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Beshear update on tornadoes
At least 64 people died in nine counties when at least four tornadoes ravaged Kentucky late Friday night and early Saturday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday morning. Beshear said he expects the death toll to increase, possibly up to 80. Statewide, 105 people remain unaccounted for, Beshear said. The heaviest toll was paid in Graves County, where 20 deaths have been confirmed. Beshear said Mayfield Consumer Products LLC reports that eight of 110 people working at the factory Friday night died when the building collapsed and another eight remain missing. “We pray this is true,” said an emotional Beshear. (Herald-Leader)
Biden declares Kentucky storm a major disaster
President Joe Biden on Sunday declared the storm that destroyed many parts of Kentucky and killed dozens a major disaster, according to the White House. Doing so will make Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Taylor, and Warren. Assistance can also be provided in the form of grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. (Herald-Leader)
Rand Paul opposition to previous disaster relief resurfaces as he seeks aid for Kentucky
Critics slammed Kentucky GOP Senator Rand Paul for requesting federal aid to help his state recover from devastating tornadoes after he previously voted against relief when other states were struck by natural disasters. (Newsweek)
Biden opposes Kellogg’s plan to hire scabs as workers decide to remain on strike
U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday joined the growing chorus of labor rights advocates and workers who have condemned an attempt by Kellogg Company to hire permanent replacements for unionized workers who remain on strike after rejecting a proposed contract earlier this week. “Collective bargaining is an essential tool to protect the rights of workers that should be free from threats and intimidation from employers,” Biden said in a statement. “That’s why I am deeply troubled by reports of Kellogg’s plans to permanently replace striking workers.” (Truthout)
General Fund receipts rose 16.2 percent, 4.8 percent for Road Fund
The Kentucky General Fund receipts rose 16.2 percent in November compared to last year. Total revenues for the month were $1.17 billion, the third consecutive month in which revenues have surpassed one billion dollars. Receipts have now risen 17.3 percent for the first five months of the fiscal year, significantly higher than budgeted estimates. (Lane Report)
Rep. Bart Rowland not seeking another term
After nearly a decade in the state legislature Rep. Bart Rowland (R-Tompkinsville) is announcing he will not seek another term in the 21st District House seat. Rowland said he is looking to more time at home working at his insurance agency and on the family farm. He was first elected in a special election in 2012, and will serve out his term ending in Dec. of 2022. (KY Fried Politics)
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