ICN2 Interview – Avoiding additional cuts to education was important because Kentucky school children already are facing a shortfall in the state formula used to fund schools, said state Senate Minority Leader R.J. Palmer.

“Because of a miscalculation in attendance, the SEEK formula was $50 million underfunded during 2011,” Palmer, a Winchester Democrat, said on Pure Politics on Thursday. “But it was also, I believe, $28 underfunded in 2012.”

He said that was one reason Senate Democrats joined House Democrats and Republicans to oppose suggested cuts to education that the Senate Republicans included in their proposal to balance this year’s Medicaid budget in the special session in late March.

Palmer just spent his first session as the Democrats leader.

It was a difficult first session for Palmer, a Democrat from Winchester. Senate Democrats are far out-numbered by the Republican majority, 23 (including independent Sen. Bob Leeper) to 15.

Palmer says he still isn’t sure why the Republicans wouldn’t budge from including cuts to education in their Medicaid fix proposal.

“I’ve asked myself that question. I’m not certain. Although I think that their approach is, in order to avoid greater possibly greater cuts next year, that they would go ahead and implement cuts now,” Palmer said.

Palmer, though, said he believes Republican Senate President David Williams is still an education supporter. Williams was one of the few Republican lawmakers in 1990 who voted for the Kentucky Education Reform Act that included a tax increase to fund it.

“I think David’s a supporter of education, I don’t question that. But his approach is simply to cut across the board and everyone has to share,” Palmer said.

Palmer said the Democratic caucus is still adjusting to trying to get its positions heard by the majority and is just starting to plan for its 2012 agenda.

“It doesn’t mean that our position is any less important,” Palmer says. “The 15 of us in the Senate Democratic caucus still represent over a million and a half people in the state. And they have a right to have their voice heard.”

But the practical part of that usually means a plan is made by the majority, and the minority can either get on board or complain on the floor about it later.

“Most of the time those conversations were had after the Senate majority had decided what direction they wanted to go. They did try to come and brief us and tell us what their plan entailed. But at that point, there isn’t much input on what the final product is,” Palmer said.

http://politics.mycn2.com/2010/09/30/from-pure-politics-julian-carroll-and-damon-thayer-offer-competing-views-of-senate-elections/

An invitation to an Oct. 6 fundraiser for the Senate Democrats declares that they’re seeking to take control of the chamber from Williams, who has served as Senate President for a decade and announced earlier this month that he’s running for the Republican nomination for governor. And the Democrats’ mailer, which hit homes starting Thursday, hints that some Republicans agree with them.

“Along with our Republican Senate colleagues, we continue to advance the efforts of all Kentuckians to free themselves from the domination of Senate President David Williams and his quest to control the state Senate while running for governor of the commonwealth.”

This is the first time the Democrats have tried this specific approach against Williams as a fundraising tool, although Williams has been a favorite target of Democratic state legislative candidates in the past.

Click here to read the story.

FRANKFORT —This past week, I had the privilege of visiting the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Kentucky during the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare. I can’t recall a more moving event for me, both as a state senator and as a simple human being. Seeing the children setting goals, participating in events and interacting with one another was incredible to witness.

The center serves children in Kentucky, Tennessee and surrounding areas who have life-threatening illnesses.  Their mission is to uplift children who have life-threatening illnesses by creating experiences year round that are memorable, exciting, fun, build self-esteem, are physically safe, and medically safe.

They are a unique Medical Camping Facility where children battling the most serious illnesses can attend, free of charge.  They hold two types of programs.  In the summer, the ill child (ages 7-15) attends a week long session with other children suffering from the same illness.  During the school year, they hold family weekends where the child attends with his or her family.

This is a great opportunity for ill children to be part of a program with other children who are facing the same challenging obstacles in life.  It’s a chance for them to make new friends, to share their stories and help each other while having fun.  These camps give children the chance to participate in summer camps that might otherwise not be able to do so.

Children who attend these camps will create lifelong memories.  I truly can’t say enough great things about this center.  The staff at the Center for Courageous Kids has done an outstanding job.  The center is a great example of what children facilities can do for our most precious citizens – our children.

Even though the camps are free for those who attend, there is still a cost involved in keeping the center up and running.  To donate or to find more information about the Center for Courageous Kids visit their website at www.courageouskids.org or by calling 270-618-2900.

The $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) will fund the fourth phase of a housing redevelopment project to revitalize the Mattie Lee neighborhood in Mt. Sterling.

“Kentuckians, at the very least, deserve to live in clean, safe and secure communities,” said Gov. Beshear.  “This CDBG-funded redevelopment project will not only improve the safety and sanitary conditions of the Mattie Lee neighborhood, it will provide residents with a quality, comfortable space they can truly call home.”

The project includes funding for land acquisition, structure demolition, neighborhood rehabilitation and reconstruction and the relocation of occupants who live in the area.  The structure demolition will involve the clearance of 13 dilapidated housing structures and allow for the reconstruction of new housing on 10 rezoned lots.  Relocated occupants who previously owned homes in the area will be encouraged to use their relocation payments to construct new homes on lots within the project locale.  The remaining lots will be sold to nonprofit developers to construct Low to Moderate Income (LMI) housing.

“Given recent economic challenges, we too often choose to ignore or simply raze depressed, blighted areas in our communities,” said Department for Local Government Commissioner Tony Wilder. “This project demonstrates how state and local governments can work together to effectively rehabilitate these areas and make them viable, vibrant neighborhoods.”

“The Mattie Lee Project is a model for well planned and executed neighborhood redevelopment,” said Sen. R. J. Palmer, of Winchester.  “This sustained revitalization effort fits the goals of the CDBG program perfectly and will benefit Mt. Sterling residents for many years to come.”

All new homes constructed with CDBG funds will comply with Universal Design Requirements and will be served by the Mt. Sterling Water and Sewer Commission.  Additional public enhancements to the area will include new sidewalks and storm drainage, curb and gutter improvements.

“I think it is important to take care of our communities and neighbors and this project will revitalize the Mattie Lee neighborhood,” said Rep. John Will Stacy, of West Liberty. “This is a perfect example of how state and local officials can work together to rebuild a community.”

“I’d like to thank Gov. Beshear for funding this project that serves as an opportunity for the city to revitalize and improve an existing neighborhood,” said Mt. Sterling Mayor Gary Williamson.  “The Mattie Lee Project has substantially increased the preservation, production and affordability of safe housing for low-to-moderate income individuals and families.  Its’ success gives homeowners a true sense of community by enhancing community pride and involvement, and for that, we, the city of Mt. Sterling, are very appreciative.”

“We are very thankful and fortunate to receive this money on behalf of Governor Beshear for the purpose of better housing for the residents of our community,” said Montgomery County Judge Executive Floyd Arnold.  “We thank him not only for this funding, but for all of the support he has given to our community.”

Senator Ray S. Jones II, D-Pikeville, plans to sponsor legislation that will exempt construction materials used for repairs in the wake of a disaster declared by the governor or the president from the 6 percent sales tax.  Under this piece of legislation, replacement homes would also be exempt. This legislation will be prefiled for what Senator Jones hopes will be quick action in the 2011 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly.

Relieving the tax burden will speed up the recovery process for those whose lives are put on hold after flooding, a tornado or other severe storms, said Senator Jones. “This would certainly have been a relief to those devastated by the July flooding in Pike County and other areas of Eastern Kentucky. It would have helped them to start putting their lives back into order more quickly.”

Hundreds of homes and vehicles were lost or severely damaged in the July flooding. There also were at least two fatalities in Pike County. Senator Jones said nothing can replace a life that is lost, but for the other victims, he hopes this legislation will ease some of the burden.

“These people saw their lives literally washed away – their homes, everything they owned, the memories they had built, everything was gone in an instant,” Senator Jones said. “It’s unconscionable that we tell these people, who are suffering so greatly, that the government needs to take even more from them as they are struggling to rebuild their lives.”

Representatives Leslie Combs, D-Pikeville, Keith Hall, D-Phelps, and Hubie Collins, D-Wittensville, will co-sponsor companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Representatives Combs and Collins and I will immediately file a companion bill in the House to make sure that the process moves forward expeditiously,” Rep. Hall said.  “As a member of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, I feel strongly that this is something the committee will support to help the people of Pike County.”

“Obviously, this is much needed legislation to help the people of Pike County,” Rep. Combs said.  “It is important for those who have flood damage and for those Kentuckians who suffer similar fates in the future.”

Although there are programs designed to help disaster victims recover, most provide assistance weeks, months, or even years after the damage is done. “People simply can’t put their lives on hold while they wait for the government to act,” Senator Jones said. “We want people to rebuild immediately, and passing this legislation would ensure these victims can have some small measure of relief immediately, right at the point where they purchase wood, concrete, and all the other things needed to rebuild their homes.”

The cost of sales tax rapidly rises for the big-ticket items people need during the recovery process, with the tax on new mobile homes easily reaching into the thousands of dollars, he explained. “The state has sales tax exemptions on everything from tractors to textbooks. We do not charge sales tax on food or medicine because they are absolute necessities. We should also make sure people who need shelter can get that need filled without paying taxes.”

“The loss of tax revenue from this legislation will not be significant for the state, but it will be of great benefit to these Kentuckians in need,” Rep. Collins added.

The Senate and House bills will be considered during the 2011 session, which begins January 4.

“I am glad my colleagues from Pike County feel as strongly as I do about helping victims of storms or flooding to introduce a companion bill in the House. Having a bill introduced in both chambers will increase the likelihood of getting this important bill through the legislative process.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House in bringing hope to Kentuckians,” Senator Jones added.

“I am honored to be chosen vice chair of such an important committee.  This position will not only provide me the opportunity to share ideas with my counterparts in other states, but also the concerns and issues facing the Commonwealth,” Senator Pendleton said.  “As a legislator, I have always been a strong advocate of the agriculture industry and this position will allow me to expand on the issues facing the industry.  I look forward to representing Kentucky on this committee.”

Senator Pendleton, a farmer, added that the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee focuses on issues critical to the future of farming and farm communities.  As the “engine of the economy,” agriculture constitutes a vital sector of the economies of most Southern states.

Recent committee initiatives include updates on international trade and agriculture, consolidation in the farm sector, and conservation and farm land preservation.  Other issues in which the Committee has long-standing interests are the imported red fire ant, the status of the rural South, and food safety and security.  The Committee has focused on the changing face of agriculture across America and conditions in the rural South.  The status and future of rural communities is emerging as a major focus for the Committee. The Committee also works annually with public and private agencies, local and federal officials, and the land grant university system to assure the continued vitality of the region’s farm and rural communities.

“I look forward to my work as vice chair.  It will give me the chance to hear new ideas and to access information that can help my district and the entire state,” Senator Pendleton said, “It will also offer me an opportunity to express the concerns I hear from local farmers to people who are influential at the national level.”

The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is one of seven SLC standing committees and is the oldest.  SLC’s mission is to foster and encourage intergovernmental cooperation among its 15 member states.  In large measure this is achieved through the meetings, publications and policy positions of the Conference’s seven standing committees.  Committee members are appointed by their chamber’s legislative leadership and each committee elects its own officers.  Through the deliberations of Committee members, the issues facing all Southern state legislatures are considered.

Senator Pendleton said the SLC committees provide for an exchange of information through dialogue, meeting sessions and networking opportunities.  In addition to the meetings, committees disseminate information through special seminars, websites, a variety of written documents and audio tapes.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Gov. Steve Beshear, joined by Louisville-area legislators and community leaders, today unveiled a new highway sign that pays tribute to Georgia Davis Powers, the first African-American in the Kentucky Senate.

New signs will designate a 7.5-mile section of Interstate 264 in western Louisville as the Georgia Davis Powers Expressway.

“It’s fitting that we name a major roadway for Georgia Powers because she has always been a trailblazer,” Gov. Beshear said. “Georgia spent her entire career building roads – and bridges – of a different kind. She built connectors for this community and, indeed, for the entire Commonwealth.”

Powers had already established herself as a leader of Kentucky’s civil rights movement at the time of her election to the Senate in 1967.  As a senator, she continued to push civil rights legislation and was an outspoken advocate for working men and women.  She served 21 years in the Senate, retiring at the end of 1988.

Designation of a Georgia Davis Powers Expressway was provided for under House Joint Resolution 67, of the 2010 General Assembly.

“On behalf of a grateful Commonwealth, I am happy we are able to share this honor with Senator Powers while she and her family are able to smell these flowers of appreciation, and see for themselves the high esteem she is held in,” Rep. Reginald Meeks, of Louisville, said.  “The Senator Georgia Davis Powers Expressway will give the traveling public from throughout the Nation a sense of our love and respect for her many political, social and civic contributions to our city and to our state.  Senator Powers’ name on this roadway will also serve as an inspiration for future generations who are just beginning their own travels in life.  They would be well advised to carry a bit of Senator Powers with them on their journey.”

Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson said Powers has helped to inspire an entire generation.  “Georgia is one of the most courageous people in this community, and she proved through a long legislative career to be as determined and persistent as she is courageous,” Mayor Abramson said.

“It is not often that an individual is acknowledged in this fashion in her lifetime. It just demonstrates a community and a state that not only recognizes her great achievements on all of our behalf, but also underscores the power and relevance of her contributions, which will resonate as her legacy,” said Sen. Gerald Neal, of Louisville.  “I take personal joy as well as my Senate colleagues and all the goodwill throughout the state in congratulating my friend – our friend – Senator Powers.”

“Georgia has been a mentor of mine; I started my public service while working with her on significant issues for our community and got involved with politics as I cut my teeth during her campaigns,” Rep. Darryl Owens, of Louisville said.  “I’m just glad that Reggie let me share his dream of recognizing her accomplishments by allowing me to co-sponsor his legislation that helped to lead to this honor.”

“This has been a very difficult week for thousands of families across our state,” said Gov. Beshear.  “Floods can rise quickly and leave incredible amounts of damage, but I am committed to get folks the help they need to get back to normal as quickly as possible.”

In Carter County, officials continue to search for a missing woman believed to have been swept away when flash flood water swept her mobile home off its foundation near the community of Fultz.  Commonwealth K9 teams have been brought in and are assisting in the search.

“It breaks my heart to see the damage that these flash floods have caused,” said Senator Robin Webb (D-18).  “However, we are working very hard to make sure that families get the services they need – whether it’s overnight shelter, fresh water or just someone to talk to – to help them get back on their feet.  These are the times when communities truly pull together.”

Governor Issues Executive Orders

On Wednesday, Gov. Beshear declared a State of Emergency in Kentucky following severe storms that struck several northeastern Kentucky counties late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.  Carter, Elliott, Lewis, Mason and Rowan counties have each declared states of emergency; the cities of Olive Hill and Maysville have also declared local states of emergency.  Gov. Beshear also signed an executive order yesterday to trigger the price gouging statutes that protect consumers from unscrupulous businesses that attempt to artificially inflate prices as a result of the emergency.  These orders followed a State of Emergency Gov. Beshear declared on Sunday following storms that hit Pike and Shelby counties.

The Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center (CEOC), located in Frankfort at Boone Center, remains activated at in support of the recent severe storms and flooding to impact Kentucky.

Damage Assessments Continue

Local officials, Kentucky Emergency Management personnel and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Joint Preliminary Assessment Teams conducted damage inspections in Pike County on Tuesday and Wednesday.  These damage estimates supported Gov. Beshear’s request on Wednesday for the Presidential major disaster declaration.  The request included Individual Assistance, which makes federal assistance programs available for citizens and Public Assistance, which offers assistance to governments and certain non-profit organizations.

How to Get Assistance

If you, or someone you know have unmet needs or need assistance cleaning up, please contact your local County Emergency Management office. A complete list can be found at www.kyem.ky.gov/about/countyemdirectors/ .

JENKINS, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear joined Ferus Corp. and community officials in Jenkins for a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the location of the company’s new liquid nitrogen facility in eastern Kentucky. Ferus specializes in providing integrated solutions to the energy industry for well stimulation, well completions and enhanced oil recovery.  The project will create a minimum of 34 new jobs and entail a capital investment of $30.8 million in the Commonwealth.Warehouse and storage facility to create 34 new jobs, result in $30.8 million investment

“Kentucky is pleased to welcome Ferus as its newest corporate citizen,” said Gov. Beshear. “The creation of 34 new jobs and a $30.8 million investment will have a positive economic impact on the Letcher County community.  I am confident Ferus will quickly establish itself as an active community partner and through a continued partnership with state and local government, will grow and prosper in the Commonwealth.”

Ferus is constructing a liquid nitrogen plant and associated transportation and storage equipment, which will be based in the Gateway Industrial Park near Jenkins.  The plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2011 and will be capable of producing up to 200 tons of liquid nitrogen per day.  The product will be delivered to plant storage, customers’ yards or directly to well sites, depending on the customers’ needs.

“This is a historic day for our company as we initiate our new business model in the United States and begin constructing the first of hopefully many new plants and operational bases in the region,” said Dick Brown, president and CEO of Ferus. “The state and local officials in Kentucky have been incredibly supportive of our efforts and we are grateful.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved Ferus for tax incentives up to $2 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program.  The incentive can be earned over a 15-year period through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments.

KEDFA also approved Ferus for tax benefits up to $192,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, an incentive program that allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on the cost of construction materials, building fixtures and equipment used for research and development.

“This is a good day for Letcher County because new opportunities are opening up that will provide a boost to the local economy and bring jobs to the area,” said Sen. Johnny Ray Turner, of Drift. “With the decision by Ferus to locate its new $30 million facility in Letcher County, there is the anticipation of a minimum of 34 good jobs with good salaries and good benefits. In the next couple of years, construction workers also will have a chance to be involved in building a facility for the nitrogen liquefaction plant. This is a great opportunity for the area. I join Gov. Beshear, Judge Ward, Mayor Dixon, the magistrates, the councilmen and other officials in welcoming Ferus to Kentucky and to Letcher County. This is the right company at the right time at the right place. Their success is our success – let’s all work together toward that goal.”

“What a great day for Letcher County and eastern Kentucky,” said Rep.Leslie Combs, of Pikeville. “We appreciate the commitment Ferus Corp. has made to our region. Coal continues to be our number one industry but we need more diversification to help compliment the coal industry.”

“We want to welcome Ferus to Letcher County and the Gateway Park,” said Jim Ward, Letcher County Judge Executive. “We pledge our continued cooperation and support toward their success in Letcher County.”

“We are excited that Ferus has decided to locate in the Gateway Park at Jenkins,” added Jenkins Mayor Charles Dixon. “We will aid them in any way to ensure that this is a successful endeavor that will be good for Ferus and the people of Letcher County.”

Further information on Ferus can be found at www.ferus.ca.  A detailed community profile for Jenkins (Letcher County) can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=073.  Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.