Governor Ernie Fletcher's campaign against casino gambling wasn't going to work for reasons that had little or nothing to do with casino gambling.
The Senate 30 special election may not prove anything about casinos, either, but the race may turn out differently.
Have you seen this commercial (airing now in the district)?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
This Is Probably Going To Be Quote Of The Day
Senate Bill 3 just got voted out of the State and Local Government Committee with amendments to add Kentucky to Super Tuesday in presidential primary elections and to remove the emergency clause so its provisions wouldn't take effect this year. Speaking for the bill, Senate President David Williams said:
Couldn't agree more. But if we really want transparency, we also need government expenditure transparency.
"The main thing is that we have more transparency and accountability in the process."
Couldn't agree more. But if we really want transparency, we also need government expenditure transparency.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Ron Bishop Thinks He Isn't Going To Jail
FCDC Director Ron Bishop and his storm troopers in the Lexington jail think they have found their fall guys and are immune from criminal prosecution.
Well, they should think again. Ask your attorney down there on Main Street to explain this to you, fellas.
From Lexington-Fayette County Ordinance Number 255-94,1,12-13-94:
Penalties for violation include a fine and up to one year in jail.
Well, they should think again. Ask your attorney down there on Main Street to explain this to you, fellas.
From Lexington-Fayette County Ordinance Number 255-94,1,12-13-94:
Sec. 25-29. Reprisals against persons disclosing violations prohibited.
(1) No officer or employee shall subject to reprisal, or directly or indirectly use, or threaten to use, any official authority or influence, in any manner whatsoever, which tends to discourage, restrain, depress, dissuade, deter, prevent, interfere with, coerce, or discriminate against any officer or employee who in good faith reports, discloses, divulges, or otherwise brings to the attention of the ethics commission, any law enforcement agency or its employees, or any other appropriate body or authority, anyfacts or information relative to an actual or suspected violation of any law, statute, executive order, administrative regulation, mandate, rule, or ordinance of the United States, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, or the urban county government, or any facts or information relative to actual or suspected mismanagement, waste, fraud, abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. No officer or employee shall be required to give notice prior to making such a report, disclosure, or divulgence.
(2) No officer or employee shall subject to reprisal or discriminate against, or use any official authority or influence to cause reprisal or discrimination by others against, any person who supports, aids, or substantiates any officer or employee who makes public any wrongdoing set forth in subsection (1) of this section.
Penalties for violation include a fine and up to one year in jail.
Beshear Hints At Cutting Pension Benefits
In an advance copy of Governor Steve Beshear's budget address, he says he will offer a state employee pension reform proposal "in the coming weeks."
"What we can do now is address the increasing costs. These programs are not sustainable at current levels," Beshear said.
"What we can do now is address the increasing costs. These programs are not sustainable at current levels," Beshear said.
Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em
Sounds like Rep. Fred Nesler just filed the cigarette tax bill to save us all.
10:00 pm Update: No, it was a false alarm. Stay tuned for tax increases though.
10:00 pm Update: No, it was a false alarm. Stay tuned for tax increases though.
Jason Mays Versus United Auto Workers
Looks like the hottest ideological battle in central Kentucky among the 2008 state House races will be between pro-union Rep. Charlie Hoffman and former Georgetown College assistant basketball coach Jason Mays.
With non-union Toyota the economic engine of the district, a strong campaign against Majority Caucus Chairman Hoffman could get interesting.
And with Hoffman filing bills like this, Mays should be able to get a lot of help.
With non-union Toyota the economic engine of the district, a strong campaign against Majority Caucus Chairman Hoffman could get interesting.
And with Hoffman filing bills like this, Mays should be able to get a lot of help.
Busted, Now Pay Up
Governor Steve Beshear got caught breaking a campaign promise not to misuse state aircraft and now he is saying he will pay for it.
Is the check in the mail, Governor?
Maybe we should require the Executive Branch to set up a website to help us keep track of their expenditures of state money for political or personal purposes.
You know, like illegal raises for girlfriends and such.
Is the check in the mail, Governor?
Maybe we should require the Executive Branch to set up a website to help us keep track of their expenditures of state money for political or personal purposes.
You know, like illegal raises for girlfriends and such.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Larry, Moe, and Curly Can't Find The Microphone
Harassment by top officials at the Fayette County Detention Center against some employees who have testified in the wage and hours class action lawsuit may be about to unleash a fresh batch of lawsuits.
Watch yourself, Mr. Kammer.
(And a personal note to Bishop, Leach, and Kammer: watching you guys try to figure out where I am getting my information is hilarious! Keep trying if you want, but you will NEVER figure it out until I am ready for you to figure it out. Fun stuff...)
Watch yourself, Mr. Kammer.
(And a personal note to Bishop, Leach, and Kammer: watching you guys try to figure out where I am getting my information is hilarious! Keep trying if you want, but you will NEVER figure it out until I am ready for you to figure it out. Fun stuff...)
Thieneman Versus Northup Day One
Congressional candidate Chris Thieneman said today he is against slipping earmarks into legislative bills.
Closing Libraries In Casino-Rich Illinois
Evanston, on Chicago's North Shore, should be close enough to the economic development opportunites brought by casinos that they would be swimming in cash by now.
Alas, it isn't so. They are negotiating instead how to get by on a combination of property tax increases and spending cuts, which include closing two public libraries.
Governor Steve Beshear is expected to lay out part of his plan tomorrow night to make Kentucky a rich casino state like Illinois.
One other interesting proposed cut I found was this one:
Why on earth is a city the size of Pikeville paying anyone $300,000 to help them pick out health insurance plans?
This is why I think a good solid fiscal crisis would be a great thing for Kentucky. Getting all the various interest groups to stop ravaging the taxpayers and to, instead, start in on each other is not only more fun than watching demolition derby, it is the only way we are going to get things out in the open and start cutting out the real waste.
Alas, it isn't so. They are negotiating instead how to get by on a combination of property tax increases and spending cuts, which include closing two public libraries.
Governor Steve Beshear is expected to lay out part of his plan tomorrow night to make Kentucky a rich casino state like Illinois.
One other interesting proposed cut I found was this one:
Carroll said she hopes to save $300,000 by dropping a contract with a health insurance brokerage firm and having the city negotiate health coverage contracts directly.
Why on earth is a city the size of Pikeville paying anyone $300,000 to help them pick out health insurance plans?
This is why I think a good solid fiscal crisis would be a great thing for Kentucky. Getting all the various interest groups to stop ravaging the taxpayers and to, instead, start in on each other is not only more fun than watching demolition derby, it is the only way we are going to get things out in the open and start cutting out the real waste.
Beshear Can't Even Lead On Dental Exams
A Lexington Herald-Leader story about a bill to require parents to get dental exams for their children exposes yet again Governor Steve Beshear's unwillingness to provide any of the "leadership" he promised before he was elected.
The bill is less than one sentence long. It requires -- in addition to the pre-existing mandate for immunizations -- the following:
Beshear is really taking his do-nothingism too far. At this rate, I can't wait to see him tackle anything like the public employee benefits disaster. Slots at the tracks, right Steve?
By the way, the story indicates a reporter tried in vain to reach Senate President David Williams for his opinion. That was unneccesary. The same bill died in a Senate committee just last year.
Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear is still reviewing the legislation and declined to comment, through a spokesperson.
The bill is less than one sentence long. It requires -- in addition to the pre-existing mandate for immunizations -- the following:
... a dental health certificate from a dentist licensed in any state indicating the health of the child's teeth, jaws, and mouth.
Beshear is really taking his do-nothingism too far. At this rate, I can't wait to see him tackle anything like the public employee benefits disaster. Slots at the tracks, right Steve?
By the way, the story indicates a reporter tried in vain to reach Senate President David Williams for his opinion. That was unneccesary. The same bill died in a Senate committee just last year.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
You May Not Know Gordon B. Hinckley Yet...
Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, died tonight.
This just happened so it will be a little slow getting out in the news, but when it does it will stir up discussion again about presidential candidate Mitt Romney's faith.
A lot of people will be surprised by the national media coverage Hinckley's death will receive. He was very media savvy, a great interview, and was highly regarded by national media figures.
At this point in the race, it will be very interesting to see the impact a renewed focus on religion will have.
This just happened so it will be a little slow getting out in the news, but when it does it will stir up discussion again about presidential candidate Mitt Romney's faith.
A lot of people will be surprised by the national media coverage Hinckley's death will receive. He was very media savvy, a great interview, and was highly regarded by national media figures.
At this point in the race, it will be very interesting to see the impact a renewed focus on religion will have.
Make Way For Chris Thieneman
Former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup should resist the temptation to try to get her old seat in Congress back. Republicans already have Chris Thieneman, the man behind the effort to kill the Louisville Library Tax.
There is no way to change the old ways of Congress without new faces.
There is no way to change the old ways of Congress without new faces.
Norquist: Tax Increase To Smash Savings
Rep. Ben Chandler's favorite tax watchdog has an interesting take on the latest fiscal stimulus package and the coming tax increase that you probably haven't heard.
Senate President Trumps Governor
Internal polling shows Rep. Brandon Smith, a Republican, winning Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo's old Senate seat on Tuesday, February 5.
This will make Senate President David Williams more powerful than Governor Steve Beshear.
Williams should use his new power to push for government transparency, less welfare for drug abusers, and repeal of bad business taxes.
Republicans in power continue to shirk their fiscally responsible, better government mandates, though. Now is the time to reverse that trend.
This will make Senate President David Williams more powerful than Governor Steve Beshear.
Williams should use his new power to push for government transparency, less welfare for drug abusers, and repeal of bad business taxes.
Republicans in power continue to shirk their fiscally responsible, better government mandates, though. Now is the time to reverse that trend.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Improving Kentucky's Welfare Policy Would Be A Great Way To Salvage Our Culture
Does it really make sense to you that we buy illicit drugs for Kentuckians and ask for nothing in return?
That is exactly what we do every time welfare recipients buy crack or abuse prescription drugs. If we subsidize their housing or their healthcare or food and they direct their limited funds toward illegal drugs, how are we not at the very least complicit in their drug problem?
The General Assembly already has a solution in front of it. The constitutional issues can be dealt with easily.
Another suggestion is requiring anyone who signs up for benefits to consent to random, periodic drug testing when they first request help.
How hard is it to understand that by incentivizing irresponsibility among our most vulnerable citizens that we are damaging ourselves voluntarily?
That is exactly what we do every time welfare recipients buy crack or abuse prescription drugs. If we subsidize their housing or their healthcare or food and they direct their limited funds toward illegal drugs, how are we not at the very least complicit in their drug problem?
The General Assembly already has a solution in front of it. The constitutional issues can be dealt with easily.
Another suggestion is requiring anyone who signs up for benefits to consent to random, periodic drug testing when they first request help.
How hard is it to understand that by incentivizing irresponsibility among our most vulnerable citizens that we are damaging ourselves voluntarily?
Tax Cutters In Paradise
Well, not exactly. There are two tax cut bills in Frankfort (here and here) and neither one has much chance of getting past House Budget Chairman Harry Moberly.
While reasonable people can disagree, though, on the value of cutting taxes and making government smaller, how in the world can they shut down the one commonsense bill that would allow taxpayers to know where the money is going?
I'd really like to know.
While reasonable people can disagree, though, on the value of cutting taxes and making government smaller, how in the world can they shut down the one commonsense bill that would allow taxpayers to know where the money is going?
I'd really like to know.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Third Word In GED Isn't Diploma
Rep. Frank Rasche has a plan to dramatically reduce the number of high school drop-outs in Kentucky that sounds suspiciously like we are about to be paying people to hand out GEDs in convenience stores.
HB 294, which the House should vote on next week, sets a goal to lower the drop-out rate and the number of adult dropouts dramatically by 2010 mainly by throwing money around.
If we were talking about doing something new (for us) like raising standards in middle schools -- and we're not -- that would be one thing. But this plan is just more of the same feel-good nonsense from the education bureaucracy.
HB 294, which the House should vote on next week, sets a goal to lower the drop-out rate and the number of adult dropouts dramatically by 2010 mainly by throwing money around.
If we were talking about doing something new (for us) like raising standards in middle schools -- and we're not -- that would be one thing. But this plan is just more of the same feel-good nonsense from the education bureaucracy.
Poultry Alert: Chickens Coming Home To Roost
This morning former Lexington Mayor Teresa Isaac is being deposed about her role in the Fayette County Detention Center scandal.
This will be one hot transcript when it becomes available because she will have to come clean about some factual misstatements she made in the news media about this mess.
Current Mayor Jim Newberry gets his turn in two weeks.
This will be one hot transcript when it becomes available because she will have to come clean about some factual misstatements she made in the news media about this mess.
Current Mayor Jim Newberry gets his turn in two weeks.
Where Are The Taxpayers' Lobbyists?
Today is Day 13 of the legislators' strike in Kentucky. Meanwhile, taxpayers continue to pay them (and their pensions continue to grow) while we all wait for the candidate filing deadline to pass.
And it is apparently too much to ask that one effort to give taxpayers a break receive the consideration it deserves.
House Bill 221, which would simply make people stop spending public money to buy illegal drugs, is exactly the kind of thing we need to be looking at now.
The bill needs a little work, but there is no reason not to move forward on this.
I call this bill the "Make Junkies Move To Other States Act of 2008."
And it is apparently too much to ask that one effort to give taxpayers a break receive the consideration it deserves.
House Bill 221, which would simply make people stop spending public money to buy illegal drugs, is exactly the kind of thing we need to be looking at now.
The bill needs a little work, but there is no reason not to move forward on this.
I call this bill the "Make Junkies Move To Other States Act of 2008."
Thursday, January 24, 2008
It Could Be Worse
Massachusetts is in the middle of busting its biennial socialized medicine state budget by $650 million. We can be thankful Kentucky's budget is already busted past the point of this kind of social engineering.
Like P.J. O'Rourke said, "If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free."
Like P.J. O'Rourke said, "If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free."
An unhealthy shortage of good economics
The House of Representatives just passed a bill that would remove the cap on the number of beauty school licenses issued in the state. It is amazing that we can do that and risk a proliferation of hair cutters all over Kentucky, but we can't also allow an expansion of medical services by repealing Certificate of Need.
I guess they are saying to enjoy your cheaper haircuts in Kentucky, but don't get sick.
I guess they are saying to enjoy your cheaper haircuts in Kentucky, but don't get sick.
A Heaping Helping Of Gun Control
Now we have an answer to our one good gun bill this year: two fascistic gun control bills.
Giving The Governor A Year To Write Budget
One House bill and one Senate bill would enable a newly-elected Governor to take a year to put up his first budget proposal.
They are both constitutional amendments which would make odd-numbered year General Assembly sessions the ones in which we pass biennial budgets. Both bills strive to limit spending and revenue increasing bills, but the House bill does a much better job.
The Senate bill requires a three-fifths vote in both chambers to raise revenue or appropriate funds in non-budget years. The General Assembly almost always passes all these bills by very comfortable margins, often unanimously. So really, SB 105 goes to the trouble of changing the Constitution only to give a new Governor a full year before he has to present a budget proposal and to give that new Governor expanded powers to set the legislative agenda.
The House bill is much better. It cuts the 60-day sessions down to thirty days and prohibits appropriation and revenue bills from being passed in the even-numbered years.
They are both constitutional amendments which would make odd-numbered year General Assembly sessions the ones in which we pass biennial budgets. Both bills strive to limit spending and revenue increasing bills, but the House bill does a much better job.
The Senate bill requires a three-fifths vote in both chambers to raise revenue or appropriate funds in non-budget years. The General Assembly almost always passes all these bills by very comfortable margins, often unanimously. So really, SB 105 goes to the trouble of changing the Constitution only to give a new Governor a full year before he has to present a budget proposal and to give that new Governor expanded powers to set the legislative agenda.
The House bill is much better. It cuts the 60-day sessions down to thirty days and prohibits appropriation and revenue bills from being passed in the even-numbered years.
House Dem Leadership Must Be Crazy
This is proof Jody Richards and friends learned nothing from the insurance debacle they created in 1994 in Kentucky.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Scorsone Drives In The Wrong Lane
Sen. Ernesto Scorsone has filed another bill to give drivers licenses to illegal aliens.
West Virginia Zooms Ahead Of Us
While Kentucky is figuring out how to promise education-related goodies we can't afford, West Virginia is setting itself up to kick our butts by simply raising math standards.
West Virginia will require some students who are already in high school -- and everyone, hereafter -- to earn four math credits in four years of high school.
This compares very favorably to Kentucky, where starting next year students will be required to take four math classes in four years but they only have to pass three of them.
Our shocking tolerance for failure here will be of little comfort when even West Virginia is eating our lunch.
West Virginia will require some students who are already in high school -- and everyone, hereafter -- to earn four math credits in four years of high school.
This compares very favorably to Kentucky, where starting next year students will be required to take four math classes in four years but they only have to pass three of them.
Our shocking tolerance for failure here will be of little comfort when even West Virginia is eating our lunch.
Let Me Guess, She Wants More Money For Big Ed
Newly-elected Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington reaped a benefit this morning of donating $1000 to Steve Beshear when she was appointed to a vice-chair position on the House Education Committee.
She faces Republican Will Terwort in the May primary.
She faces Republican Will Terwort in the May primary.
Immigration Showdown At High Noon
There will be fireworks today in the House Judiciary Committee as they take up a discussion of bill that would prohibit sanctuary cities in Kentucky and shut down some employers who hire illegal aliens.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Ron Paul Supporter Takes On Mitch McConnell
Daniel Essek can beat his brains out from here to May and he will lose to Sen. Mitch McConnell in the primary election. Mitch won't break a sweat, but that isn't the point.
The battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party rages on. Mr. Essek clearly isn't ready for prime time, but for a return to fiscal responsibility on the federal level to ever happen it will have to start someplace.
Thanks to tv blogger Mark Hebert for the heads-up.
The battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party rages on. Mr. Essek clearly isn't ready for prime time, but for a return to fiscal responsibility on the federal level to ever happen it will have to start someplace.
Thanks to tv blogger Mark Hebert for the heads-up.
End The Legislators' Strike
I can't find anyone with a good argument against Sen. David Williams' bill to move the filing deadline to after the end of the General Assembly.
In fact, here is one very active opponent of Republicans in general who is on board. Where are the rest of you?
My only question is will Speaker Jody Richards run this bill through the Labor & Industry Committee since it involves making the lawmakers work for their money an extra month every other year?
In fact, here is one very active opponent of Republicans in general who is on board. Where are the rest of you?
My only question is will Speaker Jody Richards run this bill through the Labor & Industry Committee since it involves making the lawmakers work for their money an extra month every other year?
Bad Day For The Bald Guy
I'm trying to find a silver lining in the withdrawal of Fred Thompson from the presidential race, but not having much luck.
Any help?
Any help?
2008: Year Of The Discharge Petition
Committee chairmen can kill bills by not bringing them up for discussion, but sponsors of the University Gun Bill and the Welfare for Drug Abusers Bill easily have the 25 supporters required to call a vote on a discharge petition in the House. If 51 members vote for overriding the committee action, the bill in question goes to the House floor for a vote.
While we are at it, the Ernie Fletcher Revenue Neutral Tax Increase Bill needs a discharge petition as well. And given Harry Moberly's affinity for government secrecy, we might as well go ahead and file one for the Government Transparency Bill.
While we are at it, the Ernie Fletcher Revenue Neutral Tax Increase Bill needs a discharge petition as well. And given Harry Moberly's affinity for government secrecy, we might as well go ahead and file one for the Government Transparency Bill.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Associated Press Botches Drug Bill Debate
UPDATE: Here is a little help on this issue from the Bluegrass Institute.
*******************
The Associated Press picked up the bipartisan House effort to encourage drug abusers on welfare to stop using drugs or risk losing their welfare benefits.
The dismissive tone of the article is a little over-the-top, starting with the headline: "Welfare proposal has few fans."
The article fails to mention there are actually two bills (here and here) and only gets around to interviewing one of the sponsors. Napier's version has 27 co-sponsors.
I think what the Associated Press reporter meant was that he and Tom Burch don't like the bill.
Rep. Tom Burch should be the focus of this story for killing a commonsense measure to get people off drugs.
Instead, we get more of the mentality that hasn't worked for decades in fighting poverty or drug abuse:
House Republicans should easily be able to peel off enough Democrats for a discharge petition to work on this one. For the record, Napier co-sponsored Henley's bill. Let the Democrat's bill go through and get this done.
*******************
The Associated Press picked up the bipartisan House effort to encourage drug abusers on welfare to stop using drugs or risk losing their welfare benefits.
The dismissive tone of the article is a little over-the-top, starting with the headline: "Welfare proposal has few fans."
The article fails to mention there are actually two bills (here and here) and only gets around to interviewing one of the sponsors. Napier's version has 27 co-sponsors.
I think what the Associated Press reporter meant was that he and Tom Burch don't like the bill.
Rep. Tom Burch should be the focus of this story for killing a commonsense measure to get people off drugs.
Instead, we get more of the mentality that hasn't worked for decades in fighting poverty or drug abuse:
The measure, House Bill 190, is languishing in the House Health and Welfare Committee. Committee Chairman Tom Burch, D-Louisville, said he doesn't intend to call it up for consideration.
"I don't think it's a good bill, and I don't think the intention behind it is good," Burch said. "Let's get treatment for the person rather than penalize the whole family."
House Republicans should easily be able to peel off enough Democrats for a discharge petition to work on this one. For the record, Napier co-sponsored Henley's bill. Let the Democrat's bill go through and get this done.
Steve Beshear Is No Scab
It is as if the legislators in Frankfort are on strike and Steve Beshear is no scab.
The Lexington Herald Leader reports:
That's bunk. Everyone on Team Beshear has had a pretty good idea details of the casino plan and problems with the retirement plan and crafting a budget proposal were going to be issues for them to work on since last May.
The Governor Steve Beshear-as-slacker routine has everything to do with the January 29 filing deadline.
The Lexington Herald Leader reports:
Beshear says his aides are still trying to nail down details of the casino plan and the retirement system reform and that his time is consumed by crafting a budget proposal.
The delay in the unveiling of those policies is practical -- not a political stalling tactic to make it past the candidate filing deadline, Beshear insists.
"It's not geared to the filing deadline, it's simply geared to the fact that right now we're in the middle of putting this budget together," he said. "That's our top priority, obviously, because I've got to do that by the 29th and we're working on these other things at the same time. It's just a product of the time that we've got."
That's bunk. Everyone on Team Beshear has had a pretty good idea details of the casino plan and problems with the retirement plan and crafting a budget proposal were going to be issues for them to work on since last May.
The Governor Steve Beshear-as-slacker routine has everything to do with the January 29 filing deadline.
Giuliani Panders In Florida
As if one Republican presidential candidate with a bad insurance plan weren't enough, Rudy weighs in.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sing, Sing A Song, Sing Out Loud, Sing Out Strong
Former Lexington Mayor Teresa Isaac will be deposed regarding her role in the Fayette County Detention Center scandal on Friday, January 25 at 9:30 am.
Mayor Jim Newberry is up Tuesday, February 8.
Mayor Jim Newberry is up Tuesday, February 8.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Fayette Jail Scandal Hits The Radio On Monday
Busy Monday morning coming up for me. I will be on the Jack Pattie Show on 590 AM WVLK in Lexington at 9:00 talking about the legislature and Leland Conway's show on 630 AM at 11 AM talking about the scandal at the Fayette County Detention Center.
Anyone with a story to tell about the problems at the jail should email me at kyprogress@yahoo.com.
Anyone with a story to tell about the problems at the jail should email me at kyprogress@yahoo.com.
City of Lexington Buying Bogus Diplomas
I'm doing some research into the "consulting" business Ray Sabbatine and Donald Leach are running out of the Fayette County Detention Center and the taxpayer money they are using to line their own pockets.
Accidentally came across one little goody: Lexington taxpayers paid for Leach's fake doctoral degree.
Accidentally came across one little goody: Lexington taxpayers paid for Leach's fake doctoral degree.
Big House Democrat Tax Increase Bill
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce send out an email yesterday afternoon claiming Rep. Harry Moberly's HB 302 would increase taxes by up to $200 million a year.
That may be a good guess, but if you look at the bill it isn't hard to imagine it's impact might be much more severe. The bill punishes companies who do business in other states for doing business in Kentucky. Nice plan, Chairman Moberly.
Harry Moberly is one great big reason I won't be sending any of my kids to Eastern Kentucky University.
That may be a good guess, but if you look at the bill it isn't hard to imagine it's impact might be much more severe. The bill punishes companies who do business in other states for doing business in Kentucky. Nice plan, Chairman Moberly.
Harry Moberly is one great big reason I won't be sending any of my kids to Eastern Kentucky University.
Friday, January 18, 2008
You Can't Block This
The city of Lexington has ended their feeble attempt to block this blog on city computers.
It is starting to dawn on the folks at 200 East Main Street that the Justice Department investigation and the class action and civil lawsuits aren't just going to go away.
Can't imagine why anyone in the Mayor's office would think they could finesse all this stuff as easily as they can scam the Lexington Herald Leader.
Just ask Ron Bishop, Don Leach, and the boys and girls at the Fayette County Detention Center. They are a little further along the learning curve.
It is starting to dawn on the folks at 200 East Main Street that the Justice Department investigation and the class action and civil lawsuits aren't just going to go away.
Can't imagine why anyone in the Mayor's office would think they could finesse all this stuff as easily as they can scam the Lexington Herald Leader.
Just ask Ron Bishop, Don Leach, and the boys and girls at the Fayette County Detention Center. They are a little further along the learning curve.
Stroke Of Genius Meets Good Public Policy
Senate President David Williams has filed a bill to move the candidate filing deadline forward to April. This eliminates the problem of legislators sitting on their hands during the first month of the General Assembly and forces legislators to get off the fence about casino gambling before campaign opponents have to file to run against them.
Smoke-Filled Media Bias At Herald Leader
Amazing how the Lexington Herald Leader can watch a parade of House and Senate Democrats chase their tails on the puffery of just one little old cigarette tax increase and see a gathering storm of support in "Cigarette tax hike gains traction."
This story could more accurately be headlined "House Dems fiddle while Frankfort burns."
The newspaper story didn't even mention the one group of cooler heads who have already decided this issue. The Senate Republicans said no tax increase. Well, maybe just one.
Revenues keep going up in Frankfort. Spending keeps going up faster. Raising taxes, it should stand to reason, isn't the answer here. If we really want to take a step in the right direction, we will start talking about transparency in our state government.
This story could more accurately be headlined "House Dems fiddle while Frankfort burns."
The newspaper story didn't even mention the one group of cooler heads who have already decided this issue. The Senate Republicans said no tax increase. Well, maybe just one.
Revenues keep going up in Frankfort. Spending keeps going up faster. Raising taxes, it should stand to reason, isn't the answer here. If we really want to take a step in the right direction, we will start talking about transparency in our state government.
Still Looking For Ways To Cut Spending
Since people are going to gamble anyway, there really is no need to allow the state lottery to spend money on advertising or marketing, right?
A Better Idea For Improving Schools
Before attacking House Minority Whip Stan Lee for joining Speaker Jody Richards' effort to limit the state to one charter school -- in Bowling Green, of course -- I called him seeking an explanation.
Rep. Lee says he is working a charter school bill for all the state. That is a very good thing.
Rep. Lee says he is working a charter school bill for all the state. That is a very good thing.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Unexpected Twist On Blog Blockergate 2008
Didn't see this one coming.
Sources are reporting that the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government has blocked this website on city computers.
I can't get into it now, but the timing of this cowardly action is VERY interesting. Stay tuned.
And any city workers reading from home who have information about Mayor Newberry's role in the various city scandals or in the mess at the Fayette County Detention Center can reach me at kyprogress@yahoo.com.
Still waiting to hear what the Beshear blog blocking policy will be.
Sources are reporting that the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government has blocked this website on city computers.
I can't get into it now, but the timing of this cowardly action is VERY interesting. Stay tuned.
And any city workers reading from home who have information about Mayor Newberry's role in the various city scandals or in the mess at the Fayette County Detention Center can reach me at kyprogress@yahoo.com.
Still waiting to hear what the Beshear blog blocking policy will be.
Taking Care Of Their Own
Meanwhile, back at the ranch.
And no, I don't care nearly as much about the Chandler hiring as it is not against the law.
Attorney General Jack Conway, where are you?
And no, I don't care nearly as much about the Chandler hiring as it is not against the law.
Attorney General Jack Conway, where are you?
Nine Minutes To See What America Needs
Much, much less government spending. Hillary and Obama won't do it. Rudy and Mitt won't either.
The Comptroller General of the United States says we are screwed by 2040, when the federal government will only have the money to operate Social Security and Medicaid. Go back to sleep, though. There is no crisis.
The Comptroller General of the United States says we are screwed by 2040, when the federal government will only have the money to operate Social Security and Medicaid. Go back to sleep, though. There is no crisis.
How About A Kentucky Stimulus Package?
Harry Moberly has not just one, but two bills designed to stick it to corporations.
Many of the rest of our legislators are looking for ways to enable more economic opportunity for our citizens.
Like Jim DeCesare.
Rather than work up incentive packages for some companies to do business here, shouldn't we just get rid of corporate taxes and let the government live off the taxes created by the new businesses, new employees, and improved economy?
Many of the rest of our legislators are looking for ways to enable more economic opportunity for our citizens.
Like Jim DeCesare.
Rather than work up incentive packages for some companies to do business here, shouldn't we just get rid of corporate taxes and let the government live off the taxes created by the new businesses, new employees, and improved economy?
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