by Ryland Barton – A bill that would have enacted transparency measures for Kentucky’s ailing pension systems failed to pass this legislative session, despite a last-minute push. Some lawmakers say the systems need more scrutiny from the legislature. They’ve criticized hefty fees paid to investment managers and devotion to so-called “alternative investments,” which they’ve said are too risky.…
by Nick Storm, @NickStorm_cn2 – With control of the state House of Representatives up for grabs the Republican Party of Kentucky has added a political and communications director. Tres Watson, who last ran Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles campaign, has been named as the Republican Party’s communications director. The RPK has also named Josh Thomas as political director. “Republicans stand to…
by Joey Brown, Digital Content Manager – FRANKFORT, KY (WAVE) – Gov. Matt Bevin announced on Tuesday that a preliminary investigation by his administration has uncovered “questionable activity” within the administration of his predecessor, Gov. Steve Beshear. Furthermore, Bevin said there is evidence that state employees were coerced into donating to the 2015 campaign of Beshear’s…
by MATT MARKGRAF – Today is the last day to register to vote ahead of the May primary in Kentucky, May 17. Online registration was launched more than a month ago at GoVoteKY.com. According to the office of Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes more than 18,000 people have used the online portal to register to vote or…
by Ryland Barton – The 2016 General Assembly achieved its main goal—passing a two year state budget—at the last minute of the session, but the legislature also passed well over 100 laws that have been signed by Gov. Matt Bevin so far. Bevin has ten days to veto bills once they’ve reached his desk. He also has…
BY BILL ESTEP, [email protected] – The federal government moved Monday to dismiss a bribery charge against the former head of the state Personnel Cabinet but plans to file an alternate charge instead, according to a motion. That might mean that Tim Longmeyer plans to plead guilty. The motion from Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Boone requested to dismiss…
by Tom Loftus, @TomLoftus_CJ – Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker Greg Stumbo say they have come to an agreement on the state budget. Sam Upshaw Jr., The C-J FRANKFORT, Ky. – House and Senate negotiators finally reached agreement Thursday morning on a 2016-18 state budget that will infuse the state’s troubled pension funds with more than a billion…
by Nick Storm, @NickStorm_cn2 – Politicians in Kentucky’s Capitol have always been somewhat dysfunctional, but insiders and observers are taking note of a shift in rhetoric that has become reminiscent of partisan speak in another political town located on a river 550 miles away. Political rhetoric, posturing and the stop-and-start negotiations over a two-year budget now has first-year…
by AP/ WKYT – FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has vowed not to call legislators back to Frankfort should they fail to approve a two-year operating budget by Friday. Bevin said he would not reward lawmakers’ inability to do their jobs by paying them more money. The Legislative Research Commission estimates it would cost…
by Joseph Gerth, @Joe_Gerth – Gov. Matt Bevin has vetoed four bills and struck two line items from the fifth as the 2016 General Assembly winds to a close on Friday. It’s the most any active Kentucky governor has wielded the veto pen since then-Gov. Paul Patton vetoed 10 bills and one resolution in their entirety…
