State Government Archives

Public invited to view program on legislative redistricting

by Jennifer P. Brown
January 6, 2021

The program will be shown during Monday's League of Women Voters meeting.

Congressman Comer says he and his staff are safe at U.S. Capitol

by Chloe Moore
January 6, 2021

In a statement, Comer condemned the acts of pro-Trump extremists who breached the Capitol on Wednesday.

Kentucky legislature moves to limit Beshear’s powers on first day of session

by Ryland Barton
January 5, 2021

The Republican-led Kentucky legislature is moving quickly with bills to alter the governor’s emergency powers, restrict abortions and allow businesses to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.

Republican leadership says Kentucky lawmakers must wear masks during session

by Ryland Barton
January 5, 2021

The requirement comes after several instances of lawmakers not wearing masks during interim committee hearings last year.

Kentucky legislative leaders describe plans to change Gov. Beshear’s emergency powers

by Kentucky Health News
January 5, 2021

Beshear said reducing his emergency powers while the virus is surging and hospitals are filling up, and the state is deploying vaccines, "would not only be a shame, it would be a tragedy."

West Kentucky legislator proposes bill to make dog, cat torture a felony

by Dalton York
January 4, 2021

The bill would expand the current statute to include protections for all dogs and cats, not just domestic pets as previously legislated.

Kentucky lawmakers returning Tuesday for unusual legislative session

by Ryland Barton
January 4, 2021

Legislators need to pass a one-year budget amid uncertainties about how much money the state will bring in, and they must respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Republican leaders say they want to strip Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear of his power to respond to the pandemic.

State auditor Mike Harmon tests positive for coronavirus

by Ryland Barton
December 30, 2020

Harmon was likely exposed to the virus before or shortly after receiving the coronavirus vaccine on Monday. In a statement, he said he still has faith in the vaccine and the need for people to receive it as quickly as possible.

Pandemic thrust Health Commissioner Steven Stack from low-profile job into spotlight of public scrutiny

by Kentucky Health News
December 30, 2020

Less than a month after he moved from running a hospital emergency department to leading the state Department for Public Health, Kentucky's first case of COVID-19 was reported.

Direct payments for coronavirus relief will total $2.26 billion for Kentuckians

by Jennifer P. Brown
December 29, 2020

Based on the state’s calculation of the total amount available for direct payments to households, an estimated 85% of Kentuckians are eligible for the payments.

Western Kentucky legislator sponsors bill to help disaster relief businesses, employees

by Scottlynn Ballard
December 28, 2020

Rep. Myron Dossett is sponsoring the bill that aims to waive state income taxes and fees for utility and communication businesses and employees while they respond to natural, out-of-state disasters. He said it’s important because unlike other states, Kentucky utility employees are still required to pay Kentucky rates, even when working out of state.

Plain talk is understood: ‘Snot and spit … spread infection,’ health chief says as he advises against travel and gatherings

by Melissa Patrick
December 16, 2020

Dr. Steven Stack also asked Kentuckians not to attend gatherings outside their households during the holidays, and to order carry-out instead of dining indoors if at all possible.