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Post by Press Release on May 30, 2009 7:44:44 GMT -5
President approves public disaster assistance relief in 22 countiesClay County will receive cost-sharing moneyPresident Barack ObamaGov. Steve Beshear late today announced that President Obama had granted his request for pubic disaster assistance for 22 counties rocked earlier this month by massive storms and flooding. In addition, the President approved four counties for individual assistance. “We are pleased that President Obama has issued this disaster declaration and look forward to quickly receiving the assistance people are entitled to in Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “We have been working day and night with the federal government to get this declaration issued and now look forward to ensuring that the assistance is forthcoming as so many of our people work to rebuild their lives and their homes. The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Breathitt, Floyd, Owsley, and Pike. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, and mudslides in the counties of Ballard, Breathitt, Carlisle, Clay, Crittenden, Floyd, Grayson, Hickman, Jackson, Knott, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Madison, Magoffin, Marshall, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Russell, and Trigg. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire Commonwealth. Gov. Beshear and administration officials have been in constant contact with FEMA, Department of Homeland Security officials and the White House regarding the request for assistance. Gov. Beshear, in fact, talked twice with the White House today, including a late afternoon call with Ron Klain, chief of staff to Vice President Joe Biden. “At each step, I was assured that our request for disaster assistance – both for state and local governments and for individuals who qualify – was being processed as quickly as possible,” Gov. Beshear said. “I know the concern and frustration people feel when confronted by such circumstances. But I am hopeful that the federal assistance will provide a sense of relief and support to Kentuckians impacted by these terrible storms.” In the meantime, state and local relief efforts in the affected areas are continuing. Current relief efforts include: • Shelters that initially were open throughout the region are now inactive because they are no long needed, but the roving stations operated by the Red Cross and other local organizations continue to be work. • Thirty Guardsmen maintain their mission in Breathitt County. The state is beginning to identify locations for Disaster Relief Centers so people who are eligible in designated counties can apply for individual assistance. • In the area of housing, emergency management people and FEMA are coordinating efforts along with local, state and other federal officials. They are working with the Kentucky Housing Cooperation (KHC), Local Housing Authority, HUD and others, to provide housing. KHC has provided state emergency officials with a list of housing and service providers in the affected areas that work with KHC. • KHC officials also are encouraging people to visit their Kentucky Rents Web site, which lists area rental vacancies. KHC also has information on its Web site about the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) provided through their HOME Program. TBRA provides rental assistance for up to two years for families that qualify based on income qualify, 80 percent or below of area median income. To find information about rental assistance available through KHC, visit www.kyhousing.org/. Additionally, the Christian Appalachian Project will receive a $20,000 grant from KHC to assist affected families with their housing needs. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Jun 2, 2009 9:59:19 GMT -5
Malloys take alpacas for a spin Sunshine Alpacas of Kentucky has 37 of the animals on its farm near Springfield. Most are members of the long-haired Suri breed, although all had their winter coats sheared recently for summer. Photo by Chris AldridgeSpringfield operation processes fiber and promotes the Suri breedBy CHRIS ALDRIDGE, Kentucky Agricultural NewsShawn and Lori Malloy seemingly had everything a successful young couple could want 5½ years ago. “We had a fancy-pants house in Gorham, Maine,” said Lori, then a manager for the U.S. Postal Service. Shawn, an engineer, was vice president of manufacturing and research and development at Jotul, NA, which makes gas and wood stoves. “We were bored one weekend, so we went to an alpaca farm that was having an open house,” Lori said. “Instantly, I was smitten. I told Shawn, ‘I want alpacas.’ He said, ‘Come up with a five-year business plan.’” Lori did, and their lives have been different ever since. Shawn is thankful that his wife came up with the idea that allowed both of them to leave the rat race of the Northeast corporate world for the green pastures of central Kentucky. “Our lifestyle is so much nicer now,” he said. Shawn and Lori can’t remember the last time they were bored. That seldom occurs when you are caring for 37 alpacas, nine Angora rabbits, two llamas, two donkeys that protect the alpacas and llamas from coyotes, four dogs and numerous cats roaming the 30-acre farm outside Springfield that they’ve owned since September. When the Malloys are not traveling to alpaca shows and showing their animals, collecting 12 championships and more than 40 first-place ribbons since November 2003, they are operating two alpaca businesses. The couple owns a small mill behind their home that processes alpaca fleece, sheep’s wool and rabbit fur (all known in the industry as “fiber”) and an alpaca breeding business. Sunshine Alpacas of Kentucky (www.sunshinealpacas.com) deals in Suri breeding stock. The breed, distinguished by its long flowing locks, makes up only 10 percent of alpacas in the U.S. “We had only six acres in Maine,” Lori said. “Needless to say, they [alpacas] are very happy here on 30 acres.” Flaggy Meadow Fiber Works, a Kentucky Proud business named after the road the Malloys lived on in Maine (www.flaggymeadowfiberworks.com), cleans and processes and spins fiber sheared from their alpaca herd and about 150 other farms across the nation, including about 20 in Kentucky. Local alpaca breeders personally deliver their fiber to the mill, while those not within driving distance mail theirs in bundles. A recent visit showed bundles of yarn, roving and felt waiting to be mailed back to alpaca producers in Kentucky, New Jersey and Maine. Fiber processing takes about two months. “Some mills take over a year,” Lori said. Alpacas are unique animals native to the Andes Mountains of South America, but since 1999, they have been illegal to import into the U.S. Alpacas are usually sheared once a year because they are very heat-sensitive. While the Malloys breed fiber-rich Suris, 90 percent of alpacas in the U.S. and 95 percent in the world are the Huacaya breed, which have dense fleece similar to sheep’s wool. Three years ago, the Malloys got into the fiber business by buying nearly-new processing equipment from a fiber mill in Vermont. Warren Beeler, assistant director of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Value-Added Animal and Aquaculture Production, believes Flaggy Meadow Fiber Works is the only mill of its kind in the state. The Malloys’ alpacas produce six to eight pounds of fiber per year per animal. Shawn and Lori also get about four pounds of fiber annually from each of their Angora rabbits. The Malloys helped shear about 250 alpacas this spring at four Kentucky farms, and most of them plan to send fiber to the mill to be processed. During their first four months in Kentucky, they processed more than 80 pounds of fiber from 10 to 12 Kentucky farms. Most of their local business has come by word of mouth through members of the Kentucky Alpaca Association, which has about 100 members. The mill is currently processing fiber for five businesses, including sock yarn for a company in Connecticut that was being spun during a recent visit. The Malloys have 250 customers that buy their fiber processing services each year, and despite a sluggish economy, their business is growing 10 percent per year. “We want to create Kentucky Proud products,” Shawn said, noting that he researched relocating the mill and found Kentucky was a great place to own a farm-related business, even though it was 1,200 miles from his native New England. “Kentucky is neck-and-neck with Iowa in the number of family farms, and Kentucky is the fourth-best place in the country for manufacturing. “Our goal is to support our local communities,” Shawn said. “We’ve grown our business quite a bit with the Kentucky Alpaca Association, as well as with goat, rabbit and sheep owners. We’re offering a new service that hasn’t been available – processing their fiber for them.” Added Lori: “A lot of sheep farmers around here throw their wool out because there’s no one to process it.” The mill combines fiber from sheep, alpacas and llamas to make rug and sock yarn, and felt for scarves or women’s coats. Lori said they want to develop a product line under the brand name Surino, a combination of two choice sources of their fiber – Suri alpacas and Merino sheep. The Malloys recently had the brand name trademarked. “My goal is to make our own line of socks,” Lori said. “We want to use as many ingredients from Kentucky as possible. We want to hire local artisans to do knitting and weaving for us. We’ve got a lot of talent in Kentucky. We’ve just gotta tap into it.” “Lori is the creative, artistic person, and I’m the manufacturing person,” Shawn explained. “Our farm is part of our overall business strategy.” Shawn has ambitious plans for future growth. “We want to participate in agritourism and give tours,” he said. “During the next five years, we hope to hire a few employees. Then we’ll keep adding equipment and people ’til we outgrow this farm.” The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Indicted Clay County Official Pleads Guilty To Vote Buying SchemeA former Clay County election officer admitted in federal court today that he used thousands of dollars in the 2002 and 2004 primary elections to buy votes for a slate of candidates. Paul Bishop, 60, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). This statute is used by federal prosecutors to combat organized crime. Bishop admitted that in 2002, co-defendant William Stivers assisted him in bribing voters to vote for a number of select candidates including co-defendant, Freddy W. Thompson, a candidate for Clay County Clerk at the time. Bishop also acknowledged that before the 2004 primary elections, co-defendant Douglas C. Adams provided him with $2,500 to bribe voters to vote for a slate of candidates. Adams, Stivers, and Thompson were indicted with others on vote buying and racketeering charges in March. According to the plea agreement, Bishop bribed approximately 100 individual voters with bribes of $20 each to vote for Thompson in 2002. In the 2004 primary election, Bishop admitted to a similar scheme to bribe voters to vote for candidates including Tim Couch for State Representative. The plea agreement also states that in 2002, Adams held a meeting at his garage with several of the indicted election officials to pool together between approximately $150,000 to $250,000 for the vote-buying scheme. Adams, according to the plea agreement, instructed Bishop on how to distribute money to voters. The investigation was conducted by the FBI , Kentucky State Police, IRS, and Appalachia HIDTA. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen C. Smith and Jason Parman. Bishop’s sentencing is scheduled for October 19, 2009. Bishop faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. However, the court must consider the statute and the federal sentencing guidelines before imposing a sentence on the defendant. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Healthcare: Reform, Not Denial and DelayMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding the importance of getting it right on healthcare reform: “We’re all interested in reforming health care. And while this debate has yet to fully play out, we already know one thing for sure: any action we take on this issue will affect every single American. “There’s no doubt Americans are frustrated with the increasing cost of health care and that many are worried about losing the health care they have. Many Americans can’t afford health care or have to choose between basic necessities and medical care they need. This is what’s wrong with the current system, and we need to fix it. “Yet it’s also true that many Americans are satisfied with the care they have. They like being able to see their doctor and being able to get the care they need, when they need it. These are the things that are right about patient-focused American-style healthcare, and that we wouldn’t want to sacrifice. “So while both parties recognize that serious reform of our health care system is needed, we must also recognize the importance of getting it right. Americans want reform. The question is what kind of reform. Reform is necessary, but not all so-called reforms are necessarily good. “Based on some of the things we’ve been hearing out of Democrats in Washington in recent weeks, Americans have good reason to be concerned about what the future holds for health care. “The biggest concern is the talk of a government takeover of healthcare. Americans suspect that what’s being sold as a government ‘option’ would soon become the only option. “Those who like the care they have don’t particularly like the idea of the people who brought us the Department of Motor Vehicles handling life or death health care decisions like whether or not they’re eligible for surgery or whether they qualify for a certain medicine according to some impersonal government board in Washington. They don’t want to rely on bureaucrats in Washington to get their phone calls returned or their office visits covered. But the prospect of a government takeover of health care is becoming more and more real. “Democrats in the Senate want government to play a dominant role in health care delivery. Both the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and HELP Committees have said they want to produce legislation that relies on a government-run plan. And nearly half of Senate Democrats have endorsed a resolution stating that any health care reform must include a government-run plan. “Democrats in the House of Representatives are circulating an outline of how they would like to change American health care. Their plan would create a government-run insurance model that could limit patient choices. Americans who want to keep their health insurance plan should be allowed to do so. Yet one respected study showed that 118 million Americans could lose their current private insurance and end up in a government plan if this proposal was enacted. The House Democrats’ plan could also lead to the creation of a government board that would determine what benefits and drugs are available to patients and what prices would be charged. “The administration also wants the government to take a leading role in health care. During the campaign, the President said that if he were designing a system from scratch, he would probably ‘go ahead’ with a single-payer system. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shares the President’s belief that any reform must guarantee the inclusion of a government plan. “The American people want health care decisions left up to families and doctors, not bureaucrats in Washington. They don’t want a government takeover that denies or delays the care they need, and they don’t want politicians telling them how much or what kind they can have. “That’s why many of us who recognize the need for reform will insist on making health care more affordable and accessible, while protecting the doctor-patient relationship and ensuring every American can get the care they need, when they need it. This is the kind of health care reform that Americans want, and this is the reform we’ll support.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 2, 2009 11:04:45 GMT -5
Republicans Approach this Nomination with a Clear Set of Guiding PrinciplesSonia SotomayorSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding the President’s nominee for the Supreme Court Judge Sonia Sotomayor: “On the matter of the Supreme Court, I would note that I spoke with the President’s nominee, Judge Sotomayor, over the recess, and I assured her that she would be treated fairly and respectfully during the confirmation process. I’ll deliver the same message when the two of us have a chance to sit down and talk later on this week. “Republicans take very seriously our obligation to review anyone who is nominated to a lifetime position on our nation’s highest court. The Senate will therefore thoroughly review Judge Sotomayor’s judicial record to ensure a full and informed debate over her qualifications to become one of the chief guardians of our nation’s Constitution and its laws. We believe the American people expect nothing less. “Judge Sotomayor is no stranger to the process. This will be the third time she’s come before the Senate for confirmation to the Federal bench. In considering her for a seat on the Supreme Court, the standards for review become understandably more rigorous, as the Vice-President observed when he chaired the Judiciary Committee. Yet the basic qualities we look for in our justices are the same qualities we look for in any federal judge: superb legal ability, personal integrity, sound temperament, and, most importantly, a commitment to read the law even-handedly. “In this last respect, some of Judge Sotomayor’s past statements and decisions have raised some understandable questions and concerns. One of these is a statement she made a few years back that the Court of Appeals is, quote, ‘Where policy is made.’ I think that’s a tough statement to square with Article III of the U.S. Constitution, which clearly contemplates a far more limited role for federal judges, and I suspect that a number of us over here in the Legislative Branch will want to ask Judge Sotomayor questions about that statement. “The reason is simple. I think most Americans would agree that the courtroom is not an appropriate place to exercise one’s political beliefs or personal preferences. As far as most of us are concerned, politics ends at the courthouse door. The courtroom is where you go to get a fair and even-handed reading of the law, regardless of who you are or where you came from or who you voted for. Legislators make the laws, not judges. Most people understand that and place a high value on it. And the last time Judge Sotomayor came before the Senate for confirmation, I voted against her nomination precisely out of a concern that she’d bring pre-existing personal and political beliefs into the courtroom. “Many of the same concerns I had about Judge Sotomayor eleven years ago persist. But a fresh review of her record has now begun; and, as I said, Republicans will insist that the confirmation process for Judge Sotomayor is conducted in a fair and professional manner. This is the way Republicans have treated judicial nominees in the past, and this is the way we will continue to treat them: with respect. “But respectful doesn’t mean rushed. Judge Sotomayor has a long record, and it will take a long time to get through it. She’s served 17 years on both the trial and the appellate court. She’s been involved in more than 3,600 cases since becoming a judge. In order to conduct a thorough examination of all these cases, it’s vital that the Senate have sufficient time to do so. “During the last three Supreme Court confirmations, the average amount of time the Senate had to prepare for a hearing was more than 60 days. For Justice Alito, the Senate had 70 days to prepare for an informed hearing. And like Judge Sotomayor, Justice Alito had thousands of cases for Senators to review. Our Democrat colleagues who were in the minority during the Alito nomination appreciated the fairness they were afforded; both the Senior Senator from Vermont and the Senior Senator from New York noted at the time that in handling the Alito nomination it was important to do it right, not quick. “This time around, our friend Senator Schumer notes that Judge Sotomayor has a very ‘extensive’ record, and we certainly have a ‘right’ to ‘scrutinize’ it. So in considering this nomination I’m confident our Democratic colleagues will treat us fairly and allow us to do it ‘right.’ “Throughout this process, Republicans will be guided by a few simple principles. But perhaps the most important ones are these: Americans expect and should receive equal treatment under the law, and Americans want judges who understand their role is to interpret the law, not write it. As Chief Justice Roberts put it during his confirmation hearing, the American people expect a judge to be like an umpire — someone who applies the rules, but doesn’t make them. No one ever went to a ballgame, as he put it, to watch the umpire. “Lawmakers make law, and they have to answer for those laws every two or six years to the voters. Federal judges, on the other hand, never have to face the voters, and thus aren’t supposed to make policy. Lifetime appointments are a serious matter, and voting on a Supreme Court justice is one of the most important decisions a senator will ever make. Republicans approach this nomination with a clear set of guiding principles, and we will make every effort to determine whether Judge Sotomayor shares them.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Arrest of Wanted Person in Laurel CountyOn Monday, June 01, 2009, at 10:09 AM while on routine patrol on KY 472 Kentucky State Police Sergeant Steve Walker observed a vehicle that was reported to be transporting a male subject that is wanted by Powell County. Sergeant Walker conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and verified that Bobby W. Green, 32, address unknown, was in fact inside. As Mr. Green exited the vehicle he pushed Sergeant Walker back and fled on foot. Mr. Green was located a short time later hiding in a field. Trooper Fred Pennington has charged Mr. Green with Fleeing or Evading Police, 2nd Degree (on foot) and Resisting Arrest in Laurel County. Trooper Pennington also charged Mr. Green on Powell County Warrants for Manufacturing Methamphetamine 1st and Fleeing or Evading Police 1st. Trooper Pennington is continuing the investigation and was assisted by Officers from the Kentucky State Police, KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, the Laurel County Sheriff's Department and the London Police Department. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 3, 2009 9:13:10 GMT -5
Jobless rates up in 120 counties from April 2008 to April 2009Clay County not on top ten highest unemployment rateUnemployment rates rose in all 120 Kentucky counties between April 2008 and April 2009, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Fayette and Woodford counties recorded the lowest jobless rates in the commonwealth at 6.9 percent each. They were followed by Calloway County, 7.3 percent; Oldham County, 7.5 percent; Hickman County, 7.6 percent; McCracken County, 7.7 percent; Boyd County, 7.8 percent; Pike County, 8 percent; Carlisle County, 8.1 percent; and Franklin County, 8.2 percent. Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 16.7 percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 15.9 percent; Trigg and Menifee counties, 15.8 percent each; Bath County, 15.2 percent; Allen and Powell counties, 14.5 percent each; Butler County, 14.2 percent; McCreary County, 14.1 percent; and Lewis County, 13.9 percent. Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and county figures. Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at: www.workforce.ky.govThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Health Care: Concept of a Government ‘Option’ is MisleadingMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday regarding the importance of getting it right on health care reform: “Yesterday I noted that all of us want to reform health care, but that we need to do so without sacrificing the things Americans like about our current system: the freedom, the choice, the quality of care, the options, and the efficiency. I also noted that the kind of government takeover of health care that some of our Democrat friends are contemplating could lead to a decline in every one of these things. This morning I’d like to explain in a little greater detail how it could happen. “The first point I’d like to make is that the very concept of a government ‘option’ is itself misleading. What starts out as an option could quickly become the only option. This is clear to anyone who realizes that unlike market-based health plans, any government-run plan would have unlimited access to taxpayer money and could use that money to subsidize the cost of services. And artificially lower prices would make the government-run plan more attractive to individuals and businesses. “Some say this can be avoided by creating ‘safeguards’ to ensure a level playing field for market-based insurers and a government plan. But no safeguard could create a truly level playing field, and any safeguard could easily be eliminated once a government plan is enacted. A government plan would also be able to operate at a loss, a loss that the taxpayers would have to cover one way or another. “Government could also keep health care costs artificially low by paying providers less than private insurers do — just as it already does with Medicare and Medicaid. At first blush, that may sound appealing. But, as we know, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Let me explain. Right now, doctors and hospitals make up the difference between what a procedure costs and what the government is willing to pay for it by passing those costs onto private insurers. But doctors and hospitals would likely get even less under a new government health plan. So they’d shift even more costs onto private insurers, who would then raise rates for individuals and businesses even higher than they were before. Once these higher rates take effect, employers would be all but certain to start encouraging workers to enroll in the government-run plan. “As a result of all this, it’s easy to see how private market health plans would become more and more expensive — and thus less and less affordable and accessible. At some point private health plans would likely be crowded out altogether, and government care would be the only option left. That’s when the delays and denied care would kick in. Under a government system, Americans would have no choice but to accept all the bureaucratic hassles, and the endless time spent on hold waiting for a government service representative to take their calls. They’d also have to deal with all the restrictions of care that follow. What’s being advertised as an option will eventually lead to delays in testing, delays in diagnosis, and delays in treatment. “So the question Americans need to ask themselves is whether this is the reform they really want. Do we really want a government takeover of health care? Because that’s what a so-called government option could lead to in short order. Americans need to realize that when someone says ‘government option,’ what could really occur is a government takeover that could soon lead to government bureaucrats denying and delaying care and telling Americans what kind of care they can have. “The irony in all of this is that as a result of a government takeover of health care, the private plans that tens of millions of Americans currently enjoy will eventually only be available to a few very wealthy Americans — to those who are able to pay more for the health care they currently have and like. “According to a recent study, 119 million Americans would lose the private coverage they currently have as a consequence of a government plan. The best options would only remain available to a select few. “Over the last few months, we’ve seen government getting involved in virtually every aspect of our economy. Washington is suddenly running the banks and the auto companies. Now it’s thinking about running Americans’ health care. The results, I’m afraid, would not lead to the kind of reforms that Americans really want in their health care. Instead, it would lead to a system that most Americans would deeply regret.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 6, 2009 7:12:16 GMT -5
Closures scheduled for two Owsley County roadsTwo road closures have been scheduled in Owsley County in order to allow Kentucky Department of Highways personnel to make repairs. Routes affected are KY 2152 on June 17 and KY 708 on June 24. On Wednesday, June 17, KY 2152 (Left Fork of Cow Creek Road) will be closed at milepoint 0.8 for bridge repairs. A temporary diversion will be in place for local and emergency traffic only. On Wednesday, June 24, KY 708 will be closed at milepoint 0.8, north of the route’s intersection with KY 30 at Lerose, for a culvert replacement. No signed detour will be marked, but motorists can use KY 52 and KY 11 through Beattyville to Booneville, then KY 30 to Lerose, as an alternate route. Inclement weather during this period may force the closure to be postponed. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov FDA Legislation: Wrong Way to Regulate TobaccoMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the FDA legislation that’s been debated on the floor this week: “I’d like to say a few words about the FDA legislation that we’ve been debating on the floor this week, but first I’d like to thank Senator Enzi for his hard work in managing the bill. He always does a great job. I also want to acknowledge Senator Burr’s thoughtful leadership on this legislation. This is a complicated set of issues, and no one knows the intricacies better than Senator Burr. He’s been a good friend and ally of producers and growers dating back to his days in the House. And he’s offered a thoughtful alternative to the flawed legislation before us. “A few years ago, I led the effort in Congress to enact the Tobacco Buyout, which ended the Federal Government’s support of tobacco production. Although the number of tobacco farms in Kentucky has decreased as a result of that legislation, thousands of Kentucky farm families and communities still depend on the income from tobacco production. I have concerns about the effect this legislation would have on them. Still, no one in this chamber would deny that tobacco is hazardous to the health of those who use it. And if the purpose of this bill is to reduce the harm that it could cause the people who consume it, then forcing the Food and Drug Administration to do the regulating would be the wrong route to take. “The former FDA Administrator, Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, has predicted that forcing the FDA to regulate tobacco would undermine the agency’s core mission of protecting the public health and ensuring that foods, medicines, and other products don’t pose a risk to American consumers. When the FDA approves a product, Americans expect the product to be safe. But, as we all know, there is no such thing as a safe cigarette. And forcing the FDA to regulate cigarettes will not make them safer for the American people. This legislation is flawed for other reasons as well. “As Senators Burr, Enzi, and others have repeatedly pointed out, the FDA is already overworked in carrying out its core mission of protecting the public health. When it comes to contaminated peanut butter, tainted toothpaste, or unsafe drugs coming into the United States, Americans expect that all of the FDA’s resources are being used to protect them. Yet instead of freeing additional resources for the FDA to perform this important role, this legislation could divert the agency’s limited resources toward an impossible task: vouching for the safety of a product that cannot be made safe. The American people don’t want the FDA’s resources diverted on a fool’s errand. “It’s hard to understand what the supporters of this bill are trying to accomplish. If the goal is to reduce smoking, then why isn’t there a single dime in this bill directed at smoking cessation programs? If there’s no such thing as a safe cigarette, the best way to help smokers is to help them kick the habit. This bill doesn’t. If the goal of this legislation is to launch a public campaign to reduce smoking and promote better health, then why is there no focus on federal programs that are already in place to achieve this goal? “This legislation is the wrong way to regulate tobacco, and that’s why Senator Burr will offer a thoughtful way to accomplish this goal. Senator Burr’s proposal would create a new agency whose sole responsibility is to regulate tobacco. This would address the problem without undermining the FDA’s mission or straining its resources. Forcing the FDA to regulate and approve the use of tobacco would be a distortion of the agency’s mission and a tremendous misuse of its overstretched priorities. We should be focused on giving the FDA the resources it needs to protect the public health, not burdening it with an impossible assignment.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 10, 2009 8:27:16 GMT -5
FSA TAKES NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY COMMITTEESRichie FarmerAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has announced that farmers may nominate candidates for Farm Service Agency County Committees beginning June 15. Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 3. A producer is eligible to be a county FSA committee member if the producer resides in the local administrative area in which he or she is a candidate, participates or cooperates in a program administered by FSA, and is of legal voting age. A producer who is not of legal voting age but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm also may vote. Producers may nominate themselves or others, and organizations representing minorities and women may nominate candidates. FSA county committee members make decisions on such issues as commodity price support loan programs, disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs and other agricultural issues. Committees consist of three to 11 members, and members serve three-year terms. Nomination forms must be postmarked or received in a local USDA Service Center by Aug. 3. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 6. Voted ballots must be submitted to the county office by mail or in person by Dec. 7. Elected committee members and alternates will take office Jan. 1, 2010. Nomination forms and other information are available at county FSA offices or on the FSA Web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov/electionsThe preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Express for Men Employee Pleads Guilty to Credit Card FraudA 23-year-old retail store employee admitted in federal court today that he bought several thousand dollars worth of in-store items using credit cards that he opened with other people’s personal information. Bradley Justice of Lexington pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with the use of an access device (credit card). Justice was a management employee of the Express for Men retail store in Lexington. He admitted that from March through June of 2008, he accessed files of approximately 20 job applicants to retrieve their personal identification information. Justice used names, dates of birth, and social security numbers to apply for in-store credit cards. He acknowledged that he did not have permission to use the applicants’ personal information. Justice charged approximately $8,584.39 worth of store merchandise to the credit card accounts he opened. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Paul R. Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, jointly made the announcement today after Justice entered his guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Frances E. Catron. Justice is currently scheduled to appear for sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Jennifer B. Coffman in Lexington, Ky. on September 9, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. Justice faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky
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Post by Press Release on Jun 12, 2009 14:16:35 GMT -5
Conway Urges Kentucky Parents to Keep Their Kids Cybersafe This SummerJack ConwayWith school out and many kids spending more time on the Internet during the summer months, Attorney General Jack Conway wants to remind Kentucky families about the importance of staying safe online. In observance of June’s designation as National Internet Safety Month, General Conway asks that parents be engaged in the virtual world, just as they are in the real world. "Our children are logging on, socializing and spending countless hours in a virtual world unfamiliar to many parents. The Internet is a wonderful tool, but it can also be a tool for crime," said General Conway, who has conducted cybersafety workshops for more than 14,000 students across the Commonwealth. "One in every seven children between the ages of 10 and 17 reports receiving unwanted sexual advances from someone online. Only 25% of children report these frightening online solicitations to a parent or other trusted adult." General Conway’s comprehensive cybercrimes legislation, approved earlier this year by the Kentucky General Assembly, takes effect June 25 and will strengthen Kentucky laws to better protect children from Internet predators. But, General Conway says parents also need to monitor their children’s online activities and take other precautions to ensure their kids stay safe online. Online Safety Checklist: • Google your children (and yourself) often for your child’s contact information. It can help you spot ways in which your child’s personal information may be exposed to strangers online or could be an early detection system for cyberbullying posts. • Keep the computer in a family room, kitchen or open area - NOT in a child’s bedroom. • Teach your children they should never meet an online friend in person unless you are with them. • Find out what email and instant-messaging accounts they have and ask them for their passwords. • Teach your children about the dangers of cell phone cameras and how they may be used against them. Cell phone images can be easily downloaded, altered and exploited on the Internet. • As a condition of use, make your child list you as a friend on MySpace or Facebook. • Consider installing monitoring and filtering software. Check for free downloads at: SafeFamilies.com or K9WebProtection.com GamingInvestigators in the Office of the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations report an increased number of complaints from gamers and others who have sent self-produced, sexually explicit images and have then been threatened or blackmailed by the recipient. Bullying is also a problem. If you encounter bullying, don't respond. Block them, save any evidence, and report them to authorities. • Choose gender-neutral, appropriate screen names. • Use voice-mask so other gamers don't know your age or gender. • Don't share personal information through game chat. • Don't share your account details, like passwords, with other gamers or even your friends. • Never agree to meet a fellow gamer offline if you do not know them in person. • If something happens that makes you feel scared or uncomfortable, tell an adult you trust. Texting/CyberbullyingThe following are important tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding texting and cyberbullying. • Never respond to harassing or rude comments. • Save or print the evidence. • Talk to your parents or guardian if you are harassed and get help reporting this to your ISP, school, or local law enforcement department if you feel threatened. • Report anyone you don't know who asks for your personal information, photos, or videos. • Report inappropriate or obscene material from people or companies you don't know. Tips To Prevent Sexting • Think about the consequences of taking, sending or forwarding a sexual picture of someone underage, even if it’s of you. • Never take images of yourself that you wouldn’t want everyone—your classmates, teachers, family or employers to see. • Before hitting send, remember that you can’t control where this image may travel. • If you forward a sexual picture of someone underage, you are as responsible for this image as the original sender. You could face pornography charges, go to jail and have to register as a sex offender. • Report any nude pictures you receive on your cell phone to an adult you trust. Internet Safety ResourcesFor additional information on cybersafety in Kentucky, visit the Attorney General's Cybersafety page. To report cyber abuse call 1-800-THE-LOST or visit: CyberTipline.com The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Rogers: $500,000 Approved To Protect Fern Lake WatershedHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that another $500,000 in federal funding has been designated for the acquisition of the Fern Lake watershed for inclusion in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. These funds are included in the FY10 Interior Department spending bill, which has been approved by a key congressional subcommittee. “The acquisition of Fern Lake and the surrounding watershed has long been a priority of mine, and I’m pleased to see the cooperation of local and federal officials, as well as the fine contribution of the Trust for Public Lands, to expand this historical national park,” said Rogers. “Fern Lake is a prime example of pairing economic development with protecting our environment and heritage. Not only will this funding increase tourism and expand recreation options for visitors to Cumberland Gap, but this initiative preserves the lake resources and ensures a clean water supply for the citizens of Middlesboro.” Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressman Rogers sponsored the Fern Lake Conservation and Recreation Act, enacted in 2004, which authorized the National Park Service to expand the boundary of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park to incorporate the lake and 4,500 acres in its watershed. Since 2005, McConnell and Rogers have secured $4.95 million for this important acquisition, which protects the drinking water supply for the residents Middlesboro, preserves Appalachia’s historic passageway to the west for future generations, and promotes tourism and economic development in surrounding counties. In December 2008, the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a non-profit conservation organization, purchased a key tract of land surrounding Fern Lake from a private landowner, and in a May 28, 2009 ceremony, with the funds secured by McConnell and Rogers, TPL conveyed over 2,000 acres of this property to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. To date, 4,021 acres of the watershed have been added to the park, and the ultimate goal is to acquire 4,500 acres within the sightline of the park’s popular Pinnacle Overlook. Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 12, 2009 14:23:30 GMT -5
Rogers: Secures Funding for Operation UNITECongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that a key committee in the U.S. House of Representatives has approved $4.45 million for Operation UNITE to continue its flourishing counter-drug initiative in southern and eastern Kentucky. UNITE employs a successful multi-pronged strategy to tackle the scourge of drug abuse throughout the region using cooperative law enforcement efforts, treatment, and education. “Operation UNITE’s innovative tactics have received accolades at the local, state and national level, and Congress’ continued endorsement of this successful program is an indication that we are well-poised to continue the fight against drugs,” said Rogers. “Our community has come together like never before, and the numbers speak for themselves. By uniting the manpower and resources of law enforcement officers, citizen groups and medical professionals and educating our young people on the serious dangers of drug use, Operation UNITE is truly making a difference in the battle against drugs.” Operation UNITE, which stands for Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education, serves 29 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. The region-wide program has three main tasks: creating regional drug task forces for interdiction, confiscation and undercover operations; organizing local citizens’ groups and coordinating drug treatment programs; and working with educators to expand drug awareness and education programs in local schools. With this funding, Rogers has directed over $50 million for UNITE related activities over the last 8 years. To date, UNITE detectives have removed over $8.6 million worth of drugs off the street, including more than 86,000 prescription pills, more than 23 pounds of cocaine, over 450 pounds of processed marijuana and over 11.6 pounds of methamphetamine. Their efforts have led to the arrests of more than 3,000 drug dealers and a 96.8% conviction rate. Operation UNITE also provides non-violent offenders and those grappling with addiction with a second chance—over 2,000 people have participated in UNITE drug court programs, and more than 1,400 individuals have received vouchers for treatment. Finally, Operation UNITE continues to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse; to date, 64,595 counseling sessions have taken place with UNITE substance abuse counselors. For more information on UNITE call 866-678-6483 or visit: www.operationunite.orgThe funds are included in the FY10 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on June 9, 2009. The bill is slated to be considered by the full House of Representatives next week. Rogers works to secure valuable funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Legislation will ensure funding for bridges, other transportation projectsGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Steve Beshear today unveiled legislation that will create a state authority to help ensure funding of mega-transportation projects such as the proposed bridges in Louisville and Western Kentucky. The authority, Gov. Beshear said, is critical to not only ensuring movement on mega-transportation projects but also freeing up critical dollars for other transportation initiatives across the Commonwealth. It is the last piece of legislation the Governor is adding to the call for the special legislative session, which is set to begin June 15. In all, Gov. Beshear said today his agenda for the special session represents a set of “urgent, but focused, measures designed to meet the obligations we have as a state, but move forward with critical investments that will retain and create jobs. I believe now is the time to act, if we are to fund the needs of our people and invest in jobs and infrastructure that will help move our economy forward.” In addition to today’s legislation, Gov. Beshear has proposed a budget plan to address a looming $1 billion shortfall in the 2010 budget without raising taxes; expansion of gaming at racetracks to save the 100,000 jobs and $4 billion of investment associated with the horse industry; and new incentives to modernize the state’s economic development offerings and to attract a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race to the Kentucky Speedway. Gov. Beshear said all of the legislation on the agenda is important and now will be considered by the General Assembly. He said he remains open to further discussions and changes as each proposal moves through the process. “The bridges legislation will ensure long-term funding prospects for mega-transportation projects, which will create jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in investment for Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “At the same time, moving forward now on this initiative will enable us to free up state dollars and commitments for important transportation projects across Kentucky. “The time to act is now – if we want to create jobs, to stimulate investment and to move forward with creating the kind of infrastructure we want and need across Kentucky.” Specifically, the legislation includes the following highlights: • Establishes the Kentucky Public Transportation Authority (KPTA) to review and approve transportation projects eligible for construction and financing that connect Kentucky and Indiana. The authority will be composed of 11 members; • Authorizes the KPTA to facilitate construction and financing of transportation projects between Kentucky and Indiana. The authority may issue project revenue bonds; and • Authorizes the establishment of bi-state authorities between Indiana and Kentucky to finance, construct and operate projects, subject to approval by the state authority. “This legislation has passed both the House and the Senate in similar forms by large numbers,” Gov. Beshear said. “It is time to move forward. Infrastructure means jobs and investment in our state. At a time when our economy nationally is so challenged, we should not delay anything that will create jobs and investment in our state. It should be our priority.” The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
SHEEP, GOAT REFERENDA SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 1Richie FarmerKentucky sheep and goat producers may vote on check-offs in separate referenda scheduled to be held Oct. 1 in county Extension offices throughout the Commonwealth, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has announced. The referenda ask whether sheep and goat producers wish to assess themselves at a rate of one-half of one percent (.50%) of the net market price of their animals. If the check-off is approved, the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and the Kentucky Goat Producers Association would administer the funds in the areas of promotion, consumer information, producer communication, industry information, and research. Voting will be open Oct. 1 from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. local time. Persons directly involved in the production of sheep and goats will be eligible to vote in their respective referenda in their county of residence. Producers will be required to provide identification and complete a certification attesting that they are eligible to vote. Corporate producers and eligible producers who reside outside of Kentucky may vote only in the county where their farm is located. Eligible producers may vote by absentee ballot. Votes will be tabulated in the agriculture commissioner’s office in Frankfort. If approved, collection of check-off funds would be mandatory, but reimbursement of funds paid would be an option to the producer. For additional information, contact Jimmy Henning, assistant director for agriculture and natural resources in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, at (859) 257-4302 or jimmy.henning@uky.edu, or Craig Maffet, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, at (502) 564-5126 or craig.maffet@ky.gov. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. The Need for Reform is Not the QuestionMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the importance of getting it right on health care reform: “Americans are increasingly frustrated with the U.S. health care system as we know it — and they expect real reform, not just the promise of a reform that never comes, or the illusion of a reform that ends up destroying what’s good about the current system and replacing it with something worse. Americans don’t think basic medical procedures should break the bank, and they don’t understand why millions of Americans have to go without basic care in a nation as prosperous as our own. Still, many Americans are quite happy with the health care they currently have, and they don’t want to be forced onto a government plan they don’t like. “So the need for reform is not in question. The real question is what kind of reform — the kind that makes care more affordable and accessible; or the kind that makes existing problems worse. One thing most people like about health care in the U.S. is the quality of cancer care that’s available here. Far too many Americans die from cancer. Yet for all the problems we have, the fact is, America boasts some of the highest cancer survival rates in the world. And that’s not the kind of thing Americans want to see change. But it could very well change if the U.S. adopts a government-run health care system along the lines of the one some are proposing. “A recent study comparing U.S. cancer survival rates with other countries found that, on average, U.S. women have a 63% chance of living at least five years after a cancer diagnosis compared to a 54% rate for women in Britain. As for men, 66% of American males survive at least five years while 45% of British men do. Just as important as treatment is early detection. And here again, the U.S. routinely out performs countries with government-run health care systems. According to one report, 84% of women between the ages of 50 and 64 get mammograms regularly in the United States — far higher than the 63% of women in the United Kingdom. Access to preventative care is extremely important and, frankly, when it comes to breast cancer, preventative care is something we do quite well in the U.S. “These are the kinds of things Americans like about our system, and these are the kinds of things that could change under a government plan. Americans don’t want to be forced off their existing plans, and they certainly don’t want a government board telling them which treatments and medicines they can and cannot have. It’s no mystery why Americans have higher cancer survival rates than their counterparts in countries like Great Britain. Part of the reason is that Americans have greater access to the care and the medicines they need. And they don’t want that to change. All of us want reform, but not reform that denies, delays, or rations health care. Instead, we need reform that controls costs even as it protects patients. “Some ways to do this would be by discouraging the junk medical liability lawsuits that drive up the cost of practicing medicine and limit access to care in places like rural Kentucky; through prevention and wellness programs that reduce health care costs, such as programs that help people quit smoking, fight obesity, and get early diagnoses for disease; and we could control costs and protect patients by addressing the needs of small businesses without imposing mandates or taxes that kill jobs. “All of us want reform. But the government-run plan that some are proposing for the U.S. isn’t the kind of change Americans are looking for. We should learn a lesson from Canada. At a time when some in the U.S. want government-run health care, Canada is instituting reforms that would make their system more like ours. “According to Canadian-born doctor David Gratzer, the medical establishment in Canada is in revolt, with private sector options expanding and doctors frustrated by government cutbacks that limit access to care. And the New York Times reported a few years ago that private clinics were opening in Canada at a rate of about one a week. Dr. Gratzer asks a simple question: ‘Why are [Americans] rushing into a system of government-dominated health care when the very countries that have experienced it for so long are backing away?’ Many Americans are beginning to ask themselves the same thing.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 13, 2009 8:35:30 GMT -5
Bunning: ‘FDA Has No Business On The Family Farm”Jim BunningSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement opposing the FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill. "Whatever the opponents of tobacco say, there is no denying that this bill will place unnecessary mandates and expenses on our farmers in an effort to punish the big tobacco companies. This sweeping legislation would drastically increase the FDA’s regulatory authority outside of the scope of original Congressional intent. It is nothing more than an attempt to eliminate our national tobacco industry. "In Kentucky, the family farm is the foundation for who we are as a state. For over a century, the family farm in Kentucky has centered around one crop -- tobacco. We are proud of our heritage and proud that tobacco plays a role in our history. Even after the buyout, tobacco still plays a prominent role in Kentucky’s agricultural landscape. We have tried to broaden our agricultural base and we have had some success with several vegetables, cattle and raising catfish. But at the end of the day, nothing brings as much of a return to the small farmer in Kentucky as tobacco. Its big business for our small farmers. "I have always believed that as long as tobacco is a legal commodity it should be regulated through the USDA, not the FDA. The FDA has no business on the family farm. And while I agree that we should do all that we can to keep cigarettes out of the hands of our kids, this bill is not the answer. We can and should do better. The only people this bill is going to hurt in the end are the small and honest farmers who depend on tobacco to pay their bills." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Rogers Strongly Supports Republican Plan for Energy Independence and a Cleaner EnvironmentHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers released the following statement after House Republicans introduced a comprehensive energy solutions plan entitled “The American Energy Act”: “Gas prices are rising. Utility rates are going up. And yet, in these challenging economic times, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Obama are proposing a bill that will dramatically increase energy prices for hard-working families. This so-called ‘Cap and Trade’ bill that the liberals in Congress are trying to push through Congress would tax you every time you turn on the lights. The President was quoted as saying that energy prices would ‘necessarily skyrocket’ and many experts estimate that millions of jobs will be lost because of this proposed tax. “As you know, I have been a strong advocate for the environment and have created PRIDE to help keep our region beautiful. There is no doubt that we need a plan to keep our environment safe, but for the sake of economic security, we also need a plan that offers reasonable solutions and keeps jobs at home, instead of sending them overseas. That is why I am proud to support the American Energy Act, a Republican energy solution that offers more affordable energy, more jobs here at home, and a cleaner environment. The Republican plan will increase America’s energy supply through an ‘all of the above’ approach, while the Democrat plan seeks to lower energy demand through government control and high taxes. Kentuckians deserve a comprehensive approach that considers all options to our emerging energy crisis; they should not be punished for turning on the lights.” The American Energy Act is centered on domestic production of natural resources and is committed to safe and emissions-free nuclear energy. According to the Department of Energy, the safest and most efficient way for utility companies to control carbon emissions is to increase their supply of nuclear energy. The Republican plan has a national goal of licensing 100 new nuclear reactors over the next twenty years by streamlining a burdensome regulatory process and ensuring the recycling and safe storage of spent nuclear fuel. Also, the plan will increase domestic supply by lifting restrictions on the Artic Coastal Plain, the Outer Continental Shelf, and oil shale in the Mountain West. Revenues generated through domestic productions will support innovation in renewable and alternative energy sources, like wind, solar and clean coal technologies. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 16, 2009 7:09:57 GMT -5
Rogers: Funding for PRIDE Passes Key Congressional CommitteeCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that a key committee in the U.S. House of Representatives has approved $1 million for PRIDE to continue its valuable environmental initiatives in southern and eastern Kentucky. This legislation is expected to be voted on by Congress next week. “Since its inception in 1997, I have witnessed firsthand the incalculable role of PRIDE in restoring our great land to its natural beauty. Just as important as ridding our forests, streams and roadways of litter and debris, the PRIDE program has inspired a younger generation of Kentuckians to value their surroundings and empowered them to take responsibility for the future of our region,” stated Rogers. “Kids in our communities are developing wetlands, constructing greenhouses, developing nature walks, and monitoring pollution. These funds are critical to continuing these efforts and equip teachers to lead inside and outside the classroom.” PRIDE, which promotes Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment in 38 counties, was launched by Rogers and the late General James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet. To date, PRIDE has recruited more than 287,000 volunteers logging over 1 million volunteer hours, provided 28,089 homes with access to sanitary wastewater treatment, and cleaned up 135,884 tons of trash. Since this program’s inception, Rogers has secured over $195 million for PRIDE and PRIDE-related sewer and water infrastructure projects. These funds are included in the FY10 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on June 9, 2009. The bill is slated to be considered by the full House of Representatives next week. Rogers works to secure valuable funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Beshear amends call for special legislative sessionGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Steve Beshear today amended the call for the special legislative session starting today with clarifying language to his proposals for funding mega-transportation projects and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at the state’s racetracks. “As legislative leaders collectively point to issues that need changes or clarification, I will be ready and willing to amend the call,” Gov. Beshear said. “That’s exactly what has happened with the two changes I’m announcing today.” Specifically, with respect to mega-transportation projects, Gov. Beshear has added language to his proposal that would allow the creation of financing authorities for other projects within Kentucky. That would be in addition to authorities to finance projects between Kentucky and Indiana, such as the proposed Louisville bridges. Regarding VLTs, the amendment would simply make the language of the call broad enough to include the measures being introduced today. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Jun 16, 2009 7:33:56 GMT -5
Citizens, Service Providers Urged to Report Elder AbuseElder abuse can occur in many forms — physical, financial, emotional, neglect or abandonment — and often several types of abuse can be inflicted at the same time. Financial abuse is considered the most common form of abuse to elders, costing victims an estimated $2.6 billion a year. Investment fraud is an area of particular concern, as victims can see their life savings depleted with little opportunity to recover and achieve financial stability. To combat this problem, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) are partnering to urge citizens to report possible elder abuse or financial exploitation. “Elder financial abuse is becoming the crime of the 21st century as the growing senior population is increasingly targeted,” said Attorney General Jack Conway. “Studies show that family members and caregivers are the culprits in more than half of these cases. Anyone can — and should — report abuse of an elderly person, whether it is physical, emotional or financial.” The Attorney General and DFI are co-sponsors in a coming event to inform financial institutions, attorneys and caregivers when and how to report suspected elder abuse or financial exploitation. The Protecting Vulnerable Adults summit will take place June 24-25 in Frankfort, Ky. Attendees will learn about the effects of abuse and exploitation; current problems and scams; and ways to work together to eliminate abuse in Kentucky. To register for this event, or for more information, call 800-500-0100. “Abuse can be more than physical,” said DFI Commissioner Charles Vice. “Those who lose their life savings suffer a physical and emotional toll as well as a financial toll. Victims may become fearful, develop health issues, become depressed and even consider suicide. Financial abuse should be reported promptly to the proper authorities.” Securities or investment fraud should be reported to DFI’s Securities Division at 800-223-2579. Other types of elder abuse should be reported to your local office of the Department for Community Based Services’ Division of Protection and Permanency at 800-752-6200 or visit chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/serviceregions.htm for regional contacts. If an elderly person has been the victim of a consumer scam, they may contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-888-432-9257. The Office of the Attorney General also operates an Elder Abuse Hotline, 1-877 ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384). You may also report abuse through the national Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116. The message about elder abuse prevention is being shared nationally through a Kentucky-produced advertisement that is currently being shown in movie theaters. Through the National Center on Elder Abuse, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has entered into a contract with the Screen Actors Guild to show a 15-second informational piece before movies in June. It is expected to be viewed by 2.8 million people nationwide. DFI is an agency in the Public Protection Cabinet. It supervises the financial services industry by examining, chartering, licensing and registering various financial institutions, securities firms and professionals operating in Kentucky. DFI’s mission is to serve Kentucky residents by maintaining a stable financial industry, continuing effective and efficient regulatory oversight, promoting consumer confidence, and encouraging economic opportunities. The Office of the Attorney General investigates elder abuse complaints at adult-care facilities in Kentucky. Since being elected in 2007, Attorney General Conway has tripled the number of elder abuse investigations. In addition to investigating elder abuse allegations, the office travels across the Commonwealth educating seniors about how to protect themselves from financial scams. Investigators also follow up on any reports the office receives from residents who believe they’ve been victimized by companies or scam artists that have violated Kentucky’s consumer protection laws. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Rogers Amendment to Address the Threat of Guantanamo Bay Detainees PassesHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers offered a three-pronged amendment in the Homeland Security FY 2010 Full Committee Mark Up that will add a vital requirement for a detailed, individualized threat assessment of each Guantanamo Bay detainee, add detainees to the “No Fly List”, and prohibit detainees from being granted a legal immigration status. The amendment passed 34-24. “I am pleased that this amendment passed the committee today. It is without question that any plan for closing Guantanamo Bay must include a detailed threat assessment for each and every detainee,” said Rogers. “We cannot ask the American people to endure such risks when the threat is not even known or made clear to Congress. Even more infuriating is that despite the raging debate on this issue across the Capitol, the Administration is thumbing its nose at our concerns and moving forward with the transfer of these terrorists. Now is not the time for political games, the American people deserve to know the threat that these individuals pose to their families’ safety and well-being. Finally, the amendment I offered will add these detainees to the “No Fly List.” and restrict them from receiving immigration benefit programs. Commonsense would tell you that under no circumstances should detainees be moved to the front of the line whether that be to board an aircraft or obtaining legal status within our borders.” Rogers’ amendment will complement the work the Appropriations Committee has already done on requiring a plan for the proposed disposition of each detainee prior to each transfer by adding a vital requirement for a detailed, individualized threat assessment of each detainee. It will also require that the names of all the Guantanamo detainees are placed on the No Fly list- a requirement that the entire House supported last week during the consideration of the TSA Authorization Bill. Finally, the amendment will make clear that these terrorists should not be granted any favorable immigration treatment and prohibit CIS from granting any immigration benefit or legal immigration status to detainees. This measure will close any legal loopholes that could result in a detainee from walking out of the courtroom. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Rogers has championed efforts to secure the nation’s borders while also maintaining legitimate travel and trade. Such efforts include: record funding for the border fence, doubling the size of the Border Patrol, modernizing our Nation’s ports of entry, and providing assistance to States and localities to help enforce immigration laws. Rogers has also pushed the Department towards the use of cost-effective technology, enhancement of intelligence resources, and application of risked-based solutions. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 17, 2009 11:19:42 GMT -5
Fire Departments can Apply for Federal Construction Funds this SummerHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers is encouraging local fire departments throughout southern and eastern Kentucky to apply for a new competitive grant program to assist in firehouse construction and renovation. Through the Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this grant program will provide financial assistance directly to fire departments to build or modify existing fire stations. These enhancements will improve response capability and protect the community they serve from fire and fire-related hazards. “Times are tough and local government budgets are tight, but this is one of the few opportunities our rural fire fighters throughout Kentucky have this year to update and repair their firehouses,” said Rogers. “Firefighters are our first responders to the scene of a car accident, wildfire, or chemical spill, and adequate fire facilities improve morale and encourage others to volunteer and serve our region. I want to encourage all of our fire chiefs to try and take full advantage of this unique opportunity.” An application and information about the fire grant program may be obtained by visiting the DHS website at: www.firegrantsupport.com/afscgInformation and assistance can also be obtained by calling 1.866-274-0960 or email firegrants@dhs.gov. The deadline for submitting application materials is Friday, July 10, 2009 at 5:00 PM EST. Rogers works to provide funding for important firefighter grant programs in his role as a senior member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. STATE VETERINARIAN IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS ON LIVESTOCK FROM NEBRASKA, TEXASRichie FarmerState Veterinarian Robert C. Stout has imposed restrictions on certain livestock entering Kentucky from Nebraska and Texas as a result of outbreaks of tuberculosis in cattle in those states. Kentucky also has prohibited entry of livestock from one south Texas county because a horse there has been diagnosed with vesicular stomatitis. “The very best way to manage these diseases is to keep them from getting into Kentucky’s livestock in the first place,” Dr. Stout said. “Kentucky’s livestock industry generates about $3 billion a year in cash receipts to farmers every year. We will do everything we can under the law to protect this vital sector of Kentucky agriculture.” The new rules on livestock from Nebraska and Texas require a negative tuberculosis test within 60 days of entry into Kentucky or movement from an accredited herd for cattle 18 months old or older and goats and camelids six months old or older. Nebraska officials have confirmed tuberculosis in two cattle in the north-central part of the state. The state has quarantined 32 herds with about 15,000 adult cattle. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, has confirmed a diagnosis of tuberculosis in a dairy cattle herd in west Texas. The Texas Animal Health Commission announced on Friday that vesicular stomatitis in 2009 was found in a horse in Starr County in far south Texas. Kentucky state regulations prohibit the entry of all livestock, wild and exotic animals into the Commonwealth from the VS-infected county. Regulations require livestock, wild and exotic animals from the rest of Texas to be tested and found negative for VS within 10 days of entering Kentucky, have an entry permit from the state veterinarian’s office, and have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection showing that the animals have been examined within five days of entering Kentucky. Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that occurs sporadically in the U.S., usually in southwestern states. It can affect horses, cattle and swine, and occasionally sheep, goats and deer. It causes blisters to form in the animal’s mouth, on teats or along the hooves, resulting in excessive salivation, lameness or oozing sores. The last outbreak of VS in the United States was in Wyoming in 2006. The disease spread through several western states in 2005. For more information or for updates, go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web site: www.kyagr.comand click on Animal Health or call the Office of the State Veterinarian at (502) 564-3956. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 19, 2009 21:17:20 GMT -5
Former Dentist Indicted on Charges of Jury TamperingJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway announced the indictment of Craig Ralston, a former dentist in Bell County, on five counts of jury tampering, a Class D felony. The Bell County grand jury handed down the indictment on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. On February 17, 2009, Ralston was on trial in Bell County Circuit Court for charges of defrauding the Kentucky Medicaid Assistance Program. During a break in the proceedings, Ralston allegedly attempted to influence some of the jurors in that case by making comments to them outside of the courtroom. Because of his actions, a mistrial was ordered and he was held in contempt of court and taken into custody. Investigators from the Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control Division handled the investigation of both cases and prosecutors from the same division are handling the prosecution of both cases. A new trial date in the Medicaid Fraud case is set for August 11, 2009 in Bell County Circuit Court. No date has been set yet for arraignment of the jury tampering case. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until or unless found guilty. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Higher Premiums, More Debt?Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the importance of getting it right on health care reform: “Americans want health care reform. This isn’t in dispute. People are frustrated with the high cost of care and many are worried about losing the health care coverage they have. Some can’t afford care, or have to choose between basic necessities and the treatments they need. These are some of the things that are wrong with the current system, and they need to be fixed. But while all of us recognize that serious reform is needed, we should also recognize the necessity of getting it right. And before we rush to pass just anything in the name of reform, such as the bill introduced in the HELP Committee this week, Americans have a right to ask some basic questions, questions like, ‘How much will it cost?’, ‘How will we pay for it?’ And, ‘What will this mean for me and my family?' “As to the first question, Americans have good reason to be concerned about what this bill would cost. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that just a portion of the HELP Committee bill would spend $1.3 trillion over ten years. And that doesn’t even include major portions of the final proposal, including a massive expansion of Medicaid that will cost untold billions of dollars. These are staggering amounts of money for taxpayers to contemplate, which is why it’s troubling to a lot of people when we see committee members in such a rush to pass this legislation before the Congressional Budget Office even has a chance to fully estimate its cost. On something as important to the American people as health care reform, cost and effectiveness should be a higher priority than speed. “But even if we did decide this bill was the right reform, another question arises: ‘How would we pay for it?’ Most people don’t walk out onto a car lot, pick out the most expensive model, buy it, and then figure out how they’re going to pay for it. Even if they wanted to, the car salesman wouldn’t let them. We need to take the same approach here. Well, the proposal we’ve seen is full of creative new ways to spend taxpayer dollars. But it offers little in the way of offsetting the cost of the overall bill. We’d have to either charge the money to the national credit card or, more likely, raise taxes on working families. In other words, more spending, higher taxes, and even more debt. So far, some of the taxes under discussion include a new tax on soda and juice boxes, the creation of a new tax on jobs, and new limits on charitable deductions. But this would just be the beginning. “The HELP Committee bill would be hugely expensive by any reckoning, and no one has a plan to pay for it. This isn’t a very good start as far as health care reform is concerned. Americans are also right to wonder how these changes would affect the family budget. Will the HELP committee’s so-called ‘reforms’ raise the health insurance costs for millions of families and businesses at a time when they are already struggling? “This isn’t a scare tactic or a theoretical question. Not only does the CBO estimate suggest that the final bill is far too expensive, but we also have the example of states that have tried some of the proposals it suggests. Shouldn’t we look at the experience of these states to determine whether we want to replicate these proposals nationwide? “Take Kentucky, for example. Many of the same concepts embraced by the HELP Committee bill were tried 15 years ago in Kentucky … with disastrous results. Instead of the reforms they were promised, Kentuckians were left with higher expenses and fewer choices for health coverage. Instead of more affordable care, one report estimates that 850,000 Kentuckians faced dramatically higher premiums. Instead of increased competition, about 50 insurance companies stopped offering individual insurance – leaving only a handful of private insurers and a government-run plan that wasn’t affordable for taxpayers. After years of failure, many of these so-called reforms were repealed, but not without significant damage to the Commonwealth. While the market has rebounded some, Kentucky’s small businesses and families tell me that a lack of competition in the health care market continues to keep prices high. Shouldn’t this experience figure into our consideration? “When it comes to our approach on legislation as costly as health care, we should learn from our experience with the Stimulus. Democrats rushed that bill on the grounds that we needed it to jumpstart the ailing economy. Yet a few months later, we’re already hearing outrageous stories of abuse and the unemployment rate continues to rise. And, when it comes to specific proposals within any so-called health care reform bill, we should learn from the experience of Kentucky. We should not be rushed into enacting so-called ‘reforms’ that cost taxpayers trillions and could increase premiums to consumers. “Americans want reform. But they want us to do it right — they don’t want a blind rush to spend trillions of dollars that they and their grandchildren will have to pay for through higher taxes and even more debt.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 19, 2009 21:40:46 GMT -5
Kentucky Receives AmeriCorps GrantsFunding will help build houses, serve at-risk studentsTwo Kentucky AmeriCorps programs will receive more than $750,000 in new grant money to develop transitional housing and serve at-risk students. The money is from the annual funding competition of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a public-private partnership that engages Americans of all ages in service. AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS) in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Members serve faith-based and nonprofit organizations to meet critical educational, environmental and safety needs. KCCVS Executive Director Eileen Cackowski said the grants will help program members contribute more to their communities. “We are thrilled to be selected and eager to start getting things done,” she said. “In this time of economic hardship, service and volunteering is more important than ever. These AmeriCorps members and the volunteers they mobilize will help us expand our reach and impact.” Through the corporation’s 2009 funding, 259 national and local nonprofits will engage 23,000 new AmeriCorps members in improving lives and strengthening communities from coast to coast. Most positions will start in the summer and fall. The two Kentucky programs receiving funding were selected through a highly competitive, national process and will use their grant funding to serve clients statewide. The Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky’s new Build Corps program will receive $504,000 to build and renovate homes for low-income families. The 40-member group will also assist with weatherization projects for qualifying families. The Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services’ Strategically Using Creative Contexts to Ensure Student Success (SUCCESS) Corps will receive $252,000 for its work to increase school readiness for children throughout the state using a research-based home visitation model called Parents as Teachers. Members support families and encourage greater parental involvement in education. AmeriCorps members may serve one or two years. Upon completion of their service, members are eligible for an education award of $4,725 that can be used to pay back student loans or cover tuition costs. Kentucky AmeriCorps members have received more than $14.3 million in education awards since the program began. For more information about Kentucky’s AmeriCorps programs or AmeriCorps projects, call toll-free (800) 239-7404 or visit the KCCVS Web site at: www.volunteerKY.ky.govThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Bunning Votes to Fund TroopsJim BunningSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement supporting the Conference Report to the Fiscal Year 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Bill that passed the Senate 91-5. "These funds are imperative to our continued success in fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and I am glad that we won’t be wasting any time this year trying to convince our colleagues of the need to fund our troops as we have in years past," said Bunning. "We can win these conflicts, and we are winning them, and our fighting men and women deserve to have the resources they need to do so. This bill will help provide them with those resources." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 23, 2009 21:29:39 GMT -5
VLT legislation voted down in Senate committee Legislation to allow video lottery terminals at horse racing tracks across Kentucky failed to clear a crucial hurdle Monday, losing a 10-5 Senate committee vote. “All 138 members of the Legislature, without exception, want to help the horse industry,” said Sen. Charlie Borders, the Appropriations & Revenue Committee chair. “Regardless of House Bill 2’s success… this state legislature is determined to help the horse industry.” The Senate on Friday passed its own plan, without slots, to aid the state’s horse industry as part of House Bill 3. The Senate changes to that bill, which also includes economic development incentives and a proposal to fund transportation megaprojects, were rejected by the House and could be studied by a conference committee. In addition to allowing video slots, HB 2 would also have decreased the state’s motor vehicle tax and repealed the state income tax on active military pay. The preceding was a press release from LRC eNews. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers (left) and/or representative Tim Couch (right). Statement of Gov. Steve Beshear on Senate Committee VoteGovernor Steve Beshear“We began this special session with an agenda focused on resolving a $1 billion shortfall in our budget and on creating and retaining jobs during a time of extreme economic hardship for our state. The limited gaming proposal was designed to help save a signature industry in peril – an industry that means 100,000 jobs and $4 billion in investment for our state. It is unfortunate that every voice on this critically important issue was not heard and every vote not counted. It is too early to determine what steps we will take in the future to try to protect our signature business, but I will continue to work on ideas and proposals that will ensure this vital industry’s continued health. We must now move forward. We still have an opportunity during this Special Session to come together to balance our budget and adopt legislation that will create thousands of jobs and stimulate hundreds of millions of dollars in investment for our Commonwealth. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to continue this critical work as expeditiously as possible.” The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Jun 23, 2009 21:35:27 GMT -5
McConnell ‘Troubled’ by Use of ‘Empathy Standard’Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor: “This morning I’d like to turn my attention to the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court and, more specifically, to the so-called empathy standard that President Obama employed in selecting her to the highest court in the land. “The President has said repeatedly that his criterion for federal judges is their ability to empathize with specific groups. He said it as a Senator, as a candidate for president, and now as President. I think we can take the President at his word about wanting a judge who exhibits this trait on the bench. And based on a review of Judge Sotomayor’s record, it’s becoming clear to many that this is a trait that he’s found in this nominee. “Judge Sotomayor’s writings offer a window into what she believes having empathy for certain groups means when it comes to judging. And I believe that once Americans come to appreciate the real-world consequences of this view, they’ll find the empathy standard extremely troubling as a criterion for selecting men and women for the federal bench. “A review of Judge Sotomayor’s writings and rulings illustrate the point. Judge Sotomayor’s 2002 article in the Berkeley La Raza Law Journal has received a good deal of attention already for her troubling assertion that her gender and ethnicity would enable her to reach a ‘better’ result than a man of a different ethnicity. Her advocates say this assertion was inartful, that it was taken out of context. We’ve since learned, however, that she has repeatedly made this, or a similar, assertions. “Other comments Judge Sotomayor made in the same law review article underscore, rather than alleviate, concerns with her approach to judging. She questioned the principle that judges should be neutral. And she said that the principle of impartiality is a mere aspiration that she’s skeptical judges can achieve ‘in all or even in most cases.’ “I find it extremely troubling that Judge Sotomayor would question whether judges have the capacity to be neutral in ‘even most cases.’ “There’s more. A few years after the publication of this particular law review article, Judge Sotomayor said the ‘Court of appeals is where policy is made.’ Some might excuse this comment as an off-the-cuff remark. Yet it’s also arguable that it reflects a deeply-held view about the role of a judge — a view that I believe most Americans would find extremely worrisome. “I would like to talk today about one of Judge Sotomayor’s cases that the Supreme Court is reviewing. In looking at how she handled it, I am concerned that some of her own personal preferences and beliefs about policy may have influenced her decision. “For more than a decade, Judge Sotomayor was a leader in the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund. In this capacity, she was an advocate for many causes, such as eliminating the death penalty. She was responsible for monitoring all litigation the group filed, and was described as an ‘ardent supporter’ of its legal efforts. It has been reported that her involvement in these projects ‘stood out,’ and that she ‘frequently’ met with the legal staff to review the status of cases. “One of the group’s most important projects was filing lawsuits against the City of New York based on its use of civil service exams. Judge Sotomayor, in fact, has been credited with helping develop the group’s policy of challenging these exams. “In one of these cases, the group sued the New York City Police Department on the grounds that its test for promotion discriminated against certain groups. The suit alleged that too many Caucasian officers were doing well on the exam and not enough Hispanic and African-American officers were performing as well. The city settled the lawsuit by promoting some African-Americans and Hispanics who hadn’t passed the test while passing over some white officers who had. “Well, some of these white police officers turned around and sued the City. They alleged that even though they performed well on the exam, the City discriminated against them based on race under the settlement agreement and refused to promote them because of quotas. Their case reached the Supreme Court, with the High Court splitting 4-4, which allowed the settlement to stand. “More recently, another group of public safety officers made a similar claim. A group of mostly white New Haven, Connecticut, firefighters performed well on a standardized test which determined promotions for lieutenant and captain. Other racial and ethnic groups passed the test, too, but their scores were not as high as this group of mostly white firefighters. So under this standardized test, individuals from these other groups would not have been promoted. To avoid this result, the city threw out the test and announced that no one who took it would be eligible for promotion, regardless of how well they performed. “The firefighters who scored highly sued the City under federal law on grounds of employment discrimination. The trial court ruled against them on summary judgment. When their case reached the Second Circuit, Judge Sotomayor sat on the panel that decided it. “It was, and is, a major case. As I mentioned, the Supreme Court has taken the case, and its decision is expected soon. The Second Circuit recognized it was a major case, too. Amicus briefs were submitted. The Circuit allotted extra time for oral argument. But unlike the trial judge who rendered a 48 page opinion, Judge Sotomayor’s panel dismissed the firefighters’ appeal in just a few sentences. So not only did Judge Sotomayor’s panel dismiss the firefighters’ claims, thereby depriving them of a trial on the merits, it did not even explain why they shouldn’t have their day in court on their very significant claims. “Now, I don’t believe a judge should rule based on empathy, personal preferences or political beliefs. But if any case cried out for empathy, it would be this one. The plaintiff in that case, Frank Ricci, has dyslexia. As a result, he had to study extra hard for the test, up to 13 hours each day. To do so, he had to give up a second job, while at the same time spending $1,000 to buy textbooks and to pay someone to record them on tape so he could overcome his disability. His hard work paid off. Of 77 applicants for eight slots, he had the sixth best score. But despite his hard work and high performance, the City deprived him of the promotion he earned. “Is this what the President means by ‘empathy’— where he says he wants judges to empathize with certain groups, but implicitly, not with others? If so, what if you’re not in one of those groups? What if you’re Frank Ricci? “This is not a partisan issue. It’s not just conservatives or Republicans who have criticized Judge Sotomayor’s handling of the Ricci case. Self-described Democrats and political independents have done so as well. President Clinton’s appointee to the Second Circuit and Judge Sotomayor’s colleague, Jose Cabranes, has criticized the handling of the case. He wrote a stinging dissent, terming the handling of the case ‘perfunctory’ and saying that the way her panel handled the case did a disservice to the weighty issues involved. Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen was similarly offended by the way the matter was handled. Last month, before the President made his nomination, Mr. Cohen concluded his piece on the subject as follows: ‘Ricci is not just a legal case but a man who has been deprived of the pursuit of happiness on account of his race. Obama’s Supreme Court nominee ought to be able to look the New Haven fireman in the eye and tell him whether he has been treated fairly or not. There’s a litmus test for you.’ “Legal journalist Stuart Taylor with the National Journal has been highly critical of how the case was handled, calling it peculiar. Even the Obama Justice Department has weighed-in. It filed a brief in the Supreme Court arguing that Judge Sotomayor’s panel was wrong to simply dismiss the case. “It is an admirable quality to be a zealous advocate for your clients and the causes in which you believe. But judges are supposed to be passionate advocates for the even-handed reading and fair application of the law, not their own policies and preferences. “In reviewing the Ricci case, I am concerned that Judge Sotomayor may have lost sight of that. As we consider this nomination, I will continue to examine her record to see if personal or political views have influenced her judgment.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 23, 2009 21:46:05 GMT -5
Kentucky’s minimum wage rate will increase July 1Increase comes ahead of federally mandated hike Workers in Kentucky who are currently paid at a minimum wage of $6.55 per hour will see an increase in their paychecks after July 1. That is when the state’s minimum wage rate increases to $7.25 an hour. Although the federal minimum wage mandated increase doesn’t become effective until July 24, 2009, the Kentucky General Assembly voted to have the wage hike take effect earlier. The Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Employment Standards, Apprenticeship and Mediation has received a number of inquiries regarding the upcoming change in minimum wage because of the two effective dates. The later date is the federal deadline for all states to comply with the new minimum wage rate. “This increase is significant for many Kentucky workers who, like others, have been struggling during these difficult economic times,” said Kentucky Labor Secretary J.R. Gray. The minimum wage rate for tipped employees will remain at $2.13 per hour. Questions regarding the minimum wage increase may be directed to the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Employment Standards, Apprenticeship and Mediation at labor.desam@ky.gov or at 502-564-3534. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Daniel Boone Forest UpgradesHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the U.S. Forest Service has awarded $3,696,700 toward numerous improvement projects in the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF) including debris removal for trail and road restoration, forest thinning to resist the Gypsy Moth, stream and ecosystem monitoring, and dump clean ups with Kentucky PRIDE. The forest improvement projects are a part of USFS efforts to address deferred maintenance, reduce the threat of wildfire and invasive species, and improve overall forest health. “The Daniel Boone stretches across our region and these sound investments will ensure the forest can continue to serve as a natural and economic resource for our people,” said Rogers. “I’m pleased to see the Forest Service partner with PRIDE toward cleaning up our streams and improving the landscape. Illegal dumps not only burden the land, but toxins can get into our waterways and affect the water we drink and our ability to attract future businesses to southern and eastern Kentucky. Furthermore, clearing and cutting roads and reducing the wildfire threat in the Daniel Boone will put our men and women to work and increase the safety of homeowners in or near the forest.” Daniel Boone National Forest Projects: • Kentucky Ice Storm Trails and Roads Restoration Project: $558,200 allocated for removal of debris and trees that are blocking roads and trails as a result of the January 2009 ice storm. • Fuels for Forest Health Project: $1,145,000 allocated for thinning portions of the forest to resist Gypsy Moth attacks and reducing hazardous fuels to prevent destructive wildfires. • Invasive Species Treatment Project: $343,500 allocated for the removal of invasive plant species which have disrupted the forest canopy. • Kentucky Dump Site Clean-up Project: $500,000 allocated for working with PRIDE to clean up illegal dumping sites throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest. • Aquatic Monitoring Near Roads and Trails Project: $240,000 allocated for monitoring streams near roads and trails to determine the impact on endangered mussel species. • Kentucky Road Maintenance Project: $910,000 allocated for improving road safety and protecting aquatic wildlife near the roads. These projects will occur across the 700,000 acre Daniel Boone National Forest and in the counties of Bath, Clay, Estill, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, McCreary, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rowan, Rockcastle, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe. The funding for the above projects will help those communities impacted by the economic downturn and, as a result, create jobs that support the Forest Service’s mission of sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Kentucky jobless rate jumps as employment drops in MayKentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector suffered the largest number of job losses (4,800) in May 2009 as the state’s nonfarm employment decreased by 11,500 workers from April 2009 and fell by 85,300 professionals since last May, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate for May 2009 jumped to 10.6 percent from a revised 9.9 percent in April 2009. May 2009’s jobless rate is 4.4 percentage points higher than the 6.2 percent rate recorded in May 2008 and it matches the 10.6 percent reported in October 1983. The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose from 8.9 percent in April 2009 to 9.4 percent in May 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. “In May 2009, Kentucky’s economy continued to lose traction by suffering a 0.7 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate, the second largest monthly increase on records dating to January 1976. The trade, transportation and utilities sector led the employment decline as retailers, wholesalers and transportation companies cut back amid weak demand for products,” said Dr. Justine Detzel, OET chief labor market analyst. Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Jun 24, 2009 22:18:44 GMT -5
Beshear: Session produced major accomplishments, jobs will be saved and created, hundreds of millions investedGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Steve Beshear today said the Special Session produced significant accomplishments that will save and create thousands of jobs and stimulate hundreds of millions of dollars in investment and economic growth. However, even with the accomplishments, the Governor said he was disappointed that the long-term fix he and Speaker Greg Stumbo proposed for the horse industry wasn’t adopted and that millions of dollars in additional spending added by the state legislature will impose deeper cuts throughout state government. “I am pleased to tell the people of Kentucky that I will sign legislation that balances our budget for the upcoming year and that creates significant new investments for our people in jobs, growth and economic revitalization – at a time when our state needs it the most,” Gov. Beshear said today at the conclusion of the Special Session he called more than a week ago. Gov. Beshear told reporters that the four major issues on the agenda for the Special Session were as substantive a list of priorities as a regular session that lasts three months. Yet, in the matter of a little more than a week, the legislature largely adopted three of the four proposals, including: • Addressing a $1 billion shortfall for the coming year, while maintaining funding for the basic education formula and higher education, key areas of health care and public safety, including state police, public defenders and prosecutors and local jail support; • Adopting the Governor’s economic incentives plan to modernize the state’s incentives programs by investing more in local businesses, attracting a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race to Kentucky, recruiting more films and documentaries to the Commonwealth and help in luring as many as 2,000 jobs to Hardin County through the creation of a advanced battery manufacturing facility; and • Enacting legislation to create funding mechanisms for mega-transportation projects such as the bridges in Louisville and Western Kentucky. The funding authorities created will also free up revenues and bonding capacity for transportation projects throughout Kentucky. “These are undeniable successes. We came here with big goals. We accomplished three of four of them in a span of a little more than a week,” Gov. Beshear said. “Few other states, if any, can lay claim to making such critical investments during the most difficult recession in our lifetimes. But the fact that we came together – working with the leadership in the House and Senate – demonstrates what we can do when we put aside partisanship and rivalry for progress and results. That’s what we have done in this session.” Gov. Beshear, though, conceded that even as large as the accomplishments were, there were also, inevitably, disappointments and concerns. Most significantly, the Governor said the legislature’s decision to reject a comprehensive approach to helping the horse industry through limited, expanded gaming would further imperil Kentucky’s signature business. “I respect those who express their sincere opposition to gaming … I respect those views, but I respectfully disagree,” the Governor said. “Creating additional taxes or, as one Senator suggested, pulling millions of dollars out of a struggling General Fund, was not a prudent course to take … With all due respect, you don’t need a band-aid when the patient is dying.” Gov. Beshear said it would take time to evaluate the next steps that should be taken to assist the industry, but he said he remains “committed to finding answers.” Moreover, the Governor said the legislature added millions and millions of dollars in additional spending to the budget, even as they agreed with his key priorities of education, health care and public safety. Those additions – including tax credit proposals for cars and new home purchases along with active military income tax exemptions – are all worthwhile and deserving of support, Gov. Beshear said. However, the result will be significantly deeper cuts in much of state government, beyond the 2.6 percent cut for most state agencies that the Governor proposed in his budget plan. “Those decisions today will have profound consequences tomorrow,” he said. “And there should be no doubt of that among everyone involved in crafting this budget revision.” Nevertheless, even with concerns that the state will have to grapple with in the coming months, Gov. Beshear said no one should lose sight of the important work done in collaboration with the General Assembly. “We must in the weeks and months ahead be sure, as leaders in both branches and in both parties, that we are committed to prudent judgments when we are spending the dollars with which we are entrusted,” he said. “My pledge, as Governor, is to continue working day and night to meet those goals of survival for our people and investment for our future. We have made progress. But it is clear we still have much work to do.” The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Jun 24, 2009 22:23:09 GMT -5
Jones and Neace Indicted on Charges Relating to Perry County 2008 General ElectionChester Jones, age 65, of Hazard, Ky. and Sherman Neace, age 68, of Bonnyman, Ky. were indicted on mail fraud charges and conspiracy to buy votes relating to the 2008 General Election in Perry County. The Indictment alleges that Jones and Neace defrauded the Perry County Democratic Executive Committee by disguising their diversion of Get Out The Vote funds from the Kentucky Democratic Party to their own campaigns. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rodney Brewer, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police and Jack Conway, Attorney General of Kentucky, Office of the Attorney General, jointly made the announcement today after a federal grand jury in London, Ky. returned the Indictment. The investigation preceding the Indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation task force, Kentucky State Police, and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth R. Taylor. JONES and NEACE’s appearances before the United States District Court have not yet been set by the Court in London, Ky. If convicted, both defendants face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences. An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant should be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky STATE QUARANTINES 20 COUNTIES TO CONTAIN EMERALD ASH BORERRichie FarmerState officials have issued a quarantine for 20 Kentucky counties regulating the transportation outside those counties of articles that could harbor the emerald ash borer. “It’s important that we act quickly and aggressively to contain the spread of this pest in Kentucky,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Kentucky is the nation’s third-largest producer of hardwood lumber. This industry is responsible for thousands of jobs and generates millions of dollars of economic activity in Kentucky. I will do whatever I can within the law to safeguard Kentucky’s wood industry.” State Entomologist John Obrycki issued the quarantine on Monday with the advice and consent of Commissioner Farmer and M. Scott Smith, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, as required by state law. The quarantine prohibits “regulated articles” from being moved outside a quarantined area without a certificate or limited permit except under certain conditions. A regulated article may be moved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for experimental or scientific purposes; may be moved in an enclosed vehicle or completely covered to prevent access by the emerald ash borer (through Sept. 30); may be moved directly through the quarantined area without stopping except for traffic conditions and refueling; may be moved if it is stored, packed or handled at locations that do not pose a risk of infestation; and may be moved if it has not been combined or commingled with other articles. “Regulated articles” are defined as the emerald ash borer, hardwood firewood, ash nursery stock, green ash lumber, other ash material, and any other materials that present a threat of artificial spread of the emerald ash borer. The counties under quarantine are Boone, Bourbon, Campbell, Carroll, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Scott, Shelby, Trimble and Woodford. The quarantined area includes the seven counties where the emerald ash borer has been identified – Campbell, Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton and Shelby – plus counties close to an infestation site and counties with a high density of ash trees. Persons may obtain a certificate to move regulated articles to any destination in Kentucky when, in the judgment of an inspector, the articles have not been exposed to the emerald ash borer, appear to be free of the emerald ash borer, have been treated to destroy the emerald ash borer, or have been grown, produced, manufactured, stored or handled in such a manner that their movement does not present a risk of spreading the emerald ash borer. Persons may obtain limited permits to move regulated articles to specific destinations in Kentucky if the regulated articles are apparently free of emerald ash borer; have been grown, produced, manufactured, stored or handled in a manner that prevents the articles from presenting a risk of spreading the emerald ash borer; or are to be moved under conditions that will not result in the spread of the emerald ash borer because the insect will be destroyed by the articles’ handling, utilization, processing or treatment. Persons who intend to move any regulated articles shall apply for inspection at least 48 hours before the services are needed. An inspector may stop and inspect, destroy, seize, stop sale or treat any regulated articles or may order them returned to the point of origin at the owner’s expense. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle native to the Far East. It was first discovered in North America in June 2002 in southeast Michigan. EAB has been identified in 12 states and two Canadian provinces. It can kill an ash tree within two to three years of infestation. Ash trees are widely used in urban landscapes and are ecologically valuable for their ability to fill gaps and provide shade for the forest floor. Ash wood is used in a wide variety of applications, including baseball bats. To report a possible infestation, call the EAB Hotline, 1-866-322-4512, or the Kentucky state entomologist’s office at (859) 257-5838. For the latest on emerald ash borer in Kentucky, go to: pest.ca.uky.edu/EXT/EAB/welcome.htmlFor more information about the emerald ash borer, go to: www.emeraldashborer.infoThe preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Attorney General Conway Announces $16 Million Dollar Judgment Against Drug CompanyJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway today announced that a Franklin Circuit Court jury has handed down a $16 million judgment against Sandoz, the generic-drugs division of pharmaceutical giant Novartis, for defrauding the Medicaid program and Kentucky consumers by inflating the prices of their prescription drugs. The Kentucky Medicaid program relies on published average wholesale prices (AWPs) to calculate Medicaid drug-reimbursement rates. During the trial, the Commonwealth showed that Sandoz published significantly inflated AWPs for its drugs that bore no relationship to any prices that Sandoz actually charged its customers. In some cases the published AWP price was 70 times greater than the actual price. "I appreciate the jury’s careful consideration of this matter and am pleased that we have been able to recover money for the Medicaid program and for Kentucky taxpayers," said General Conway. "My office is committed to putting an end to this type of deception and ensuring that drug companies truthfully report their drug prices." The Office of the Attorney General has filed suit against 47 of the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers alleging that the drug companies violated Kentucky’s Medicaid Fraud and Consumer Protection statutes and engaged in false and deceptive advertising. Prior to today’s judgment, the Attorney General’s Office had settled cases with Amgen for $2.4 million, Immunex for $145,000, Bristol-Meyers Squibb for $10 million and Baxter Healthcare Corporation for $2 million. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Jun 26, 2009 6:40:00 GMT -5
Rogers Secures $500,000 to Strengthen Kentucky’s Emergency OperationsHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the House of Representatives has approved $500,000 toward planning and construction of an addition to the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center (KEOC), operated by the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. Rogers secured this funding in H.R. 2892, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010. “Kentucky has been hit hard by natural disasters. This year alone the ice storm impacted 103 counties in Kentucky and left thousands without power, shelter and protection. Last month, southern and eastern Kentucky was devastated by torrential floods and many still do not have a permanent home,” said Rogers. “It is imperative that we properly equip and centrally locate the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center to enable quick and coordinated response to a natural or man made disaster. If you do not have a scalable headquarters to handle a statewide crisis, you cannot properly adjust to the challenges we face and this funding gets the ball rolling on an operations center the Commonwealth needs.” The $500,000 allocated to the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management will be used to assist with the planning and construction of a 7,126 square foot building addition to the existing KEOC which was built in 1975. Currently, the emergency operations staff is scattered across Frankfort in three different locations and during a disaster, FEMA and other local, state, and federal partner agencies have no space in the existing buildings to coordinate with the KEOC. The KEOC serves as Kentucky’s primary in-state operations response center for coordination during an emergency. H.R. 2892 has been referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Rogers supports important initiatives for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Americans are Right to be SkepticalMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the importance of getting it right on health care reform: “Americans are insisting that members of Congress work together on reforms that make health care more affordable and accessible but which don’t force people off their current plans or add to an already-staggering national debt. And yet the Democrat plan now being rushed through the Senate would do just the opposite. It would force millions of Americans off of their health care plans and bury our nation deeper and deeper in debt. Democrats have repeatedly and incorrectly declared that under their plan, Americans who like their current insurance will be able to keep it. This morning, I’d like to explain why that’s unfortunately not the case. “Just last week, the independent Congressional Budget Office said that the incomplete Democrat HELP Committee proposal would cause 10 million Americans who currently have employer-based insurance to lose that coverage. But 10 million would be just the beginning. One key section missing from the HELP bill is the government plan Democrats say they want. And according to one study, 119 million – 119 million Americans – could lose their private coverage if a government plan is enacted. “Here’s why this so-called ‘government option’ would lead to Americans losing their current plans and why it could soon become the only option. First, a government-run plan would have unlimited access to taxpayer dollars and could operate at a loss indefinitely, which could force private insurers out of businesses. Private health plans just couldn’t compete. And millions of Americans could be forced off their health plans, whether they like it or not. “At that point, people would have to enroll in a government plan or any surviving private health care plan if they could afford it. I say ‘if they could afford it’ because another unintended consequence of creating a government plan is that it would cause rates for private health plans to skyrocket, leaving most Americans unable to afford them. They’d be too expensive. “Right now, government programs like Medicare and Medicaid pay hospitals and doctors less than private insurers do, and hospitals and doctors then pass on the difference to private insurers. If a government plan was established, doctors and hospitals would shift more of their costs onto private health plans, making them even more expensive—and making it even harder for them to compete with a government plan. In the end, only the wealthiest would be able to afford private health plans, and the kind of care that most Americans currently enjoy. “Some say safeguards could be put in place to create a level playing field. But the very nature of the government running a health insurance plan in the private market is the problem. Any safeguard could easily be eliminated, and one look at the government takeovers in the insurance and auto industries shows that when the government’s involved, there’s really no such thing as a fair playing field. “Take the auto industry. The government’s given billions to the financing arms of Chrysler and GM, allowing them to offer interest rates that Ford, a major manufacturer in my state, and other private companies struggle to compete with. This means that the only major U.S. automaker that didn’t take bailout money is at a big disadvantage as it struggles to compete with government-run auto companies. When Ford needed money, it had to raise it in the open market and pay an eight percent interest rate. But GM can just call up the Treasury and have them wire over some taxpayer money. No company can compete with that. “So, contrary to their claims, if the Democrat plan is enacted, millions of Americans will lose the health insurance they have and like. Again, that’s not what I say. It’s what the Congressional Budget Office says. It’s what independent analysts say. It’s what America’s doctors say. It’s even what President Obama now says. The President now acknowledges that under a government plan, some people might be shifted off of their current insurance. “This isn’t the only Democrat claim about health care that’s increasingly suspect. Democrats have also promised their health plan will be paid for and won’t add to the deficit. But the facts just don’t add up. Right now, just one section of the HELP bill would spend 1.3 trillion dollars. It’s not plausible that this wouldn’t add to the deficit, which has already swelled by more than a trillion dollars, thanks to bailouts and stimulus money. “So when Democrats predict their health care plan won’t cause people to lose their current insurance and won’t add to the national debt, Americans are right to be skeptical. They made the same kind of predictions about the stimulus bill. They said the money wouldn’t be wasted. Yet we’re already hearing about $3.4 million turtle tunnels and $40,000 to pay the salary of someone whose job is to apply for more stimulus money. The administration also predicted that if we passed the stimulus, the unemployment rate wouldn’t rise above eight percent. Now they say unemployment will likely rise to 10 percent. “Americans want health care reform. But they don't want a so-called reform that takes away the care they have and stands in the way of their relationships with their doctors, or that buries their children and grandchildren deeper and deeper in debt. We can do better than that.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 26, 2009 6:52:01 GMT -5
Jobless rates up in 120 counties from May 2008 to May 2009 Unemployment rates rose in all 120 Kentucky counties between May 2008 and May 2009, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Fayette County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 7.7 percent. It was followed by Woodford County, 7.8 percent; Calloway County, 8.2 percent; Oldham County, 8.3 percent; McCracken County, 8.6 percent; Carlisle County, 8.7 percent; Boyd County, 8.8 percent; Bourbon and Franklin counties, 9 percent each; and Ballard, Hickman and Jessamine counties, 9.1 percent each. Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 18 percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 17.4 percent; Trigg County, 16.2 percent; Bath County, 16 percent; Powell County, 15.7 percent; Allen County, 15.1 percent; Butler County, 15 percent; Menifee County, 14.7 percent; and Lewis and Monroe counties, 14.6 percent each. Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and county figures. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Davenport Indicted for Illegal Possession of FirearmsIn Furtherance of Drug Trafficking CrimeBrad Allen Davenport, 32, Pine Knot, Kentucky, was indicted today for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by unlawful user or addict of controlled substances, possession of a short barreled shotgun, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Indictment alleges that on December 25, 2008 Davenport had in his possession a shotgun that was less than the length required by law. It also alleges that he did so being a convicted felon and unlawful user of controlled substances. It further alleges that he possessed the shotgun in furtherance of a crime involving drug trafficking. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Wendy Haney, Supervisory Special Agent, United States Forest Service, London, Kentucky and Paul J. Vido, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (Louisville Field Division), jointly made the announcement today after a federal grand jury in London, Ky. returned the Indictment. The investigation preceding the Indictment was conducted by the United State Forest Service. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Pratt. The appearance of the Defendant before the United States District Court has not yet been set by the Court in London, Ky. If convicted, the Defendant faces a maximum prison sentence of life in prison. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences. An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant should be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky $10 Million Bound for the National Institute of Hometown SecurityHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the House of Representatives has approved $10 million for the Kentucky-based National Institute for Hometown Security (NIHS). NIHS, with the collaboration of Kentucky universities and colleges, develops next generation security solutions at the behest of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate. Rogers secured this funding in H.R. 2892, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010. “Terrorism is a real threat and we need advanced research to ensure that our security risks and vulnerabilities are adequately addressed,” said Rogers. “Investing in technology and research is critical to solving the challenges we face today and in the future. Protecting our country from terrorist attacks, preparing and responding to natural disaster, and hardening our infrastructure are all key to keeping America safe. Right here in Kentucky, NIHS and our renowned universities, are conducting this vital and important research.” The non-profit NIHS performs a critical, partnering role with the Science and Technology Directorate of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Directorate identifies the nation’s security technology needs, and NIHS works with Kentucky’s academic community to develop and commercialize solutions for use in the private sector. The Kentucky Homeland Security University Consortium, founded in 2004 along with NIHS, provides the research assets for this initiative. Consortium members are Eastern Kentucky University, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University. Broadening the outreach to the statewide academic community, members of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities work with the consortium. H.R. 2892 has been referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Rogers supports important initiatives for the Fifth Congressional District. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on Jun 27, 2009 20:10:24 GMT -5
Beshear reappoints ThompsonGov. Beshear has reappointed Billy Wayne Thompson to the Kentucky State Corrections Commission to serve for a term expiring Feb. 17, 2012. Thompson, of Manchester, is the director of substance abuse services for the Cumberland River Comprehensive Care Center. He represents service providers. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Rogers Secures $3 Million for the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium at EKUHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced the U.S. House of Representatives has approved $3 million for the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) hosted at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). RDPC is a nationwide rural training initiative that enables emergency responders in rural areas to access comprehensive homeland security training programs and fill critical security gaps. EKU serves as the lead institution of a group of colleges across the nation that provides critical training courses for rural first responders and other emergency response stakeholders. Rogers secured this funding in H.R. 2892, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010. “Providing the tools necessary for our rural first responders to address natural or man-made disasters is a priority,” said Rogers. “No community is immune from the threat of terrorism or potential natural disasters. Right here in Kentucky our communities have been devastated by recent flooding and the January 2009 ice storm. Law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency volunteer and management services must always be vigilant and prepared to act under any circumstance, at any time. Proper and up-to-date training is key to give our brave first responders all the tools necessary to protect our communities and keep our families safe.” Disaster prevention and response courses in large part developed by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are ongoing throughout the country and applied for rural first responders. Eastern Kentucky University, East Tennessee State University, Iowa Central Community College, Northwest Arkansas Community College, the University of Findlay, in Ohio and North Carolina Central University are the Consortium’s academic partners, each of which has unique capabilities in rural emergency preparedness training. The Center for Rural Development in Somerset is also an integral partner to the Consortium's rural training initiative. H.R. 2892 has been referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Through his role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Rogers supports important initiatives for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Jervis Sentenced to 37 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Distribution of CocaineJason Jervis 25, of Coco, Florida, was sentenced today to 37 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and actual distribution of the same by United States District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove. On or about May 17, 2008, Jervis and his co-conspirators traveled from Florida to London, Kentucky to distribute over fifty grams of cocaine. Unbeknownst to Jervis and his co-conspirators, the individual they arranged to sell the cocaine to was a cooperating witness with the London City Police Department. The London Police Department used video and audio equipment to tape the transaction between Jervis and the cooperating witness. Jervis sold approximately 50.798 grams of powder cocaine to the cooperating witness and the two discussed the possibility of future drug transactions. The London Police Department arrested Jervis and his co-conspirators immediately following the transaction. Under federal law, Jervis must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Robert L. Corso, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Elijah Hollon, Chief of the London Police Department, jointly made the announcement after Jervis was sentenced. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the London Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Pratt. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky
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Post by Press Release on Jun 29, 2009 21:02:38 GMT -5
Don’t Let Foodborne Illness Spoil Your Independence DayDr. William D. HackerThe Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) wants all Kentuckians to observe a happy and safe Independence Day by following a few simple food preparation and handling guidelines during outdoor cookouts, picnics and barbecues. “The key to food protection is simple: Keep hot food hot, and keep cold food cold,” said Guy Delius, director of the Division of Public Health Protection and Safety in the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH). “Pregnant women, infants and the elderly need to be especially mindful of food safety because they are more vulnerable to foodborne illness. However, anyone can get sick from contaminated food. We’re offering these simple guidelines for proper food preparation and storage to help our residents avoid that.” According to DPH, food left out in the sun or in hot cars too long can become a breeding ground for bacteria and may cause foodborne illness when consumed. This is particularly important to remember for holiday parties, when there is increased likelihood for exposing multiple people to foodborne illness. The spread of illness related to spoiled or contaminated food is relatively common and can cause painful and sometimes life-threatening complications. Attention to food safety precautions, such as maintaining a clean preparation environment, attention to thorough and frequent hand washing and proper food preparation and storage are extremely important. “We want Kentuckians to observe our recommended food safety guidelines every day, but it is particularly important around the holidays or when a party or gathering is planned,” said Christine Atkinson, manager of the DPH food safety branch. “This July 4, we hope all Kentuckians will join us in our effort to prevent the widespread outbreak of illness.” To avoid exposure to bacteria and prevent foodborne illness, DPH recommends following these guidelines: • Wash hands before eating or preparing food, after using the restroom, between handling raw and ready-to-eat items and after handling pets. Wash with hot soapy water, and dry with paper towels. • To sanitize surfaces, use a solution of regular household bleach and warm water. Add about 1 tablesthingy of bleach to 2 gallons of water for the right concentration. Sanitize by first washing and rinsing the surface and then immerse, spray or swab with the bleach solution. • Separate raw foods from ready-to-eat foods. Use different cutting boards or wash, rinse and sanitize after contact with raw meat, poultry and seafood. Never use the same plate to transport the cooked hamburgers that was used for the raw hamburger patties. • Handle all cut melons carefully, including cantaloupe and watermelon. Thoroughly clean the outer surface before slicing, and keep work surface and utensils used to prepare the melon clean and sanitized. Refrigerate sliced melon promptly at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. • Be sure to wash all produce thoroughly before use. • Cook food to the proper internal temperature: Ground beef: 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds
Poultry and stuffed meats: 165 degrees F for 15 seconds
Pork products: 150 degrees F for 15 seconds
Reheating leftovers: 165 degrees F for 15 seconds• Always check the internal temperature of cooked foods with a metal-stemmed thermometer, and cook another 15 seconds after the thermometer indicates it has reached the proper temperature. • Within two hours, cool and maintain leftovers at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or freeze at zero degrees or lower. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. State Property Tax Rate Set at 12.2 Cents for 2009The Kentucky Department of Revenue has set the 2009 State Real Property Tax Rate at 12.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. Kentucky Revised Statute 132.020 requires the Department of Revenue to set the real property rate no later than July 1 of each year. This rate is based on the revenue generated from the increase in taxable real property assessments from 2008 to 2009. If the increase in revenue is more than four percent after the exclusion of new property added to the tax roll during 2009, then the prior year rate must be reduced. Because the assessment increase for 2009 is estimated at 3.21 percent, the state rate will remain the same as the 2008 rate, 12.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. All of the revenue generated from the state property tax rate will go into the state’s General Fund. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Jul 1, 2009 13:41:04 GMT -5
Kentucky’s minimum wage rate will increase July 1Increase comes ahead of federally mandated hikeWorkers in Kentucky who are currently paid at a minimum wage of $6.55 per hour will see an increase in their paychecks after July 1. That is when the state’s minimum wage rate increases to $7.25 an hour. Although the federal minimum wage mandated increase doesn’t become effective until July 24, 2009, the Kentucky General Assembly voted to have the wage hike take effect earlier. The Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Employment Standards, Apprenticeship and Mediation has received a number of inquiries regarding the upcoming change in minimum wage because of the two effective dates. The later date is the federal deadline for all states to comply with the new minimum wage rate. “This increase is significant for many Kentucky workers who, like others, have been struggling during these difficult economic times,” said Kentucky Labor Secretary J.R. Gray. The minimum wage rate for tipped employees will remain at $2.13 per hour. Questions regarding the minimum wage increase may be directed to the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Division of Employment Standards, Apprenticeship and Mediation at labor.desam@ky.gov or at 502-564-3534. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Rogers Opposes “Cap and Tax,” Supports “All of the Above” Energy PlanHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers released the following statement regarding his opposition to President Obama and Speaker Pelosi’s “Cap and Tax” bill which will impose a national energy tax on hard-working Americans: “It is unimaginable that in these challenging economic times President Obama and Speaker Pelosi would push Congress to pass a national energy tax under the guise of environmental stewardship – but today they succeeded in doing just that. I voted against this job-killing ‘Cap-and-Tax’ legislation because every American would have to pay a ‘carbon tax’ for turning on the lights, driving to work or heating their home throughout the winter. Even more disturbing is the fact that one independent analysis suggested 2.3 to 2.7 million jobs would be lost over the next 20 years under Cap and Tax. At a time when 2.9 million Americans have lost their job this year alone, it is irresponsible and unacceptable to support this reckless bill. “Perhaps most egregious is the disproportionate affect of these policies on Kentucky, where more than 95% of our electricity comes from coal. This legislation places an enormous tax on coal-burning companies in an attempt to lower emissions, but the reality is these costs will necessarily be passed onto consumers – costing Kentucky electric consumers an estimated $561 million in 2012. Taking into consideration increased costs of gasoline, diesel, food and goods, some studies show this legislation would cost each Kentucky family an additional $4600 a year when fully implemented. This shouldn’t be a complete surprise as President Obama even said that under ‘Cap and Tax’ utility rates would necessarily skyrocket. In these tough economic times it is a slap in the face for working families in rural America to be expected to pay more for basic needs. “Kentuckians can’t afford this national energy tax, nor do they want it; rather, the people of Kentucky want energy independence. I have always been a proponent of protecting our environment which is why I founded PRIDE and support alternative energy such as clean coal, and nuclear power. I co-sponsored the “All of the Above” Republican energy plan which offers more affordable energy, supports clean coal, creates more jobs here at home and protects the environment by developing our domestic resources and investing in renewable and alternative energy sources. We need a comprehensive energy solution, not a bill that unfairly taxes rural America and sends jobs overseas.” The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Couple charged with selling OxyContinA Knott County husband and wife were arrested by Operation UNITE June 29 following an undercover drug investigation. Both 44-year-old Teresa Gayhart and 55-year-old Rondal Gayheart had sold OxyContin to law enforcement officials earlier this month. Arrest warrants charging each with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance were obtained from the Knott County Circuit Court. UNITE detectives and Kentucky State Police K-9 Trooper James Sandlin served the warrants on the couple Monday morning in the Feisty community. At the time of their arrests police discovered additional prescription narcotics -- Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Xanax pills -- in their possession. As a result, both Teresa and Rondall were additionally charged with one count first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of a controlled substance and third-degree possession of a controlled substance. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 4, 2009 22:33:13 GMT -5
Beshear Promotes Sustainability through First Ever Governor’s GardenFirst Lady Jane Beshear today joined with leaders from Western Hills High School, Kentucky Proud and Access Food Pantry to unveil and celebrate the first ever Governor's Garden. Located on the grounds of Berry Hill Mansion, the garden is comprised of three separate plots. Each of these 16-by-24 foot plots represents a model of what can be grown in backyards and public spaces across the Commonwealth. Two sections of the garden are identical summer garden plots prepared by the Western Hills High School agriculture students and FFA members. Playing host to a diverse variety of crops including tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, corn and watermelons, the garden has already produced a significant summer bounty, including ten-inch squash and cucumbers. The third plot has been recently planted by Kentucky State University students and garden club members from the Frankfort area. These volunteers have pitched in to create a fall garden with plantings that reflect the opportunity to extend until first frost the continuing harvest of the types of produce that are present in the summer garden plots. The Governor’s Garden is a part of Mrs. Beshear's larger Green Team initiative, which strives to promote sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental preservation. “Leading by example is imperative for teaching Kentuckians how to live more sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyles,” said Mrs. Beshear. “The average meal in the United States travels 1,200 miles from the farm to your plate. By growing crops in your own backyard or buying locally grown produce, families can eliminate wasteful burning of fossil fuels and have access to fresher, healthier produce.” The majority of the produce raised in the Governor’s Garden will be donated to Access Soup Kitchen, enabling many who often lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables to have healthy, nutritious meals. For individuals who want to begin their own home gardens, assistance is available as part of the Governor’s Garden initiative at cooperative extension service offices, located in every county across the Commonwealth. For more information about the Green Team initiative and for tips on how to live a more sustainable life, visit: greenteam.ky.govThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Conway announces settlement with Baxter HealthcareJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway announced a $2 million settlement with Deerfield, Ill., pharmaceutical manufacturer Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a subsidiary of global healthcare company Baxter International, Inc. Baxter is one of the largest manufacturers in the world of intravenous solutions and products used in the delivery of fluids and drugs to patients. The Kentucky Medicaid program relies on published average wholesale prices (AWPs) to calculate Medicaid drug-reimbursement rates. Baxter published significantly inflated AWPs for its intravenous solutions that bore no relationship to any prices that Baxter actually charged its customers. This created an artificial "spread" between Baxter’s published prices and the real prices. At times this "spread" exceeded 1,300 percent, which caused the Kentucky Medicaid program to pay substantially more for Baxter’s drugs than the actual cost of the drugs. "Taxpayers are footing the bill for these inflated drug prices, and my office is seeking to recover the money the Medicaid program lost as a result of this deception and overpayment," said General Conway. "All of this could have been easily avoided if Baxter and the other defendants would have done what the law requires - report truthful prices." This settlement is the latest in a number of settlements in lawsuits filed by the Office of the Attorney General against 47 pharmaceutical manufacturers. To date the Office of the Attorney General has settled cases with Amgen for $2.4 million, Immunex for $145,000 and Bristol-Meyers Squibb for $10 million. A settlement is not an admission of liability in a civil case. Additionally, General Conway announced last week a $16 million verdict in Franklin Circuit Court against generic-drug giant Sandoz for defrauding the Medicaid program and Kentucky consumers by inflating the prices of their prescription drugs. Since January 2008 when General Conway took office, the Office of the Attorney General has collected $59 million for the Medicaid program and for Kentucky taxpayers. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Happy 4th Of JulyJim BunningTwo-hundred and thirty-three years ago our founding fathers in Philadelphia set out on a great experiment. A nation conceived in liberty and a nation free from tyrannical rule with certain unalienable rights towards its citizens. The American experiment has gone through some revisions over the years, but those revisions have made our nation even stronger. In America, freedom is celebrated, not condemned. People are free to speak out against government and determine who makes the laws which govern the land. We are free to worship any religion we choose or none at all; free to express ourselves without fear of persecution. People from different backgrounds can become whoever they want to be with a little hard work. Freedom in America is not just a word; it is who we are. While you celebrate America’s birthday with family and friends please do not take for granted what a great country you live in. One only has to look to Iran to see the other side of the spectrum. With what appears to be the fixed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the people of Iran, have tried to protest only to be beaten back by the tyrannical regime. Foreign press cannot report because the Iranian government has put a stoppage on all reporting except for the state run news service. Seeing the images that have made it out of Iran are troubling, but at the same time hopeful. The people of Iran want to be free from a theocratic regime and the images of them protesting and fighting back against their oppressors are promising. It would be unwise to think that Iran will look like America someday. But an Iranian form of democracy would help stabilize the entire Middle East. I just hope that President Obama does not placate the Iranian regime for a short term political gain. America has always been a beacon of freedom. We live in a world where other nations do not even come close to the freedoms we share here in America. That is why the American experiment is unique. We are always changing, but at the end of the day we still have our core values that we hold to a higher standard. So I hope as you celebrate the 4th of July this year with your families and friends you take a minute and reflect what happened 233 years ago in Philadelphia. Freedom was born there, and it has forever kept men and women believing in the fight for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. God bless you and God bless America. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 8, 2009 21:14:25 GMT -5
Man Sentenced for Producing Untaxed MoonshineThe United States Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Kentucky State Police jointly announced today that Leroy Handshoe, 48, of Hueysville, Ky. was sentenced last Thursday to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay a tax of $542.30 for possession of stolen firearms, possession of moonshine equipment, and production of moonshine. In March of 2009, Handshoe pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that he possessed 23 stolen firearms, possessed moonshine equipment, and produced 27 gallons of untaxed moonshine. Under federal law, Handshoe must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Ashland Office and the Kentucky State Police Hazard Post. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Roger W. West. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky GAO Report Validates Stimulus ConcernsMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the GAO report on the stimulus bill and the lack of transparency and accountability: “This week's GAO report on the administration's Economic Stimulus plan validates the serious concerns that many of us repeatedly expressed prior to its passage. This trillion-dollar spending plan was neither timely, targeted, nor temporary, and funds were extremely difficult to track. This is precisely the result that concerned us when advocates short-changed the debate and overpromised on results, including assurances that unemployment, now approaching 10%, wouldn't rise above 8 percent. “According to the report, assurances on transparency were off base, as was the promise that we’d be able to accurately track jobs. The GAO report should add to growing public concerns about the Administration's tendency to rush and to overpromise on results when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars and increasing the national debt. But it shouldn't surprise anyone who followed the debate. “Americans should be skeptical anytime someone in Washington downplays scrutiny and overplays speed. They have even more reason to be skeptical now.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. COMMISSIONER FARMER JOINS DIGNITARIES IN HONORING KENTUCKY AGRIBUSINESS UNITRichie FarmerAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer joined Kentucky Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and other dignitaries Monday in seeing a Kentucky National Guard unit off to a special mission in Afghanistan. The Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team was honored in a departure ceremony at Kentucky State University. The nation’s first joint agribusiness development team, it will train in Camp Atterbury, Ind., before deploying to Afghanistan in August. “It certainly is an honor and a privilege to be in the presence of greatness,” Commissioner Farmer said to the departing soldiers and airmen. Commissioner Farmer said the Founding Fathers of the United States understood that a strong agricultural industry is necessary to survive and build a strong economy. “You have been chosen to go and rebuild an agricultural economy in a place … that has known quite a bit of war,” he said. Commissioner Farmer also honored the families of the departing service men and women. “I know the sacrifices that all of you in the audience, and family members who are not able to be here today, are making,” he said. Gen. Tonini pointed out that agriculture is the main source of income for 70 percent of the Afghan population. “By helping re-establish and invigorate the Afghan farming tradition and rebuilding the agricultural infrastructure, these troops will bring stability to an otherwise war-torn nation,” he said. “I believe success in this mission can and will make the world a better place for everyone.” The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 8, 2009 21:28:40 GMT -5
Rogers Announces Economic Development Funds for Clay County Health ClinicHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) program has approved a $413,701 grant for the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) to help emerging area businesses. Specifically, the funds will be used to establish a new health clinic located in Clay County and expansion of an existing clinic in Knox County. “Access to top-notch healthcare services is of tremendous importance to improving our communities and attracting future businesses. These two clinics will play a critical role in serving our seniors, young children, and hard working families while improving the marketability of our region to the world,” said Rogers. “Kentucky Highlands has once again demonstrated their dedication to the betterment of our region, and I am looking forward to seeing these important projects progress.” Rural Development funds are used to provide loans and grants to rural programs that will provide economic development. The Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) will use the funds to establish revolving loan funds which will lend to small and emerging businesses and provide technical assistance. The funds will be used in a 14-county service area; however, the initial recipient is a nonprofit, federally qualified health clinic to be located in Clay County. The clinic will focus on front-line preventative medicine and will initially employ 4 people including a physician, nurse and office manager. A portion of these funds will also be used to expand an existing health clinic in Gray, Kentucky. In addition to the $413,701 grant from USDA-RD, KHIC will be contributing $86,299 which brings the project total to $500,000. KHIC was formed in 1968 to stimulate growth and create employment opportunities in Southeastern Kentucky. KHIC currently serves the following twenty-two counties in Kentucky: Bell, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Estill, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, McCreary, Owsley, Perry, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne, and Whitley. Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. New Home Tax Credit Could Save Kentuckians ThousandsA new tax credit goes into effect this month that could give some Kentuckians thousands of dollars back on the purchase of a new home. The New Home Tax Credit is an individual income tax credit and applies to a “qualified buyer” who purchases a home on or after July 26, 2009 and before July 26, 2010. The tax credit is designed to help individuals who are buying a home but don’t qualify for the federal first-time homebuyer credit allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. Under the federal program, the home must never have been occupied and must be the principal residence of the qualified buyer for a minimum of two years. The buyer can get up to a $5,000 credit under this program. “It’s been a really tough year for a lot of Kentuckians,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “When the legislature met last month, it decided it had to do something to help. This tax credit will go a long way in helping those who qualify become homeowners.” “This housing legislation will give prospective homebuyers a strong incentive over the next year to buy a new home,” said Rep. Tommy Thompson, of Owensboro. “It will also serve to stimulate local economies and reduce unemployment in the construction industry.” To qualify, the buyer must submit a credit application within seven days of closing on the property. The Kentucky Department of Revenue will then review the application and when approved, send the buyer a credit allocation letter. That letter must be attached to the income tax return filed for the taxable year during which the qualified principal residence was purchased. Anyone with questions can contact the Department of Revenue’s Income Tax Taxpayer Assistance Sections at (502) 564-4581. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Jul 11, 2009 10:57:35 GMT -5
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority names outreach counselorAmanda Keller has joined the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) as a regional outreach counselor for southeastern Kentucky. Keller will visit schools, college fairs and other places to talk with students and parents about the benefits of going to college. She will work in Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties. “I am extremely excited to be working for KHEAA,” Keller said. “It is a professional goal I have had for some time and am truly proud to have reached it.” Before joining KHEAA, Keller was a college access counselor at Morehead State University’s Educational Opportunity Center. She worked closely with high schools and adult education providers to help area students enroll in colleges throughout the state. Keller is a graduate of Morgan County High School and has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology from Morehead State University. She and her husband, Brian, have two daughters and live in West Liberty. Any school or organization that wants Keller to present a program about college planning and financial aid may contact her at (606) 205-8810 or akeller@kheslc.com. To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, visit www.GoHigherKY.org. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit: www.kheaa.comwrite: KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798 or call (800) 928-8926 The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Rogers Announces Funds to Create Southern and Eastern Kentucky JobsHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) program has approved a $750,000 loan through their Intermediary Relending Program for the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC). These funds are targeted to provide low-interest loans for business and community development, which in turn will generate an estimated 50 jobs in the region. “In these challenging economic times there is no one more qualified than Kentucky Highlands to provide loans and technical support to local businesses in southern and eastern Kentucky,” said Rogers. “Whether it is creating jobs, offering technical assistance to entrepreneurs, or developing new business opportunities to hard working families of our region, Kentucky Highlands’ efforts are crucial to improving our communities and creating an environment where businesses can excel. As this important project progresses I am looking forward to seeing the positive effects it has on our region.” Rural Development funds are used to provide loans and grants to rural programs that will provide economic development. The Intermediary Relending Program was created to alleviate poverty and increase economic activity and employment in rural communities. KHIC will use these funds to continue supporting small and medium-sized business through equity investments, lending and technical assistance. In addition, this project will serve 14 counties by investing loan proceeds in community development projects including start-ups and expansions to finance real estate, equipment and working capital needs. KHIC was formed in 1968 to stimulate growth and create employment opportunities in Southeastern Kentucky. KHIC currently serves the following twenty-two counties in Kentucky: Bell, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Estill, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, McCreary, Owsley, Perry, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne, and Whitley. Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 11, 2009 11:13:27 GMT -5
Governor Beshear signs HB 3 at Kentucky SpeedwayProvision in bill to help attract NASCAR Sprint Cup race to KentuckyAgainst the backdrop of the Kentucky Speedway, Gov. Steve Beshear today ceremoniously signed House Bill 3, which gives the state its best shot yet at attracting a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The legislation – proposed by the Governor during the recently completed special legislative session -- includes a provision to amend the Kentucky Tourism Development Act to add a new eligible category of so-called “legacy expansion” projects. Legacy expansion projects must conduct events that are in the top league, series or sanctioned level of their type of event, provide permanent seating for 65,000 spectators and be broadcast nationally. The venue must have previously been approved for incentives and the expansion project must exceed $30 million and present one or more “premier events” not previously held in Kentucky. “Attracting a NASCAR Sprint Series Cup race to Kentucky would be a huge economic win,” Gov. Beshear said. “NASCAR is not only the number one spectator sport in the United States, it also attracts an international audience through its broadcast in more than 150 countries and 30 languages.” O. Bruton Smith, chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., (SMI) owner of Kentucky Speedway, previously stated that passage of the legislation would put Kentucky in position to host the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, that sanctioning body’s top racing series. SMI owns seven tracks across the country that host Sprint Cup races. Smith said he believes Kentucky Speedway, with the extensive upgrades he is planning, could be home to a Sprint Cup race in the near future. “I appreciate the confidence Governor Beshear and the legislature have shown in SMI and Kentucky Speedway,” said Smith. “I promise you it is not misplaced.” “I am very excited about the possibility of a Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway and the economic impact it will bring not just to Gallatin County but to the entire region,” said Rep. Royce Adams, of Dry Ridge. “That is why I was happy to do my part in passing this important legislation.” “This is a great day for the entire region,” said Sen. John Schickel, of Union. “Owner Bruton Smith has a history of making things happen and I am confident he will bring a Sprint Cup Race to this facility. Having a world class sporting event right here in Northern Kentucky is very exciting.” The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Sotomayor and the First Amendment Sonia SotomayorSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor: “Over the past several weeks, my colleagues and I have raised a number of serious questions about the judicial record and public statements of Judge Sonia Sotomayor in connection with her nomination and upcoming confirmation hearings to the U.S. Supreme Court. These questions are driven by a growing sense, based strictly on the record, that Judge Sotomayor has allowed her personal and political views to cloud her judgment in the courtroom, leading her to favor some groups over others. “All of us are impressed by Judge Sotomayor’s remarkable life story. It reaffirms not only to Americans but to people around the world that ours is a country in which one’s willingness to dream and to work hard remain the only requirements for success. And yet it’s precisely this truth about America that makes it so important that our judges apply the law the same way to one individual or group as to every other. “This is why we’ve raised the questions we have. And this is why we will continue to raise them as the confirmation hearings for Judge Sotomayor proceed. This morning I’d like to discuss an area of Judge Sotomayor’s record that hasn’t been touched upon yet, and that’s her record on the fundamental right of free speech. This right to free speech was considered so important by our Founders that they included it as the first amendment in the Bill of Rights, along with the freedom of the press and religion, and the right to assemble and petition the government. It is one of the bedrocks of our government and our culture. And it’s one of the primary defenses the Founders established against the perennial threat of government intrusion. “So it’s essential that we know what someone who’s been nominated for a life-tenure on the nation’s highest court thinks about this issue. And when it comes to Judge Sotomayor, her record raises serious questions about her views on free speech. Let’s start with a law review article that Judge Sotomayor co-wrote in 1996 on one particular kind of speech, political speech. In the article, Judge Sotomayor makes a number of startling assertions which offer us a glimpse of her thoughts on the issue. “First, and perhaps most concerning, she equates campaign contributions to bribery, going so far as to assume that a ‘quid pro quo’ relationship is at play every time anyone makes a contribution to a political campaign. She goes on to say that, quote: “‘We would never condone private gifts to judges about to decide a case implicating the gift-givers' interests. Yet our system of election financing permits extensive private, including corporate, financing of candidates' campaigns, raising again and again the question of what the difference is between contributions and bribes and how legislators or other officials can operate objectively on behalf of the electorate.’ “In the same law review article, Judge Sotomayor calls into question the integrity of every elected official, Democrat and Republican alike, based solely on the fact that they collect contributions to run their political campaigns. She writes: “‘Can elected officials say with credibility that they are carrying out the mandate of a ‘democratic' society, representing only the general public good, when private money plays such a large role in their campaigns?’ “In my view, the suggestion that such contributions are tantamount to bribery should offend anyone who’s ever contributed to a political campaign — including the millions of Americans who donated money in small and large amounts to the Presidential campaign of the man who nominated Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor’s views on free speech would be important in any case. They’re particularly important at the moment, however, since several related cases are now working their way through the judicial system — cases that could ultimately end up in front of the Supreme Court. One particularly important case on the issue, Citizens United v. FEC, will be reargued before the Supreme Court at the end of September. “Coincidentally, the most recent Supreme Court decision on the topic actually passed through the court on which Judge Sotomayor currently sits, presenting us with yet another avenue for evaluating her approach to questions of free speech — with one important difference: in the Law Review article I’ve already discussed, we got Judge Sotomayor’s opinion about campaign contributions. In the court case in question, Randall v. Sorrell, we get a glimpse of her actual application of the law. “Here’s the background on the case. In 1997, the State of Vermont enacted a law which brought about stringent restrictions on the amount of money candidates could raise and spend. The law also limited party expenditures. Viewing these limits as violating their First Amendment rights, a group of candidates, voters, and political action committees brought suit. The District Court agreed with the plaintiffs in the case on two of the three points, finding only the contribution limits constitutional. “The case was then appealed to the Second Circuit, where a three-judge panel reversed the lower court and reinstated all limits in direct contradiction of nearly 20 years of precedents dating all the way back to the case of Buckley v. Valeo. It was in Buckley that the Supreme Court held that Congress overstepped its bounds in trying to restrict the amount of money that could be spent — so-called expenditure limits — but upheld the amount that could be raised — so-called contribution limits. “At that point, the petitioners in the Vermont case sought a rehearing by the entire 2nd Circuit, arguing that the blatant disregard of a precedent as well-settled as Buckley was grounds for review. Oddly enough, the judges on the 2nd Circuit, including Judge Sotomayor, took a pass. They decided to let the Supreme Court clean up the confusion created when the three-judge panel decided to ignore Buckley. “Traditionally, errors like these are precisely the reason that motions for a rehearing of an entire Circuit are designed. In fact, according to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, a review by the full court, or what’s commonly referred to as an en banc rehearing, is specifically called for in cases where ‘the proceeding involves a question of exceptional importance.’ And what could be more important for a lower court judge than following Supreme Court precedent and protecting and preserving the First Amendment? But the 2nd Circuit declined. “In the end, the Supreme Court corrected the errors of the 2nd Circuit in a 6-3 opinion drafted by none other than Justice Breyer. Here’s what Breyer wrote: “‘We hold that both sets of limitations [on contributions and expenditures] are inconsistent with the First Amendment. Well-established precedent — and here Justice Breyer was citing Buckley — makes clear that the expenditure limits violate the First Amendment’. One of the principal requirements for a nominee to the courts is a respect for the rule of law. In this instance, according to Justice Breyer, that respect for the law was sorely lacking. “More than two centuries ago, the states ratified the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to protect the right of every American from that moment and for all time to express themselves freely. ‘Congress shall make no law,’ it said, ‘respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances. “You could say, as I’ve said many times, that with the First Amendment, our forefathers adopted the ultimate campaign finance regulation. And yet this issue continues to come before the courts, and will continue to come up before the courts. It is an issue of fundamental importance, touching on one of our most basic rights. And based on the writings and decisions of Judge Sotomayor, I have strong reservations about whether this nominee will choose to follow the First Amendment or attempt to steer the court to a result grounded in the kind of personal ideology that she so clearly and troublingly expressed in the law review article I’ve described. “It’s not just this issue about which those concerns arise. Over the past several weeks, we’ve heard about a number of instances in which Judge Sotomayor’s personal views seem to call into question her even-handed application of the law. Just last week, the Supreme Court reversed her decision to throw out a discrimination suit filed by a group of mostly-white firefighters who had clearly earned a promotion. Notably, this was the ninth time out of ten that the high court has rejected her handling of a case. “We’ve heard her call into question, repeatedly over the years, whether judges could even be impartial in most cases. And she has even said that her experience ‘will affect the facts that [she] chooses to see as a judge’. “Americans have a right to expect that judges will apply the law even-handedly — that everyone in this country will get a fair shake, whether they’re in small claims court or the Supreme Court, and whether the matter at hand is the right to be treated equally or the right to speak freely. Americans have a right to expect that the men and women who sit on our courts will respect the rule of law above their own personal or political views — and nowhere more so than on the nation’s highest court.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 11, 2009 11:29:42 GMT -5
State inspectors looking into two mining accidentsInvestigators from the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing are on the scene of two coal mining accidents that injured 10 people late Thursday. Eight miners employed by KenAmerican Resources Inc. in Muhlenberg County were injured when a mantrip malfunctioned. None of those injuries appears to be life-threatening. A mantrip is a vehicle that carries miners into and out of coal mines. The accident, near Central City, occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. EDT Thursday. Two others were hurt when an unoccupied pickup truck apparently rolled down a roadway at a mine site in Hippo in Floyd County operated by Frasure Creek Mining, striking two workers operating a drill. Both were airlifted to Cabell-Huntington Hospital in Huntington, W.Va. The men have been identified as 51-year-old Harold Skaggs of Louisa, Ky., and 71-year-old Frank B. McCoart of Van Lear, Ky. Both are employed by Austin Powder Co., a contractor working at the mine site. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Latest Scams Target Out-of-work KentuckiansKentucky Attorney General Jack Conway warns out-of-work Kentuckians to be leery of the latest wave of scams to hit the Commonwealth. The Office of the Attorney General has received an increased number of complaints and inquiries about so-called "Secret Shopper" and Automated Clearing House transfer scams that have cost victims thousands of dollars and prey upon those who are experiencing tough times. "Kentuckians struggling to make ends meet can easily fall victim to con artists’ gimmicks. I encourage everyone, particularly those seeking work, to be extra vigilant and remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," said General Conway. In the "Secret" or "Mystery" shopper scams, scam artists target job-seekers through newspaper ads, internet job sites, direct mailings or emails and online resume postings. Scammers will tell their victims that they have been chosen to serve as customer service representatives and perform secret shopper duties. They will then mail a packet that contains an instruction sheet and a check for a large amount of money, usually several thousand dollars. The victim is told to act within a short time frame to deposit the check into their bank account and then wire the funds, using Western Union or some other service, to a specified location, usually out of the state or out of the country. The victim is asked to evaluate his or her experience at the wiring service office and send back the evaluation form to the "employer." In return, the victim is directed to keep a small portion of the money from the original check as compensation. What the victim doesn’t know is that the check is counterfeit and the victim will be held liable for the funds, thereby losing the money they sent. The victim will also be held responsible for any overdraft fees that may occur as a result of the large withdrawal. In the Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer scams, scammers use software installed on a victim’s computer, through an attachment on an email, to gain access to the victim’s online banking system. The scammers then transfer money out of the victim’s bank account and into the account of a consumer, who believes that they have been hired as a secret shopper. The consumer is then told to wire the funds to a specified location, keeping a small stipend as compensation. In these scenarios, money from the victim replaces the counterfeit check, with the end result of the consumer wiring stolen money to the scammers. The following tips will help consumers from falling victim to these types of scams: • Treat the money you wire the same as cash. Once money is wired, it is unrecoverable. Only wire money to trusted friends. • Never pay a company to hire you, no matter whether they require you to send money in the form of purchasing training materials, becoming certified, or some other manner. If a prospective employer is requesting money, it’s probably a scam. • Only open emails from people you know and delete any emails that look suspicious. Even opening a spam email can install malware or a virus on your computer. • Investigate mystery shopper agencies before you commit. Anyone can post a newspaper or Internet ad. Although genuine mystery shopper jobs exist, they rarely yield the pay promised by scams. • Beware of offers that require a strict time frame. In these cases, the time constraint is aimed at getting the victim to send the money before discovering that the employment is a scam or that the check is counterfeit. • Be leery of checks received in the mail. Even if a bank initially verifies that a check is legitimate, the bank may later discover that the check is counterfeit; void the funds, and leave you liable. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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