KFTC's Economic Justice Lobby Day!

KFTC's Economic Justice Lobby Day brought members from all over the state together to tell legislators that we have a vision for a better Kentucky, and we're not going to get there by giving our kids outdated text books, or by putting college out of reach for many students and their families.

The lobby day followed Gov. Beshear's Budget Address, in which he outlined a budget that took investments away from K-12 education, higher education, environmental protection, and human and health services, and also proposed borrowing about $1.1 billion for construction projects.  The cuts, if implemented, are going to be painful.

On Wednesday, though, we found that many lawmakers were content to "manage the crisis."  Members spent the day challenging lawmakers to stop accepting the status quo--especially now that the status quo look so dire.  Instead, members encouraged lawmakers, we need to ask more from ourselves, and for ourselves.  We deserve to protect our environment better, pay our teachers fairly, bring more Kentuckians to and through higher ed, and we deserve to be able to take better care of ourselves and our commonwealth.  And we can get closer to this vision with a set of solutions that also helps to correct some of the unfairness in our tax code.

And many legislators responded well to this message.  We picked up one cosponsor, bringing our running total to 11, and we had several good conversations with legislators that we'll continue throughout the session.  Thanks to all of you who helped this effort by coming out to Frankfort and having these important conversations about Kentucky's priorities.

Thanks, too, to everyone who responded to last week's action alert.  Your calls helped our lobbyists pick up a cosponsor!