Monday February 2, 2026
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
Yesterday, Gov. Matt Bevin ceremonially signed House Bill 1, which provides right-to-work guarantees to all Kentucky workers, in a midday gathering with legislators, economic developers and business advocates from across the state.
This historic new law protects employees in the Commonwealth from being forced to pay union dues in order to keep their jobs. Kentucky becomes the 27th state to enact such protections, and experts say the measure will spur economic growth while boosting individual incomes.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to ceremonially sign something that has been a long time coming,” said Gov. Bevin. “We have gotten, almost on a daily basis, unsolicited comments from economic development, workforce development and site selection folks who have said: ‘Wow, now we believe it—Kentucky is open for business.’”
“This will mean incredible new opportunities for the Commonwealth. We are already talking to people who were not going to come and consider us until this was done.”
Supported by a host of business and economic development advocates, House Bill 1 represents a crucial step in Kentucky’s efforts to recruit and retain well-paying jobs. The majority of Kentucky’s border states—Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia—have also enacted right-to-work legislation.
“Passage of right-to-work legislation in Kentucky was a critical step toward job growth and business investment across the state,” said House Speaker Jeff Hoover. “Not only does the bill position Kentucky on level ground with our neighbors in the fight for jobs, but it creates additional freedom for Kentucky workers by allowing them the choice to join a union or not—and as a result take home more money. Kentuckians deserve every opportunity to have access to, and benefit from, good paying jobs. I’m proud to have played my role to ensure passage of this game-changing bill.”
“Right-to-work legislation has been something we have passed in the Senate for many years, only to fall on deaf ears at the hands of the former Democratic majority,” said Senate President Robert Stivers. “We have seen how right-to-work can grow businesses and create jobs in other states, so we knew we had to pass this bill once the House flipped. I applaud the work of Speaker Hoover, the rest of my colleagues in the legislature, and Governor Bevin, for helping make Kentucky right-to-work and open for business.”
“Right-to-work legislation is vital to attracting higher levels of advanced manufacturing jobs to the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Jim DeCesare, chair of the House Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment. “It was a privilege for me to shepherd this legislation through the Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee, as well as on the floor.”
Studies examining Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data show that right-to-work states report faster per capita income growth, greater capital expenditures, lower unemployment, fewer work stoppages and faster growth in manufacturing and non-agricultural jobs than non-right-to-work states.
Contrary to critics who claim that right-to-work protections eliminate opportunities to affiliate with a union, 2015 BLS data also shows that union membership in right-to-work states actually grew more quickly than in non-right-to-work states.
By a unanimous vote, The Louisville Metro Council last week approved a resolution of support for any future expansion of the National Basketball Association in Metro Louisville.
“There is every indication the NBA may be ready to move forward with expansion team possibilities in the future and I think it is in our best interest to show that our city would fully support any new effort,” says Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21), the primary sponsor of the Resolution.
The resolution highlights the city’s love of the sport of basketball and points out the city has the facilities to accommodate a new NBA franchise. The resolution says the KFC YUM! Center is one of the best arenas in the country and the NBA would be an enhancement to local businesses and the city’s economy.
Last week, Johnson told the Community Affairs, Housing, Health and Education Committee that the recently finalized collective bargaining agreement agreed upon by the NBA and players mentions expansion over 100 times.
“There are many cities that are now beginning to send a message to the NBA that they would be supportive of any future expansion. We should always be prepared to be in the hunt,” said Johnson.
The resolution simply states, “That Metro Louisville would support an NBA/WNBA basketball franchise and the economic development it would bring to our community.”
The resolution passed with bipartisan support.
The First Lady’s Office, along with Kentucky Youth Advocates, Kosair Charities and Casey Family Programs, last week hosted the third meeting of the First Lady’s Youth Leadership Council in Frankfort. Members met to discuss and brainstorm solutions to today’s issues that affect them. The fourteen-member council consists of young people representing different backgrounds throughout the state.
“These council members serve as a voice for the voiceless, and it has been an honor to see what each of them have accomplished over the past year,” said Mrs. Bevin.
The Council kicked off their retreat by attending the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth Address at the Capitol on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the group was invited to have breakfast with Gov. Bevin and several legislators. The Council also attended a rally for child advocacy and a luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion where representatives of the Governor’s Cabinet, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and various legislators were in attendance. During this working luncheon, council members shared their personal testimonies and were presented with citations of achievement by Rep. Addia Wuchner, Chair of the House Committee on Health and Family Services.
“I’ve never been in any event such as I was yesterday,” said Natalia Hatchell, a council member from Youth Build Louisville. “I feel important to be a part of such a great movement and to be able to be a voice of the youth.”
Lt. Gov. Hampton concluded the luncheon by encouraging members to continue their work on behalf of Kentucky’s young people.
“Your stories are powerful and need to be shared not only with other kids in Kentucky, but also with adults,” Lt. Gov. Hampton said. “The next generation of leaders are in this room today and I’m excited to see what you accomplish.”
These events were made possible by the partnering of Kentucky Youth Advocates and Kosair Charities, along with funding provided by a grant from Casey Family Programs.
The Council will reconvene in May 2017.
Yesterday, on behalf of Gov. Matt Bevin, Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton joined Department for Local Government (DLG) Commissioner Sandy Dunahoo in a Capitol rotunda ceremony to announce over $5.7 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for 13 new projects in Kentucky. These grants impact multiple regions and counties across the Commonwealth.
“We are excited to announce 13 new Community Development Block Grant projects. Each project is designed to aid critical infrastructure needs across the Commonwealth, such as water safety, public facilities and local health resources,” said Gov. Bevin. “These block grants will not only have a significant impact on improving quality of life for Kentuckians, but will create economic opportunity and jobs as well. Great things happen when we work together.”
“It has been a true joy over the last year visiting different communities in Kentucky and hearing their stories,” said Lt. Gov. Hampton. “These grants have created wonderful opportunities for communities across the Commonwealth in terms of economic development, tourism, education, the environment, and more.”
“I’m pleased by the governor’s announcement of these projects to help address many of the community challenges and infrastructure needs facing Kentucky,” said DLG Commissioner Dunahoo. “We are always looking at ways to coordinate our efforts with local regions for community projects and economic development. This grant assistance does that in a big way.”
The 13 projects include:
- Hawesville WWTP in Hancock Co., $800,000.
- Cumberland Hope Community in Harlan Co., $220,000.
- Hickory Hill Recovery Center for Men (Recovery Kentucky) in Knott Co., $220,000.
- Madison Co. God’s Outreach Food Bank Expansion Project in Madison Co., $300,000.
- Gamiliel City Hall and Community Ctr Architectural Barrier Removal Project in Monroe Co., $85,000.
- Centertown Water Tank Project in Ohio Co., $403,000.
- Hartford Water System Capital Improvements Project in Ohio Co., $896,250.
- Apple Patch Education Adult Day Program Relocation Project in Oldham Co., $405,000.
- Mt. Olivet Wastewater Treatment Plant Renovation and Expansion in Robertson Co., $634,500.
- Morehead Inspiration Ctr (Recovery Kentucky) in Rowan Co., $220,000.
- Fritz Winter Rail Spur Development in Simpson Co., $997,000.
- Todd County Health Department Expansion Project in Todd Co., $500,000.
- Guthrie Koppers Natural Gas Line Project in Todd Co., $100,000.
The CDBG program provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.
Applications for CDBG funds are also submitted to DLG. To learn more, visit https://kydlgweb.ky.gov/FederalGrants/CDBG_cities.cfm.
Fathers, particularly of young children living in west Louisville neighborhoods, are invited to attend a free dinner and workshop, 502 Fathers Make a Difference, to learn what they can do to promote resiliency in their children.
Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, director of Louisville’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, will share tips on promoting healthy family relationships and discuss ways that fathers can help their children overcome adverse experiences, including difficult co-parenting relationships.
The event will be at the Catholic Enrichment Center, 3146 W. Broadway, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, and includes a free dinner, door prizes and informational booths on employment opportunities, child support and resources for ex-offenders.
Reservations are requested by Feb. 13. Call 502-574-6661.
The event is sponsored by the Healthy Start program of the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, and by the Office of Multicultural Ministry of the Archdiocese of Louisville. Healthy Start’s 502 Fathers initiative strives to give fathers the tools and resources they need to be involved in the lives of their children and their families.
Kentucky Justice Secretary John Tilley announced this week that every law enforcement agency certified through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund has met new requirements on sexual assault policies – a key turning point in addressing the backlog of rape evidence kits.
The policies were mandated under Senate Bill 63 – known as the SAFE Act – which passed in the 2016 General Assembly. It required all agencies that participate in the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund to adopt a sexual assault response policy by Jan. 1. That includes nearly every law enforcement agency in the state.
Thanks to proactive support from the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT), every certified agency has met the deadline with time to spare.
“The survivors of sexual assault should never have to endure the uncertainty of another backlog,” Secretary Tilley said. “I’m proud that the Department of Criminal Justice Training and Kentucky’s law enforcement agencies are setting a high new standard on handling evidence kits and helping survivors find justice. DOCJT’s effort to help facilitate these polices has been outstanding.”
The new policies will guide collection and transport of evidence kits. They will also govern the process for notifying victims when test results become available.
Last year, DOCJT was tasked with collecting and reviewing each agency’s policy to assist with meeting the deadline. Instead of waiting for agencies to submit acceptable policies, DOCJT took an active role in helping agencies become compliant under the new law.
“I am exceedingly proud of our staff, who met this responsibility with the professionalism and diligence this important issue deserved,” said DOCJT Commissioner Mark Filburn. “The nearly-impossible feat of assisting every law enforcement agency across the commonwealth with meeting such a tight deadline – and succeeding – is just another example of how committed the DOCJT staff is to our clients.”
A Sexual Assault Response Team Advisory Committee, also established under SB 63, finalized a model policy on Oct. 19. With less than 3 months to meet the deadline, DOCJT worked fast to send the model to every law enforcement agency along with instructions on how to adopt and submit their own approved policies.
The committee’s model policy and two other models were added to the DOCJT website along with details of the new requirements and helpful resources. A dedicated phone line and email address were established for law enforcement executives to ask questions and receive immediate assistance. Staff members made personal presentations to multiple DOCJT classes and meetings of law enforcement executives to assist them further with this process.
Between Oct. 19 and Dec. 31, DOCJT staff collected all the submitted policies, which the department’s legal and executive staff then reviewed and approved.
“SB 63 was passed to improve the criminal justice response to victims of sexual assault,” said Eileen Recktenwald, executive director of the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs. “Now that law enforcement agencies in Kentucky have policies in place that ensure a trauma-informed approach to the investigation of this crime, it could mean that lifelong consequences for the victim can be decreased and it increases the possibility that more cases are cleared and successfully prosecuted, making Kentucky a safer place to live.”
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office’s Chief Examiner, Jeff Prewitt, lauded DOCJT’s efforts to assist local agencies with meeting this new requirement.
“Instead of demanding compliance in an autocratic way, DOCJT facilitated compliance in a participatory and collegial way,” Prewitt said. “How refreshing!”
DOCJT Assistant General Counsel Deaidra Douglas said the department serves more than 400 law enforcement agencies across the commonwealth.
“In less than three months, every KLEFPF agency submitted their policy for review and met the deadline,” Douglas said. “From the cooperation we received across the state to the flawless communication with all the involved DOCJT staff, it was an exceptional team effort.”
SB 63 succeeded in the 2016 General Assembly thanks to Sen. Denise Harper Angel and Senate Judiciary Chairman Whitney Westerfield, who both played a crucial role in the final legislation. The legislature also supported a request from Gov. Matt Bevin to allocate $4.5 million toward reducing the backlog. That money will provide much-needed staffing and resources for the Kentucky State Police crime lab.
The next stage in meeting SB63’s new mandates will focus on training requirements for responding to sexual assault. DOCJT’s 2017 training schedule includes a new 40-hour course, which will be taught 19 times this year, both at the DOCJT Richmond campus and regionally across the state.
The work of 24 Kentucky artists will grace the hallways of the Capitol Annex beginning Feb. 6.
The Kentucky Arts Council exhibit “Kentucky Visions at the Capitol” will be on display 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from Feb. 6 through March 31 at the Annex. The exhibit features 58 individual pieces by Kentucky Crafted artists and Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship recipients.
“Longtime legislators have always remarked how much they look forward to hosting ‘Visions’ at the Annex, but there are new legislators joining the General Assembly this session who will discover outstanding artwork by Kentucky’s finest artists,” said Lydia Bailey Brown, arts council executive director. “With the corps of artists selected for this exhibit, Kentucky’s arts community is putting its best foot forward.”
Michael McCardwell, a 1998 recipient of an Al Smith Fellowship and current Kentucky Crafted artist, has three pieces in this year’s exhibit: “My Town,” “Funny Drawing” and “APDYF,” all in colored ink. McCardwell said he values arts council exhibits like “Visions” as opportunities for artists to stretch their creative legs.
“Art can involve creativity and some experiments in art are not successful,” McCardwell said. “But one needs the freedom to try new things and the Kentucky Arts Council provides that support, both as an agency and through the individual staff members who take a personal interest in my work.
“It’s an honor to be in any show, and having my work in this show, one that represents work from artists across the state, makes an artist feel that their work is valued by our government.”
The artists represented in the exhibit, their media and county of residence include:
- Philis Alvic, fibers, Fayette
- Bill Berryman, graphite, Clark *
- Patricia Brock, photography, Jefferson
- Marianne Brown, ceramic, Anderson
- Jim Cantrell, watercolor/oil on canvas, Nelson
- Steve Clay, watercolor, Barren *
- Kathleen Conroy, scratchboard, Henry *
- Ray Daughtery, photography, Scott *
- Bruce Frank, photography, Scott
- Timothy Gold, oils, Kenton
- Gary Graham, wood, Fayette *
- Elsie Harris, acrylic on canvas, Fayette
- Eva King, paper, Calloway
- Michael McCardwell, colored ink, Shelby
- Gary Mesa-Gaido, photography on aluminum, Rowan
- Michael Nichols, silverpoint on paper, Warren *
- Kathleen O’Brien, watercolor, drawing collage, Mercer
- Laura Poulette, watercolor, Madison *
- Cecila Ridge, fibers, Jefferson
- Lacey Roberts, fibers, Franklin *
- Judy Rosati, hand-colored photography, Jefferson
- Sarah Spradlin, oils and acrylic, Bourbon
- Jason Sturgill, mixed media, Fayette *
- Sharon Tesser, fibers, Jefferson *
* First time exhibiting in “Kentucky Visions at the Capitol.”
Visit the Kentucky Arts Council website for a slideshow of the work on exhibit.
“Funny Drawing” (ink) by Michael McCardwell, Kentucky Crafted artist and Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship recipient. The work of McCardwell and 23 other Kentucky artists will be on display Feb. 6-March 31 in the Kentucky Arts Council’s “Kentucky Visions at the Capitol” exhibit at the Capitol Annex in Frankfort.
For more information about “Kentucky Visions at the Capitol,” contact Kate Sprengnether, arts council public art and design director, at kate.sprengnether@ky.gov or 502-892-3111.
