by Chris Otts A server at the Village Anchor in Louisville carries food to a table wearing gloves amid the COVID-19 outbreak. (March 12, 2020) LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Kentucky’s two largest business chambers – who normally wouldn’t be expected to embrace new government mandates on employers – aren’t saying much about a Louisville lawmaker’s…
By STU JOHNSON The Kentucky General Assembly is considering some modifications to a financial literacy program for high schools. Two years ago, the legislature passed a measure requiring students entering the ninth grade this fall to take such a course before graduating. Bill Sponsor Jim DuPlessis said the bill this session calls for a half credit,…
by Sara Sidery LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — School officials are encouraging parents to start making plans now, in case Governor Andy Beshear calls for shutting down schools because of the coronavirus. Some area districts are preparing to close as soon as next week, and said they would follow directives from state leaders and health officials.…
By Ryland Barton Republicans in the Kentucky legislature are pushing for a bill that would make Louisville’s mayoral and Metro Council elections nonpartisan. Louisville is one of a handful of cities in Kentucky that elect partisan city officials. A Democratic stronghold, the city — technically a consolidated city-county government since 2003 — hasn’t had a Republican…
By STU JOHNSON Legislation to reduce the cost of reprocessing old coal is heading to the full Kentucky Senate. Senate Bill 251 would affect a specific refuse fill area in Clay County. If passed, it would eliminate the requirement for a coal company foreman and two emergency medical technicians. Coal Operators and Associates Board Chair Charles…
By STU JOHNSON A number of constitutional amendment measures have been acted on during this general assembly session. One acted on in the State Senate Tuesday pertains to Virginia and Kentucky. Often times, legislation in Frankfort calling for a voter referendum also seeks to add language to Kentucky’s Constitution. Senate Bill 106 proposes to remove language…
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…