Kentucky

Report Says More Woes For Appalachian Coal Mining

Associated Press — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:50:17 +0000

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A new report says hard times are expected to continue for the coal industry in Central Appalachia, which at one time was the hub of the nation's coal production.

Coal business in the mountains of eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia is facing declining reserves, higher production costs and competition from other coal basins and natural gas.

Abuse Panel To Issue First Report This Year

Associated Press — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:16:32 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A panel appointed by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear to review cases of severe child abuse and neglect says it expects to issue its first report later this year.

The Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel began meeting last November after Beshear created it through an executive order.

Kentucky Reports Decline In General Fund Revenue

Associated Press — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:33:14 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky.-- Kentucky faced huge declines in revenue from key tax sources in April despite a rebounding national economy, the state's top budget official said Friday.

State Budget Director Jane Driskell released a monthly revenue report showing that corporate income tax revenue fell by nearly 90 percent in April compared to April 2012 levels.

Despite Law, Some Families Lack Autism Coverage

Associated Press — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:18:10 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- When Kentucky passed a law in 2010 to require insurers to cover autism treatment, Heather Dales felt like a weight had lifted off her family. Until she billed the insurance company.

Toyota Hopes To Produce New Vehicle Model In Ky.

Associated Press — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:11:24 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky is in the running to produce an unspecified new vehicle model and add 570 permanent full-time workers at its Georgetown plant, according to details the carmaker provided to state officials to qualify for tax incentives.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved $146.5 million in state tax incentives on Wednesday to help with the cost of the proposed $531 million expansion.

Kentucky School Safety Program's Budget Slashed

Associated Press — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:40:55 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Funding for a school safety program in Kentucky has been cut by almost 60 percent over the last five years.

The Courier-Journal reports funding for the Safe Schools Program has decreased from $10.4 million in 2007-2008 to $4.5 million in the current school year. The funding cut has led to less safety audits being performed at schools around the state by the Kentucky Center for School Safety.

Kentucky Governor's Tax Commission Issues Report

Associated Press — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 01:26:31 +0000

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A panel appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear to review Kentucky's tax system on Monday recommended dozens of changes that include lowering individual and corporate tax rates, raising the cigarette tax and expanding the sales tax to certain services.

Kentucky Gets Federal Approval for State-Based Health Exchange

Ke — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 20:04:21 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. - After months building a state-based health exchange, Kentucky officials have been told that the federal government has given approval to their work.

Despite objections from Republican lawmakers, Kentucky officials quickly began working on a state-based exchange --- a part of the Affordable Care Act.

Many states surrounding Kentucky are opting for a federal-run exchange or haven’t yet made a decision.

Kentucky Lawmakers Optimistic Gambling Bill Will Pass

Kenny Colston — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:39:40 +0000

LEXINGTON, Ky. - After years of defeat, Kentucky lawmakers believe an expanded gambling bill could become law next year.

Tax Amnesty Getting Credit For Pushing Up Revenue

Associated Press — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:18:18 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- An offer of tax amnesty in Kentucky was a factor in a significant rise in General Fund revenue in November, the state's budget chief said Monday.

Budget director Mary Lassiter said revenue rose 7.6 percent to $784.2 million, largely the result of 16.4 percent jump in property tax collections.