Policy
Articles discussing a current or proposed policy, and what is good and bad about it.
KCEP responds to passage of yet another income tax cut
The following is a statement from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy on the passage today of HB 1.
Twenty-eight orgs urge KYGA to use surpluses to invest in all of us, instead of just a few
Twenty-eight KY orgs have sent a letter to every member of the General Assembly, urging them to invest in human infrastructure, instead of giving more money to those who already are wealthy.
SNAP is vital tool for fighting hunger that should be strengthened, not attacked
SNAP is one of the most important and successful programs we have for fighting hunger. Yet, our legislature cut it earlier this year. It’s time to strengthen SNAP, not cut it.
Sending public money to private schools breaks Kentucky’s commitment to students
The best use of public resources to support improved outcomes for all students is to reinvest in our public schools. HB 563 instead unconstitutionally siphons more resources away from our already underfunded public schools to the detriment of all of Kentucky’s kids.
More disasters are coming. Kentucky must be prepared.
We are going to see more natural and man-made disasters in Kentucky. Instead of sticking our heads in the sand, we need to be getting ready. Jason Bailey lays out how.
There’s no urban-rural divide when it comes to tackling substance use disorder
The rural-urban divide reflects numerous differences across our state. But one issue that affects everyone is the overdose epidemic. Two activists share what we need to do with our settlement money.
The housing crisis: public problems, social solutions
We have a housing crisis in this country – and most answers people propose are either inadequate or don’t work at all. Neal Turpin lays out a Big Idea for a solution.
Red flag laws saved 7,300 Americans from gun deaths in 2020 alone – and could have saved 11,400 more
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
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.
Why are Republicans attacking your schools?
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.
Auditor should ‘follow the data,’ scrutinize ‘tacit collusion’ between contractors, cabinet
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
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
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
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
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.
