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.
Policy
Articles discussing a current or proposed policy, and what is good and bad about it.
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.
Statement: Expiration of unemployment benefits will increase hardship, will not improve state’s jobs picture
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
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
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.
Why we should use vote-by-mail in November
The primary election in Kentucky was, overall, a success. Allowing voting by mail kept people safe during a pandemic and increased turnout at the same time. There were certainly issues [https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article243731882.html]. Ballots took too long to receive. Early voting hours in many places
If the George Floyd video had been taken in Kentucky, this bill would have kept us from seeing it.
Under a bill proposed in the 2020 General Assembly, bystander videos depicting acts of violence by police officers resulting in death would have been inaccessible in Kentucky if in the hands of a public agency.
