State Government

Last year, the General Assembly created a task force to study the governance of Jefferson County Public Schools. After it called for another year of study, the legislature is considering expanding the group to study all Kentucky schools.

A fast-moving bill that could subject many rural water supplies in Kentucky to pollution may have hit a bump in the road, with a GOP chairman acknowledging “validity” of concerns.

Members of the Kentucky House debated for more than an hour Wednesday afternoon ahead of the vote.

A bill before the Kentucky General Assembly would exempt most non-profits, including churches, from having to collect the 6% sales tax on items such as meals and sports leagues.

The ombudsman’s job is to investigate and resolve complaints about agencies in the cabinet, including protective services for children and elderly Kentuckians.

The bill easily passed, 11-4, the House Health Services Committee on Thursday mostly along party lines after six Kentucky health care professionals testified against it. 

In last year’s budget, the Republican-controlled General Assembly set various caps on spending by state agencies when responding to a disaster, before asking the legislature for a new appropriation.

The minority of Democrats in the GOP-controlled chamber who opposed Senate Bill 89 echoed strong concerns from environmental groups that the legislation could open the door to more pollution of groundwater, wetlands and small headwater streams across the state. 

Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher said the education department would continue to discuss possible future funding with lawmakers.