Friday, January 30, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


Democrats release internal polling memo showing Conway leading 2015 gubernatorial field

01/29/2015 06:30 PM
On the heels of a polling memo showing the GOP gubernatorial primary being a toss-up and the endorsement from Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes of Democratic candidate Jack Conway, the Kentucky Democratic Party released an internal polling memo showing Conway leading the 2015 field. The internal polling memo, which was conducted by Garin, Hart, Yang Research Group, shows Conway leading two GOP contenders in head-to-head match ups. The memo shows Conway leading Republican Louisville businessman Hal Heiner 44... Read more 

UK adminstrators say proposed Markey Cancer Research Center would benefit Kentuckians

01/29/2015 05:42 PM
Senate President Robert Stivers has recommended that the legislature look at opening up the budget this session, in a non-budget year, to fund part of the cost of a new proposed $265 million research center for the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center. The university is looking for the state to partner with the university by providing $12 million in recurring funds to cover the debt of building a new facility over the course of 20 years. While it’s rare that... Read more 

Kentucky school boards approval keeps students in classrooms until age 18

01/29/2015 03:01 PM
FRANKFORT — All 173 school districts in the Commonwealth of Kentucky have approved the policy of raising the dropout age from 16 to 18, amending the school attendance law created in 1934. Senate Bill 97 (2013), also known as the “Graduate Kentucky” bill, cleared the way for each district to raise the age to 18. The Kentucky Department of Education provided each early adopting district with a $10,000 grant to plan for implementation of the higher drop out age. Most of the... Read more 

GOP gubernatorial poll shows race a 'toss-up'

01/29/2015 01:06 PM
The four way Republican primary for governor is essentially a toss-up in the early days of the race according to a new Remington Research Group poll. Agriculture Commissioner James Comer leads the Republican primary field by a slim margin in the poll with 22 percent of respondents favoring his candidacy, Matt Bevin with 19 percent, Hal Heiner with 18 percent and Will T. Scott trailing the field with 5 percent. A significant number of voters, 35 percent, remain undecided according to... Read more 
Kentucky Launches Free Online Training For Early Child Care Employees
from Devin Katayama
The state has launched a new online training program to help improve child care staff members’ skills in educating children. The program is part of the preparation a quality rating system across Kentucky starting later this year. “It is designed to increase awareness and basic understanding of the early childhood standards, what they signify and what their impact is on the professionals work,” said Executive Director Terry Tolan. Related StoryWhy Some Kentucky Child Care Centers Don't Want State RatingsLater this fall, any child care facility accepting families using state subsidies will have to participate in the STARS For Kids Now rating system, which has [...]
Fri, Jan 30, 2015 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky Lawmakers Respond To Audit of Legislative Research Commission
from Ryland Barton
State lawmakers said a performance audit of the Legislative Research Commission reveals cultural issues in the Kentucky state Capitol. The audit by the National Conference of State Legislatures found that the state agency’s employees were distressed by a culture of favoritism and opaque hiring practices in the LRC, a state agency that provides research and staffing to legislators. However, the audit said little about sexual harassment in the organization, even though the report was commissioned in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal in the Statehouse. “It was my understanding that NCSL was supposed to take a look at [sexual harassment], but nary [...]
Fri, Jan 30, 2015 2:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Frankfort summit focuses on changing health care landscape
from mmeehan@herald-leader.com (Mary Meehan)
The old health care model "is rapidly falling apart," said Chas Roades, chief research officer for The Advisory Board Company, a Washington-based consultant firm that led a health care summit…Click to Continue » [...]
Fri, Jan 30, 2015 12:58:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Coalition For the Homeless Completes Louisville Count
from Jacob Ryan
An early morning count Thursday found 73 people living on the streets in Louisville. Now, the Coalition for the Homeless will compile all the numbers of homeless from shelters and those counted on the street and create a “snapshot” of how many people experience homelessness on a given night, said Susanne Binford, a spokeswoman with Seven Counties Services. The official snapshot total is expected to be available in the spring. Nearly 230 residents volunteered for the annual count— more than ever before. Despite a bit of rain, Binford said the count “went well.” The annual count is done in effort to assess the state of homelessness in [...]
Thu, Jan 29, 2015 10:31:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
All Kentucky school districts moving to dropout age of 18
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
All 173 public school districts in Kentucky have approved raising their dropout age from 16 to 18.Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, Jan 29, 2015 6:53:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Thursday, January 29, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


Brent Spence Bridge plan reboot looks for cost savings and toll discounts

01/28/2015 06:19 PM
COVINGTON — The governors of Kentucky and Ohio are rebooting their plans to build a replacement Brent Spence Bridge in Northern Kentucky. Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Ohio Gov. John Kasich announced they’re looking for ways to cut costs and reduce tolling to the bridge on Wednesday. Beshear told reporters that frequent users of a new Brent Spence Bridge would get a discount on tolls and Kentucky and Ohio would split construction costs and toll revenues under a newly proposed working... Read more 

Beshear to make economic development trip to Germany and Sweden

01/28/2015 01:18 PM
In his 6th economic development trip to Europe since taking office in 2007 Gov. Steve Beshear will head to Germany and Sweden on Saturday. Beshear will speak at the international CAR-Symposium in Bochum, Germany, where he will discuss Kentucky’s place as a player in the global car industry. More than a thousand automotive executives from around the world gather for the yearly conference to discuss opportunities for future growth, according to the governor’s office. “I’m both honored and looking forward... Read more 
E-Cigarettes May Produce More Formaldehyde than Conventional Cigarettes
from Ja'Nel Johnson
E-cigarettes may do more harm than previously thought, according to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine. NPR reported last week on a study that found vapor produced by electronic cigarettes can contain a surprisingly high concentration of formaldehyde — a known carcinogen. Researchers found formaldehyde only when the e-cigarettes were cranked up to their highest voltage levels, which produced between “five-fold and fifteen-fold higher concentrations of formaldehyde than in cigarettes.” Their findings support the American Heart Association’s policy statement on e-cigarettes released in August 2014. Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar, professor of medicine at the University of Louisville, chaired the panel of experts [...]
Thu, Jan 29, 2015 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Sam Youngman: After a dark November, Kentucky Democrats see reason for hope
If, in the future, Kentucky Democrats are looking for the date and time that their party averted probable death, they can look to this past Monday around 1 o'clock.Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Jan 28, 2015 11:31:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
To McConnell loyalists, Bevin's gubernatorial campaign is a nonstarter
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
Former Mitch McConnell staffers and loyalists have neither forgotten nor forgiven Matt Bevin's refusal to explicitly back their boss, even in the closing days of the 2014 U.S. Senate race.Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Jan 28, 2015 11:19:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Wholesale Clubs and Superstores Contribute to Rise in Obesity, Study Says
from Ja'Nel Johnson
Members of wholesale retailers such as Sam’s Club and Costco are more likely to be obese. That’s among the findings of a recent study of economic variables on obesity. The study, submitted recently to the National Bureau of Economic Research, examined 27 variables to determine their affect on body mass index and obesity. It was conducted by researchers from several universities, including the University of Louisville. Josh Pinkston, a research in the University of Louisville’s College of Business, said an increase in the number of superstore groceries and warehouse clubs are the leading causes of the rise in obesity. “It’s certainly an easy conclusion that people [...]
Wed, Jan 28, 2015 10:04:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


Not everyone agrees where heroin addicts should have the most access to treatment

01/28/2015 05:30 AM
COVINGTON — A recovering northern Kentucky heroin addict would like to see Senate Bill 5, also known as the heroin bill, include more money for treatment in community programs instead of county jails where the majority of the money is slated to go. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Taylor Mill, calls for $7.5 million to go county jails and $5.8 million to mental health agencies for treatment programs. “More money should be distributed to the community than to jails,”... Read more 

As Republican gubernatorial field grows to four, Democrat Jack Conway survives first real challenge to nomination

01/27/2015 08:32 PM
UPDATED FRANKFORT — Former tea party-backed U.S. Senate candidate Matt Bevin became the fourth and final Republican to enter this year’s gubernatorial primary Tuesday, filing for the office alongside the former chairwoman of the Bowling Green Southern Kentucky Tea Party. Bevin hopes to come back from a crushing 24-point defeat to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell last May. The tea party-backed Louisville businessman had kept a relatively low profile since his loss but was often spotted at various GOP... Read more 
Bill Changing Indiana’s Solar, Wind Buy-Back Rates Draws Criticism
from Erica Peterson
A bill before the Indiana General Assembly would change the laws regulating homeowners with small-scale wind turbines and solar arrays. It’s supported by the state’s electric utilities, but environmental groups and solar energy are vehemently opposed; they say it will stifle the growing trend of homeowners investing in renewable energy. The bill would change Indiana’s net metering laws, and also allow utilities to charge an additional fee to small-scale renewable energy generators. Right now, Hoosiers with rooftop solar arrays or wind turbines can connect to the grid and sell energy back to the utilities. The utilities buy that energy at the [...]
Wed, Jan 28, 2015 1:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Waterfront Park Needs Big Events Like Forecastle To Catch Eye of State Lawmakers
from Jacob Ryan
Waterfront Development Corporation‘s leader says big events like Forecastle Festival do more than just bring thousands of people to Waterfront Park in downtown Louisville—they also show state legislators that the park is worth supporting. Forecastle is expected to attract nearly 60,000 people and have an estimated $16 million economic impact through spending at hotels, bars and restaurants, as well as earnings from sales tax and room tax, said David Karem, president of the Waterfront Development Corporation. That figure is “something legislators need to hear about” as it sends a strong message that state funding for the Waterfront Park should be restored, Karem said. When legislators finalized the 2014-2015 [...]
Wed, Jan 28, 2015 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Indiana Set to Reform Medicaid, Update Health Plan for Low-Income Residents
from Ja'Nel Johnson
Indiana has gained approval from the federal government to use an updated version of the state’s Health Indiana Plan, or HIP, instead of Medicaid. The updated version will be called HIP 2.0, and it will provide health care to 350,000 uninsured Indiana residents. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the expansion Tuesday. “HHS and CMS are committed to working with states to design programs uniquely their own, while maintaining essential health benefits guaranteed under the Affordable Care Act and other key consumer protections consistent with the law,” CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said in a released statement. Before this [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 10:48:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Sam Youngman: Wendell Ford's memory honored, lives on in Owensboro
Mourners traded their favorite stories of "Wendell" in hushed tones while waiting for the politicians to be seated and Wendell Ford's funeral to begin at First Baptist Church in Owensboro…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 10:05:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Matt Bevin joins three others seeking GOP nomination for Kentucky governor
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
The field of Republican candidates for governor grew to four Tuesday with the filing of Louisville businessman Matt Bevin and his running mate Jenean Hampton of Bowling Green, the first…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 8:17:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Chairman of regional workforce board resigns, citing 'disregard for federal law'
from lblackford@herald-leader.com (Linda B. Blackford and Beth Musgrave)
The chairman of the Bluegrass Workforce Investment Board resigned Monday night, citing malfeasance and a disregard for federal laws.Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 7:57:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


The Chatter: Newly elected House Democratic whip could be added to lawsuit, Matt Bevin will file for office today

01/27/2015 10:21 AM
A former legislative staffer is looking to include newly elected House Majority Whip Johnny Bell in her lawsuit against the Legislative Research Commission and others, accusing the Glasgow Democrat of drug use and firing her to make room for his lover on his leadership staff. The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that Yolanda Costner, whose suit centers on allegations of sexual harassment by former state Rep. John Arnold of Sturgis, accused Bell of possessing Xanax and marijuana on Capitol grounds, storing moonshine... Read more 

Draft audit of Legislative Research Commission reveals agency plagued by low staff morale

01/27/2015 09:21 AM
The National Conference of State Legislatures’ draft audit of the Legislative Research Commission doesn’t uncover secrets that could swing elections, nor does it reveal sordid tales of sexual harassment. “I think for anybody who thinks something in this is going to be headline or newsworthy, I think they’re going to be somewhat disappointed because this is a very innocuous report, does not relate anything to what people are assuming,” Senate President Robert Stivers said in a conference call with reporters Monday. But... Read more 

2015 filing update: Rep. Glenn files for treasurer, Rep. Heath to run for agriculture commissioner

01/26/2015 05:51 PM
As the clock winds down on the deadline to enter the 2015 primary elections more candidates, including two sitting lawmakers, filed paperwork to run statewide on Monday. Rep. Jim Glenn, an Owensboro Democrat who has been a target for the GOP in recent election cycles because of slim victories in recent re-elections to the state House, will try his hand statewide. Glenn filed first thing Monday, and he pointed to his time in front of students working on financial literacy... Read more 

Alison Lundergan Grimes, still "encouraged" after double-digit U.S. Senate loss this fall, will seek re-election

01/26/2015 04:15 PM
UPDATED LEXINGTON — Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes ended months of speculation Monday, telling a crowd of about 70 supporters that she will seek re-election this year rather than mount bids of governor or attorney general. Grimes had been linked to nearly every constitutional office as the filing deadline approached, but she officially launched her re-election campaign at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, the same place she jumpstarted her 2011 run for secretary of state. The 36-year-old Democrat... Read more 
Report: Legislative Research Commission badly managed by lawmakers, leaders
from jcheves@herald-leader.com (John Cheves)
The large bureaucracy that runs Kentucky's legislative branch is badly managed, suffering from a lack of internal communications, unexplained salary differences and perceived special treatment for employees favored by powerful…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 1:18:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
‘Stealing Base’ Art Exhibition Brings Together Louisville Slugger Museum, 21C
from Ashlie Stevens
21C Museum Hotel “Untitled,” Arlés del Rio Flores Louisville has many faces, but when driving down Main Street it’s obvious that two of those are “baseball town” and “arts town.” (The 10-story tall baseball bat and gigantic statue of David may be a tip-off.) Now, those two faces are coming together for the collection Stealing Base: Cuba at Bat. The exhibition, presented by the Louisville Slugger Museum and 21C Museum Hotel, speaks to the future of unexpected artistic collaboration in the city. Stealing Base opened Saturday at 21c Museum Hotel Louisville in Gallery 3. Largely drawn from the Shelley and Donald Rubin Private Collection, the exhibition features [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Louisville Area Roads May Have Slick Spots During Tuesday Morning Commute, Weather Service Says
from Staff
Louisville area roads may be slick Tuesday morning because of flurries and freezing drizzle, the National Weather Service cautions. In a travel advisory in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday, the weather service said motorists may encounter slick spots on untreated surfaces, such as bridges, rural roads and and sidewalks. Some schools districts in the Louisville area have delayed or canceled school. They include: West Clark Community Schools: 2-hour delay Meade County School District: 1-hour delay Bullitt County Public Schools: closed Nelson County School District: closed [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 11:54:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
John Arnold Accuser Alleges Retaliation in Firing From Kentucky Statehouse Job
from Ryland Barton
A former Kentucky legislative staffer alleges House Majority Whip Johnny Bell fired her because she’d filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against another legislator. Yolanda Costner alleges that Bell was also motivated to fire her because he wanted to hire a woman to whom he’d previously expressed sexual interest. Costner, in documents filed Monday in Franklin Circuit Court, also claimed Bell had purchased Xanax from the staff member, Shannon Ellis, and that he had been seen in the Capitol with marijuana. Related StoryBell, a Glasgow Democrat, became House majority whip this month. He did not respond Monday evening to requests for comment. Costner is one [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 3:09:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Fayette school board asks legislature to change law governing superintendent searches
from vhoneycutt@herald-leader.com (Valarie Honeycutt Spears)
Specifically, the board is asking that state law allow a high school student and a member of the Equity Council, in districts where there is one, to be named to…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 2:55:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
GOP donors appear in no hurry to commit to 2016 candidate
Add Chris Christie to the list of prospective candidates for president now taking donations, a group of Republicans that might ultimately top two dozen.Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Jan 27, 2015 1:05:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
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Monday, January 26, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


Kentuckians say goodbye to Wendell H. Ford in Capitol memorial

01/25/2015 07:07 PM
FRANKFORT — The public said goodbye and thank you to Wendell H. Ford, Kentucky’s 53rd governor and former 24-year U.S. senator, at a memorial in the Capitol Rotunda Sunday. Ford’s coffin, shrouded in white roses, laid at the feet of the bronze 104-year-old, 14-foot tall statue of Abraham Lincoln as friend and former Ford staffer Thomas L. Preston eulogized a “colossus” in Kentucky politics. Showcasing Ford’s sense of humor, Preston remarked that the honor of eulogizing the late Ford, who passed... Read more 

Matt Bevin still weighing options, leaving door open for GOP gubernatorial run

01/25/2015 03:13 PM
MAYSVILLE — Louisville businessman and and former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Bevin is still deciding whether he will enter the gubernatorial primary. Bevin attended the Buffalo Trace Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner in Maysville on Saturday where he heard speeches from three GOP gubernatorial candidates already committed to the race — state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, former Louisville councilman Hal Heiner and former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott. Bevin said that he attended Saturday’s dinner as a voter, wanting to hear... Read more 

Three key justice issues has cabinet official keeping close tabs on Frankfort

01/24/2015 10:09 PM
With three key judicial initiatives before the General Assembly in the legislative session Justice Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown is keeping a watchful eye on the progress made by the legislature. Legislation addressing heroin abuse, a new set of domestic violence protective orders for dating couples and making sure convicted felons are not barred from obtaining licenses in certain professions are all key initiatives for Brown, and all of the issues have come before the legislature before. The Kentucky Health... Read more 

Republicans Comer, Heiner trade shots at KPA gubernatorial forum

01/23/2015 09:03 PM
A relatively tame forum between four gubernatorial candidates Friday finished with a bang after the simmering tension between Kentucky Agriculture James Comer and Louisville real estate developer Hal Heiner reached a boil. The light skirmish began after Comer suggested he and Heiner shared similar views on expanded gambling. Comer said he could back a constitutional amendment on casino-style gaming and allowing voters to ratify the proposal, but political realities in Kentucky’s General Assembly have marginalized the topic. Heiner had previously supported... Read more 

Sen. Pres. Stivers says legislative immunity won't apply to Sen. Smith's DUI charge

01/23/2015 12:47 PM
Kentucky state Sen. Brandon Smith, R-hazard, is seeking to use legislative immunity within the Kentucky Constitution to relieve himself of a DUI arrest the lawmaker incurred during the first week of January during the legislative session. While Smith fights the DUI charge in Frankfort using language stating legislators are “privileged from arrest” during session the Senate President says no one is above the law. On Friday, Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said Smith’s immunity challenge to the DUI case... Read more 

Tribute to Wendell Ford... in his own words

01/23/2015 10:38 AM
The longtime politician who never lost a race lost his battle with cancer yesterday. Former US Senator and Governor Wendell H. Ford spoke with Pure Politics on a number of occasions. Here’s a look back to the man in his own words on his own legacy.  Read more 

Proposed Conversion of Gas Pipeline to Carry Natural Gas Liquids Through Kentucky Raises Questions, Concerns
from Erica Peterson
Throughout this farmland near Lebanon, the markers are almost as ubiquitous as silos, split-rail fences and hay bales. “The gas lines start crossing right in here,” Joe Spalding said. These are parts of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline, which has been in the ground for more than 70 years here in Marion County. For the most part, the community is used to it. But now, one of these lines is potentially part of the Utica Marcellus Texas Pipeline, too. The Tennessee Gas Pipeline has carried natural gas across the state for 70 years, but a company is proposing a switch to natural gas liquids has worried some landowners. That’s [...]
Mon, Jan 26, 2015 12:00:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
At Koch summit, Rand Paul splits with Cruz, Rubio
Rand Paul is demonstrating how he could disrupt the Republican presidential field if he seeks the nomination, sparring with potential rivals over Iran, Cuba and the Pentagon's budget in a…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Jan 26, 2015 6:19:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Wendell Ford remembered as 'colossus' in service at Capitol
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
FRANKFORT — In a solemn ceremony in Kentucky's Capitol Rotunda Sunday, Wendell Ford, the first person in the state's history to be elected lieutenant governor, governor and U.S. senator, was…Click to Continue » [...]
Sun, Jan 25, 2015 10:22:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Koch event drawing 2016 hopefuls Rubio, Paul, Cruz, Walker
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is sending clear signs about an expected run for the presidency in 2016.Click to Continue » [...]
Sun, Jan 25, 2015 3:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
U.S. Once Had Universal Child Care, But Rebuilding It Won’t Be Easy
from NPR
Stumping in Kansas after his State of the Union, the president said that for most parents working today, child care is more than a “side issue,” and that improving access “is a national economic priority for all of us.” In urging greatly expanded subsidies during his Tuesday address, the president referenced a national child care program that was in place during World War II, when his grandmother and other American women were needed in the nation’s factories. Federal Child Care The program is not widely known today, but if it seems hard to believe, you can see evidence for yourself on YouTube. This grainy [...]
Sun, Jan 25, 2015 1:29:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana Expanding Mentoring Program
from Rick Howlett
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana officials say a new mentoring program launched this school year has been a success and will be expanded next year. It’s called School to Work, and spokeswoman Kristin Milosevich says it initially matched 15 Seneca High School students with mentors from Price Waterhouse Coopers and Humana. “The whole concept of school to work is that it actually puts high school students who are, will benefit from a one-to-one mentoring relationship in the workplace on the path to getting their first job, going on to college.” Milosevich says Big Brothers Big Sisters hopes to match as many as 75 students from across Jefferson County Public [...]
Sun, Jan 25, 2015 1:19:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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