Kentucky Homeplace is offering help with many services, including Applications for healthcare coverage through Medicaid, Medicare, and the Marketplace; free or low-cost medications, eye exams and eyeglasses; health coaching and chronic disease self-management; Assistance working with multiple agencies and resources, such as dentists, diabetic shoes, medical equipment, heating/cooling, and meals; and more.  You can contact Darla Shepherd, Harlan County certified community health worker, at the number and email listed below.

(606) 574-0239

darla.shepherd@uky.edu

Attorney General Cameron Challenges EPA’s Approval of a Ban on Gas-Powered Vehicles FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 13, 2023) – Attorney General Daniel Cameron joined a 19-state coalition contesting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to allow California to ban certain gas-powered vehicles, including trucks and vans. The coalition’s lawsuit challenges the EPA’s special treatment of California. Under the Clean Air Act, California may seek a waiver to impose its own vehicle emissions standards, something no other state is allowed to do. Here, California requested and received a waiver from the EPA. That waiver greenlights California’s requirement that, by 2035, all buses, vans, trucks, and tractor-trailers abandon gas and diesel power and shift to electric power alternatives. Because of California’s influence on the vehicle market, the rule will impact consumers across the nation and lead to higher prices for everything from food to automobiles. “This is Democrats’ latest move to surrender America to a woke climate agenda,” said Attorney General Cameron. “I joined this coalition to keep the Biden Administration’s California values from infecting Kentucky and to protect the livelihoods of the thousands of families that depend on the trucking industry.” A ban of this kind would be exorbitantly expensive. Prices for electric trucks start around $100,000 and can reach the high six figures. California’s rule would also devastate the demand for liquid fuels like biodiesel and cut trucking jobs across the country. In the Bluegrass State alone, the trucking industry provides almost 113,000 jobs. This is Attorney General Cameron’s latest effort to fight President Biden’s extreme climate agenda and protect the economies of energy states like Kentucky. Earlier this year, Attorney General Cameron led a 19-state coalition in opposing the EPA’s excessive regulation of air quality standards. And, in April he sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy rebuking a regulation that would make illegal over 50 percent of gas stoves currently on the market. Attorney General Cameron was joined by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia in filing suit. To read a copy of the lawsuit, click here. ###

The City of Harlan is now offering a reimbursement program for businesses in the downtown Harlan area.  Through this program, your property may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 to help with expenses concerning the repair and beautification of the exterior appearance of the property.  Some eligible expenses include awnings, exterior painting, lighting, brick repair, facade cleaning, windows, doors, and other expenses on a case by case basis.  Property owners are advised to wait for approval before beginning any projects.  The program is currently open to commercial properties in good standing with the city of Harlan that are structurally sound and safe for occupancy. This program is not available for government entities, franchises, businesses with more than three locations, or nonprofit organizations.  Businesses with serious structural issues, such as roof and foundation concerns, should address those issues before moving on to facade work.  Should you apply, please provide an itemized estimate of the work.

The application will be reviewed by a committee that will determine if the property meets the current criteria and will weigh the project’s impact on the overall goal of improving the appearance of our downtown area.  Committee decisions are final, but owners are welcome to resubmit applications if they feel their project or circumstances have changed.  Please return the application to City Hall upon completion.

Some businesses that have already been approved for benefits include The Harlan County Beer Company, Sassy Trash, Harris Insurance, Jillian’s Pet Spa, Jared Nunelley, Otis Jackson, and Southern Ruckus (pending paperwork).

Gov. Beshear Announces $1 Million To Support Older Adults in West Louisville Funds will be used to renovate ElderServe’s Adult Day Health Center, a community space for seniors that will offer memory care services LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 12, 2023) – Today, continuing his support of health care for aging Kentuckians, Gov. Andy Beshear announced $1 million in funding to the City of Louisville to renovate the Adult Day Health Center at ElderServe. The newly renovated space will offer services to aid in memory care and cognitive function as well as recreational activities under the care of medical staff. This announcement comes just months after ElderServe reopened its doors in March after briefly pausing operations. The new Adult Day Health Center provides older adults in West Louisville with programs that improve their quality of life and well-being. “Today’s announcement will have a big impact on memory care for our aging Kentuckians and will expand on the community ElderServe has already built here in West Louisville,” said Gov. Beshear. “Caring for folks when they need us most is part of our Kentucky values. When we live up to those values, we build a better Kentucky for everyone.” “At metro government, our goal every day is to make Louisville a safer, stronger and healthier city,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “The work happening here at ElderServe is an important part of that goal. Giving seniors a place to gather to eat together, take classes together and find community and connection is incredibly important. I am excited for the clients, staff and everyone who will be a part of this organization’s bright future.” The services at the Adult Day Health Center will provide affordable health care options for senior citizens and will help Kentuckians who have older family members in need of assistance. Caretakers will be able to go to work or school without worrying if an older loved one is in a safe environment. This investment helps address the need for quality senior health care options in West Louisville. “This center will play a crucial role in providing affordable and accessible care for older adults,” said Tim Findley, CEO of ElderServe. “We realize that so many caregivers have limited resources to provide care for their loved ones while also balancing work and other responsibilities. We at ElderServe seek to lead the charge in supporting the health and well-being of older adults and their caregivers. This is monumental!” Renovation activities will include the installation of new windows and doors, painting, new flooring and ceilings, HVAC and electrical upgrades, plumbing and large handicapped accessible restrooms with grab bars. Gov. Beshear has repeatedly made investments in the well-being of older adults across Kentucky. In August 2022, he announced the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, to provide aging Kentuckians with a variety of home- and community-based services at a more affordable level. In June 2022, the Governor announced $1 million in funding to build a new senior center in Pikeville. In November 2022, he announced  $764,560 to rehabilitate the Grand Towers Senior Housing multifamily housing building located in Newport. During the height of the pandemic, Gov. Beshear prioritized fast-tracking Medicaid enrollment, garnering national recognition. ###

GENERAL FUND AND ROAD FUND RECEIPTS FOR MAY 2023 General Fund receipts decreased 7.2 percent, Up 3.4 percent Year-to-Date Road Fund receipts increased 11.2 percent, Up 4.7 percent Year-to-Date      FRANKFORT, KY – (Monday, June 12, 2023) – The Office of State Budget Director reported today that General Fund receipts declined by 7.2 percent in May compared to May 2022.  Total revenues for the month were $1,146.0 million. This is only the third time that May receipts exceeded $1.0 billion. Receipts have now grown 3.4 percent for the first 11 months of FY23.  Individual income tax receipts declined by $148 million due to the 10 percent reduction in the tax rate and a higher amount of tax refunds. Sales and gross receipts rose by 6.2 percent, or $40.0 million, and earnings on investment rose by $19.4 million. General Fund receipts are still on pace to result in a third consecutive year with a budget surplus in excess of $1 billion. State Budget Director John Hicks commented on the May receipts. “Year-over-year monthly revenue declines are now to be expected given the reduction to the individual income tax rate that became effective January 2023. The payroll withholding base continues to rise reflecting higher total Kentucky wages and salaries. The tax rate impact has already been considered in our revenue forecasting.  A revenue surplus in excess of $1.0 billion is still expected when the annual revenue total is compared to the estimate used in the creation of the current budget.” Among the major accounts: Sales and use tax receipts increased 6.2 percent for the month and have grown 10.0 percent year-to-date. Corporation income and Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET) tax receipts declined 26.7 percent for the month but have grown 5.1 percent year-to-date. Individual income tax collections decreased 25.3 percent, or $147.7 million. All components of the tax were lower than what was collected last May. Prior to the tax rate reduction, individual income tax receipts grew by 8.6 percent through December 2022. Receipts have now decreased 2.2 percent though the 11 months of FY23. May marked the first month in which revenue was collected from the new Pass-Through Entity tax enacted in the 2023 legislative session.  Collections for the month were $175,021. Property tax collections grew 3.7 percent in May. The public service as well as omitted and delinquent categories increased in May while the remaining components all decreased.  Year-to-date receipts are up 7.3 percent. Cigarette tax receipts fell 10.5 percent in May and are down 10.1 percent year-to-date. Coal severance tax receipts had their first monthly decline in FY23, falling 3.3 percent. Collections have increased 41.5 percent through the first eleven months of the fiscal year. Road Fund receipts for May totaled $165.3 million, an 11.2 percent increase compared to May 2022 levels.  Year-to-date receipts have increased 4.7 percent.  The official Road Fund revenue estimate calls for a 2.7 percent increase in revenues for the fiscal year. The Road Fund is now expected to yield a revenue surplus for FY23.  Based on year-to-date tax collections, revenues can decline 16.7 percent in June and still meet the estimate.  Among the accounts, motor fuels revenue rose 9.5 percent and motor vehicle usage collections grew 10.9 percent.  License and privilege taxes also posted double digit growth with a 24.2 percent, bringing growth through the first 11 months up to 3.1 percent. Report is available for review: http://www.osbd.ky.gov ###

Gov. Beshear Orders Flags to Half-Staff on June 9   FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 8, 2023) – Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Friday, June 9, 2023, in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died in a training exercise. According to the U.S. Army, Sgt. David M. Solinas Jr., 23, of Oradell, New Jersey, died March 29, when his HH60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky, during a routine training mission. He was assigned to 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Solinas will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday. Gov. Beshear encourages all individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute. Additional flag status information is available at governor.ky.gov/flag-status. ###

 

Eastern Broadcasting will livestream this beginning at 7pm.   Video will be available right here.  Audio coverage will be on 105.1FM as well at 1410AM.

The Governor will request additional long-term care nurses, assistance with monoclonal antibody injections

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 2, 2021) – On Thursday during his weekly Team Kentucky update, Gov. Andy Beshear said Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) strike teams and Kentucky National Guard members are assisting Kentucky hospitals in need during the surge of COVID-19 cases sparked by the delta variant.

“With hospital staff and resources stretched thin, we need this additional help, and we thank all those serving on the front lines,” said Gov. Beshear.

He added: “Kentucky’s brave National Guard members have stood up to fight this virus since the beginning. From helping with testing efforts, to administering vaccines and now helping our health care heroes, their dedication to the people of the commonwealth has undoubtedly made a difference.”

Kentucky health care heroes shared their experiences in two of the state’s hospitals, emphasizing their need for additional support.

“Without a doubt, cases of COVID-19 have increased significantly in our hospital and our community. Like every other health care facility in Kentucky, Lake Cumberland is operating at the very edge of our capacity,” said Dr. Ted Qualls, emergency medicine physician at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. “Our team has been working tirelessly to care for our community, and we ask that the community please be patient and understanding as we work to respond to this surge with all of our available resources. Vaccination is the primary way we will avoid further overwhelming the health care system here at home, in our region and across the state.”

“I hear a lot that children aren’t getting affected by COVID. That’s no longer true,” said Dr. Beth Brooks, pediatrics, T.J. Regional Health in Glasgow. “Right now, they’re getting just as sick as adults. They’re ending up in the same ICUs. They’re on ventilators. They are getting treated the best we can, but they are getting sick.”

FEMA Medical Strike Teams Assist Kentucky Hospitals During COVID-19 Surge
Gov. Beshear updated Kentuckians on the status of FEMA strike teams his administration has requested or will request soon to assist strained Kentucky hospitals.

Emergency Medical Services Teams
Gov. Beshear said three FEMA Emergency Medical Services (EMS) strike teams are onsite in Kentucky tasked with transfers and transporting COVID-19 patients. The EMS strike teams are being managed by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Management Services (KBEMS) through American Medical Response.

Each team is comprised of five advanced life support ambulances and each ambulance is staffed with one paramedic and one emergency medical technician (EMT). Each strike team is positioned regionally, in Somerset, Prestonsburg and Louisville. They are centrally dispatched and can respond to any area in the state.

The Governor will continue to monitor the availability of teams.

Monoclonal Antibody Injection Teams
The Governor said a resource request form will soon be submitted to FEMA seeking two monoclonal COVID-19 antibody injection teams to administer the antibodies subcutaneously (applied under the skin, rather than through an infusion) to Kentuckians infected with the virus.

Long-Term Care Nurse Strike Teams
The Governor said two long-term care nurse strike teams are being developed by the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Healthcare-Associated Infections program.

New Kentucky National Guard COVID-19 Mission
The Governor said as Kentucky hospitals continue to face challenges from the surge of the COVID-19 delta variant, his administration is working to ensure they have the support they need.

In total, 105 Kentucky National Guardsmen have been deployed for a new COVID-19 response mission, in seven teams of 15. So far, hospitals that have received Kentucky National Guard assistance include: St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Appalachian Regional Healthcare in Hazard, The Medical Center at Bowling Green and Pikeville Medical Center.

“We are pleased to have the temporary assistance of 30 members of the National Guard who arrived at the Medical Center at Bowling Green Aug. 31. These men and women are serving in various general, non-clinical and non-administrative capacities throughout our facility. Their assistance and service is much appreciated and will offer relief to our staff. We are so very grateful,” The Medical Center at Bowling Green leadership team said in a statement.

Price-Gouging
The Governor extended an executive order prohibiting price-gouging.

Pharmaceuticals
The Governor signed an executive order that extends previous orders allowing pharmacists to dispense 30-day refills.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Earlier this week, the Governor shared a story from a weekend event where Galen College of Nursing stepped up and offered to support health care heroes during the current COVID-19 surge. Today, Gov. Beshear welcomed the college’s chief executive officer, Mark Vogt; Dean of the Kentucky Campus, Lisa Peak; Dr. Brittney Welch, DNP, RN, director of clinical education; and three students: Sophia Allen, Jaquar Morris and Sabrina Hale.

Nursing students from Galen will be joining hospitals and health care teams in need by offering assistance with testing, clinical needs and other services.

“This will make a huge difference in our fight against COVID, while also offering these students real-life training,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you. What you and these students are doing is the true spirit of Team Kentucky. We are grateful for your bravery and dedication to caring for our people, supporting our health care teams and furthering education in such a critical field. For that, I am honored to name Galen College of Nursing’s students and staff this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.”

“Never before in our history have we seen a need for nursing care like we are seeing today. We are receiving calls daily from our clinical partners around the commonwealth in dire need of nursing staff,” said Vogt. “We acknowledged at Galen College early on that we wanted to do our part. As nurse educators, we feel like it is our obligation and opportunity to give this time for our students to provide that support. In these most vulnerable times, Galen students have spent hundreds if not thousands of hours supporting the commonwealth. We’ve delivered over 100,000 vaccinations with our partnership with the Kentucky Nursing Association. We’ve administered thousands of tests related to COVID for our students, and we’re continuing to do that today.”

Kentucky’s Economic Momentum Grows Despite COVID-19 Challenges
Even though COVID-19 is surging in the commonwealth, Gov. Beshear said Kentucky’s economic momentum continues to grow.

• School Districts Awarded $75 Million to Upgrade Vocational Education Centers: In another significant step forward in his Better Kentucky Plan, which is creating jobs and opportunities in every corner of the commonwealth, yesterday Gov. Beshear announced $75 million has been approved to go to Kentucky school districts to fund renovation projects at Local Area Vocational Education Centers.
• Gov. Beshear: Martinrea to Expand Hopkinsville Facility, Create 33 Jobs: Martinrea Hopkinsville LLC, a Tier 1 automotive supplier of lightweight structures and propulsion systems, will expand its presence in Christian County with an investment of more than $31 million that will create 33 quality job opportunities, Gov. Beshear announced this week.

Setco To Relocate Headquarters to Boone County, Create 30 Well-Paying Jobs: Setco Sales Co., a manufacturer of spindles and other precision parts and specialty products for the automotive and aerospace industries, will relocate its headquarters to Boone County and create 30 quality jobs in the coming years, Gov. Beshear announced this week.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (September 2, 2021) – Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced today that a Christian County man was sentenced for the murder of three Kentuckians.  Christian Richard Martin, of Christian County, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

An investigation discovered that on November 18, 2015, Martin fatally shot three of his neighbors, Edward Dansereau and Calvin and Pamela Phillips. Calvin Phillips was found dead in his Pembroke home on November 19, and the remains of Dansereau and Pamela Phillips were discovered in a burned vehicle in a field.

Martin was indicted by a Christian County grand jury on May 10, 2019. He was arrested at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport the following day. Martin’s trial was initially scheduled to occur in Christian County, but the trial ultimately occurred in Hardin County.

After a two-week trial, a jury convicted Martin of all charges, including three counts of murder, one count of arson in the first degree, one count of attempted arson, two counts of burglary in the first degree, and three counts of tampering with physical evidence.  The sentencing occurred today in Christian Circuit Court.

Barbara Whaley and Alexander Garcia prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  The case was investigated by the Kentucky State Police, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Criminal Investigations within the Office of the Attorney General. Aaron Ash, a victims’ advocate from the Attorney General’s Office, assisted the families of the crime victims during the case.