State Budget Director John Hicks reported today that General Fund receipts climbed 2.9 percent in February with revenues of $884.0 million compared to the $859.4 million collected in February 2019. Through the first eight months of FY20, the General Fund has grown 3.5 percent. The official General Fund revenue estimate for FY20 calls for revenue…
By STU JOHNSON Utility crews coming to the Commonwealth to help out after a natural disaster would not have to pay Kentucky income taxes under a bill passed out of the House Budget Committee Tuesday. Western Kentucky Representative Myron Dossett said it would become effective upon a state of emergency declaration by the Governor or President. …
Leaders in business, education, and public sectors make up initial appointees FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU) has announced the creation of a new Workforce Development Advisory Council to advise the organization on public policy and market-based solutions to Kentucky’s education and workforce needs. Initial members of the…
By Ryan Van Velzer Six people in Kentucky have so far tested positive for the coronavirus, but Gov. Andy Beshear expects that number could change ‘dramatically’ once private labs begin to ramp up testing. At its peak, the state lab has conducted 14 tests in a day. Already, two private labs are online to help meet…
By The Associated Press | FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – The Kentucky House passed a bill to bolster efforts to crack down on human trafficking. The bill passed 87-0 Monday. It goes to the Senate. Under the measure, signs displaying the national human trafficking hotline number would be posted in public restrooms in airports, train and bus stations…
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s annual unemployment rate was 4.3% in 2019, unchanged from 4.3% in 2018, while nonfarm employment gained 8,600 jobs, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The U.S. annual unemployment rate dropped to 3.7% in 2019 from 3.9% in 2018. The…
After two hours or questions and comments, the Kentucky House passed a two-year budget to fund the executive branch of government on Friday. House Budget Committee Chairman Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, who presented the budget bill on the House floor, reminded his members, “This is not the end of the process, but one step.” The measure…
By STU JOHNSON Radon testing would be required at Kentucky’s licensed child care centers once every five years under a bill before the full House. The legislation got the backing of the House Health and Family Services Committee last week. Western Kentucky Representative Michael Meredith said grant money could help with mitigation work. “To allow federal,…
By STU JOHNSON The House Education Committee has passed legislation to establish a cannabis research center at the University of Kentucky. Under the bill, UK would work with researchers at other state universities. Taylor Mill Representative Kim Moser is sponsoring the legislation. “It’s important that cannabis be researched for its effectiveness as a medication and that…
By JOSH JAMES A bill granting Kentucky veterinarians legal protections if they report suspected animal abuse to law enforcement has cleared committee, but not without one change. As it stands, veterinarians need a waiver, subpoena, or court order to alert authorities of possible animal abuse. Backers of Senate Bill 21 hope to change that. “We remain the only state in…
