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2011
New Kentucky Medicaid Managed Care Story Bank Hotline 01/31/11
Managed care could result in many positive outcomes including improving quality and coordination of health care, increasing access, and cost savings for the state. However, since implementation in November 2011, we have seen many issues arise causing disruption in care and frustrated members and providers. In order to track the success of the transition for the Commonwealth’s kids, Kentucky Youth Advocates launched a Medicaid Managed Care Story Bank Hotline.
Kentucky Shortchanged on Child Poverty Funding, New Analysis Shows 12/08/11
First Focus and Kentucky Youth Advocates released a new report today, showing that funding to help Kentucky manage the growing problem of child poverty lags behind that of other states like Ohio, Illinois, and West Virginia. It also recommends concrete actions Kentucky’s Congressional delegation can take right now to give Kentucky’s leaders the resources they need to meet children’s needs.
Governor's Message is Promising; Next Steps are Key to Ending Child Deaths in Kentucky 11/29/11
Today the Governor took an important step in protecting Kentucky’s children when he ordered the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to release records associated with child deaths due to abuse and neglect. We applaud the Governor’s leadership in wanting to create more transparency in a system that deals with the most fragile in our society – abused and neglected children.
2011 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book Measures Children's Health 11/29/11
The 2011 County Data Book, released today by Kentucky Youth Advocates finds that Kentucky has made progress in ensuring low-income children receive dental services, yet much work remains to improve children’s oral health in the state.
Kentucky Youth Advocates has been awarded a Roadmaps to Health Community Grant of $100,000 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to improve the long-term health of people in Kentucky by advocating for the implementation and improvement of two state-level tax credits for working families, a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
Low-Income Families Losing Ground Under Child Care Assistance Policies in Kentucky 10/11/11
Families in Kentucky are worse off based on four of five key child care assistance policies, according to a new report by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC). Advocates for low-income families and children believe that bi-partisan solutions to improve the access and quality of child care are achievable within the state’s budget constraints
Child Poverty Continues Climbing, More than One in Four Kentucky Children Living in Poverty 09/22/11
More than one in four children in Kentucky are now living in poverty, according to new Census Bureau data from the American Community Survey, released today. Child poverty in Kentucky increased to 26.3 percent in 2010 from 20.8 percent in 2000, bringing the total number of children who live in families with incomes below $22,050 a year for a family of four to 262,760. The study highlighted 13 Kentucky counties. Of these counties, child poverty increased in all since 2000.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced on September 19, 2011 that it would delay the implementation of Medicaid Managed Care by one month, with the official rollout now planned for November 1, 2011. Terry Brooks, Executive Director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, issued a statement in reaction to this announcement.
Health Coverage for Adults Continues to Decline in Kentucky, But Increases for Children 09/13/11
Over the last decade, the number of uninsured Kentuckians has increased by 3.1 percentage points, which mirrors trends in other states. According to the new Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS), roughly 1 in 6, or 17.5 percent of people in Kentucky had no health coverage in 2009 and 2010. Across the country, 18.3 percent of the population lacked health coverage in 2009-2010. In contrast, government investment in health care through programs like Medicaid and Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program has increased. For instance, the percent of children covered by Medicaid in Kentucky rose 6 percentage points, since 2007-2008, to forty percent, keeping the number of uninsured children low.
KYA released Reclaiming Futures in Kentucky, a framework that identifies the critical stages of implementing a successful plan for youth who have been or are at risk of being charged with a status offense (a misbehavior like skipping school or running away from home). The framework consists of six stages that direct how the juvenile justice system, other youth serving agencies and organizations, and the community can work together to reduce the secure detention of youth charged with status offenses and work toward positive outcomes for these youth and their families.
Kentucky 41st in KIDS COUNT Ranking of Child Well-Being 08/17/11
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book launched on August 17, 2011. This year’s message, “America’s Children, America’s Challenge: Promoting Opportunity for the Next Generation,” examines how children and families are faring in the wake of the recession.
Statement: Focusing Solely on Spending in State Budget Ignored Realities Facing Kentucky Families 07/12/11
The Kentucky Chamber released a follow-up to their 2009 study, the Leaky Bucket, with an update focusing on reforming state spending in Kentucky. The Chamber provides a valuable voice on the issue and represents the business community with real power. Unfortunately, the Chamber’s report ignores the realities of what Kentucky children and families face, particularly in the wake of the recession.
Statement: Policymakers Need to Consider Children and Families While Transitioning to Managed Care 07/07/11
Governor Beshear announced today that four companies were awarded contracts through the expansion of Medicaid Managed Care. While it is difficult to know the outcomes of this major transition in the state health care system, one thing is clear: state officials must actively educate families so they are knowledgeable about the changes in health care that are coming their way.
On June 7, 2001, President Bush signed into law the first of the tax cuts that would turn the budget surpluses of the 1990’s into historic deficits. A new analysis from Citizens for Tax Justice explains that making these tax cuts permanent would almost double the long-term budget deficit.
More than 30 Kentucky Groups Urge Congress to Protect SNAP Program 06/06/11
Some recent deficit reduction proposals in Congress, particularly the House-passed (but Senate-rejected) “Ryan budget” plan, would make fundamental changes to SNAP by converting it into a “block grant” program and making drastic cuts to funding. The letter pointed out that such changes would harm millions of Americans – resulting in millions of people either being thrown out of the program or tens of millions seeing their already inadequate benefit levels reduced to the point that they would run out of food as soon as halfway through the month.
Kentucky Communities Experience Many Benefits from Complete Streets 05/16/11
With heavy reliance on driving in Kentucky, roads have generally been designed with only cars and trucks in mind, making it difficult and often dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians to navigate safely. A new issue brief by Kentucky Youth Advocates, Complete Streets: Venues for Safety and Wellness in Kentucky, indicates the need for complete streets in Kentucky and highlights the benefits this approach can bring to communities.
Statement by Kentucky Youth Advocates on the Passing of David Richart, Founding Director 05/16/11
It was with great sadness that Kentucky Youth Advocates learned of the passing of its founding director, David Richart of Louisville.
David served as Kentucky Youth Advocates’ first executive director in 1976, and over the next 20 years helped to shape it into the commonwealth’s most respected, credible voice for children and families.New Managed Care Contract Has Potential to Help or Hurt Children in Kentucky 04/26/11
The Beshear administration is currently in the process of implementing a managed care system to deliver health services to Kentuckians enrolled in Medicaid and KCHIP with the intent to both improve health outcomes and achieve cost savings. Kentucky Youth Advocates outlines both concerns and opportunities for children around managed care in a new issue brief, Policymakers Need to Consider Children While Negotiating Managed Care Contracts.
Policymakers Need to Consider Children While Negotiating Managed Care Contracts 04/07/11
The Request for Proposals for Medicaid Managed Care Organizations was released today and we are pleased to see the document requires specific considerations for children, including children in foster care, school based services, newborns, and children with special health care needs.
A Picture of Health: School Health Services in Kentucky Examined in New Report 03/31/11
Kentucky Youth Advocates and the University of Louisville released the findings of a study on districts’ school health services during the 2008-2009 school year. A Picture of Health: A Report on Kentucky School Districts' Health Services, provides a comprehensive view of the range of school health services and highlights promising practices to address the health needs of the Commonwealth's public-school children.
Legislature Sends Bill to Governor and Avoids Heavy Cuts to Medicaid Providers 03/18/11
In what can only be described as head-scratching maneuvering from all sides, Governor Beshear faces important decisions around the state’s Medicaid budget. There is no question that this issue is filled with a series of high risk propositions. For instance, the Governor is clearly on the line to save the millions he projects in expanding managed care. If he fails in that promise, then Kentucky’s children and families will be on the line as policymakers implement broad and deep cuts to needed supports.
HJR 5 passed unanimously out of both the House and the Senate and was signed into law by the Governor yesterday. Passage of this legislation indicates the value our policymakers place on having an efficient government operation, and no better time exists than before the next budget session.
New Report Shows Kentucky Children Would Suffer Under House Budget 02/28/11
At a time when over 208,000 Kentuckians are out of work, the U.S. House of Representatives’ approach to the federal budget fails the children and families who are struggling most with the recession, according to a new report by the Coalition on Human Needs for the SAVE for All campaign.
In a major effort to tap and foster state capital ingenuity, the Urban Institute has selected Kentucky as one of nine states to receive $250,000 each in planning grants as part of a five-year initiative with lead funding from the Ford Foundation.
Children's Advocacy Day at the Capitol Draws Hundreds to Frankfort 02/17/11
More than 1,000 Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth are registered to attend Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Frankfort today. They will urge legislators to make Kentucky’s children a priority when making decisions this session and support priorities on the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children, a common agenda for child advocates across the state.
02/16/11
Statement by Terry Brooks on House Banking & Insurance Committee’s Failure to Pass HB 182 02/15/11
HB 182 failed to pass the House Banking and Insurance Committee today. The bill would have capped the effective interest on payday loans at 36%. While we respect the votes of the members of the House Banking and Insurance Committee, we think the committee neglected their responsibility to protect Kentucky's most vulnerable citizens.
Body Mass Index Monitoring Bill Passes House Education Committee 02/15/11
Today members of the House Education Committee took a simple yet profound step forward for children in Kentucky by supporting House Bill 89, voting to put key, aggregate data on body mass index to work and tackle rising levels of child obesity in the Commonwealth.
HB 225 Passes House; It Tackles Kentucky's Apartheid of Educational Opportunity 02/10/11
Today the Kentucky House of Representatives stood up for kids across the Commonwealth by passing House Bill 225, which seeks to change the culture of our society and ensure that each child has a fair chance to graduate from high school.
At a time when taxpayers are paying more attention to the responsible use of their tax dollars than ever before, this legislation is a solid step toward making sure tax breaks are doing what they are intended to do and we thank House Speaker Pro Temp Larry Clark for championing this important legislation.
Statement by Tara Grieshop-Goodwin, Deputy Director of Kentucky Youth Advocates 02/09/11
House Bill 123 passes the House Judiciary Committee unanimously and is placed on the Consent Calendar. Kentucky moves forward to stop locking up kids for skipping school and running away from home and reinvests the cost savings.
Joint Statement Issued on the 2nd Anniversary of the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act 01/28/11
Covering Kentucky Kids and Families, Kentucky Youth Advocates and Kentucky Voices for Health commend Kentucky’s efforts to maintain a lifeline to uninsured children during tough economic times. The three groups also called on the state to make the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) even more efficient. They issued this statement on February 3, 2011.
More than 300,000 low-income children—including 7,000 children in Kentucky—are at-risk of losing federally funded early childhood services if Congress does not protect current investments in families and the American economy. With lawmakers set to approve a long-delayed FY 2011 budget in the coming weeks, Kentucky Youth Advocates is calling on Congress to maintain current funding for cost-effective early learning programs that provide immediate and future economic and social returns for individuals, taxpayers, and society.
Call for EITC Awareness Excellent Reminder of What Kentucky Can do to Help Working Families 01/11/11
After a whirlwind first week of the 2011 legislative session, the next few weeks serve as a good time for reflection on how good policy like the Earned Income Tax Credit can make a lasting impact on the well-being of families and children. Governor Beshear’s declaration of EITC awareness is an excellent reminder that establishing a state-level EITC is a real opportunity to help Kentucky families. A state EITC would boost the pro-family climate created with the federal EITC.
Bill Filed to Raise Graduation Age 01/06/11
Today’s youth face an economy with daunting challenges and a highly competitive environment to find jobs. The best economic development tool is an educated workforce. Many adolescents who leave school early are entrenched in poverty and unemployment. HB 225 seeks to change the culture of our society and ensure that each child has a fair chance to graduate from high school.
Tax reform needed in Kentucky but we must ensure children and families’ interests are considered 01/06/11
Yesterday, David Williams presented Senate Bill 1 to the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee. We commend Senate President David Williams for calling for a review of Kentucky's inadequate and outdated tax system. We agree that Kentucky needs real tax reform. However, real tax reform needs to take into account the needs of all Kentuckians.
2010
Kentucky Ranks 9th in Online Disclosure of Economic Development Deals 12/13/10
A new report analyzing how states disclose economic development deals ranks Kentucky 9th in the country, but awarded the Commonwealth an average score of 45 out of a possible 100. While more and more states are turning to online disclosure of this information, a wide variety of quality of reporting still exists.
More than One in Eight Kentucky Children Have an Unemployed Parent 12/07/10
A new report analyzing national and state unemployment rates reveals that more than 1 in 8 Kentucky children have at least one unemployed parent, totaling nearly 126,000 children. Kentucky’s rate is higher than the nationwide rate of 1 in 10 children.
Kentucky's Children will Benefit from the Passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act 12/02/10
The U.S. House of Representatives took a major step in support of America’s children by passing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307), today. Following the unanimous consent of the Senate, the House voted 264-157, with two of Kentucky's six Representatives voting "Aye."
County-Level Measures of Child Obesity Needed in Kentucky 11/17/10
The Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children, a unified policy agenda for child advocates across the state, calls on state leaders to take the steps needed to ensure that children’s BMI percentiles are monitored in Kentucky.
A wide body of research shows that locking up young people for misconduct like skipping school, running away from home, or repeatedly not following the rules of their parents or school is ineffective and actually increases a youth’s chance of becoming involved in criminal activity as an adult. Partners in the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children are advocating for changes to Kentucky’s laws to ensure that youth are only locked up when it is truly necessary.
Kentucky Schools to Celebrate International Walk to School Day 10/04/10
Eleven schools across Kentucky will join over 2,500 schools across the nation to celebrate International Walk to School Day, this week, by teaching safe walking and biking skills, encouraging kids to walk or bike to school and promoting walking and biking throughout the year. Schools in Bowling Green, Fort Knox, Lexington, Louisville, Murray and Southgate will be among those participating.
Recession Drives Poverty Rates up Sharply in Kentucky 09/28/10
Child poverty in Kentucky increased to 25.2 percent in the 2009 American Community Survey (ACS) from 23.4 percent in the 2007 ACS. In Kentucky, over 250,000 children are poor, up from 228,000 in 2007, according to Census Bureau data released on September 28, 2010.
The federal health care law was enacted just six months ago, but tomorrow, a set of important new protections will take effect, designed to curb the worst excesses of the insurance industry. The question at hand is whether Kentucky will take the necessary steps forward that this Act provides.
Health Coverage Weakens in Kentucky and U.S. 09/16/10
The rate of uninsured Kentuckians increased in 2009, primarily due to a decrease in employer-sponsored health insurance. The number of uninsured across the country increased as well. Nearly one in five Kentuckians lacked health coverage in 2008 and 2009, according to new Census Bureau data, which is the same as the nationwide rate.
2010 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book Measures Economic Well Being 08/31/10
Kentucky Youth Advocates released its 20th annual Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book, which provides state and county‐level data in order to measure and track improvements in the lives of children. The 2010 book focuses on fifteen indicators of economic well-being and gives a glimpse into the effects of the national recession on children and families in the Commonwealth. A number of indicators measure the usage of work supports (publically funded assistance programs that either boost incomes or offset family expenses), which are vital to helping low-income families weather the economic downturn.
Kentucky is 40th in KIDS COUNT Ranking of Child Well-Being 07/27/10
Kentucky ranks 40th in the nation in over-all child well-being according to the national 2010 KIDS COUNT Data Book, released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The annual publication uses the best available data to measure the educational, social, economic, and physical well-being of children in each state.
Kentuckians experiencing long-term unemployment will receive much needed help after Congress showed great leadership by moving to add extra weeks of jobless benefits, originally provided by the Recovery Act.
Detrimental Budget Cuts Will Stall Kentucky’s Progress 05/28/10
In many ways, this session has been about a few wise investments and many lost opportunities. While policymakers clearly faced a challenge to balance the budget during the recession, we were pleased to see some thoughtful investments that will help Kentuckians now and save the state money down the road. However, policymakers missed a key opportunity to apply this same level of thoughtfulness to tax breaks.
2010 Bicycle Friendly State Rankings Announced 05/21/10
To coincide with Bike to Work Day and Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists announced the third annual Bicycle Friendly State (BFS) rankings. Kentucky ranked 22nd this year, compared to 27th in 2009 and 29th in 2008.
Louisville Residents Invited to Join National Discussion on Debt 05/20/10
Louisville is one of eighteen sites for an unprecedented national discussion on the national debt. The nonpartisan process, called AmericaSpeaks: Our Budget, Our Economy, will bring together Americans here and across the country to meet in person and online to learn about the issues involved, weigh the options and develop recommendations for leaders in Washington.
Success Starts with Reading: Reading by the End of Third Grade Declared a National Priority 05/18/10
The Annie E. Casey Foundation and a range of partners are focusing attention on the critical importance of achieving grade-level reading proficiency for all children by the end of third grade. The ability to read is central to a child’s success in school, life-long earning potential, and ability to contribute to the nation’s economy and its security.
This new national emphasis on reading success is introduced by a special KIDS COUNT report, Early Warning: Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters.During Special Session Legislators must Compromise on Budget, Not on Progress 05/12/10
With the special session scheduled to begin on May 24, the General Assembly’s approach to the budget may never be more important than it is right now. Their actions in the midst of the recession can put Kentucky on a path to growth when the economy recovers or can severely impede our progress as a state and put us at a long-term disadvantage relative to our neighbors.
After sixty days in Frankfort, nothing has changed and no budget decisions were made in what can only be described as a disappointing lack of leadership. The upcoming special session presents a new opportunity for legislators to put the failed negotiations behind them. It is crucial that legislators adopt a balanced approach to Kentucky’s economic problem, one that combines new revenue with carefully considered efficiencies.
50- State Report: Kentucky is Most Transparent 03/13/10
Kentucky received the top grade for openness of government spending, according to FOLLOWING THE MONEY: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data,” a national report released on Tuesday by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.
Senate Education Committee Votes to Raise Graduation Age 03/23/10
With the passage of HB 301 this morning the Senate Education Committee moved the General Assembly one step closer to a key policy that supports Kentucky’s kids today and will bolster our economy for the future. Raising the legal dropout age from 16 to 18 will align Kentucky’s law with the 21st century reality where a high school diploma is required for most mainstream jobs.
Senate Proposes Zero-Sum Game with Kentucky Losing 03/23/10
Contrary to the thinking that is guiding the Senate’s budget proposal, being a low-cost state for business will not make Kentucky the envy of the nation and spur economic development. Rather, the Senate’s focus on cost-cutting may irreversibly harm the quality of the one input that is truly attractive to companies looking to do business in Kentucky – human capital.
Kentucky’s Children and Families Are Big Winners in Last Night’s Vote for Historic Health Reform 03/22/10
The House of Representatives took an historic step in support of America’s children and families by passing health reform legislation, yesterday evening. By creating reliable, affordable coverage options that don’t disappear when a parent becomes sick or loses a job, the legislation protects and strengthens the well-being and financial stability of our nation’s children and their families.
Message to Senate: Smart Budgeting Today is Key to Building Prosperous Future for Kentuckians 03/19/10
Budgeting during difficult times presents its own set of challenges. By adhering to the following smart budgeting practices, policymakers can minimize harm to individuals, families, and businesses and can avoid further damage to our economy already made fragile by the recession.
Message to House: Kentucky Needs a Balanced Approach to Budget Shortfall 02/17/10
Lawmakers currently face a $1.5 billion gap between what it will take to meet people's needs over the next two years and how much Kentucky has available for the state budget. A new report offers several concrete strategies Kentucky lawmakers can use to increase revenue and balance the budget responsibly.
Statement by Terry Brooks, Executive Director, Kentucky Youth Advocates on HB301 03/04/10
Today House members showed a real commitment to the youth of Kentucky and to the future of our Commonwealth by voting to raise the mandatory age of school attendance to 18. In these tough economic times, we need to prioritize policies that position our state to move ahead and this bill does exactly that.
Jefferson County Youth Development Leaders Gather for KIDS COUNT Conversation 2/25/10
Some 85 leaders and staff of youth development organizations in Jefferson County are gathering at Metro United Way today to talk about issues that face youth in the area, and ways that they can collaborate to make positive changes for kids.
Child Advocates Gather in Frankfort to Push Blueprint for Kentucky's Children Agenda 02/18/10
Over 800 Kentuckians from across the Commonwealth are gathering in Frankfort today for Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol. They are urging legislators to make Kentucky’s children a priority when making decisions this session. Participants come with a common agenda, known as the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children.
Message to House: Kentucky Needs a Balanced Approach to Budget Shortfall 02/17/10
Lawmakers currently face a $1.5 billion gap between what it will take to meet people's needs over the next two years and how much Kentucky has available for the state budget. A new report offers several concrete strategies Kentucky lawmakers can use to increase revenue and balance the budget responsibly.
Statement from Terry Brooks, Executive Director, Kentucky Youth Advocates on HB 301 02/16/10
The House Education Committee took action to stimulate Kentucky’s economy this morning by sending a bill to the full House to raise the mandatory age of school attendance to age 18. A high school diploma is, in fact, the best economic stimulus any individual can have in the long term, and the economic benefits extend to the state as well.
Kentucky’s Ranking on Tracking Federal Recovery Spending Improved Dramatically 01/26/10
A Good Jobs First report released today finds Kentucky’s ranking improved dramatically in comparison with other states in how well it tracks federal recovery spending and promotes government accountability. Kentucky’s website for general recovery spending information, Kentucky at Work, ranks 2nd out of all 50 states.
The slow and persistent decline in the growth of state revenues can only be remedied if state legislators intentionally balance the tax structure to provide adequate revenues that prove stable and predictable over time.
A new report, released today by Kentucky Youth Advocates analyzes how budget shortfalls have been handled thus far and makes the case that it is time for the Governor and Legislators to take a balanced approach that includes new revenue measures.
2009
Yesterday’s considerable conversations around the impending budget crisis underscore a clear leadership challenge for Kentucky’s policymakers. In the upcoming session of the General Assembly, the Governor and the legislature need to embrace and enact a balanced approach to the budget that includes new revenue.
The report finds that the Commonwealth can save money in the long run and decrease the number of children neglected and abused by working with families to address their problems so they can stay together safely, instead of placing the children in foster homes or residential facilities.
Economic Recovery Act Keeping Roughly 100,000 Kentuckians
Out of Poverty in Recession 12/17/09
Along with boosting the economy and saving and creating jobs, seven provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) passed in February are also protecting about 102,000 Kentuckians from poverty this year.
Child Safety the Focus of 2009 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book 12/16/09
This 19th annual edition of the County Data Book provides state‐ and county‐level data on child population, child poverty, and key indicators of safety, including child and teen deaths, child abuse and neglect, and juvenile justice.
New Report Finds Kentucky Middle Class Bearing Greater Tax Burden than Wealthy 11/18/09
Low- and middle-income families in Kentucky pay a higher proportion of their income in state and local taxes than do the wealthiest families in Kentucky, according to a report released today by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy entitled, Who Pays? A Distributional Analysis of the Tax Systems in all 50 States.
Report Shows How Safe Routes to School Makes Changes 11/11/09
On November 10, 2009 the Safe Routes to School National Partnership released a report highlighting the progress achieved at state and local levels, including major accomplishments, lessons learned and next steps. One of the hallmarks of the project was Safe Routes to School's ability to bring together the state departments of transportation, health and education to improve programs and policies through a health lens.
Census Data Reveals Striking Poverty Rates in Kentucky Counties 10/27/09
Today the Census Bureau released poverty data on Kentucky counties with populations of 20,000 or more. Of these 55 counties, 41 have higher rates of poverty than the national average of 13.2 percent. Of these 41 counties, 27 have higher rates of poverty than the state average of 17.3 percent. Of the 44 counties with child populations over 20,000, three have child poverty rates higher than 40 percent: Floyd, Harlan, and Perry. These geographic variations within the state display the need for continued support and intervention for struggling individuals and families.
Kentucky Tax and Budget Initiative Launches Kentucky Economic Watch 10/12/09
Kentucky Youth Advocates' Tax and Budget Initiative introduces Kentucky Economic Watch today. This new effort will provide consistent and comprehensive analysis of the three most telling data points reflecting the reality of Kentucky's economic climate; state General Fund revenue receipts, the state unemployment rate, and food stamp participation rates. The following examination of September's revenue receipts marks the first of the series.
Statement by Terry Brooks on the Consensus Forecasting Group Planning Estimates 10/12/09
The Consensus Forecasting Group met today to produce planning estimates for Governor Beshear and state agencies to use in drafting the 2011 and 2012 budget. The group of economic experts determined revenue growth is likely to turn around over the course of the two year period, but will do so slowly. To date, there is nothing to indicate Kentucky’s economy is beginning to grow.
International Walk to School Day, Eight Kentucky Communities to Participate 10/05/09
Wednesday, October 7th will be a day for children across Kentucky to walk back in time. Several Kentucky communities will celebrate International Walk to School Day by teaching safe walking and biking skills, encouraging kids to walk or bike to school and promoting walking and biking throughout the year. Schools in Bowling Green, Lexington, Louisville, Murray, Paris and Versailles are among those that are participating.
New Report Finds Low-Income Families Struggle to Access Affordable, Good-Quality Child Care 09/29/09
A study released today by the National Women’s Law Center on child care policies reveals that between February of 2008 and February of 2009 more states made cuts than made improvements in desperately needed child care assistance, worsening an already bleak landscape for parents trying to afford reliable child care.
Number of Children Living in Poverty Remains High in Kentucky, Census Bureau Reports 09/29/09
Kentuckians were equally likely to be poor in 2008 than when the last recession bottomed out in 2001, according to Census Bureau data released today. The figures for 2008 likely will be worse for 2009, when the full force of the recession deepened and unemployment rose.
According to the Census Bureau data released today, the income of the median Kentucky household in 2008 was stagnate at $41,538 - $507 less than in 2006 and $276 less than in 2007. Also, the Census Bureau released additional health insurance data focusing on specific demographics. In Kentucky, 69,973 children 18 and under are uninsured. A greater percentage of Kentucky children are insured than in the U.S. and Indiana.
A report released today by Kentucky Youth Advocates measures the level of disproportionality at key decision-making points within Kentucky’s juvenile justice system, with data as recent as 2008. The report finds that not only do youth encounter disparate treatment at each stage, but those disparities are compounded as they move further into the system.
New Census Bureau Data Show Lack of Health Insurance and Continued Decline in Job-Based Coverage 09/10/09
Roughly one in seven Kentuckians lacked health coverage in 2007 and 2008, according to Census Bureau data released today, and employer-provided health insurance continued to decline nationwide. These findings, which will almost certainly worsen in 2009 because of the recession, highlight the need for realistic and common sense reform to our health care system.
Language Access Services in Health Care Still Lacking in Kentucky, Servicios de Traducción en Oficinas de Salud Son Todavía Deficientes en Kentucky 08/27/09
A basic requirements of high quality health care is the ability for health care professionals and their patients to be able to understand and communicate with each other. Despite federal law which requires health care providers to offer language access services to individuals who are learning English, many providers fall short, according to a report released today.
Kentucky Youth Advocates Releases Video Series on Budget Impacts 08/19/09
In an effort to engage Kentuckians in a discussion on the need for fundamental
reform of our tax and budget structure, Kentucky Youth Advocates is releasing four video
interviews – one every Wednesday, over the next four weeks – with individuals across the state
who are receiving or who have received help from state‐funded programs or services. The
individuals share their personal stories and what it would mean if budget cuts were to affect
their programs.
Focus of First Week of August is National Breastfeeding Awareness 08/05/09
Despite the fact that breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for infants and is associated with numerous positive outcomes for both babies and mothers, Kentucky has the second lowest rate in the nation of babies who were ever breastfed and the third lowest rate of babies breastfeeding at six months of age, as of 2006.
Kentucky Ranks Poorly on Tracking of Federal Stimulus Dollars 08/03/09
A Good Jobs First report released today finds that Kentucky does a poor job of tracking federal stimulus spending and promoting government accountability. The state’s website for general stimulus spending information tied for 47th and the Department of Transportation’s public information specific to highway project spending tied for 50th.
Kentucky Remains 41st in National KIDS COUNT Ranking 07/28/09
For the second year in a row Kentucky ranks 41st in the nation in over-all child well-being according to the national 2009 KIDS COUNT Data Book, released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The annual publication uses the best available data to measure the educational, social, economic, and physical well-being of children in each state. This year marks the 20th edition of the book.
Increasing the Minimum Wage Rate: A Net Benefit in Kentucky 06/30/09
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.
Confusing Financial Options Lead Many Kentuckians into Cycle of Debt
Focus Study Uncovers Experiences with Payday Lending and Other High‐Cost Financial Services 06/29/09
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.
Secure detention for youth who commit status offenses is not only the most expensive approach but it is also the least effective.
Statement by Terry Brooks on Governor Beshear’s Amended Call for Slots 06/04/09
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.
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 by Terry Brooks on Governor Beshear's Call for a Special Session 06/03/09
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 by Terry Brooks, Executive Director, Kentucky Youth Advocates, on the Revenue Revision of the Consensus Forecasting Group 05/30/09
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.
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 $1.4 billion budget shortfall for 2010 but the temporary relief will not solve the long-term structural budget problems the Commonwealth has faced for years.
Statement of Terry Brooks on Gov. Beshear's Commitment to Cap Interest Rates on Payday Loans to 36% 03/25/09
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.
Bill Needs Strengthened to Protect Families from Debt Trap, Payday Loans Bill Passes House Committee 02/25/09
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 in Kentucky and is actually a weaker bill than a database bill passed on the House floor last year.
Current Budget Proposal Insufficent, Fail to Take Economy Into Account
02/02/09
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.
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