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SubscribeGov. Matt Bevin and Gov. Hideaki Ohmura, of the Aichi Prefecture Government in Japan, together signed a memorandum of understanding Monday evening emphasizing each region’s commitment to continue their partnership.
Aichi Prefecture is home to numerous manufacturing corporations, including 59 companies that operate a total of 94 facilities in Kentucky. About 40 executives from those companies, as well as representatives from the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, the Japan External Trade Organization and the Japan/America Society of Kentucky attended the signing ceremony and a reception at the Governor’s Mansion.
“The base of our economy is very similar to the base of Aichi’s, predominantly engineering and manufacturing,” Gov. Bevin said, having welcomed the Gov. Ohmura and the numerous business, government and cultural leaders. “We are already partners in many ways and, as we sign this memorandum of understanding, we formalize this partnership. Already today, we’ve begun discussions about ways to broaden our relationship.”
The agreement establishes intentions to increase prosperity in both regions and to further develop the relationship between the United States and Japan with three basic principles:
(I) The parties shall strive to establish a close friendship based on respect and trust for each other.
(II) The parties shall cooperate in all fields as are recognized by both parties to be mutually beneficial, such as economy, culture and human resource development.
(III) In the interest of development of both regions, the parties shall work to promote private-sector exchange in a wide range of areas, including economic exchange.
“I am honored to be here today and I am sure that everyone will agree the relationship between Aichi and Kentucky is an extremely important one,” Gov. Ohmura. “I think it is fair to say – with nearly 100 companies doing business here from Aichi – that Kentucky is the most popular destination for Aichi companies. I look forward to growing the relationship with Gov. Bevin and Kentucky through education, economic development and cultural exchange.”
Aichi, located in the Chubu region of Japan, is the fourth most populated prefecture in Japan with more than 7.5 million people. Companies headquartered in the region include Toyota Motor Corp., Sumitomo Riko, Denso Corp. and Aisin Seiki, among others. The Aichi Prefecture region has led Japan in exports every year since 1977.
The commonwealth’s first Japanese-owned facility, machine tool, engineering and industrial tech provider Mazak Corp., was established in Florence in 1974. Through more than a dozen expansions, it has grown to employ about 600 people full-time. Its corporate parent, Yamazaki Mazak Corp, is based in Aichi.
Toyota Motor Corp., also based in Aichi, announced its Georgetown plant in 1986 and opened it two years later. Across numerous expansions Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Inc. has grown into Toyota’s largest plant globally, employing about 8,000 people. The plant has helped attract scores of automotive parts manufacturers and related tech and factory-systems suppliers to the Bluegrass State.
In total, Kentucky is home to 182 Japanese-owned facilities, which employ more than 40,000 people. Since the beginning of 2016, those companies have announced 43 new location or expansion projects throughout the state resulting in more than $2.1 billion and more than 3,300 new full-time jobs.
Gov. Matt Bevin, joined by legislators, education officials and community leaders, ceremonially signed House Bill 520 in the State Capitol Rotunda. Enacted during the regular session of the 2017 General Assembly, HB 520 enables the creation of public charter schools for the first time in the Commonwealth.
“We owe it to the generations yet to come to provide them with an equal opportunity for a quality education,” said Gov. Bevin. “I’m grateful to the men and women who are working to educate our young people; and the best and brightest among them are begging for some change to a bureaucratic system. We simply want to give choices to parents and to students — to give every child an opportunity. That’s what this bill is about.”
The legislation makes Kentucky the 44th state in the nation with charter schools, which are tuition-free, open enrollment public schools. While the Commonwealth’s charter schools will be granted greater flexibility and autonomy than traditional public schools, they will also experience greater performance accountability than traditional public schools.
“Charter schools in Kentucky mean more education opportunities for our youth who happen to live in low-performing districts,” said Rep. Bam Carney, the chief sponsor of the charter school bill. “Every single student deserves the best shot at a quality education that will prepare them for a lifetime, and I’m proud to have had the opportunity to support this important measure. Kentucky’s students are bright, and with an education to match, the entire Commonwealth’s future will shine.”
HB 520 outlines how charter schools — termed achievement academies — are to be authorized: by local boards of education or by the mayors of Louisville and Lexington. If a charter school application is denied, it can then go through an appeals process with the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE).
Since the bill was passed in March, regulations have been promulgated on student applications, charter applications, appeals to the authorizer accountability, the process for converting existing public schools into public charter schools, and appeals to KBE.
“Across the country, specialized forms of education are accelerating learning for children who are often the hardest to reach in a traditional school framework,” said Hal Heiner, Secretary of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. “I applaud Kentucky’s legislature for passing House Bill 520, a monumental step in providing parents a different, innovative choice in public education for the specific learning needs of their child.”
According to HB 520, public charter schools are required to participate in the state assessment and accountability system, and required to meet the academic performance standards agreed upon in their charters. Charter schools that fail to meet of make significant progress toward meeting those standards would be closed by their board authorizers.
Gov. Matt Bevin today announced the community of Paintsville as the winner of the 2017 “Beautify the Bluegrass” competition — a statewide initiative calling on Kentuckians to come together to make their hometowns shine.
The Paintsville/Johnson County Trail Town Committee rallied local volunteers to repaint city hall and five other downtown buildings, refurbish Paint Creek Park, and manicure/landscape public flowerbeds and abandoned properties.
Congratulations to the citizens of Paintsville and Johnson County,” said Gov. Bevin. “Already, other Kentucky cities have taken notice of what has been done there and said: ‘We are going to do that in our community.’ That’s exactly the kind of contagious activity we hoped would happen, where good things capture the fascination of people and start to spread.”
Gov. Bevin and Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton will host a catered barbecue (not provided at taxpayer expense) in Paintsville to celebrate the community’s achievement — at a date to be determined.
“Our committee knew we wanted to do a project in our community; and when we heard Gov. Bevin issue the ‘Beautify the Bluegrass’ challenge, we were all the more energized,” said Paintsville/Johnson County Trail Town Committee member Laura Pack. “Our projects have done so much for our feeling of community here in Paintsville. It is great to have bright, freshly painted buildings and a refurbished park, but even better than that is the good vibe that has been created as we all worked together. Our feeling of community has been greatly strengthened through this project.”
The cities of Island (McLean County) and Corbin (Whitley/Knox Counties) received honorable mention in the competition. Island transformed an abandoned hardware store into a new retail facility, adorned with a mural celebrating the town’s history. Corbin brought together numerous community groups to clean up litter on State Highway 312 and other local roadways.
“Selecting a winner for the 2017 ‘Beautify the Bluegrass’ contest was not an easy task,” said Gov. Bevin. “Thank you to all of our outstanding applicants; and thank you for everything you do day in and day out to beautify your communities and make them shine.”
In accordance with the proclamation by United States President Donald Trump, and with respect for those who lost their lives in the Las Vegas massacre, Governor Matt Bevin has directed both American and state flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on Oct. 6 to honor the victims and their families.
“What happened in Las Vegas was the handiwork of unadulterated evil in its vilest, most despicable form,” said Gov. Bevin. “Kentucky stands in solidarity with the citizens of Las Vegas and with all Americans in defiance of any act of terrorism against the citizens of our country. Today, and in the days to come, we will give thanks for the quick, decisive acts of first responders that prevented further tragedy. We mourn the lives that were lost, and we will honor their memory. We will pray for the families and friends of those who lost loved ones, and for those recovering from injuries sustained as the tragedy unfolded. We will not allow fear to rule our hearts—evil will not triumph against us. United we stand. Divided we fall.”
Gov. Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute of lowering the flag to honor the victims and families of the Las Vegas shooting.
In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, Gov. Matt Bevin has proclaimed September as Preparedness Month in Kentucky.
Kentucky Emergency Management urges Kentuckians to “BE AWARE – BE PREPARED – HAVE A PLAN – MAKE A KIT.”
Kentuckians face threats to their safety and property throughout the year; from tornadoes, flooding, straight line winds, lightning, winter storms, man-made hazards, to daily emergencies. Every household and every business should be prepared to face these challenges at any given time. Disasters can occur at anytime, anywhere in Kentucky.
As we have all seen recently with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and now impending Maria, preparedness can make the difference of saving your life or your family. Supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, radios and first aid kits are easy to store, and can be lifesavers when a crisis hits. A communication plan with family, friends and neighbors is also very important.
Michael Dossett, director of Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) stated, “During National Preparedness Month, the theme, ‘Disasters don’t plan ahead – You Can!’ is a great opportunity to remind our family, friends and neighbors of the importance of planning ahead, highlighted by the recent losses of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.” Dossett went on, “ask yourself, what would you do in the next two hours, next two days and next two weeks following a disaster event to ensure the survival of your loved-ones?”
PLANNING FOR DISASTER: “BE AWARE – BE PREPARED – HAVE A PLAN”
Be Aware:
- Stay informed about risks in your communities and monitor weather forecasts.
- Own and monitor a battery backed-up or crank-type NOAA Weather Alert Radio. During threatening weather, stay tuned to your local broadcast stations.
- Discuss conditions with family members, and know their locations during dangerous weather.
Be Prepared:
- Discuss known risks with family members and neighbors.
- Develop and review your emergency plan periodically and update of necessary.
- Assemble an emergency kit(s) and refresh periodically. A kit should have enough food, water and medications for each family member for five days.
- Drill: practice your plan with household members.
Have a plan:
- Share your plan with others, including friends or relatives in another region or even another state
- Medications – prepare a list of all prescription drugs.
- Utilities – Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water; if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Shelter – Identify safe locations within and outside your residence.
- Contacts – Written contact information for relatives, neighbors, utility companies, employers/employees and local emergency contact telephone numbers.
- Evacuate – Predetermine evacuation routes. Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places, such as a friend or relative’s home in another town, a motel or shelter.
- Children – Make backup plans for children in case you (or they) can’t get home in an emergency.
- Vehicles – Keep jumper cables in all vehicles at all times.
- Maintain at least a half tank of fuel in vehicles.
- Move vehicles away from under trees during possible wind events.
- Keep an emergency kit in all vehicles.
- During winter months, keep a blanket and bag of kitty litter in the trunk.
- Medications – prepare a list of all prescription drugs.
- Pets – have at least a 3 day supply of food and water for each pet. Have carriers, a collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash; familiar items such as treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet.
- Share your plan with others, including friends or relatives in another region or state.
Make an emergency kit:
- First aid kit and essential medications (to include prescription medicines).
- Canned food and can opener
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags
- Battery or crank powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries or crank recharging stations that are capable of recharging cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.
- Waterproof matches and candles
- Local phone book
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
- Extra set of car keys
- Cash – as much as you can afford!
For additional preparedness information, visit www.ready.gov and Kentucky Emergency Management at www.kyem.ky.gov. Follow @KYEMPIO on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and sign up for text alerts.
See Governor’s proclamation at https://kyem.ky.gov/Documents/septemberpreparednessmonth.pdf.
The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) welcomed new member Kimberly Halbauer of Fort Thomas at its meeting Monday in Louisville. Halbauer is a senior vice president and investment advisors executive at Fifth Third Bank.
Appointed to the Council by Gov. Matt Bevin in July, Halbauer was administered the oath of office by Jefferson District Court Judge Eric Haner.
In action items, the Council approved Kentucky State University’s proposal to increase tuition and mandatory fee rates 5 percent for in-state undergraduate students, which complied with the ceilings set earlier this year by the Council. The Council also approved market-competitive tuition and fee rates for the university’s graduate students.
The Council approved responses to comments concerning two new administrative regulations dealing with the comprehensive funding model for the public universities (13 KAR 2:120) and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System institutions (13 KAR 2:130). No changes were made to the regulations.
Additionally, the Council heard three annual reports. President Jay Morgan presented the report for Morehead State University and President Eli Capilouto presented the University of Kentucky report. The third annual report featured Kentucky Adult Education and was presented by Reecie Stagnolia, vice president for Kentucky Adult Education.
The Council also heard the following reports: CPE President, Commissioner of Education and Committee on Equal Opportunities. Reports from the institutions were also available.
The Council appointed member Shawn Reynolds as chair of the Committee on Equal Opportunities and appointed Robert M. Croft of Louisville to the committee.
Meeting materials are available at http://cpe.ky.gov/aboutus/cpemeetings.html.
The next meeting of the Council is set Nov. 2-3 at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College.
Gov. Matt Bevin last night welcomed a new class of Kentucky AmeriCorps members pledging to “get things done” as they embark upon a year of service to the Commonwealth.
The swearing-in ceremony was part of the Service for Peace “9/11 Salute to Our Heroes” event at Fourth Street Live! in downtown Louisville, which also recognized Kentucky’s first responders and military heroes on the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.
“Tonight is an amazing evening of reflection and celebration of the American spirit,” said Gov. Bevin, a U.S. Army veteran. “We are truly grateful to all of our servant leaders who are gathered here—military personnel, first responders and AmeriCorps volunteers.”
Gov. Bevin praised Kentucky AmeriCorps members for committing to work to improve the lives of citizens across the Commonwealth.
“Thank you to each one of you who have stepped up and are willing to serve,” he said. “You have taken in the greatness of America and chosen not to keep it to yourselves, but to give it back to others. You will leave these communities that you are a part of different—you will leave them better.”
Kentucky AmeriCorps members address critical issues across the state—like teaching and tutoring students, combatting the effects of opioid abuse, providing drug resistance education, serving veterans and military families, empowering victims of domestic violence and assisting low-income senior citizens. During their service, AmeriCorps members will expand opportunity for themselves, gain skills and experience to jump-start their careers and earn education scholarships for their service.
The Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS), part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), administers the Kentucky AmeriCorps program and coordinated last night’s celebration in Louisville.
“Kentucky AmeriCorps lives up to its mission of ‘getting things done,’ and I salute new, returning and alumni members for their service,” said CHFS Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson. “You have shown a focus on helping communities build a better future for all of Kentucky.”
KCCVS executive director Joe Bringardner administered the AmeriCorps pledge to the more than 400 members from 96 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. In total, there are 804 new and returning AmeriCorps members serving the Commonwealth this year. Kentucky AmeriCorps currently receives more than $6.5 million in federal funding for 23 programs.
“AmeriCorps is so effective because it helps nurture the skills and talents of civic-minded Kentuckians, giving them more educational and economic opportunities. Our members learn that service is vital to a community’s growth, and they realize this is an investment in their future,” said Bringardner. “Serving can mean the difference between getting a degree and becoming a local leader. It’s an investment in community stability and yields higher earnings for the members along with a ready network of volunteers for the community.”
Since 1994, more than 1 million men and women have served in AmeriCorps, providing more than 1.4 billion hours of service addressing critical challenges from poverty and hunger to disasters and the dropout crisis. AmeriCorps members have earned more than $3.3 billion in education scholarships to pay for college or pay back student loans.
In the Kentucky, more than 11,000 Kentuckians have served more than 17 million hours and have received education awards totaling more than $40.8 million.
For more information about Kentucky’s AmeriCorps programs, call KCCVS at 502-564-7420 or visit www.chfs.ky.gov/ServeKY. You can also connect with Kentucky AmeriCorps on both Facebook and Twitter.
