Today's Political Headlines

Walton-Verona Independent School District pulls off the District of Distinction hat-trick

11/26/2014 10:28 AM Don Weber

WALTON — It’s an honor for a Kentucky public school to be recognized as a District of Distinction, but for the Walton-Verona Independent School District, the 2013-14 school year was the third consecutive year it received the honor. To qualify as a District of Distinction, a school district had to have an overall accountability score at the 95th percentile or higher. That’s based on achievement, gap, growth, college and career readiness, and graduation rate. The district must also meet its current... Read more 

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell agrees with Obama's take on Ferguson but not much else

11/25/2014 11:44 PM Kevin Wheatley

BUCKNER — Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell doesn’t agree with President Barack Obama often, but he said Tuesday the president is correct in his assessment of the turmoil surrounding a Missouri grand jury’s decision to not indict a white police officer who gunned down an unarmed black teen. Moments after a St. Louis grand jury’s decision against indicting Darren Wilson in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in August, Obama said the protests surround the inaction show “broader challenges that... Read more 

GOP Sens. Givens, Higdon elected to Senate leadership posts

11/25/2014 07:04 PM Kevin Wheatley

Kentucky Senate Republicans elected two new faces to its leadership team, as Sen. David Givens went unopposed in his bid for president pro tem and Sen. Jimmy Higdon ousted Sen. Brandon Smith for majority whip. Senate Republicans met in Frankfort Tuesday for leadership elections, and only two spots were contested. Aside from the Higdon-Smith race, Senate Majority Caucus Chair Dan Seum of Louisville fended off a challenge from Sen. Paul Hornback, a Shelbyville Republican who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee. Senate President... Read more 

Northern Kentucky legislator says heroin will be the priority issue for 2015 session

11/25/2014 06:08 PM Don Weber

Three northern Kentucky legislators are spearheading an effort to make sure passing legislation to address the heroin epidemic will be a priority for the 2015 session. State Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Taylor Mill, and state Reps. John Schickel, R-Union, and Diane St. Onge, R-Lakeside Park, unveiled plans late last week to pre-file a bill that would provide more treatment options for users while imposing tougher sentencing for drug traffickers. “The major points are, first of all, we deal with addiction and that the... Read more 

Kentucky Senate Republicans choose two new members of their leadership team
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)

Kentucky Senate Republicans voted for David Givens, who runs a farmer supply business in Greensburg, to be Senate president pro tem, and for Jimmy Higdon, a Lebanon grocer, to be…Click to Continue » [...]

Tue, Nov 25, 2014 9:48:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

Pension oversight board recommends bevy of changes, but cash flow main issue for Ky. Retirement Systems

11/24/2014 09:36 PM Kevin Wheatley 

FRANKFORT — A slew of recommendations approved Monday by the Public Pension Oversight Board aim to help the Kentucky Retirement Systems’ bottom line, but KRS officials made clear the one thing they need — more money. The KRS board of trustees is set to meet next week to discuss plan valuations for the end of fiscal year 2014, and the pension fund for most state workers, the Kentucky Employees Retirement System non-hazardous, will hit a new low mark with just 21... Read more 

Future executive director of school superintendents says funding biggest problem for state's school districts

11/24/2014 06:15 PM Don Weber 

LEXINGTON — Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Tom Shelton, who will be leaving that position on Jan. 1 to become the executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, says funding is the biggest challenge facing Kentucky’s 173 school districts. “We’ve been woefully underfunded in Kentucky,” Shelton said. “Yet Kentucky is seen as a leader in the focus that we’ve had with Senate Bill 1, with implementation of common core standards, alignment of postsecondary, focus on a new assessment... Read more 

Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott says he may seek GOP nomination for governor
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)

Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott of Pikeville said Monday he will decide by early January whether to run for governor next year.Click to Continue » [...]

Mon, Nov 24, 2014 10:07:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Justice Scott will decide by early January whether to run for governor
from Jack Brammer

By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott of Pikeville said Monday he will decide by early January whether to run for governor next year. If he decides to enter the Republican primary election next May, Scott said, he will step down immediately as a justice on the state’s highest court. Scott, 67, emphasized during an interview in Lexington that he has not yet decided whether to enter the race. He acknowledged that he has had “informal discussions” with potential running mates and that who might be his running mate for lieutenant governor is “a major factor” in his decision whether to [...]

Mon, Nov 24, 2014 9:50:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

Thayer worried over possible move to presidential primary caucus system; wants Grimes to challenge Andy Beshear for Attny. General in 2015

11/23/2014 04:53 PM Nick Storm

Senate Republican Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer of Georgetown is offering up his suggestions for Democrat Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and her future in politics, and he’s weighing in on what the Kentucky GOP should do to allow one of their own to run for the highest office in the country. Nearly one month removed from the Election the focus is shifting towards 2015 races for governor and constitutional officers as well as the 2016 presidential primary as... Read more 

Kentucky prepared in case of Ebola, but disease unlikely here, health official says

11/22/2014 09:15 AM Kevin Wheatley

FRANKFORT — Kentucky faces a low risk of exposure to the Ebola virus, but officials are prepared in case someone here contracts the disease, Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Stephanie Gibson told lawmakers Wednesday. Ebola has been a topic of debate on Capitol Hill and elsewhere after an outbreak in western Africa, but Gibson said during an Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare that Kentuckians account for less than 1 percent of travelers to the afflicted region. While thousands have... Read more 

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul says Obama wrong on use of executive order; Congress will pass immigration bill

11/21/2014 03:45 PM Nick Storm

LEXINGTON — More than one year after the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan immigration bill which ultimately stalled in the Republican-led House, President Barack Obama took it upon himself to craft patches to the immigration system, but the move has led him into a battle with Congressional members of the GOP. On Friday, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., described the move by Obama as one of a monarch and not a U.S. President. Paul, who has traveled extensively over the past... Read more 

Kentucky businesses avoid costly tax increase with unemployment trust holding steady

11/21/2014 03:38 PM Kevin Wheatley

The state has qualified for a waiver under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act after taking not actions that negatively impacted the solvency of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, saving Kentucky businesses an estimated $112 million in the current tax year, Gov. Steve Beshear announced Friday. Kentucky received nearly $1 billion in loans from the federal government to shore up the unemployment fund, which had been depleted in the wake of the national recession, in 2009, and the state has made “significant... Read more 

Federal courthouse in Lexington getting a nearly $5 million security upgrade

from jcheves@herald-leader.com (John Cheves)

The 80-year-old U.S. District Courthouse in downtown Lexington will get a nearly $5 million security upgrade over the next 24 months.Click to Continue » [...]

Fri, Nov 21, 2014 9:42:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Rand Paul: GOP should rebuke Obama, but 'nobody' talking about impeachment, shutdown
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)

The morning after President Barack Obama announced executive actions that will allow more than 4 million undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. legally, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul called for…Click to Continue » [...]

Fri, Nov 21, 2014 7:17:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

Senator-Elect Ralph Alvarado plans to focus on healthcare issues in first year 

11/20/2014 07:00 PM Nick Storm

LEXINGTON — Dr. Ralph Alvarado will make history when he is officially sworn in as a Kentucky state Senator — the Winchester physician is the first Latino elected into Kentucky’s upper chamber — but Alvarado isn’t content to just make history on the first day. Winning his seat by 2,000 votes in a contentious race against incumbent minority floor leader Sen. R.J. Palmer, D-Winchester, Alvarado served one of the biggest political upsets of the season. However, Alvarado says it’s... Read more 

AT&T, others will continue push for modern communications infrastructure next session

11/20/2014 06:04 PM Kevin Wheatley

FRANKFORT — Deregulating Kentucky’s telecommunications industry will again be on the General Assembly’s agenda next year, and House Speaker Greg Stumbo said a vote will be held on the issue. AT&T has led the charge on the topic, and Hood Harris, president of AT&T Kentucky, told lawmakers on the Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Tourism Thursday that allowing the company and others to concentrate on modern infrastructure rather than spending resources on outdated technology will help keep Kentucky competitive... Read more 

Smoking ban on state property takes effect 

11/20/2014 01:00 PM Kevin Wheatley

Kentucky’s ban on tobacco and e-cigarette use on state property began Thursday, coinciding with the Great American Smokeout. Gov. Steve Beshear announced the plan in early September, citing Kentucky’s high rates of smoking and cancer deaths. In a press release Wednesday, he noted his goal to reduce the states smoking rate, which ranks highest among adults in the U.S. and sixth highest among youths, by 10 percent by 2019. “I am committed to reducing the exposure to unnecessary health risks in the... Read more 

Glenn Wilkinson, son of late Kentucky governor Wallace Wilkinson, dies at age 44
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)

Glenn Wilkinson, a son of the late Gov. Wallace Wilkinson, died Thursday afternoon at age 44 of an apparent heart attack at his home in Sarasota, Fla.Click to Continue » [...]

Fri, Nov 21, 2014 2:40:00 AM, Continue reading at the source

Kentucky Labor Cabinet's plan for office workers to shovel snow from parking lot causes stir
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)

It's not in their job descriptions, but several state Labor Cabinet office employees were in line this week to be drafted to shovel snow from sidewalks and the parking lot…Click to Continue » [...]

Thu, Nov 20, 2014 11:16:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

State Rep. Bob DeWeese will not seek re-election to leadership post

11/20/2014 10:58 AM  Jacqueline Pitts

State Rep. Bob DeWeese, R-Louisville, announced Thursday he will not seek re-election to his position as House Republican caucus chair. DeWeese, who has served as minority caucus chair since 2001, informed House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover of his decision in a letter explaining that after discussions with his family he has decided against another term in the post. “While I have enjoyed my 14 years in leadership for the House Republican Caucus, I believe now is the time for me to step... Read more 

Rise in opiate overdoses and treatment drug prescriptions concerns health officials

11/20/2014 10:52 AM  Kevin Wheatley

Kentucky has shown progress after cracking down on prescription drug abuse, but health officials have seen troubling trends as overdose deaths continue to rise and opioid treatment drugs are being prescribed at alarming rates. Kentucky’s uptick in overdose deaths is partly due to a shift to cheaper, readily available heroin for opiate addicts previously hooked on prescription medication, Audrey Haynes, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, told the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare Wednesday. Heroin overdose deaths... Read more 

Kentucky Teachers Retirement System offers two bonding proposals to shore up funding

11/19/2014 06:41 PM  Kevin Wheatley

FRANKFORT — Two years after passing pension reform for retirement systems covering state and municipal employees, Kentucky’s teachers will be asking lawmakers for sizable bonds to shore up their underfunded pension plan. The Kentucky Teachers Retirement System offered proposals for 30-year bonds worth $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion Wednesday during the Interim Joint Committee on State Government meeting. The bond plan, if passed, would come as $900 million in bonds to refinance KTRS’s health care fund issued in installments begin to... Read more 

Crit Luallen makes first public appearance after being sworn in as lieutenant governor

11/19/2014 06:02 PM Don Weber

FRANKFORT — Kentucky Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen made her first appearance after being sworn in as lieutenant governor, speaking before the Frankfort Rotary on Wednesday. The former state auditor was appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear after former Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson resigned to take a position with the Obama Administration. Luallen praised the work of Beshear in balancing the state budget through some hard economic times as well as the efforts to implement health care reform in Kentucky. Luallen said that she takes... Read more 

McConnell: 'Congress will act' if Obama issues immigration executive order

Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell promised Thursday that Congress will take action if Obama moves ahead with an executive order on immigration. But the Senate's Republican leader didn't specify what kind…Click to Continue » [...]

Thu, Nov 20, 2014 3:20:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Funding level of Kentucky pension system for state workers drops to 21 percent
from jcheves@herald-leader.com (John Cheves)

The Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System urged state lawmakers on Wednesday to consider issuing a 30-year bond of either $1.9 billion or $3.3 billion to boost its sagging pension fund, which…Click to Continue » [...]

Wed, Nov 19, 2014 10:05:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

After long delay, Jackson County sheriff signs document agreeing to collect property taxes
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)

After weeks of delay, Jackson County Sheriff Denny Peyman signed for receipt of the county's property tax bills Wednesday, clearing the way for them to be mailed next month, according…Click to Continue » [...]

Wed, Nov 19, 2014 5:52:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

State Rep. Ryan Quarles becomes main name for GOP in Ag. Commissioner race

11/19/2014 09:27 AM Jacqueline Pitts

After state Sen. Paul Hornback, R-Shelbyville, announced Tuesday that he would not run for Agriculture Commissioner in 2015, state Rep. Ryan Quarles becomes the focus of the potential GOP field. As the Lexington Herald-Leader first reported Tuesday , Hornback has taken his name out of the running and told the paper he would support Quarles, R-Georgetown, if he decides to run. Quarles, a 31 year-old farmer and attorney who was re-elected to the legislature Nov. 4, told Pure Politics he is going... Read more 

With only 11 members Senate Democrats prepare to elect leadership 

11/18/2014 09:29 PM  Nick Storm

With the defeat of the state Sen. R.J. Palmer, D-Winchester, the wounded Senate Democrats will have to find a replacement for their leader and essentially the entire leadership team as one member retires at the end of the year and another steps down from the three-member team. After the 2014 election season, Senate Democrats have dwindled to their slimmest margin in recent memory with only 11 members, but there is the prospect of gaining one more seat in a special... Read more 

Conway campaign adds staff, in process of hiring manager in wake of midterms, senior advisor says

11/18/2014 07:36 PM Kevin Wheatley

Attorney General Jack Conway remains the only prominent Democrat in the gubernatorial field, and he’s beefed up his campaign staff as others in his party consider a run for the office in 2015, senior advisor Mark Riddle said Tuesday. Conway added Matt Osborne and Scott Gale, who both worked on Gov. Steve Beshear’s campaigns, as his campaign’s finance director and fundraising consultant, Riddle said. The campaign also hired Jefrey Pollock, president of Global Strategy Group, as Conway’s pollster, Doc Sweitzer, founder... Read more 

Conway says EPA law suit is about what's fair for Kentucky

11/18/2014 01:15 PM Don Weber

LEXINGTON — Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway said the state will bear a disproportionate burden if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has its way in imposing stricter pollution standards. Conway, along with 11 other states Attorney’s General, filed a lawsuit against the EPA to prevent conforming to the proposed green house gas regulations. The EPA wants to limit carbon dioxide emissions 18 percent in Kentucky by 2030, but with Kentucky’s vast reliance on coal Conway argues the restrictions could be... Read more 

Phil Huddleston chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Luallen; Shannon Tivitt deputy chief for Beshear
from Jack Brammer

HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU FRANKFORT – Veteran state employee Phil Huddleston of Frankfort will be chief of staff for newly appointed Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen. Meanwhile, Gov. Steve Beshear announced that Shannon Tivitt, who had been chief of staff to former Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson, will be his new deputy chief of staff. Luallen said Wednesday in making the annoucement about Huddleston that his appointment is effective immediately. “Phil’s extensive work in state government in both the executive and legislative branches will serve the administration well,” Luallen said in a statement. “He understands how to best navigate the hurdles that can slow progress on [...]

Wed, Nov 19, 2014 4:45:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Kentucky's gas tax dropping 4.3 cents a gallon on Jan. 1, but officials warn of 'crippling' effect
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)

Kentucky motorists will pay less taxes for gas starting New Year's Day, but the change will mean fewer road improvements, state officials warned Wednesday.Click to Continue » [...]

Wed, Nov 19, 2014 4:19:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Big dip in KY’s gasoline tax means less money for road projects
from Jack Brammer

By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT — Kentucky motorists will pay less taxes for gas starting New Year’s Day, but the change will mean fewer road improvements, state officials warned Wednesday. Kentucky’s tax on sales of gasoline, diesel and ethanol motor fuels will drop by 4.3 cents per gallon on Jan. 1, resulting in a loss to the Kentucky Road Fund of about $129 million on an annualized basis, according to the state Transportation Cabinet. Kentucky’s gas tax fluctuates with the average wholesale price of gas, which has dropped in recent months. “The gas tax accounts for more than half of the revenue in the Kentucky [...]

Wed, Nov 19, 2014 4:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Jackson County's property tax bills stuck in limbo after sheriff refuses to sign for them
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)

Most Kentuckians received their property tax bills weeks ago, but Jackson County residents may not get theirs until next year. Officials said county Sheriff Denny Peyman has refused to sign…Click to Continue » [...]

Wed, Nov 19, 2014 12:56:00 AM, Continue reading at the source

Republican state Rep. Ryan Quarles 'strongly considering' run for agriculture commissioner
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)

Republican state Rep. Ryan Quarles of Georgetown said Tuesday he is "strongly considering" running next year for state agriculture commissioner.Click to Continue » [...]

Tue, Nov 18, 2014 10:44:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

State Rep. Quarles may run for ag commissioner; Sen. Hornback says he will not
from Jack Brammer

By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT –Republican state Rep. Ryan Quarles of Georgetown said Tuesday he is “strongly considering” running next year for state agriculture commissioner. “I plan to talk to family and friends about this over Thanksgiving and have a comment about it Dec. 1,” said Quarles, who easily won re-election to the state House on Nov. 4. Quarles’ comments about came after Republican state Sen. Paul Hornback of Shelbyville said Tuesday he will not run for the office and will support Quarles for it. Hornback, a farmer who has been in the Senate since 2011, said the timing was not right for him and [...]

Tue, Nov 18, 2014 10:29:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

Rep. Jeff Greer makes his case for House Speaker Pro Tem

11/17/2014 07:54 PM Nick Storm

With Democrats continuing their near century of majority dominance in the state House caucus members are again going through the internal leadership election process, but this time members are vying for an open leadership spot as current Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark announced last week he would not be seeking the post. Rep. Jeff Greer of Brandenburg is one of four caucus members currently seeking the position of pro tempore which presides over the chamber in the absence of the... Read more 

Cabinet offical says Medicaid expansion has created more jobs and additional income for healthcare providers

11/17/2014 04:44 PM Don Weber

A top Kentucky health official is telling lawmakers that the expansion of Meidcaid is having a positive impact on healthcare employment in the state, as early predictions said it would. The first year of Kentucky’s Medicaid Expansion has created new jobs and close to one billion dollars in Medicaid reimbursement to providers according to Eric Friedlander, Deputy Secretary for Health and Family Services. Friedlander, who testified Monday before the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue, said that Bureau of Labor... Read more 

Thayer sees positives for GOP in 2014 races; plans to keep pressure on House Dems through legislation

11/17/2014 02:38 PM  Nick Storm

Republican Majority Floor Leader state Sen. Damon Thayer said the 2014 elections in Kentucky shows the electorates is moving towards conservative principles and policies, but he said there was disappointment for the GOP in state House races. In an interview in his Georgetown home Thayer said Kentucky led the way in the “repudiation of President Barack Obama’s policies” in the U.S. Senate race between Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes. “I think voters in Kentucky... Read more 

Sam Youngman: Will Rand Paul's new friends show him the money?

One of the many big questions still facing U.S. Sen. Rand Paul is whether he can raise the big money necessary to mount a winning presidential run.Click to Continue » [...]

Mon, Nov 17, 2014 11:17:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Environmental groups accuse Kentucky coal company of resuming falsified pollution reports
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)

A coal company in Eastern Kentucky has resumed filing falsified water-pollution reports despite being caught earlier for committing the same violation, environmental groups have charged.Click to Continue » [...]

Mon, Nov 17, 2014 9:57:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

Recanvass in 91st House District shows no change in 14-vote victory for Democratic challenger

11/13/2014 04:47 PM by Kevin Wheatley

Democrat Cluster Howard’s 14-vote victory over GOP Rep. Toby Herald in last week’s 91st House District election will stand after a recanvass in Estill, Breathitt, Lee and Owsley counties, secretary of state spokeswoman Lynn Zellen told Pure Politics Thursday. Zellen said the recanvass showed no change in vote totals for either candidate. Howard, of Jackson, won 6,937 votes to 6,923. Herald, of Beattyville, carried Estill County by 806 votes, Lee by 814 votes, Owsley by 397 and the small section of... Read more 

Rep. Denny Butler interested in speaker pro tem slot but says he'll support Jefferson County caucus pick

11/13/2014 04:20 PM by Kevin Wheatley

After House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark of Louisville announced on Wednesday he would not seek reelection to the post he’s held since 1993, Jefferson County may lose its voice in House Democratic leadership. State Rep. Denny Butler hopes to keep that from happening, and he plans to express his interest in the vacancy during a meeting of Jefferson County House Democrats on Saturday. Butler, D-Louisville, joins Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder, and Rep. Jeff Greer, D-Brandenburg, as potential entrants in... Read more 

Rep. Dennis Keene throws his hat in ring for House speaker pro tem

11/13/2014 02:28 PM by Don Weber

Some Democrats in the Kentucky House of Representatives are weighing their future options now that House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark announced Wednesday that he would not seek reelection to the post he’s held since 1993. Clark’s decision opens the door for a number of Democrats to replace him, including Rep. Dennis Kenne, D-Wilder. The 67th district representative, who has served in the House since 2005, currently serves on four committees: Chairman of the House Licensing and Occupations Committee Vice Chairman of the... Read more 

KCTCS board picked preferred candidate for president without notifying media of meeting
from lblackford@herald-leader.com (Linda B. Blackford)

When the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Board of Regents held a special meeting in Frankfort Tuesday to pick a preferred presidential candidate, no one from the media or…Click to Continue » [...]

Thu, Nov 13, 2014 9:51:00 PM, Continue reading at the source