News of KFTC and our issues
Merlene Davis: Advocates for felons' voting rights hope …
February 18, 2013
Changes in the Kentucky Senate offer hope that House Bill 70 might get fair consideration this year.
Tom Eblen: Capitol Education Center is evidence that progress can penetrate politics
February 17, 2013
But this year, there was something new for the young people to see as they participated in I Love Mountains Day: the Capitol Education Center, which teaches about sustainable energy and lifestyles. It's a stark contrast to the Beshear administraiton that promotes policies that do just the opposite.
KY's cut to child care assistance is steepest in nation
February 7, 2013
Citing lack of state funds, Kentucky is preparing to cut thousands of families off a program that subsidizes the cost of child care for working poor parents. Starting this spring, child care support will only be available to families with household income below $22,050. At that point, Kentucky will have the lowest threshold for child care assistance in the country.
Beshear Administration describes need for new state revenue
February 6, 2013
This post from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy does a great job capturing yesterday's grim testimony about Kentucky's financial crisis before a joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations committees.
Ky. should not allow AT&T to end landline phone service
January 31, 2013
AT&T is circulating a proposed bill for the 2013 General Assembly that would deregulate basic local telephone services in the service areas of AT&T, Windstream and Cincinnati Bell in Kentucky. That means many Kentucians would no longer be guaranteed access to basic local service as a stand-alone option.
Kentucky Miner Sued By Former Employer For Filing Discrimination Complaint
January 29, 2013
Within the last 17 months, Kentucky miner Reuben Shemwell got fired from his welding job, sued by his former employer and effectively blackballed from the local mines -- troubles that he claims all started when he spoke up about working conditions he considered unsafe.
Why regions fail
January 15, 2013
In this thoughtful piece, author Jason Bailey explores some of the structural causes of widespread poverty in eastern Kentucky. He refers to a recent book, called Why Nations Fail, that tries to answer the basic question of why some places are rich and others poor.
Coal severance trust fund a good idea
January 11, 2013
The Hazard Herald published another strong editorial about what's needed to support economic diversification in eastern Kentucky. It states, "In 2011, the Mountain Association for Economic Development (MACED) released a report that urged leaders to form a trust fund from coal severance dollars that can be accessed later on for prioritized projects.
A better economy is possible
January 8, 2013
"What we’re saying is that there’s potential, and a proven model, and all we need is the willingness to overcome stereotypes and statistics and we can build a better economy, and in turn a better future for our children. It’ll take some work, that’s for sure, but it will be well worth it."
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