House Democrats just suspended the rules to throw another amendment on the budget bill and were trying to force a vote without allowing Republicans to even read it.
After a request from Minority Leader Jeff Hoover, a fifteen minute break was granted for a quick read. But what we really need, though, is this bill to give legislators and the public time to read their garbage before it is crammed down our throats.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Taxing In Circles and Picking Our Own Pockets
Rep. David Watkins just made a House floor speech in favor of cutting out the health ravages of smoking by raising the cigarette tax twenty five cents a pack. He spoke about how much it costs taxpayers to cover through Medicaid the treatment of smoking related diseases.
Since Medicaid recipients who smoke are likely to pay the tax increase with our money anyway, wouldn't it make more sense to take steps to remove benefits from people who smoke?
Since Medicaid recipients who smoke are likely to pay the tax increase with our money anyway, wouldn't it make more sense to take steps to remove benefits from people who smoke?
Jody Richards Allergic To Taxpayer Rights
While Rep. Jody Richards was dripping orange hair dye on Rep. Greg Stumbo's speaker's chair yesterday, he had a chance to strike a blow for taxpayers.
He failed.
Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo's economic development transparency bill was the perfect vehicle for Rep. Jim DeCesare to attach his transparency bill and get it a hearing in the House.
Richards, showing yet again his apparent lack of understanding of the term "germane," ruled the amendment out of order.
He failed.
Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo's economic development transparency bill was the perfect vehicle for Rep. Jim DeCesare to attach his transparency bill and get it a hearing in the House.
Richards, showing yet again his apparent lack of understanding of the term "germane," ruled the amendment out of order.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Asking Jim Newberry
Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry goes in for a deposition on Thursday to testify regarding his role in the cover-up of the Fayette County Detention Center prisoner abuse scandal.
Perhaps he will have details about the revelations of a jail employee trading clean drug tests for sexual favors and car detailing at Paul Miller Ford.
Perhaps he will have details about the revelations of a jail employee trading clean drug tests for sexual favors and car detailing at Paul Miller Ford.
No Priorities, Only More Spending
The House Budget Committee just voted to raise your taxes more.
Rep. Jim Wayne said legislators would be "dead-beat parents" if they didn't raise taxes.
"All of us want more in the budget and the only way we are going to get more in the budget is to raise more revenue," Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark said, summing up perfectly what is wrong with our state government.
The bill they voted on was HB 262. As of this writing, not all the details are available. Hope to have it updated tonight.
Rep. Bob DeWeese and Rep. Danny Ford called out House Dem leaders for trying to cram the tax increase down their throats. Rep. DeWeese also complained that legislators will have to vote on the budget without being able to read it.
Rep. Keith Hall suggested there would be "blood on my hands" if he didn't vote for the tax increase. He voted for it.
Rep. Jim Wayne said legislators would be "dead-beat parents" if they didn't raise taxes.
"All of us want more in the budget and the only way we are going to get more in the budget is to raise more revenue," Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark said, summing up perfectly what is wrong with our state government.
The bill they voted on was HB 262. As of this writing, not all the details are available. Hope to have it updated tonight.
Rep. Bob DeWeese and Rep. Danny Ford called out House Dem leaders for trying to cram the tax increase down their throats. Rep. DeWeese also complained that legislators will have to vote on the budget without being able to read it.
Rep. Keith Hall suggested there would be "blood on my hands" if he didn't vote for the tax increase. He voted for it.
The Tax Increase Fix Is In
The Senate Budget Committee is set this morning to vote on the HB 258 tax increase bill the House passed 97-0.
And no, don't call me and tell me it was just a tax increase on companies not headquartered in Kentucky or that it just turned back the clock on a part of the 2005 tax modernization. Consumers pay more when corporate taxes go up, even if the corporations aren't based in Kentucky.
A year ago, we were going to get rid of this tax. Doesn't anyone remember that?
It is disgusting to see Harry Moberly writing the tax increase talking points for Frankfort Republicans now. What's next, another cigarette tax increase for the children?
And no, don't call me and tell me it was just a tax increase on companies not headquartered in Kentucky or that it just turned back the clock on a part of the 2005 tax modernization. Consumers pay more when corporate taxes go up, even if the corporations aren't based in Kentucky.
A year ago, we were going to get rid of this tax. Doesn't anyone remember that?
It is disgusting to see Harry Moberly writing the tax increase talking points for Frankfort Republicans now. What's next, another cigarette tax increase for the children?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunny And Money Monday!
I'm stuck in the Louisville Airport after a car accident/traffic jam/missed flight/toiletries tossed in the name of jihad all-day nightmare as I try to get to Washington D.C. for the week.
To top it all off, the internet connection I just blew five dollars on here doesn't work very well. I plan to do updates tonight, but it might be a little thin until then.
To top it all off, the internet connection I just blew five dollars on here doesn't work very well. I plan to do updates tonight, but it might be a little thin until then.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
March 10 Monday Morning Meeting
Monday (3/10/08) at 10 am in Frankfort, Bluegrass Institute's education analyst Dick Innes will speak about reforming the education assessment program called CATS and about why the bureaucrats (and their politicians) are against Senate President David Williams' SB 1.
The forum will be held in the conference room at the Kentucky Association of Homebuilders, 1040 Burlington Lane in Frankfort.
Anyone is welcome to attend, but please email me at adams(at)bipps.com to let me know you are coming. Members of the media are welcome to attend, but the entire meeting is off the record.
The forum will be held in the conference room at the Kentucky Association of Homebuilders, 1040 Burlington Lane in Frankfort.
Anyone is welcome to attend, but please email me at adams(at)bipps.com to let me know you are coming. Members of the media are welcome to attend, but the entire meeting is off the record.
Friday, March 07, 2008
House Dems' New Population Reduction Scheme
One point missing from our discussion about the competing Democratic plans to raise your Kentucky taxes is that the reliance on refinancing bonds works like a tax increase, too. If we redo a bunch of bonds that are within just a few years of maturity, but have higher interest payments than are available now, we will wind up paying more money on that debt over time.
The interest payments may be lower now, but by resetting the terms back out to twenty years, we are ensuring that Kentucky taxpayers of the future will pay more then because we didn't cut spending now.
If we were actually saving the savings it might be a different story, but you know we won't be doing that.
And when you add in the public employee benefits disaster no one is talking about anymore, you see that we are only setting the timer on a killer bomb that will go off after the current crop of "leaders" is dead or out of office.
And speaking of death, HB 707 zings you on your final exit by prohibiting anyone but funeral directors from transporting a body to be cremated. Limiting competition here is certain to increase final expense prices.
The interest payments may be lower now, but by resetting the terms back out to twenty years, we are ensuring that Kentucky taxpayers of the future will pay more then because we didn't cut spending now.
If we were actually saving the savings it might be a different story, but you know we won't be doing that.
And when you add in the public employee benefits disaster no one is talking about anymore, you see that we are only setting the timer on a killer bomb that will go off after the current crop of "leaders" is dead or out of office.
And speaking of death, HB 707 zings you on your final exit by prohibiting anyone but funeral directors from transporting a body to be cremated. Limiting competition here is certain to increase final expense prices.
Ed Worley Gets One Thing Right
Senator Ed Worley just said on the Senate floor "The basic question before us today is 'have we been successful with KERA and with CATS?"
It is correct to say that is the question at the heart of the current education debate.
But the magic didn't hold for long. Worley said the answer was "yes" and then he voted "no" on Senate Bill 1 and then added that we would really "humanize" the education process by passing a bullying bill.
It is correct to say that is the question at the heart of the current education debate.
But the magic didn't hold for long. Worley said the answer was "yes" and then he voted "no" on Senate Bill 1 and then added that we would really "humanize" the education process by passing a bullying bill.
Photoshop Me, Baby, One More Time
This picture would now be perfect if Governor Steve Beshear had a cigarette in his left hand.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Another Steve Beshear Fib (Non-Smoking Version)
If you haven't gotten in the habit of reading the Bluegrass Policy Blog, you may have missed this.
Cutting The Fat In Reverse
Now that Governor Steve Beshear has come clean about his support for a seventy cents a pack cigarette tax increase, we are about to see it get better.
House Majority Caucus Chairman Charlie Hoffman is going to propose raising it by a dollar.
House Majority Caucus Chairman Charlie Hoffman is going to propose raising it by a dollar.
Shaughnessy Spins The Roulette Wheel
Senator Tim Shaughnessy stopped to explain his vote against the SB 1 education reform bill by making an odd comparison that defines the opposition to improvement of public education in this state.
"This is a gambling bill," Shaughnessy said. By that he meant changing from the familiar course would present too much risk.
Nonsense. Depending on the education bureaucracy to operate with little real accountability and putting them in charge of administering the state's method of tracking their efforts would never be tolerated in the real world and should not be supported by taxpayers.
Senate Bill 1 just passed out of the Senate Education Committee on a party-line vote.
"This is a gambling bill," Shaughnessy said. By that he meant changing from the familiar course would present too much risk.
Nonsense. Depending on the education bureaucracy to operate with little real accountability and putting them in charge of administering the state's method of tracking their efforts would never be tolerated in the real world and should not be supported by taxpayers.
Senate Bill 1 just passed out of the Senate Education Committee on a party-line vote.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
What, No Jail Time?
Senate Bill 246, filed Wednesday, requires parents to send their children to public school until age eighteen.
This is perhaps the closest we will get to any kind of school reform from this General Assembly. The only way they could make this junk worse would be to work up some kind of punishment for parents when their teenagers drop out of school. Otherwise, the people who really get hurt by expanding compulsory attendance are the kids who want to learn but are required to sit next to the disruptive kids who are forced to stay in school.
This is perhaps the closest we will get to any kind of school reform from this General Assembly. The only way they could make this junk worse would be to work up some kind of punishment for parents when their teenagers drop out of school. Otherwise, the people who really get hurt by expanding compulsory attendance are the kids who want to learn but are required to sit next to the disruptive kids who are forced to stay in school.
Sorry Charlie
Rep. Charlie Hoffman is riding out his last days in House leadership kicking the casino gambling horse, trying to get it to make the final turn.
But it won't get him to the finish line. It is dead.
Hoffman stuck another amendment on the casino bill today. What a complete waste of time this whole General Assembly session has been. Leaders like Sorry Charlie just won't get us anywhere.
But it won't get him to the finish line. It is dead.
Hoffman stuck another amendment on the casino bill today. What a complete waste of time this whole General Assembly session has been. Leaders like Sorry Charlie just won't get us anywhere.
Here Comes Adult Supervision
Louisville GOP insiders say long-time activist Craig Maffet has the votes to become the next chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party.
This is a welcome change in The River City.
This is a welcome change in The River City.
(D)-Disarray
House Democrats have cancelled tomorrow's caucus meeting where some hoped they might get their act straight.
The group has not met since the first week of the General Assembly, which is very unusual and suggests there is no functioning leadership.
3/06 UPDATE: Now it looks like the the meeting will happen, but the agenda will only include the budget and tax increases.
The group has not met since the first week of the General Assembly, which is very unusual and suggests there is no functioning leadership.
3/06 UPDATE: Now it looks like the the meeting will happen, but the agenda will only include the budget and tax increases.
More Attacks On Political Speech
HB 775 would prohibit posting anonymously to a blog, website, or message board and levies hefty fines for violations.
SB 214 would criminalize internet-based communications deemed annoying.
SB 214 would criminalize internet-based communications deemed annoying.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Making The Case For Moving The Filing Deadline
The House of Representatives just passed a tax increase bill 97-0.
Rep. Jim DeCesare's amendment to repeal the LLET came up for a voice vote (and clearly passed, according to my hearing, though Speaker Richards screamed "NO!" into his microphone.
Passing this bill simply makes it harder for companies to justify doing business in Kentucky. The bill raises taxes on companies who do business here but are headquartered in other states. No one can pretend this tax would cause any more companies to move their business here.
If we didn't shut off our candidate filing season earlier than anyone else in the country, a lot of people would have earned opponents today.
Rep. Jim DeCesare's amendment to repeal the LLET came up for a voice vote (and clearly passed, according to my hearing, though Speaker Richards screamed "NO!" into his microphone.
Passing this bill simply makes it harder for companies to justify doing business in Kentucky. The bill raises taxes on companies who do business here but are headquartered in other states. No one can pretend this tax would cause any more companies to move their business here.
If we didn't shut off our candidate filing season earlier than anyone else in the country, a lot of people would have earned opponents today.
Lemurs, Camels, And Jackasses. Oh My!
House Budget Chairman Harry Moberly made a circus out his Appropriations and Revenue Committee meeting this morning. He attempted to use camels to destroy the coal industry and lemurs to tax the state into oblivion.
Two Very Different Legislative Chambers
While the most important bills likely to pass the Kentucky Senate this year would rein in government powers in education and the executive and legislative branches, the misfiring in the House continues with Rep. Kathy Stein's bullet bill.
The bullet bill would effectively disarm law-abiding Kentuckians by requiring a serial number and an additional tax on every bullet sold in Kentucky.
The bullet bill would effectively disarm law-abiding Kentuckians by requiring a serial number and an additional tax on every bullet sold in Kentucky.
Monday, March 03, 2008
An Amendment Worth Talking About
Rep. Jamie Comer filed an amendment today to the felon voting bill, HB 70, that would require felons to repay 25% of the cost of their incarceration before having voting rights restored.
Keeping His Eye Off The Ball
Governor Steve Beshear has been cozying up to former Rep. Mike Weaver recently and taking an interest in his race against Rep. Tim Moore.
The anti-gambling people, the anti-socialized medicine people, and Senator Brandon Smith report that is probably good for Rep. Moore.
Beshear was asked recently about his solution to his political problems. He offered this:
The anti-gambling people, the anti-socialized medicine people, and Senator Brandon Smith report that is probably good for Rep. Moore.
Beshear was asked recently about his solution to his political problems. He offered this:
Jim Wayne's World Invades Earth
Rep. Jim Wayne's bills usually get laughed out the House, but this year looks to be different.
The House appears ready to call for a vote on HB 262, an enormous tax increase. It stands no chance in the Senate, but the House has gone off the deep end.
The House appears ready to call for a vote on HB 262, an enormous tax increase. It stands no chance in the Senate, but the House has gone off the deep end.
Another Money-Saving Idea
How does it benefit Kentucky for us to give free health insurance to part-time city commissioners and county magistrates?
And let's not have any more of that "best and brightest" bunk...
And let's not have any more of that "best and brightest" bunk...
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Where's Kentucky's HillaryCare Now?
One of the best things about the current fiscal crisis in Kentucky is no one is talking about spending more money on government-provided health insurance.
Well, almost no one.
The fiscal note on HB 345 estimates that for KCHIP, Kentucky will spend $198 per month in 2008-09 and $212 per month in 2009-10 per child. That's a little much, especially considering that it's just Kentucky's share before the federal match.
Another line in the fiscal note, however, would be a more useful focal point:
We need to be raising eligibility limits on KCHIP, not lowering them. Doing so would enhance our ability to help the kids from the poorest families.
Well, almost no one.
The fiscal note on HB 345 estimates that for KCHIP, Kentucky will spend $198 per month in 2008-09 and $212 per month in 2009-10 per child. That's a little much, especially considering that it's just Kentucky's share before the federal match.
Another line in the fiscal note, however, would be a more useful focal point:
"Allowing members to remain in the program who are not eligible would prevent the program from serving the neediest population due to limited funding."
We need to be raising eligibility limits on KCHIP, not lowering them. Doing so would enhance our ability to help the kids from the poorest families.
We Have Your Answer, Mr. Cross
Al Cross gives an interesting history lesson about part of what plagues Frankfort in today's Courier-Journal.
In it, he lodges a valid complaint about how incumbent legislators a generation ago rigged the game for themselves so that they could more easily get over on their constituents. Inexplicably, this outrage persists:
It doesn't serve the public interest to arrange our elections with the sole purpose of unfairly protecting incumbents. Given the mess our incumbents have put us in, it should be pretty easy to see that unraveling any part of this twisted tizzy would help democratize the power base in the state.
Senate Bill 3 would move the legislative filing deadline to after even-year sessions, to enhance citizens' ability to protect themselves from legislators who lose sight of their purpose in Frankfort.
Seems to be a bit of that going around.
In it, he lodges a valid complaint about how incumbent legislators a generation ago rigged the game for themselves so that they could more easily get over on their constituents. Inexplicably, this outrage persists:
"(That led to a series of wholly selfish acts; lawmakers made the primary filing deadline one of the earliest in the nation, so they could gauge their opposition before casting controversial votes.)"
It doesn't serve the public interest to arrange our elections with the sole purpose of unfairly protecting incumbents. Given the mess our incumbents have put us in, it should be pretty easy to see that unraveling any part of this twisted tizzy would help democratize the power base in the state.
Senate Bill 3 would move the legislative filing deadline to after even-year sessions, to enhance citizens' ability to protect themselves from legislators who lose sight of their purpose in Frankfort.
Seems to be a bit of that going around.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Better Get Rid Of CATS Before They Try This
The private school and home school families in Kentucky may think they can sit out the current education reform debate about the public school testing program.
Think again. Look what they are trying to do in Tennessee:
Time for all liberty-minded Kentuckians to stand up to the education establishment here before it is too late.
Think again. Look what they are trying to do in Tennessee:
Home-schooled students and their parents, along with private school pupils, flooded the halls of the General Assembly on Wednesday to oppose legislation that would impose public school testing requirements on all school-age children.
Time for all liberty-minded Kentuckians to stand up to the education establishment here before it is too late.
David Williams Is Selling Sandwiches
Did you hear about the California high school student who started a thriving business selling sandwiches in his school's parking lot? His school rewarded his initiative and creativity by suspending him for two days.
I think about that when I see the educrats carping at Senate President David Williams for trying valiantly to get rid of Kentucky's long-ago thoroughly discredited CATS assessment program.
I think about that when I see the educrats carping at Senate President David Williams for trying valiantly to get rid of Kentucky's long-ago thoroughly discredited CATS assessment program.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Ernesto Scorsone Is As Ernesto Scorsone Does
Good grief. With all the real problems we have in this state now, why is Sen. Ernesto Scorsone filing a discharge petition to try to make it more illegal for kids to be mean?
Don't just sit there, feel good!
If we really want to light a fire under bills that are getting soaked, we should look here.
Don't just sit there, feel good!
If we really want to light a fire under bills that are getting soaked, we should look here.
Greg Stumbo's Plan B
Now that things aren't looking so hot for the casino gambling "campaign contribution" gravy train, Rep. Greg Stumbo is taking steps to shore up elected officials' pensions.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Are They Not Paying Attention At All?
Our educational system is a mess. The educrats have proven to be masters at getting more money for themselves, but when it comes to raising Kentucky out of the bottom in achievement they keep reverting to the old tried and true cooking of the books.
So now that the money has dried up and the Senate has gotten together a serious bill to lessen the influence of these same people, it is no surprise to see their friends get a little silly.
Like in this Bowling Green Daily News editorial that suggests everything would be fine if we just enacted a new feel-good law requiring our children to play nicely.
So now that the money has dried up and the Senate has gotten together a serious bill to lessen the influence of these same people, it is no surprise to see their friends get a little silly.
Like in this Bowling Green Daily News editorial that suggests everything would be fine if we just enacted a new feel-good law requiring our children to play nicely.
"Broken"
Governor Steve Beshear sent out the invitations to his own butt-kicking with this casino gambling-as-savior stuff. He is now going to get it with both barrels.
Are we almost ready to start talking about cutting way back on government spending so we can get off the same-old, same-old train and start on a new track?
Jessamine county's own Pastor Jeff Fugate delivers a little down-home commentary below. It's not complicated, folks.
Are we almost ready to start talking about cutting way back on government spending so we can get off the same-old, same-old train and start on a new track?
Jessamine county's own Pastor Jeff Fugate delivers a little down-home commentary below. It's not complicated, folks.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Actions Speak: Harry Moberly Unveils Plan B
House Budget Chairman will rush nine revenue increase bills through his Appropriations and Revenue Committee tomorrow in a hastily called meeting to be held as soon as the House adjourns for the day.
The dead casino bill, of course, was Plan A. Grab on to your wallet.
These are the bills:
HB 257
HB 512
HB 566
HB 608
HB 609
HB 610
HB 611
HB 614
HB 629
The dead casino bill, of course, was Plan A. Grab on to your wallet.
These are the bills:
HB 257
HB 512
HB 566
HB 608
HB 609
HB 610
HB 611
HB 614
HB 629
It's Called Priorities, Senator
Senator Julian Carroll is getting pretty exercised trying to make the case that we should continue to spend the millions of dollars to run the check printing and Ebay selling functions of the office of Treasurer, instead of disbanding the office as SB 14 would do.
He said several silly things, but this one stood out:
"Why are we so determined to put some issues on the ballot, but we're selective about what we put on the ballot?"
I'm assuming that was his weak plug for the dead casino gambling amendment.
Time To Shoot The Wounded
The casino gambling amendment just failed to pass out of the House Constitutional Amendment committee.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Watch The Wal-Mart Haters Now
Now that Wal-Mart is getting ready to go all in for health clinics in their stores, get ready for their opponents in Frankfort to try to trip them up and keep your healthcare more expensive than it needs to be.
I spoke to a Wal-Mart spokesman today who said there are no regulatory hurdles to putting such clinics in Kentucky stores. In fact, Kroger has already beaten them to the punch. (Look at these prices!) But as the proliferation of market forces lower prices here, we can only hope the General Assembly does what's best and repeals the Certificate of Need laws that cost Kentuckians much more than we would like to think about.
I spoke to a Wal-Mart spokesman today who said there are no regulatory hurdles to putting such clinics in Kentucky stores. In fact, Kroger has already beaten them to the punch. (Look at these prices!) But as the proliferation of market forces lower prices here, we can only hope the General Assembly does what's best and repeals the Certificate of Need laws that cost Kentuckians much more than we would like to think about.
Bang! Bang! Gun Bill To Impact Campus Shootings
A Tennessee state legislator says he is going to introduce a bill to allow full-time employees of colleges and universities in that state who are also concealed carry permit holders to carry guns on campus.
This might help with the silly objection that allowing guns on campus would lead to drunk college students running around shooting each other.
This might help with the silly objection that allowing guns on campus would lead to drunk college students running around shooting each other.
McCain Might Start Measuring For Drapes
If you saw Dukakis in the tank and Kerry in the clean suit and thought they were funny, you haven't seen anything yet (from Drudge):
Friday, February 22, 2008
We Need Anti-Gambling Forces To Fight For More
Pastor Jeff Fugate of Clays Mill Road Baptist Church can draw a crowd. He has gotten engaged in the casino gambling debate and is putting together a rally at the Capitol for March 5.
It would be very helpful if, while they are up there, the anti-casino folks put a word in for getting welfare recipients off drugs and for putting the state government's checkbook on the internet so taxpayers can see where their money is going. Or at least to make legislators negotiate the budget out in the open like honest people.
It would be very helpful if, while they are up there, the anti-casino folks put a word in for getting welfare recipients off drugs and for putting the state government's checkbook on the internet so taxpayers can see where their money is going. Or at least to make legislators negotiate the budget out in the open like honest people.
Chamber of Commerce Supports Welfare Bill
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce put up their legislative update tonight, listing their support of HB 592. They don't specify which tax increase they want to pay for this added spending.
If nothing else, someone should add a measure to disqualify drug abusers from getting existing welfare benefits or this new garbage.
If nothing else, someone should add a measure to disqualify drug abusers from getting existing welfare benefits or this new garbage.
Midpoint of General Assembly Frustrating For All
Watching the Kentucky legislature stumble and bumble through the first half of its 2008 session underscores the simple truth that it's much easier to kill a bad bill than to successfully promote a good one.
The most-read bill on Kentucky Votes is Senator Ernesto Scorsone's effort to give illegal aliens drivers licenses.
At the same time, we can't even get a lawmaker to file a bill to get rid of Certificate of Need laws that drive up health care costs and the bill to force state officials to quit hiding the checkbook from ordinary taxpayers can't get a hearing.
I guess the good news for the weekend is the bill to deal the death blow to the economy won't get anywhere either.
The most-read bill on Kentucky Votes is Senator Ernesto Scorsone's effort to give illegal aliens drivers licenses.
At the same time, we can't even get a lawmaker to file a bill to get rid of Certificate of Need laws that drive up health care costs and the bill to force state officials to quit hiding the checkbook from ordinary taxpayers can't get a hearing.
I guess the good news for the weekend is the bill to deal the death blow to the economy won't get anywhere either.
Presidential Debate In Frankfort Next Week
C-SPAN is expected to come to Frankfort March 1 for a debate between the Libertarian candidates for President of the United States.
Go here for details, here for registration, and here for a full agenda of what is the Libertarian Party of Kentucky convention. They have a couple of pretty good guest speakers.
Go here for details, here for registration, and here for a full agenda of what is the Libertarian Party of Kentucky convention. They have a couple of pretty good guest speakers.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
As Inspiring As Thin Air
For a very clear picture of just how substantial the Democratic presidential primary is, watch this:
Can Everybody Hear Me?
I will be on Lexington radio this afternoon at 1 pm talking about the state legislature. Tune in to 590 AM or www.wvlkam.com if you can, call in to 859-253-5959 if you want to, and sign up for daily updates on Kentucky Votes because it's just the right thing to do.
How Can They Kill CATS If They Can't Do This?
The House of Representatives showed yesterday they probably aren't ready to take education issues seriously when they killed a commonsense amendment that would have prevented the teachers union from loading up buses during the school day and marching on Frankfort. Or from otherwise abusing public funds or resources in the workplace for political purposes.
Nice job, guys. Like we can really afford this nonsense now.
Nice job, guys. Like we can really afford this nonsense now.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
More Welfare Payments We Can't Afford
Okay, Kentucky is supposed to be in a tight state budget situation, right?
Then why in the world are we even discussing a bill to increase transfer payments by creating two state programs extending federal welfare programs?
Who gets the tax increase to pay for this mess?
Then why in the world are we even discussing a bill to increase transfer payments by creating two state programs extending federal welfare programs?
Who gets the tax increase to pay for this mess?
Counting Casino Campers
Multiple reports from the Capitol this afternoon have 51 House Democrats ready to vote for a casino amendment and 5 House Republicans set to join them.
That's closer than I thought it would be, but still no soap. They need 60 votes to pass it out to the Senate where the counting is much easier.
That's closer than I thought it would be, but still no soap. They need 60 votes to pass it out to the Senate where the counting is much easier.
Sexton: Leave Destruction Of Schools To Us
Bob Sexton, a Kentucky education expert, worries that amateurs may be trying to mess up the state's public schools by changing the testing program.
He should know. He was a big part of the crowd who gave us last year's extremely disruptive testing experience.
CATS has already been destroyed, Mr. Sexton. An outside test that the Kentucky Department of Education can't manipulate is our best opportunity for real assessment now.
"Changes in the accountability system we know from experience can be extremely disruptive to teaching and learning," said Bob Sexton, president of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, a school-advocacy group based in Lexington.
He should know. He was a big part of the crowd who gave us last year's extremely disruptive testing experience.
CATS has already been destroyed, Mr. Sexton. An outside test that the Kentucky Department of Education can't manipulate is our best opportunity for real assessment now.
Making Consumers Pay For Not Being Builders
House Bill 565 subsidizes home builders who have a new property that sits completed but unsold for more than a year.
The property tax break the builders get from this bill comes at the expense of other taxpayers. Those of us who don't build houses on spec probably avoid that line of work to avoid the market risk, don't you think?
I know it is a common practice by now, but this effort to pick winners and losers in the marketplace is not something we need to do.
The property tax break the builders get from this bill comes at the expense of other taxpayers. Those of us who don't build houses on spec probably avoid that line of work to avoid the market risk, don't you think?
I know it is a common practice by now, but this effort to pick winners and losers in the marketplace is not something we need to do.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Senate Smokes Out Educrats
Senate Bill 1, filed today, would do away with the worst part of the Kentucky Department of Education's reign of terror, the CATS testing program.
The CATS program has been terrible because it has wasted millions of dollars without providing the information teachers need to actually help students. CATS has served primarily to make the education establishment look good.
This bill will save lots of money and increase accountability for the bureaucrats who wield way too much power in Frankfort. This is a great move by Senate President David Williams and one to which the House will have little legitimate resistance.
One point from the Lexington Herald Leader coverage speaks volumes about where we are with Big Education in this state. The Senate leaders did not discuss the bill with Education Commissioner Jon Draud.
The CATS program has been terrible because it has wasted millions of dollars without providing the information teachers need to actually help students. CATS has served primarily to make the education establishment look good.
This bill will save lots of money and increase accountability for the bureaucrats who wield way too much power in Frankfort. This is a great move by Senate President David Williams and one to which the House will have little legitimate resistance.
One point from the Lexington Herald Leader coverage speaks volumes about where we are with Big Education in this state. The Senate leaders did not discuss the bill with Education Commissioner Jon Draud.
Skippy Miller Act Of 2008
Tomorrow at noon the Senate State and Local Government committee will advance SB 14, a bill to disband the state Treasurer's office in honor of former Treasurer Jonathan "Skippy" Miller.
Miller's shrewd use of the office for eight years propelled the effort to prevent future politicians from using it in a similar manner.
Miller's shrewd use of the office for eight years propelled the effort to prevent future politicians from using it in a similar manner.
Kentucky Can't Tax, Can't Afford Junkies
Did you know Kentucky is one of twenty one states which unconstitutionally taxes possession of illegal drugs?
Since our Attorney General isn't going to be spending any of his time harassing the Governor, he should urge the legislature to pull this off the books before the courts make us do it.
Then we can save some money by encouraging welfare recipients to get off drugs or risk being made to get off welfare.
Since our Attorney General isn't going to be spending any of his time harassing the Governor, he should urge the legislature to pull this off the books before the courts make us do it.
Then we can save some money by encouraging welfare recipients to get off drugs or risk being made to get off welfare.
Finally, Some Meaningful Action In Frankfort
This afternoon, the Senate is expected to pass HB 18. The bill has been amended to include the provisions of SB 3, which would end the common practice of legislators going on strike each election year during the first month of the General Assembly. It would also make Kentucky a Super Tuesday state in presidential primaries.
Now the Senate needs to amend the House Finance and Administration Cabinet reorganization bill to include government expenditure transparency.
Now the Senate needs to amend the House Finance and Administration Cabinet reorganization bill to include government expenditure transparency.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Time To Decide If Kentucky Is A Sanctuary State
Indiana advanced an illegal immigration bill today similar to the HB 304 House Judiciary Chair Kathy Stein is bottling up.
If Indiana runs off their illegal aliens and Kentucky does nothing, are we prepared to accept them all? It's not like they will be moving north, where it is colder.
If Indiana runs off their illegal aliens and Kentucky does nothing, are we prepared to accept them all? It's not like they will be moving north, where it is colder.
Lexington Jail Still On Double-Secret Probation
Just when you thought the madness at the Fayette County Detention Center couldn't get any worse, a jail employee pursuing sexual harassment charges against Captain Dwight Hall has received a death threat via telephone while at work.
Upon investigation, it was determined the phone call also originated from within the facility.
This is part of what the caller said:
Former Mayor Teresa Isaac and Mayor Jim Newberry are being sued for their roles in covering up scandals in the jail.
Upon investigation, it was determined the phone call also originated from within the facility.
This is part of what the caller said:
"Shut your mouth you stupid whore or else you are going to pay."
Former Mayor Teresa Isaac and Mayor Jim Newberry are being sued for their roles in covering up scandals in the jail.
Not Just For Jody Richards
A bill to expand the charter school concept in Kentucky beyond the one illegal program Speaker Jody Richards slipped into the 2006 budget should be introduced this week.
Charter schools function like public schools except they don't have to operate under the same bureaucracy as regular public schools. Further, they face real accountability and can be shut down if they don't produce substantial results.
Kentucky is one of only four states whose education bureaucracy has persisted in denying school choice to parents. Also, the bill will show how charter schools can be run for much less money than the one in Speaker Richards' district.
Charter schools function like public schools except they don't have to operate under the same bureaucracy as regular public schools. Further, they face real accountability and can be shut down if they don't produce substantial results.
Kentucky is one of only four states whose education bureaucracy has persisted in denying school choice to parents. Also, the bill will show how charter schools can be run for much less money than the one in Speaker Richards' district.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Identifying The Problem, Ignoring Solutions
Louisville Courier Journal columnist Jill Johnson Keeney complained today about, of all things, the structure of state government in Kentucky:
A little digging might have helped her find three possible answers to this question:
Without any better ideas, the nattering nabobs should really take a closer look at some of the proposed solutions already out there.
This is a terrible system we have in Kentucky, where a governor takes office in December and less than a month later is expected to have a staff assembled, a budget prepared, and be ready with proposals for correcting major problems and advancing the state.
A little digging might have helped her find three possible answers to this question:
Limiting the scope of legislative sessions, for example, is the subject of two bills filed by Senate Republicans and one filed by a House Republican.
The bills are here, here, and here.
Without any better ideas, the nattering nabobs should really take a closer look at some of the proposed solutions already out there.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Kentucky's Least Accountable Department
If we were serious about cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in Frankfort, we couldn't find a better place to start than the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).
Just the latest example of their handiwork is another screw-up affecting the disastrous CATS testing:
Kentucky School News and Commentary has the whole story.
Have to wonder how much longer we can afford the luxury of not paying much attention to our education bureaucrats.
Just the latest example of their handiwork is another screw-up affecting the disastrous CATS testing:
This means that Kentucky students (some as young as 9-years old) will be asked to do one thing...but will be assessed on something else - some secret rubric. How is a student to know which questions have a secret rubric, and which do not? What are the ethics of penalizing students for following instructions?
Kentucky School News and Commentary has the whole story.
Have to wonder how much longer we can afford the luxury of not paying much attention to our education bureaucrats.
Leadership Vacuum In Frankfort Red Light District
It has been two days since Governor Steve Beshear introduced his stillborn casino plan. If the House Democrats had the votes to pass it, it would be worthy of serious discussion. But they don't.
The real story in all this mess is the ideological split in House leadership. The House Democratic caucus has ceased to function and is ripe for a serious shake-up.
While they sort that out, though, the rest of the state has serious needs that are being ignored.
Busting Kentucky out of its welfare mentality can get started by getting serious about illegal immigration and drug-abusing welfare recipients. We need to cut back on the political feeding trough mentality, too, on the way to reforming public employee pension plans before they break the state. Governor Beshear said he will introduce a pension reform plan next week. He really needs to reverse his growing string of policy missteps by getting this one right.
The term "public employee" should suggest those who earn their living through the government work for us, but as their benefits gets more out of hand, we wind up working harder for them. This trend needs to be reversed a whole lot more than we need to sit around watching debate on a revenue scheme that stands no chance of passage.
We can't improve the state by putting up with the same nonsense.
The real story in all this mess is the ideological split in House leadership. The House Democratic caucus has ceased to function and is ripe for a serious shake-up.
While they sort that out, though, the rest of the state has serious needs that are being ignored.
Busting Kentucky out of its welfare mentality can get started by getting serious about illegal immigration and drug-abusing welfare recipients. We need to cut back on the political feeding trough mentality, too, on the way to reforming public employee pension plans before they break the state. Governor Beshear said he will introduce a pension reform plan next week. He really needs to reverse his growing string of policy missteps by getting this one right.
The term "public employee" should suggest those who earn their living through the government work for us, but as their benefits gets more out of hand, we wind up working harder for them. This trend needs to be reversed a whole lot more than we need to sit around watching debate on a revenue scheme that stands no chance of passage.
We can't improve the state by putting up with the same nonsense.
Please Read Bluegrass Policy Blog
I really kind of get a kick out of telling people that I blog for a living.
KentuckyVotes.org, my main gig, is a blog. You can make comments about bills and respond to other comments. If you haven't already gone on there and set up an account to receive daily updates, feel free to do so. That is getting to be a pretty interesting community.
Bluegrass Policy Blog is another thing I do. Usually that is an expansion of bill descriptions that don't really fit KyVotes or just observations about other things going on. It is less political than Kentucky Progress, but if you like this site, you should like that one as well.
Have a great weekend. I'll be on here and Bluegrass Policy Blog posting regularly, as I do seven days a week.
Keep in touch.
KentuckyVotes.org, my main gig, is a blog. You can make comments about bills and respond to other comments. If you haven't already gone on there and set up an account to receive daily updates, feel free to do so. That is getting to be a pretty interesting community.
Bluegrass Policy Blog is another thing I do. Usually that is an expansion of bill descriptions that don't really fit KyVotes or just observations about other things going on. It is less political than Kentucky Progress, but if you like this site, you should like that one as well.
Have a great weekend. I'll be on here and Bluegrass Policy Blog posting regularly, as I do seven days a week.
Keep in touch.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Another House Dem Tax Increase Bill
HB 538 makes permanent a tax increase on retailers slipped into the 2006 budget. Rep. Sannie Overly is the lead sponsor, but this one has Rep. Harry Moberly's fingerprints all over it.
Cut The Local Government Secrecy
It is just about time to stop looking for a magic treasure chest of state government revenues and get serious about ways to cut spending and reducing government to a more affordable level. Requiring local governments to post their budget ordinances online is a good step in that direction. Easing the process of comparing what our local governments are spending their money on is a critical part of making government more accountable to the people.
An amendment filed yesterday to this bill would make that a reality.
An amendment filed yesterday to this bill would make that a reality.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
A Nuclear Power Plant? In Kentucky?
A bill filed today would make it easier for an application to build a nuclear power plant to succeed in Kentucky.
Does the fact that I have two children studying to go into nuclear engineering color my opinion of this bill? You betcha.
And lest you think this bill won't even get a hearing, check this out: it has a Senate twin.
Does the fact that I have two children studying to go into nuclear engineering color my opinion of this bill? You betcha.
And lest you think this bill won't even get a hearing, check this out: it has a Senate twin.
Talk Show Talking
I went up to Northern Kentucky last week and chatted with Pat Crowley on his television show about some of the goings on in Frankfort.
Here it is.
Here it is.
If We Blow Enough Sunshine Up Its Butt, Do You Think It Might Start To Glow?
The casino amendment:
"Are you in favor of increasing state financial support for elementary and secondary education, expanding health care for senior citizens, children and others, support for local governments, and combating drug and alcohol abuse and other important programs by permitting the General Assembly to authorize up to five casinos subject to approval of the voters in the city or county where the casino is located; and up to seven casinos licenses for existing horse racing associations, all of which will be subject to the approval of a state agency created to oversee casino gaming."
"Are you in favor of increasing state financial support for elementary and secondary education, expanding health care for senior citizens, children and others, support for local governments, and combating drug and alcohol abuse and other important programs by permitting the General Assembly to authorize up to five casinos subject to approval of the voters in the city or county where the casino is located; and up to seven casinos licenses for existing horse racing associations, all of which will be subject to the approval of a state agency created to oversee casino gaming."
Kentucky To Outlaw Mountain Dew?
Two dental professionals testifying to the House Health and Welfare Committee just stated "Mountain Dew Mouth" looks a lot like "Methamphetamine Mouth."
A couple of legislators off camera immediately made comments suggesting that Mountain Dew be made illegal.
Now THAT would get more people interested in the political process.
A couple of legislators off camera immediately made comments suggesting that Mountain Dew be made illegal.
Now THAT would get more people interested in the political process.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Brandon Spencer Gets Paid By Greg Stumbo
Remember when Rep. Brandon Spencer, an ambulance company executive, had an epiphany and decided he didn't want his House seat as much as he wanted to give it to the ever eager Greg Stumbo?
Today we saw the pay off for Mr. Spencer.
Today we saw the pay off for Mr. Spencer.
Time To Wake Up Jonathan Miller
Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary Jonathan Miller likes to say he is for "good government," "openness," and "transparency."
That would be a whole lot easier to believe if he weren't sitting by quietly while the House allows his cabinet to operate under the cover of darkness.
This is outrageous. And the mainstream media, who I guess is busy covering the dead casino bill due out tomorrow, is complicit.
That would be a whole lot easier to believe if he weren't sitting by quietly while the House allows his cabinet to operate under the cover of darkness.
This is outrageous. And the mainstream media, who I guess is busy covering the dead casino bill due out tomorrow, is complicit.
Sports Caption Should Fire Them Up
There was nothing funny about the Kentucky Wildcats' 41 point loss to Vanderbilt last night. But then I saw the caption on a game photo in the Lexington Herald Leader:
I wonder how many angry letters to the editor they will get on this one.
CATS SUFFER WORST LOSS IN SERIES HISTORY
Kentucky mimicked a night of political landslides. Alas, the Cats played the role of Hillary Clinton buried in defeat in the Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., primaries.
I wonder how many angry letters to the editor they will get on this one.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Do Nothing Frankfort
The first bill to get a vote in both the House and Senate passed today. Was it something to benefit education? Taxes? Pensions? Entitlement reform? Transparency? Legislative reform? Immigration? Drugs? Local governments?
Nope. It was Abraham Lincoln's birthday.
So glad the glory days have returned to Frankfort.
Nope. It was Abraham Lincoln's birthday.
So glad the glory days have returned to Frankfort.
Gambling With Your Child's Well-Being
As Governor Steve Beshear prepares to divulge his casino gambling plan, he is expected to ignore the downside of creating more avenues for self-destructive, math-challenged Kentuckians to blow up their own finances and then turn to taxpayers for a bail-out.
This is a mistake, of course.
At the very least, Governor Beshear should propose to fine anyone with gambling winnings an amount equal to those winnings if that person's non-gambling income would qualify him or her for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit or if the household receives KCHIP, food stamps, or other state aid in the same tax year the gambling winnings occur.
Making it impossible for low-income Kentuckians to profit from gambling would have the effect of preventing them from frittering away their money. And ours.
This is a mistake, of course.
At the very least, Governor Beshear should propose to fine anyone with gambling winnings an amount equal to those winnings if that person's non-gambling income would qualify him or her for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit or if the household receives KCHIP, food stamps, or other state aid in the same tax year the gambling winnings occur.
Making it impossible for low-income Kentuckians to profit from gambling would have the effect of preventing them from frittering away their money. And ours.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Another thing that didn't make our country great
We have become a nation that allows illegal aliens to bleed us dry, subsidizes lifestyles of the drugged and lazy, and elects politicians who play hide the checkbook.
But this beats all of those.
But this beats all of those.
Andrew Horne Gets Ditched
Now Mitch McConnell's opponent looks like it will be the persona non grata of the Democratic Party, Bruce Lunsford.
Cue the weeping and wailing on the Yale campus, where word of their hero's demise apparently hasn't yet hit.
Update: now they know.
Cue the weeping and wailing on the Yale campus, where word of their hero's demise apparently hasn't yet hit.
Update: now they know.
Illegal Immigration Gets Serious Look
The House Judiciary Committee will hear testimony on HB 304 from Shelbyville Police Chief Robert Schutte at 2 pm.
You should be able to see it on www.ket.org.
You should be able to see it on www.ket.org.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Wanna Bet?
I'd sure like to have a piece of the action on House Budget Chairman Harry "Easy Money" Moberly's assessment of Governor Steve Beshear's casino gambling scheme.
The source of this quote is the Lexington Herald Leader.
"I think it's 50-50 now that casino gambling will get out of the legislature this year."
The source of this quote is the Lexington Herald Leader.
Good Thing Hypocrisy Doesn't Cause Cancer
I don't know anything about smokeless tobacco being safer than cigarettes, as Professor Brad Rodu says in the Lexington Herald Leader, but I think his column raises an important point about the economics of taxing people into various forms of compliance.
Radu says we should cut the tax on smokeless tobacco to encourage people to switch to it from cigarettes:
Radu is a smokeless tobacco industry researcher, so we could be cynical and suppose he is just trying to keep his ox from getting gored. But that pales in comparison to the cynicism of those who claim in the same breath that higher cigarette taxes will cut smoking while raising revenues.
The cigarette tax increase bill also raises taxes on smokeless tobacco. For the children and, one imagines, the added revenue.
Wouldn't it be cheaper and more effective to refuse KCHIP benefits to children of smokers? That would be a serious incentive for some parents to either quit smoking or figure out a way to take care of their own kids.
Then we could keep cigarette taxes low to encourage border residents of other states to keep coming over to buy their smokes in Kentucky and we might have a few more welfare dollars to make sure those who really need the help can get it.
Radu says we should cut the tax on smokeless tobacco to encourage people to switch to it from cigarettes:
"Put in simpler and conservative terms, smokeless use carries less than 2 percent of the health risk of smoking. A rational tobacco tax policy would set taxes accordingly. If lawmakers raise the cigarette tax to $1, the tax on smokeless tobacco should be two cents."
Radu is a smokeless tobacco industry researcher, so we could be cynical and suppose he is just trying to keep his ox from getting gored. But that pales in comparison to the cynicism of those who claim in the same breath that higher cigarette taxes will cut smoking while raising revenues.
The cigarette tax increase bill also raises taxes on smokeless tobacco. For the children and, one imagines, the added revenue.
Wouldn't it be cheaper and more effective to refuse KCHIP benefits to children of smokers? That would be a serious incentive for some parents to either quit smoking or figure out a way to take care of their own kids.
Then we could keep cigarette taxes low to encourage border residents of other states to keep coming over to buy their smokes in Kentucky and we might have a few more welfare dollars to make sure those who really need the help can get it.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Defrauding Our Way To Prosperity
If casino gambling as a public policy were a fashion statement, it would be a white leisure suit. If Governor Steve Beshear continues to ignore our real problems like public employees benefits underfunding, out-of-control entitlements, and inefficient government spending practices, he will not only get his casino plan crammed down his throat by his own House of Representatives, but he will find his big labor constituency unable to keep him in office by itself.
Might as well face facts about the state's wasteful labor policies now. Then let's look at our welfare mentality. And then we absolutely must cut our lavish state employee/retiree health benefits.
Failure to address these issues when the necessity of doing so constitutes fraud. And while it might be fun for Team Beshear to blame Ernie Fletcher for not addressing these issues, it doesn't change anything.
Might as well face facts about the state's wasteful labor policies now. Then let's look at our welfare mentality. And then we absolutely must cut our lavish state employee/retiree health benefits.
Failure to address these issues when the necessity of doing so constitutes fraud. And while it might be fun for Team Beshear to blame Ernie Fletcher for not addressing these issues, it doesn't change anything.
What Is Jody Richards Hiding Now?
Why the new Governor hasn't gotten on board with the government transparency movement is quite a mystery. Kentucky's version of the Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2008 lies dormant in a House committee.
Speaker Jody Richards will have to tell taxpayers directly that how he spends their money is none of their business next week when he kills off the same act added as an amendment to HB 422.
For a group that is supposed to be interested in honesty and good government, these guys sure hold tight to their precious secrets.
Think about that the next time you send any tax money to Frankfort.
Speaker Jody Richards will have to tell taxpayers directly that how he spends their money is none of their business next week when he kills off the same act added as an amendment to HB 422.
For a group that is supposed to be interested in honesty and good government, these guys sure hold tight to their precious secrets.
Think about that the next time you send any tax money to Frankfort.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Stu Silberman Sued For Racial Discrimination
Fayette School Superintendent Stu Silberman was sued today in Fayette Circuit Court for racial discrimination. The suit charges Silberman and Carmen Coleman, Fayette Schools Director, with manufacturing evidence, creating an intolerable work environment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and violating the civil rights of former Booker T. Washington Academy Principal Peggy Petrilli. Petrilli was forced to resign in August 2007. She was the Kentucky Association of Elementary School Principals 2005 Principal of the Year.
The suit asks for compensatory and punitive damages. The Fayette County Board of Education is also listed as a co-defendant.
The suit asks for compensatory and punitive damages. The Fayette County Board of Education is also listed as a co-defendant.
Market Expansion Open Thread
I'm headed to northern Kentucky this morning to tape a television program with political reporter Pat Crowley.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Gambling On Legislator Benefits And Paychecks
Now that casino gambling is dead, Rep. Jim Wayne(D) and Rep. Dwight Butler(R) want to remove accountability from the legislature for beefing up their pay and benefits and give it to a board they create and appoint.
Given the crappy way lawmakers increased pension benefits for themselves in 2005, I really can't imagine we would want to take on the risk of voting for the Make Legislator Pay Increases Easier Act of 2008.
Given the crappy way lawmakers increased pension benefits for themselves in 2005, I really can't imagine we would want to take on the risk of voting for the Make Legislator Pay Increases Easier Act of 2008.
Shades Of Barbara Erwin
The Louisville Courier Journal has a story about the Kentucky School Board loading up Commissioner Jon Draud's compensation with a bunch of sick days.
The "money" quote:
That should go over pretty well with the teachers.
Can't help remembering the dust up our last Ed Commissioner Barbara Erwin had about getting larded up on sick days.
Is it just an interesting coincidence that this little goody was slipped into HB 470 yesterday?
That's a pretty expensive benefit to be dishing out to political appointees or, in this case an appointee) when school districts are talking about laying off employees.
The "money" quote:
“Right now, I don’t have any sick or vacation time,” Draud said. “I don’t anticipate anything, but if I were to get sick, I would have nothing to fall back on.”
That should go over pretty well with the teachers.
Can't help remembering the dust up our last Ed Commissioner Barbara Erwin had about getting larded up on sick days.
Is it just an interesting coincidence that this little goody was slipped into HB 470 yesterday?
Notwithstanding any statute to the contrary, the executive branch of government shall accept from the Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System all accrued annual and sick leave balances and service credits of employees leaving the Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System and accepting appointments within the executive branch.
That's a pretty expensive benefit to be dishing out to political appointees or, in this case an appointee) when school districts are talking about laying off employees.
What Might We Do With Legislator Pay?
I'll report details when I have them, but the House is getting a bill today amending the Constitution's provisions relating to legislator pay.
Jody Richards Has A Decision To Make
(Thursday night update: the bill didn't come up for debate but Rep. Brinkman filed an amendment to lower the tax. Good move! Still tough for Jody.)
One of House Budget Chairman Harry Moberly's tax increase bills that may come up for a vote on the House floor this afternoon got a surprise amendment yesterday.
The tax Moberly wants to increase is the infamous Alternative Minimum Calculation Democrats agreed was an "un-American" income tax on businesses with no net income when Ernie Fletcher was governor.
There is no way Richards has the courage of his convictions to allow a vote on this amendment. He will, with a straight face, rule the amendment not germane. This will kill the amendment.
Or he can allow a vote and watch the tax increase he wants die a well-deserved death.
One of House Budget Chairman Harry Moberly's tax increase bills that may come up for a vote on the House floor this afternoon got a surprise amendment yesterday.
The tax Moberly wants to increase is the infamous Alternative Minimum Calculation Democrats agreed was an "un-American" income tax on businesses with no net income when Ernie Fletcher was governor.
There is no way Richards has the courage of his convictions to allow a vote on this amendment. He will, with a straight face, rule the amendment not germane. This will kill the amendment.
Or he can allow a vote and watch the tax increase he wants die a well-deserved death.
Gooch Wants To Tax Free Speech
Rep. Jim Gooch has filed a bill requiring editorial writers and cartoonists for "a news organization which engages for profit" to register with the state as lobbyists.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Senate To Consider Chris Thieneman Act
The state Senate is expected to vote tomorrow on a bill to prohibit city employees in Louisville from pushing ballot initiatives on the clock like they did in support of the doomed Louisville Library Tax.
Kathy Stein Time
The House Judiciary Committee has wasted an hour and a half listening to testimony on HB 304 that has had nothing to do with the actual bill.
There is no doubt legal immigration is great in a lot of ways, but the bill is about handling illegal activities of illegal aliens.
What a complete mess and embarrassment, Chairwoman Stein.
There is no doubt legal immigration is great in a lot of ways, but the bill is about handling illegal activities of illegal aliens.
What a complete mess and embarrassment, Chairwoman Stein.
"Give Me Liberty Or Give Me A U-Haul"
The Lexington Herald-Leader wants to amend the state constitution to automatically restore voting rights to convicted felons. The bill stands no chance of passage, which is probably a good thing since we hardly need to expand the base of voters electing themselves bigger entitlements from taxpayers.
In fact, encouraging people to get with the program or get out of the state could become a theme in this General Assembly if we were to encourage suddenly civic-minded felons to find another state that wants their problems and their votes, along with sending illegal aliens and drug-abusing welfare recipients packing.
In fact, encouraging people to get with the program or get out of the state could become a theme in this General Assembly if we were to encourage suddenly civic-minded felons to find another state that wants their problems and their votes, along with sending illegal aliens and drug-abusing welfare recipients packing.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
All Eyes On David Williams
Governor Steve Beshear continues to disappoint and now there is someone who can make him pay for it.
Now that Senate Republicans have picked up Dan Mongiardo's former seat, Senate President David Williams is the most powerful man in Frankfort.
Just don't screw it up like the Republicans in Washington D.C. did.
Entitlement reform, education reform, and transparency need to be at the top of the list.
That means this, this, and this. And then, for good measure, do this and this.
Now that Senate Republicans have picked up Dan Mongiardo's former seat, Senate President David Williams is the most powerful man in Frankfort.
Just don't screw it up like the Republicans in Washington D.C. did.
Entitlement reform, education reform, and transparency need to be at the top of the list.
That means this, this, and this. And then, for good measure, do this and this.
Lawmaker, Lawmaker, Give Me A Clue
In separate news stories today, we have young people getting involved in the legislative process. Unfortunately, they are both going about it in a way that misses the mark.
Matthew Spicer of Frankfort has put together an automated external defibrillator bill that will give the Kentucky Department of Education unwarranted control of private schools.
If we want to mandate them in the public schools, that's fine. But the private schools probably all already have them, and don't need the state nosing around. Spicer and Graham should leave the private schools out of it.
Meanwhile, a Rockcastle county ten year old doesn't like high caffeine "energy drinks."
A five minute discussion with this young man about liberty and purpose of laws would do him a world of good.
Matthew Spicer of Frankfort has put together an automated external defibrillator bill that will give the Kentucky Department of Education unwarranted control of private schools.
"Basically I want it in every public and private school in Kentucky," he said. "They should have AEDs and sporting practices and events."
If we want to mandate them in the public schools, that's fine. But the private schools probably all already have them, and don't need the state nosing around. Spicer and Graham should leave the private schools out of it.
Meanwhile, a Rockcastle county ten year old doesn't like high caffeine "energy drinks."
"I think it should be a law because there are a lot of kids that like them; they think it gets them up but it doesn't," Tate Clements said.
The fifth grader at Brodhead Elementary drank part of his sister's energy drink after hearing friends talk about the rush of energy the beverages can give.
"It was good at first but after a few minutes you start feeling all jumpy," Clements said.
A five minute discussion with this young man about liberty and purpose of laws would do him a world of good.
Who Is Leading The House?
Kentucky's House of Representatives is in disarray. The Democratic caucus hasn't even met once since the first week of the General Assembly. While they wait for Greg Stumbo to come and tell them what to do, some enterprising lawmakers need to start filing discharge petitions to get bills moving around the stagnant leaders.
House rule 48 describes the discharge petition procedure:
The Rules Committee's responsibilities are covered in House rule 41. The rule reads in part:
The House is sitting on their important bills and the rules provide discharge petitions to light a fire under House leaders. Let's get on with it.
House rule 48 describes the discharge petition procedure:
Whenever a committee fails or refuses to report within a reasonable time a bill submitted to it, a member may sponsor and file with the Clerk a written request, signed by twenty-five or more members, to call the same up for consideration on the next succeeding legislative day after the filing of the request. The effect of this petition shall be to bring before the House the question of whether the committee to which the bill has been assigned has held the bill for an unreasonable time.
Upon the motion of the member sponsoring the request, and if a majority of the members elected to the House concur that the bill has been held an unreasonable time, the bill shall be considered as though it had been regularly reported, and sent to the Rules Committee.
The Rules Committee's responsibilities are covered in House rule 41. The rule reads in part:
All bills and resolutions having been reported out of the committee to which referred and having received their second reading shall be referred to the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee may refer any bill or resolution before it back to a standing committee...
No bill or resolution shall be referred back by the Rules Committee on more than one occasion...
No bill may be kept in Rules Committee for longer than five legislative days. Within that time, each bill must be reported to the floor or referred back to a standing committee.
The House is sitting on their important bills and the rules provide discharge petitions to light a fire under House leaders. Let's get on with it.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Steve Beshear's Magic Carpet Ride
We are still waiting for Governor Steve Beshear to clue us in on how he is going to handle the public employee pension disaster. I'm guessing he has amended his earlier statement to a "no comment."
For the record, here is his earlier statement on the pensions.
For the record, here is his earlier statement on the pensions.
Are We Almost Ready To Stop Screwing Around?
Governor Steve Beshear's casino bill probably doesn't even have the 60 votes to get out of the House. The cigarette tax as savior for the state is beyond ridiculous.
The only way out of our budget mess is to cut spending and the only question that matters is "where do we start?"
Cutting out prevailing wage, raising co-pays on Medicaid and state employee health plans enough to limit overutilization, stopping welfare payments to drug abusers, etc.
The answers are there. We just need a few more politicians with the courage to get it done.
The only way out of our budget mess is to cut spending and the only question that matters is "where do we start?"
Cutting out prevailing wage, raising co-pays on Medicaid and state employee health plans enough to limit overutilization, stopping welfare payments to drug abusers, etc.
The answers are there. We just need a few more politicians with the courage to get it done.
Oodles Of Doodles On Google
For vanity's sake, I had to find out where I fit in to the 6.3 million Google entries bearing my name.
I'm number eight.
I'm number eight.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Queen Hillary In Your Spam Folder
If you have an email address, you have probably gotten a compelling message from the heir to some African fortune offering to share it with you. All you have to do is send your bank account information and, of course, turn your brain completely off.
It's not hard to imagine we are looking at the same kind of sucker's bet with Hillary Clinton's offer of free health insurance for everyone:
Do you really have to think long and hard about whether you want Bill and Hillary Clinton to have control over your paycheck or your checking account or both?
It's not hard to imagine we are looking at the same kind of sucker's bet with Hillary Clinton's offer of free health insurance for everyone:
Clinton has not always specified the enforcement measures she would embrace, but when pressed on ABC's "This Week," she said: "I think there are a number of mechanisms" that are possible, including "going after people's wages, automatic enrollment."
Do you really have to think long and hard about whether you want Bill and Hillary Clinton to have control over your paycheck or your checking account or both?
Let The People Decide
Anyone hoping to kill off the casino gambling issue for 2008 might want to pick two or three of the constitutional amendment bills and start pushing lawmakers to pass them. Kentucky law prohibits more than two amendment questions on a November ballot.
As much as I would like to see shorter, more focussed legislative sessions and the abolition of the Treasurer's office, maybe I'll pick raising the homestead exemption and limiting a governor's pardon powers just to get it done.
As much as I would like to see shorter, more focussed legislative sessions and the abolition of the Treasurer's office, maybe I'll pick raising the homestead exemption and limiting a governor's pardon powers just to get it done.
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