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RECENT UPDATES
06/30/09
Increasing the Minimum Wage Rate: A Net Benefit in Kentucky
The minimum wage is set to increase to $7.25 on July 1st, meaning larger paychecks for approximately 100,000 workers currently making the minimum wage in Kentucky. Today, Kentucky Youth Advocates released a policy brief analyzing the expected impacts on Kentuckians, finding that the wage increase will help working families by increasing their incomes and benefit Kentucky’s economy by increasing spending.
Report (pdf) | Press Release (pdf)
06/29/09
A Cycle of Debt: Kentucky Families Share Their Experiences with Payday Lending and Other High-Cost Financial Services
In an effort to hear the real effects that payday lending and other high-cost financial services have on Kentucky’s low-income families, Kentucky Youth Advocates conducted a qualitative research study consisting of focus groups and interviews. The findings of the study, along with recommendations for addressing the burden of high-cost financial products, are explained in the report released today.
Report (pdf) | Press Release (pdf)
06/24/09
Statement by Brigitte Blom Ramsey, Director of the Tax and Budget Initiative on the Budget Reduction Plan
Today’s passage of the revised budget plan marks the third consecutive budget reduction in three years – each increasing in magnitude. While the economy is partly to blame for reduced revenue, it is a matter of fact that Kentucky’s budget is structurally imbalanced; we don’t bring in enough revenue to cover our expenses. Statement. (pdf)
06/22/09
Find county-level data for Kentucky on the new KIDS COUNT Data Center website
You can now access more than 60 measures of child well-being for Kentucky counties on the KIDS COUNT Data Center website. New data includes: annual live births, prenatal care, low birthweight, very low birthweight, preterm births, smoking during pregnancy, breastfeeding, teen births, repeat teen births, infant mortality, child deaths and teen deaths. Kentucky Youth Advocates will continually update data on the website throughout the year.
06/11/09
Kentucky Can Save Money And Improve Outcomes For Youth By Investing In Alternatives To Secure Detention
The brief finds that secure detention for youth who commit status offenses is not only the most expensive approach -- exceeding the price of emergency shelter care, supervised foster care, and home detention -- but it is also the least effective.
Issue Brief (pdf) | Press Release (pdf)
06/04/09
Statement by Terry Brooks on Governor Beshear’s Amended Call for Slots
It is encouraging to note that Governor Beshear has already amended his call for the special session to include an additional revenue source. We agree with the governor about the importance of the horse industry to the Commonwealth. Kentucky’s most precious resource – its children and families – is also in crisis. Statement. (pdf)
06/04/09
Statement by Terry Brooks on the Interim Joint Committee Hearings on Appropriations and Revenues Held June 4, 2009
Today’s hearing on comprehensive tax reform is an encouraging first step in tackling Kentucky’s out-of-date tax system -- a discussion that is long overdue. We can be sure that the kind of budget deficit we are facing over the next two years will continue to be a problem down the road unless we modernize our tax and revenue system. Statement. (pdf)
06/03/09
Statement by Terry Brooks on Governor Beshear's Call for a Special Session
The Governor’s call today for a special session does not allow the legislature to consider revenue increasing options. He should amend the call so that targeted and strategic revenue options are on the table. Only then will legislators have the ability to eliminate the deficit with a balanced package of solutions and improve the economic resilience of the Commonwealth. Statement. (pdf)
05/29/09
Statement by Terry Brooks on the Kentucky's Budget Shortfall
Today, the Consensus Forecasting Group released its official estimate of a $996 million shortfal for fiscal year 2010. Kentucky’s policy makers need to consider every option in order to eliminate the deficit through a balanced package of solutions. Statement. (pdf)
04/30/09
Federal Economic Stimulus Money Will Provide Only Temporary, Partial Fix for Kentucky's Budget Problems
The expected $7 billion that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will bring to Kentucky over the next two years will help mitigate the $800 million to $1.09 billion budget shortfall for 2010 but the temporary relief will not solve the long-term structural budget problems the Commonwealth has faced for years.
Report (pdf) | Press Release (pdf)
04/23/09
Wine Down After Derby: Join Us in Louisville on May 7
Come celebrate spring, enjoy good food and wine and support an excellent cause! Local Louisville businesses are holding a fashion show and silent auction at Avalon Restaurant from 6-8pm on May 7. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Kentucky Youth Advocates. Join us! See event flyer. (pdf)
04/13/09
Champions for Children: Join Us in Lexington on April 16
Kentucky Youth Advocates will have reception in Lexington this Thursday at the the Lexington History Museum to honor the Fayette County delegation and their hard work on behalf of Kentucky's children. The event is free of charge, however donations will be gratefully accepted. Please drop by and say hello! See event flyer. (pdf)
03/25/09
Statement of Terry Brooks on Gov. Beshear's Commitment to Cap Interest Rates on Payday Loans to 36%
Today, Governor Beshear released a statement saying in the 2010 legislative session he will work with his colleagues in the House and Senate to cap the annual interest rate payday lenders can charge to 36% which is the same rate the federal government imposes on what can be charged to our military personnel. Statement. (pdf)
02/27/09
Remedy for the Budget Shortfall: More Budget Reductions, More Fund Transfers, and Limited New Revenue
Earlier this month, Governor Beshear signed two bills which will enact a combination of spending cuts, fund transfers, and new tax revenue to close the $456.1 million shortfall in the current year state budget. The General Assembly took little action to reduce a likely similar shortfall in 2010; instead they appear to be relying on federal stimulus dollars to balance next years’ budget.
Analysis (pdf)
02/25/09
Payday Loan Bill Passes Committee, But Needs Strengthened to Protect Families from Debt Trap
Today the House Banking Insurance Committee passed HB 444 which introduces a database to track payday loans. However, the bill it not strong enough to truly address the cost of payday lending to families and is actually a weaker bill than a database bill passed on the House floor last year. “We need substantive reform that will truly protect families, not lip service reform like what was passed today,” says Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates.
02/10/09
Kentucky's Budget
Is the $456 Million shortfall blowing your mind? Learn where the money comes from, where it goes and how the decisions made by our legislators in the coming sessions will impact generations for years to come. View our presentation: The Commonwealth's Budget: FY 2008-2010.
02/09/09
What the Federal Stimulus Package Means for Kentucky
The more than $800 billion dollar economic stimulus package recently passed the House and is currently being debated in the Senate. Are you confused about the details? Learn more about what it could mean for Kentucky: The Federal Stimulus Package: Information and Points to Consider. (pdf)
02/02/09
Analysis: Current Budget Proposals Insufficient
As the General Assembly returns to Frankfort this week, policymakers will be making very important decisions on how to deal with a $456 million budget shortfall. None of the solutions put on the table take into account Kentucky's troubling economy nor strengthen the budget against a similar, possibly worse shortfall next year.
Analysis (pdf) | Press Release