Kentucky officeholders use their power, official and unofficial
In the last week or so, we’ve seen examples of Kentucky politicians using power from various sources, official and unofficial. Here’s a summary.
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Undeterred by previous setbacks, Kentucky lawmakers again file school choice bill
Despite protests, previous legislative fails, and an ongoing legal challenge, Kentucky lawmakers are again trying to offer tax credits to help families afford private school.
Short-sighted tax cuts for the rich will not grow state economies
Kentucky’s lawmakers are already talking about cutting taxes, especially on the rich. This article lays out why that is a BAD idea.
‘Our future is now’: Beshear says budget can propel state forward
Gov. Beshear delivered his budget address Thursday evening, calling on state lawmakers to make record investments to build a world-class education system, grow the jobs of the future, and turn two years of progress into 20 years of prosperity.
Controversial claims made at town hall hosted by Southworth
Sen. Adrienne Southworth claimed at a town hall that doctors were being prevented by hospitals from prescribing certain medications for COVID.
Redistricting legislation approved, moves on to governor
The General Assembly met Saturday to finish passing the redistricting maps and send them to the governor.
Five questions answered about “dark money”
But what exactly is “dark money,” and why is it considered a problem? A law professor who studies campaign finance answers those questions and explains how improved disclosure laws could shed some light on dark money.
A closer look at the Senate redistricting map
Nick Storm of Kentucky Fried Politics has done a good job of digging into the newly-dropped Senate redistricting map.
Is our democracy in danger? Mitch McConnell doesn’t seem to think so
Al Cross compares McConnell’s statements after the Jan. 6 coup attempt with McConnell’s statements now, in the face of real danger to our democracy.
‘Kentucky’s time is now,’ Beshear says in state address
Gov. Andy Beshear delivered his third State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night before a joint session of the Kentucky House and Senate, addressing such topics as economic development, natural disasters, and, of course, COVID-19.
‘Don’t Look Up’: Hollywood’s primer on climate denial illustrates 5 myths that fuel rejection of science
“Don’t Look Up” is satire, certainly – but it’s also a commentary on humans rejecting science. Why do we do that? Here are five myths that help explain.
Willner files law to establish training and safe hiring standards for bouncers
On the second anniversary of a constituent’s death after an altercation with a bouncer at Nowhere Bar in Louisville, state Rep. Lisa Willner filed legislation today designed to increase training and other safe-hiring standards for those hired to provide security at bars and nightclubs.
A Federal ban on abortion is wildly unpopular in all 50 states
As reproductive rights again face significant challenges, new analysis finds there is not a single state where support for a federal ban on abortion has more than 30% support among the public.
Auditor should ‘follow the data,’ scrutinize ‘tacit collusion’ between contractors, cabinet
Why doesn’t the KY Department of Transportation award so many one-bid contracts? Perhaps state auditor Harmon should find out.
At term's midpoint, Beshear reflects on pandemic work, saying he wishes he had prepared Kentuckians for a longer fight
As Gov. Andy Beshear passed the mid-point of his four-year term, he spent time with KHN to discuss Kentucky’s health issues, how he‘s handled the pandemic, and what he would do over if he had the chance.
Fair play isn’t James Comer’s idea of a good idea; shouldn’t we hold everyone accountable?
If Repubs take the House in 2022, our own Jamie Comer will be the chair of the oversight committee. Think he’ll be fair-handed with that? Think again, says Bill Straub.
