Policy
Articles discussing a current or proposed policy, and what is good and bad about it.
Red flag laws saved 7,300 Americans from gun deaths in 2020 alone – and could have saved 11,400 more Members Subscribers Public
Do red flag laws make a difference? This scholar looked at the numbers, and found that red flag laws definitely make a difference.
A policy analyst debunks “slow recovery” claims being used to cut the safety net Members Subscribers Public
Some are saying KY’s recovery is slow, so we need to cut the safety net to drive people back into the workforce. Dustin Pugel explains why that is the exact wrong thing to do.
Auditor should ‘follow the data,’ scrutinize ‘tacit collusion’ between contractors, cabinet Members Subscribers Public
Why doesn’t the KY Department of Transportation award so many one-bid contracts? Perhaps state auditor Harmon should find out.
SNAP benefits have twice the impact on rural communities than urban ones, new USDA study shows Members Subscribers Public
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits not only provide struggling Americans with food, but also disproportionately help rural communities' economies, according to a newly published study.
Private school tax credit program is unconstitutional Members Subscribers Public
Instead of giving handouts to select private schools, shouldn’t we be restoring funding for public schools?
Why broadband internet is as important as electricity for rural residents Members Subscribers Public
The need for rural broadband has been talked about until it’s practically a standard, and empty, campaign slogan. Even piecemeal improvements take forever. No wonder small-town America feels disconnected — it’s because it is, literally and figuratively.
‘Tax the rich’? Democrats’ plans to make the wealthy pay a little more will barely dent America’s long slide from progressive taxation Members Subscribers Public
The U.S. used to have a rigorously progressive tax system – but now, the uber-rich actually pay a lower tax rate than the poorest citizens. Read this to learn more.
Statement: Expiration of unemployment benefits will increase hardship, will not improve state’s jobs picture Members Subscribers Public
September 4 will be the last day for three jobless benefit programs, leaving nearly 40,000 Kentuckians without income from unemployment insurance as the Delta variant of COVID-19 is surging through the commonwealth.
Record surplus creates opportunity to reinvest in Kentucky Members Subscribers Public
For once, we are looking at large surpluses in our state budget. Our lawmakers need to use those surpluses to invest in our state and our people.
Voting with disabilities: Major improvements in Kentucky Members Subscribers Public
In 2016, Kentucky was dead last in disability voting rates. In 2020, we had the largest increase in disability voting rates in the country. Dr. Neal Turpin explains why.
Voting with disabilities? It’s tough in the Bluegrass Members Subscribers Public
The ability to freely cast a ballot is fundamental to democracy. While most adults in the US have the right to vote (those convicted of felonies [https://forwardky.com/time-to-restore-felon-voting-rights/] being a major exclusion), many in this country still face serious practical barriers to casting a ballot. One group facing
Why are Republicans attacking your schools? Members Subscribers Public
Our public schools have been under increasing attack in recent years, with the attacks mainly led by Republicans. Here are three reasons they are coming after public education.