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Economic Well-Being | Education | Health | Immigrant & Refugee | Juvenile Justice | KIDS COUNT | Safety | Tax & Budget | Other
Economic Well-Being
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.
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.
A report on the Kentucky Asset Success Initiative finds that the economic impact on local communities was $14.7 million with nearly twice as many families served in 2008.
50 State Study Finds Kentucky's Child Care Subsidy Policies Trailing the Nation 09/28/08
Child care subsidies allow low-income parents to work while ensuring children are cared for and educated in a safe environment. However, low-income parents in Kentucky who receive child care subsidies are still paying very high co-payment rates, and the state’s eligibility level is among the country’s lowest.
U.S. Census Bureau Reveals an Increase in Child Poverty in Kentucky and Growth in Uninsured 08/26/08
While Kentucky’s poverty rate decreased slightly in 2007, Census Bureau data reveals families are faring worse over time.
Strengthening Economic Well-Being among New Kentuckians 05/15/08
A new issue brief finds that, too many immigrant families in Kentucky face barriers to financial stability.
Income Inequality Growing in Kentucky and the Nation 04/09/08
Kentucky ranks sixth in the nation in the growth in inequality between the top and bottom fifth of income levels over the past twenty years.
Payday Loan Bill Passes House 56-35 03/20/08
Kentucky takes a first step in protecting working families from the debt trap of payday loans.
January 31st is National Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day
01/30/08
Partners will gather to celebrate the federal government’s largest program benefiting working families – the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – and to move the agenda forward towards state EITC legislation.
The report identifies specific policy solutions to improve Kentucky’s child care subsidy administration through the voices of families, child care providers, and caseworkers involved with child care subsidies on a regular basis.
Cigarette Excise Tax Increase Provides More Revenue and No Long Term Impact on Cross Border Sales 12/13/07
Study reveals that there is a clear opportunity to increase the excise tax as both a fiscal strategy and commitment to health.
Kentucky Ranks 5th Worst in Nation in Disparities between High and Low Income Children 12/13/07
A report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation finds that low-income kids in Kentucky are worse off than their counterparts in other states.
Report Finds It's Expensive to be Poor in Kentucky 06/18/07
“The High Price of Being Poor in Kentucky” finds that lower income
Kentuckians pay some of the highest prices in the state for basic goods and services,
hindering their ability to get ahead and adding up to hundreds, sometimes thousands, of
dollars in extra costs every year.
more on ECONOMIC WELL-BEING
Education
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.
Leaders across the nation are realizing the importance of increasing
graduation rates. Rather than just a problem for individuals who drop out, a growing body of
evidence shows that failing to graduate has long‐term negative consequences for society as
well.
50 State Study Finds Kentucky's Child Care Subsidy Policies Trailing the Nation 09/28/08
Child care subsidies allow low-income parents to work while ensuring children are cared for and educated in a safe environment. However, low-income parents in Kentucky who receive child care subsidies are still paying very high co-payment rates, and the state’s eligibility level is among the country’s lowest.
Kentucky's Immigrant Youth Face Tough Transition to Adulthood 06/27/08
A look at Kentucky's immigrant youth finds that language and cultural barriers are leading more to drop out of high school.
more on EDUCATION
Health
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.
Language Access Services in Health Care Still Lacking in Kentucky 08/27/09
A basic requirement 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. Spanish Press Release.
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.
The Beshear Plan: A Win for Kentucky’s Families and Children 09/02/08
Today Governor Beshear announced measures to simplify health insurance enrollment, increase outreach, and improve health outcomes for children in Kentucky.
Birth Outcomes for Newborn Babies in Kentucky Lag Behind Nation 08/06/08
Newborn babies in Kentucky continue to start off at a disadvantage compared to those born in the rest of the United States, according to a report released today.
Kentucky's Medicaid System Confusing to Navigate 06/02/08
In a new report, families voice concerns about accessing services for their children enrolled in KyHealth Choices.
Ensuring a Healthy Start: Prenatal Care and Birth Outcomes Among Newborn Kentuckians 04/29/08
A new issue brief finds that Kentucky mothers born outside the U.S. do not receive adequate care during pregnancy to ensure healthy outcomes.
At Least One in Four Pregnant Women in Kentucky Smoke 03/06/08
Advocates promote an increase in cigarette excise tax as proven solution to reducing the number of women who smoke while pregnant.
The SCHIP Fiasco: Lots of Children Left Behind 10/03/07
Today President Bush vetoed the bill reauthorizing SCHIP, creating a bleak outlook for Kentucky's uninsured children.
more on HEALTH
Immigrant & Refugee
Kentucky's Immigrant Youth Face Tough Transition to Adulthood 06/27/08
A look at Kentucky's immigrant youth finds that language and cultural barriers are leading more to drop out of high school.
Strengthening Economic Well-Being among New Kentuckians 05/15/08
A new issue brief finds that, too many immigrant families in Kentucky face barriers to financial stability.
Ensuring a Healthy Start: Prenatal Care and Birth Outcomes Among Newborn Kentuckians 04/29/08
A new issue brief finds that Kentucky mothers born outside the U.S. do not receive adequate care during pregnancy to ensure healthy outcomes.
New Voices from the Bluegrass: A Portrait of Kentucky's Children in Immigrant Families 09/07/07
Kentucky Youth Advocates' new report finds that the state has the ninth fastest growing immigrant population, most of them U.S.-born. While Kentucky's overall child population declines, the rate of immigrant children is growing.
more on IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE
Juvenile Justice
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.
Secure detention for youth who commit status offenses is not only the most expensive approach but it is also the least effective.
KIDS COUNT
Child Safety the Focus of 2009 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book 12/16/08
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.
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.
2008 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book Sees More Improvement than Decline 12/04/08
Tax credits, corporal punishment and breastfeeding are among new indicators of child well-being.
Today Kentucky Youth Advocates and the Annie E. Casey Foundation released the 19th annual 2008 national KIDS COUNT Data Book.
Kentucky Ranks 5th Worst in Nation in Disparities between High and Low Income Children 12/13/07
A report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation finds that low-income kids in Kentucky are worse off than their counterparts in other states.
New Report Indicates State Moving in Right Direction; Work Remains on Child Well-Being 11/09/07
Kentucky Youth Adovcates released its 17th annual Kentucky KIDS COUNT Data Book.
more on KIDS COUNT
Safety
Efforts to Keep Families Together Provide Immediate and Long-term Savings for the Commonwealth 12/21/09
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.
Report Shows How Safe Routes to School Makes Changes in 10 Networks through Partners and Policies 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.
Today Kentucky Youth Advocates and the Annie E. Casey Foundation released the 19th annual 2008 national KIDS COUNT Data Book.
Report Calls for Booster Seat Law to Reduce Child Deaths and Injuries
01/22/08
The report calls for passage of legislation that would require all children ages 4 up to their 8th birthday to ride in a booster seat, unless they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height.
Kentucky Receives 'D' Grade for Legal Representation of Children in Foster Care 04/30/07
First Star, a national child advocacy organization, issued
a report, giving grades to states based on components like mandates for representation,
training requirements, child’s involvement in proceedings, and attorney immunity from
malpractice.
more on SAFETY
Tax & Budget
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.
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.
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.
Economic Recovery Act Keeping Roughly 100,000 Kentuckians Out of Poverty in Recession 12/07/09
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 according to a new study from Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Kentucky Middle Class Bears 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Because the fiscal stimulus is short‐term and revenue estimates for the next biennium are expected to be relatively low, it is certain there will be difficult budgetary choices ahead. It is imperative that the legislature takes appropriate action to fix the structural deficit problem.
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.
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.
Analysis: Cigarette Tax Must Increase By 70 Cents to Be Effective 12/19/08
Kentucky needs to raise the cigarette tax significantly to offset smoking-related social costs and discourage smoking. The current tax rate does neither. Further, an increase of less than 70 cents would merely produce revenues, doing little to decrease smoking and smoking-related costs.
Kentucky’s Revenue Faces Additional Shortfall: Budget Vulnerable to National Economic Downturn 10/30/08
Kentucky’s quarterly revenue receipts released by the State Budget Office reflects reveales that both of the major state funds have a significant shortfall.
January 31st is National Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day 01/30/08
Partners will gather to celebrate the federal government’s largest program benefiting working families and to move the agenda forward towards state EITC legislation.
Cigarette Excise Tax Increase Provides More Revenue and No Long Term Impact on Cross Border Sales 12/13/07
Study reveals that there is a clear opportunity to increase the excise tax as both a fiscal strategy and commitment to health.
Report Gives Kentucky State Government an "F" for Online Transparency 11/15/07
The Good Jobs First Study ranked state websites for quantity and quality of online disclosure.
Kentucky’s 2005 Tax Reform: Does it Increase the State’s Risk of a Structural Deficit? 05/16/07
On March 18, 2005, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher signed into law a tax modernization package designed to better attract and retain jobs and spur economic growth. Now, more than two years later, does Governor Fletcher’s tax plan truly improve the security of Kentucky’s tax revenues in the long-term?
Combined Reporting: A Solution to Corporate Tax Shelters in Kentucky
04/16/07
Kentucky is losing hundreds of millions of dollars every year due to corporate tax loopholes. Kentucky Youth Advocates has issued a report describing these loopholes and how a tax reporting requirement mandated in twenty states can thwart them all.
Kentucky’s Budgetary Exposure to Captive REIT Strategies 03/15/07
As tax day approaches, consider this: What if you could deduct your mortgage or rent payment from your taxes, but instead of mailing your check to your bank or landlord, you mailed it to yourself? A KYA report finds that state multi-corporations use a loophole to do just that.
more on TAX & BUDGET
Other
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.
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.
Youth to Unveil Blueprint for Kentucky's Children at Children's Advocacy Day at the Capitol 02/05/08
Over 600 Kentuckians from across the state will join in Frankfort to urge legislators to invest in Kentucky’s children when making budget decisions this session.
Kentucky Youth Advocates Receives National Advocacy Award 11/19/07
The Alliance for Children and Families announced today that the recipient of its National Family Week Advocacy Award is Kentucky Youth Advocates.
Through the efforts of the Congregation Adath Jeshurun Kentucky Youth Advocates, will publicly announce the implementation of an Eastern Kentucky Youth Voice Initiative focusing on solutions to poverty in Appalachia with emphasis on the role that the young people can play as future leaders in their communities.
more on YOUTH ENGAGEMENT