Former Dem donors now giving big to GOP

by Tom Loftus, @TomLoftus_CJ – FRANKFORT, Ky. – Three members of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees who for several years were among the biggest contributors to the Kentucky Democratic Party gave as much money as the law allows in February to the Republican Party of Kentucky. William C. Britton, of Louisville, Edward Britt Brockman,…

House Democrats OK bill extending kynect

by Tom Loftus, @TomLoftus_CJ – Gov. Matt Bevin announced Wednesday he has begun work to transform Kentucky’s Medicaid program by 2017. But in the meantime he envisions no major changes in the government health plan. (Full press conference) FRANKFORT, Ky. – On a party line vote with the majority Democrats voting yes, bills that extend the…

With new protective orders now available advocates are releasing guidelines for schools and universities

by Nick Storm, @NickStorm_cn2 – FRANKFORT — With the passage of House Bill 8 in the 2015 session Kentucky became the last state in the nation to offer protective orders for victims of dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. As the state embarks on “something very new” advocates are issuing guidelines in an effort to raise awareness of the…

Ky. Zip Line Legislation Close to Passage

by Stu Johnson, WEKU NEWS –  The Kentucky Senate Agriculture Committee has passed a House approved bill that would regulate zip lines across the Commonwealth.  The measure aims to help ensure consistency in construction, training, and rider safety. Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer cast a no vote in committee, citing concerns about over-regulation.  “Do we have to regulate…

Bill would give legislature power to restore voting rights

by Adam Beam, Associated Press –  FRANKFORT, KY. — Convicted felons can’t vote in Kentucky unless the governor allows it, but a bill moving through the Republican-controlled state Senate would let lawmakers make the decision instead. Kentucky’s constitution bans all convicted felons from voting in elections, even if they have completed their sentence and been released from prison.…

Minton: House budget ‘catastrophic’ to courts

by Tom Loftus, @TomLoftus_CJ – FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. said Wednesday the judicial budget as approved by the House budget committee on Tuesday would have a “catastrophic” impact on Kentucky’s court system. Minton complained last month about what he said were inadequate funds set aside for the judicial branch in Gov. Matt…

Lawmakers’ pension info still secret in Ky.

by Adam Beam, Associated Press – FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky state Sen. Chris McDaniel’s constituents know that he’s contributed $5,575.79 to his state retirement account, that it has collected $104.38 in interest and that it has a balance of $5,680.17. But that’s only because McDaniel requested a copy of his statement and posted it to his Facebook…