Wednesday October 15, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
SubscribeAttorney General Andy Beshear today announced that the Child Victims’ Trust Fund helped pay for nearly 400 child sexual abuse forensic exams in 2016.
Beshear is encouraging Kentuckians to support the Fund through private donations, proceeds from the purchase of “I Care About Kids” license plates or donations made through the state income tax refund check-off program.
“One of the core missions of my office is to prevent and prosecute child abuse,” Beshear said. “We can only hope to end child abuse through the collaborative efforts of advocacy groups, government agencies, community leaders and by engaging families and Kentucky’s business community. The prevention activities and child advocacy programs supported by the Fund are critical to make children safer and to openly discuss abuse and the ways in which we can prevent it. And we must continue to impress upon everyone that it is their legal and moral duty to report abuse.”
Beshear created an Office of Child Abuse and Exploitation Prevention when he entered office in 2016.
The Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Board, which is administered by the Office of the Attorney General, is responsible for allocating funding from the Child Victims’ Trust Fund. It is statutorily created under Kentucky law as a 170(c)(1) nonprofit organization.
Last year, the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Board approved $160,000 in statewide grants aimed at teaching parents how to discuss child sexual abuse with children and how to keep children safe on the Internet. The Fund helped support 394 children’s medical exams in 2016.
The Fund also helped support Beshear’s 2016 partnership to provide the most comprehensive statewide child abuse prevention training ever offered, training over a thousand law enforcement officers, county prosecutors, parents and child advocates on how to recognize the signs of sexual predators and intervene to protect a child.
To support victims of child sexual abuse, Kentuckians may visit their county clerk’s office and request an “I Care About Kids” license plate or check the box on their tax returns to designate a portion to the CVTF.
The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) announced last week that it has received reaccreditation as the state regulator of banks, credit unions, and mortgages. The department began the joint reaccreditation process in November of last year with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors, and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators.
The five-day review was conducted by an in-person team representing the three agencies. The group examined DFI’s financial documents, records, and regulatory processes to determine the department’s ability to supervise the industry in each accreditation area.
“One of the department’s goals is to ‘lead in developing and advancing effective financial services regulation in Kentucky,’ and I believe the accreditation team recognized our commitment to that goal,” stated DFI Commissioner Charles Vice. “The accrediting agencies determined that DFI not only implemented the recommended industry best practices, but that our team also served as the standard bearer in many categories.”
This is the first year that all three reviews have taken place at once, and DFI pursued a simultaneous accreditation to make the process more efficient for the department and the accrediting team. The department undergoes reaccreditation every five years, and the final assessment scores are confidential.
“DFI’s staff recognizes that the appropriate regulation of the financial services industry contributes to economic growth throughout our state,” said Vice. “Our team works hard to implement industry standards that both protect consumers and encourage banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies to do business in Kentucky.”
DFI’s bank and credit union examination areas have been accredited since 1992. Kentucky was the third state mortgage regulator to achieve accreditation when the program began in 2010. All three programs aim to promote excellence in regulation with minimal regulatory burden and cost, as well as to apply national standards of performance.
Kentucky’s exports broke an all-time record in 2016 with $29.24 billion in goods and services shipped abroad from the Commonwealth, a 5.8-percent increase from 2015, Gov. Matt Bevin recently announced.
Aerospace products and parts led all categories with more than $10.85 billion in goods exported internationally, an increase of more than 24 percent over 2015. Kentucky ranked second nationally for 2016 in aerospace-related exports.
“Kentucky is headed in the right direction and the business community is taking notice. This new record is unequivocal proof of our positive trajectory,” said Gov. Bevin. “As we improve our business climate, global demand for our brands and expertise continues to grow, attracting new companies while at the same time strengthening existing partnerships. Together, we are moving forward. The economic future in Kentucky is very bright, indeed!”
Overall, the state’s 2016 exports increased $1.6 billion over the 2015 total. That placed Kentucky eighth among all U.S. states by percentage increase, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Division and WISERTrade.
Kentucky’s strong showing in exports – ranking 17th nationally by dollar amount – continued its years-long trend of punching above its weight. As a state with 4.4 million people, Kentucky ranks 26th nationally in size.
As well, Kentucky’s positive numbers stand in contrast to a 3.3 percent decline nationally in exports during 2016. Additionally, the fact Kentucky is not along a coast speaks volumes about the state’s logistics industry – which includes air cargo, rail, barge and ship, and trucking capacities – and its ever-increasing ability to quickly send products across the world.
Kentucky exported to 199 nations in 2016, with Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Mexico and Brazil as the state’s top five trade partners. The Commonwealth sold nearly $7.5 billion in products and services to Canada last year, nearly three times as much as the next destination, the U.K.
Among the state’s largest percentage increases by destination in 2016 were France (59.8 percent), Malaysia (31.8 percent), the Republic of Korea (28.2 percent), Hong Kong (26.8 percent) and Brazil (17.6 percent).
By industry category, following aerospace were motor vehicles ($3.32 billion), pharmaceuticals and medicines ($1.81 billion), motor vehicle parts ($1.76 billion), resin and synthetic rubber, artificial and synthetic fiber and filament ($1.1 billion) and basic chemicals ($741 million). Those categories are established under the North American Industry Classification System.
Aerospace saw the highest percentage increase in 2016 (24.3 percent), followed by motor vehicle parts (12 percent) and pharmaceuticals and medicines (9 percent).
The Commonwealth ranks sixth nationally in motor vehicle exports for 2016. In total, Kentucky’s automotive industry – with parts, bodies, trailers and whole vehicles combined – exported nearly $5.5 billion in products throughout 2016.
The state’s horses, live, purebred breeding industry ranked first in the nation in 2016, with $195.2 million exported, a 33.1 percent increase over the previous year. Kentucky also exported whisky to Cuba, wine to France and beer to Ireland during 2016.
For more information on Kentucky exports, visit www.kyexports.com.
The state helps businesses learn about and connect with exporting opportunities through the Kentucky Export Initiative. KEI brings together a coalition of business organizations, trade experts and government entities including the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development with a focus on increasing Kentucky exports to create new jobs and diversified markets for the state’s products.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.
WWE’s SmackDown Live is coming to Louisville. The event will be held at the KFC Yum! Center on Tuesday, April 18 and marks the return of live, televised professional wrestling events in the Commonwealth.
SmackDown will be the first major televised combat sporting event in Kentucky since Governor Bevin streamlined the state’s boxing and wrestling regulations last November as part of the Red Tape Reduction Initiative. Prior to these changes, WWE had not scheduled a televised event in Kentucky since 2010 because of the state’s antiquated regulations.
Under the Governor’s leadership, unnecessary regulations such as the “cut rule” were eliminated. The rule required an athlete to leave a match if he or she bled, which deterred promoters from hosting live events in the state. Other regulations were amended to remove duplicative licensing processes for athletes and promoters, signaling to the industry that Kentucky is open for business.
“The Governor’s Red Tape Reduction Initiative continues to provide new economic opportunities for the Commonwealth,” said Public Protection Cabinet Secretary David Dickerson. “The Governor has proven that he is committed to making our state business-friendly, and the boxing and wrestling industry has responded.”
“We are excited to have WWE do a live taping in Louisville, and we hope that this is the first of many major events that Kentucky will host,” said Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission Chairman Chad Miller. “Our state is home to many enthusiastic professional wrestling fans, and this event provides an exciting new opportunity for Kentuckians.”
The Red Tape Reduction Initiative targets excessive and complex regulatory burdens that stifle economic development in the Commonwealth. To date, approximately 117 regulations have been repealed, and over 400 regulations have been amended or targeted for amendment. To learn more about the Red Tape Reduction Initiative, visit: redtapereduction.com.
Kentucky needs more funding to combat the spread of invasive Asian carp in the state’s waterways.
To help fund this need, members of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Administration, Education and Policy Committee have recommended that the full commission consider increasing Kentucky boat registration fees at its March 17 meeting. The recommendation does not include fees on paddlecraft such as canoes or kayaks.
Committee members say the increase is necessary to blunt Kentucky’s population explosion of Asian carp. These invasive carp, which threaten native sport fish species and present a safety hazard to recreational boaters, endanger the $1.2 billion fishing and recreational boating industry in western Kentucky.
Kentucky is now home to three types of Asian carp: silver carp, big head carp and now black carp. Silver and big head carp numbers have exploded along most of the Ohio River and its tributaries. They are prevalent in Kentucky and Barkley lakes.
A typical silver carp weighs from five to 30 pounds. Big heads can weigh more than 100 pounds, but 50-80 pounds is more common.
Asian carp school by the thousands and can fill the air with jumping fish when a boat motor startles them. “The surface of the water around and in front of a moving boat can suddenly erupt with thousands of jumping fish,” said Fisheries Division Director Ron Brooks, a nationally recognized authority on this invasive species. “The damage to boats and injuries to boaters caused by high speed collisions with these fish are increasing each year.”
Safety problems caused by Asian carp are growing. The department already receives reports of water skiers and tubers being struck by jumping fish while skimming behind a boat going 30 mph. On some Kentucky waterways, it is becoming a likely and dangerous occurrence.
Controlling Asian carp is a challenge for states drained by the Mississippi River and its various tributaries.
“Asian carp are extremely prolific breeders and have been competing with our native fisheries for quite some time,” said Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Gregory Johnson. “Each female fish can produce up to a million eggs and spawn multiple times each year. Their numbers have reached the point now where they even threaten the safety of our boaters.”
Recreational boaters threatened by the presence of Asian carp may be asked to help fund the effort to take on this menace.
Kentucky annually registers more than 170,000 motorized vessels. Boater registration fees pay for new boat ramps, maintenance of 165 aging ramps and provides for boating safety and enforcement.
Kentucky has not raised its boat registration fees in 15 years. In evaluating the state’s pricing structure, committee members noted that registering a boat in Kentucky costs far less on average than the surrounding states. Proposed new rates would continue to keep Kentucky’s registration fees lower than neighboring states.
Controlling the fishes’ numbers and territorial expansions are forcing the department to seek additional resources. Department officials identified a shortfall of about $1.8 million needed for Asian carp control, engineering programs that build and maintain boat launch ramps for boater access, boater safety and enforcement.
The recommendations include increasing registration pricing for boats under 16 feet in length from $19 to $24 (neighboring state average is $22.50); boats 16-26 feet from $23 to $38 (Neighbor average is $40); boats 26-40 feet from $29 to $50 (neighbor average is $72); and boats longer than 40 feet from $33 to $60 (neighbor average is $96). Inboards would increase from $34 to $47 and boats powered only by trolling motors from $9 to $14.
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.
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.
