Commentary
The fault lies not in their stars. (Most likely it’s in their laws.)
To the average person, “venue” is the place where some organized event happens — a concert, a conference, or (particularly in March) a basketball game. To a person who suffers a legal wrong or injury, it is the court where the law says a criminal or civil case must be filed. The general rule on […]
The rise of the ‘Frankfort Knows Best’ legislature
It is said that a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of a small mind.? That is nowhere more apparent than with the Kentucky General Assembly and its occasional respect for local governance. Lawmakers purport to respect “local control” and to value home rule — the idea that, within limits, communities and their local elected officials […]
Georgia’s $141M school voucher program likely mere down payment on what’s to come
In its attempt to shove school vouchers down the throat of reluctant voters, Georgia Republicans have argued that the state’s existing structure of public schools is not capable of providing an adequate education to many students, especially to those in “failing schools.” If that’s true, it’s basically an admission of failure by the GOP, since […]
Kentucky legislature: A historian’s perspective
During the current legislative session, the budget that finally emerges will be the result of some compromise and a good deal more behind-the-scenes action. The Republican majority paid scant attention to the Democratic governor’s recommendations. Some observers have argued that having a Republican governor at this time would have better served the state given that […]
Overbroad bill risks turning food plant workers, government inspectors, neighbors into criminals
We expect, as a commonwealth, that when lawmakers propose to make activity criminal, that they choose their words carefully. We also expect that government will take action to assure that our food supply is safe, and that workers in the workplace will not be exposed to hazards due to employer negligence. Yet pending before the […]
New bureaucracy would burden Kentuckians with higher power bills if Senate Bill 349 becomes law
In late February, energy legislation (SB 349) that’s been promised from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, arrived on the last day for bills to be introduced. Discussing the measure on the Senate floor last week, supporters emphasized the legislation’s commitment to an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. It’s a talking point many might buy — unless they […]
The antisemitism addiction
Back in college, I authored an essay dripping with antisemitic rhetoric. Jewish Americans weren’t my target — I was frustrated with Israel — but you wouldn’t have known it from what flowed out of my poison pen. Fortunately, I attended college before social media. Instead of someone leaking my words so they could go viral, […]
Kentucky supermajority can do anything it wants, so why not protect kids from gun violence?
Let’s start here: Republicans have an overwhelming supermajority in the Kentucky legislature. We also have a record surplus. If a Republican-sponsored bill is a priority, if leadership wants it, there is nothing to stop them from fully funding and passing that bill. In 2019, the year after the deadly Marshall County High School shooting, our […]
A lot to give up without a fight, public’s right to know undercut by ‘modernization’ bill
Approximately nine minutes. That was the duration of the March 12 floor debate in the House of Representatives on House Bill 509. Approximately nine minutes to reverse nearly a half century of open records law and effectively repeal statutorily established and enforceable rights of public access to records based on their nature and content rather […]
A call for comprehensive support in complex pregnancies
Although House Bill 467 may seem compassionate at first glance, it sparks considerable concerns for people who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of deeply desired pregnancies due to fetal anomalies. Democrats walk out to protest ‘alternatives to pregnancy termination’ bill House Bill 467 advocates exclusively for perinatal palliative care in response to fatal diagnoses, neglecting […]
Regressive, ‘lock them up’ House Bill 5 would be a costly mistake for Kentucky
As a public defender for 37 years and as a person who has requested common sense, evidenced-based reforms of our criminal legal system, I know House Bill 5 is the wrong direction.? HB 5 is an imprudent policy with an irresponsible expenditure of funds. Lock them up and throw away the key may make people […]
Kentucky Senate’s pro-coal bill would burden ratepayers, make energy transition more chaotic
For many years, Kentucky’s three-person, non-partisan Public Service Commission (PSC) has presided over Kentucky’s investor-owned and co-operative electric utilities. It has been guided by two principles — that utilities should meet the energy needs of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers using the reasonable least-cost alternative. And that those utilities, for the privilege of having […]