Al Cross: No-compromise culture war has ruined our politics
When the Kentucky House voted to ban gender-affirming medical treatment for Kentucky minors, even if their parents want them to have such care, it illustrated what’s wrong with our politics, and with the Kentucky General Assembly. Medical science and wisdom are ignored, and the legislative process is abused, all for political expediency. The loudest and...
Public Safety & Education Bills on the Move
From LRC Public Information Officer Mike Wynn: FRANKFORT — The Kentucky General Assembly hit a new rhythm last week as lawmakers welcomed military kids to the Capitol and passed more than 50 bills out of committee with a heavy emphasis on both education and public safety. The fast-paced week drew large crowds to the Capitol...
Gov. Beshear Signs Tax Cut Despite Concerns
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky, is signing Republican’s top priority bill that tax would reduce the income tax from 4.5 percent to 4 percent beginning next year. Despite his concerns of long-term repercussions, and a veto of similar legislation last year, Beshear said he was signing the bill into law to give some relief to Kentuckians...
Al Cross: Legislative session is a battleground in the governor’s race
The General Assembly is back in the state capital, and we can safely assume the governor’s not happy about it. Andy Beshear is a Democrat running for a second term, and the legislature is run by Republicans who want a fellow partisan to replace him. It’s the first time a Kentucky legislature controlled by one...
GOP Tax Cut Proposal Sent to Gov. Beshear
Days after the state income tax was lowered to 4.5 percent Republicans in the Kentucky legislature have sent another legislative drop to the tax to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. “I am excited to see another income tax reduction measure reach the Governor’s desk,” Sen. Chris McDaniel said. “The onus is now on Governor Andy Beshear...
‘If I have to fight it out in the public, I’ll do so,’ Jefferson Co. Clerk Warns Over 19th Dist Special Election Plans
Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw squared off with the Kentucky Board of Election this week, as the group chose to reject her plan for a special election scheduled for Feb. 21 to replace Morgan McGarvey in the state Senate. The Kentucky Board of Elections rejected Holsclaw’s plan over her objections, citing a lack of voting...
On the Move: McCarthy Strategic Solutions Adds Jeff Harper to their Team
Frankfort lobbying group McCarthy Strategic Solutions has added the former longtime director of public affairs at Kentucky Farm Bureau to their roster. McCarthy announced last week that Jeff Harper joined their staff as a principal. Harper worked as the director of the Public Affairs Division for the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation for more than a...
Lawmakers Move Measurers on Taxes and Juvenile Justice in First Week
From LRC Public Information Officer Mike Wynn: The Kentucky General Assembly kicked off the 2023 Regular Session this week by welcoming dozens of new lawmakers into the ranks and moderating the tempo somewhat in a nod to the traditional “short” sessions of the past. But even with the new members and measured pace, legislation on...
Gov. Beshear: Future is Bright
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky, laid out a rosy picture for Kentucky in his State of the Commonwealth address on Wednesday evening. Pointing to economic development success and record budget surplus, Beshear said he’s looking into the future as we move through some of our toughest days of pandemic recovery, and natural disasters. “In the Book...