four days. The White House embargoed news of Beshear’s attendance until 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. President Barack Obama delivers his State of the [...]
        Tue, Jan 28, 2014 4:06:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

        Kentucky Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth is hoping President Obama's State of the Union address focuses on economic fairness rather than executive power.The president is set to deliver his fifth address before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.Supporters are hoping the speech can revive the administration's second-term agenda as Obama faces near record-low approval ratings and gridlock in Washington. [...]
        Mon, Jan 27, 2014 10:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

        our years ago, Greg Fischer was clawing his way through a crowded Democratic field toward a narrow victory over Republican Hal Heiner in the Louisville mayor's race. [...]
        Wed, Jan 29, 2014 4:03:37 AM, Continue reading at the source

        In a salute to his controversial decision to implement "Obamacare" in Kentucky, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear will attend President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night. [...]
        Wed, Jan 29, 2014 4:03:37 AM, Continue reading at the source

        It looks like Mayor Greg Fischer will have an opponent for Louisville’s mayoral race. [...]
        Wed, Jan 29, 2014 4:03:37 AM, Continue reading at the source

        Kentucky state lawmakers have begun reviewing Governor Steve Beshear’s $20 billion budget proposal. State Budget Director Jane Driskell briefed lawmakers on the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee Tuesday on aspects of the budget. It includes a 5% cut for most state agencies, and includes the state's highest ever ratio of money being borrowed to money coming in. Louisville Representative Jim Wayne isn't entirely pleased with the plan. He questions a provision that effectively takes money from licensing agencies in order to fund priorities in the budget. Jan 28, 2014 09:35 pm. Continue reading at the source

        by Pure Politics - President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address once again highlighted to the nation the political dichotomy that the Affordable Care Act has created in Kentucky. One minute Obama was giving a mid-address shout-out to Gov. Steve Beshear over his implementation of the health care law.... Read more

        More women running in Ky. state legislative races in 2014
        by Ryan Alessi - Within a half-hour of each other, three Democratic women filed their paperwork to run in state legislative races Tuesday — the last day for Republican and Democratic candidates to file with the secretary of state. All three had gone through the Emerge Kentucky program, a training program... Read more

        Expanding early childhood education and focusing on the health and well-being of younger students could help reverse a growing gap between the reading proficiency scores of low income and upper income students, the director of the Kentucky Youth Advocates said. A new study by the Kentucky Youth... Read more

        A flow of candidates and some primary cooperation on filing deadline day
        by Ryan Alessi - UPDATED 5:58 p.m. FRANKFORT — A steady stream of Democrats with prominent political names paraded through the secretary of state’s office in the final two hours before the 4 p.m. filing deadline for candidates in the 2014 elections. Jacqueline Coleman, a teacher at East... Read more
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