Two Kentucky Republicans in the GOP-controlled General Assembly are proposing term limits on lawmakers — one at the federal level and one for themselves. Rep. Kim Banta, R-Fort Mitchell, has filed a bill that would put the question to Kentucky voters in the form of a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on state legislators. Meanwhile in the […]
Author Archives: Kentucky Lantern
Posted inNews
Return to ‘local control’ of driver’s license renewals is a priority for KY Senate GOP
Local officials such as sheriffs and county clerks could renew driver’s licenses in counties without regional offices under legislation that was filed Tuesday and is a priority in the Kentucky Senate. The bill comes in response to reports of delays in getting appointments at regional offices, extended wait times and long drives to offices for rural Kentuckians. Kentucky has 34 regional offices that […]
Posted inFrankfort
Beshear’s budget aims to relieve affordability pressures
Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is asking the GOP-controlled state legislature for $500 million in one-time spending to ease families’ “rising cost pressures.” Beshear’s proposed budget also includes start-up funding for his educational priority of “Pre-K for All” and fully covering hundreds of millions of dollars in increased Medicaid costs. That’s according to a 12-page summary shared […]
Posted inNews
Another income tax cut uncertain amid ‘difficult’ state budget process
In three of the last four years, Kentucky Republicans have kicked off the legislative session by cutting the state’s individual income tax rate, aiming to eventually eliminate the tax altogether. This year, amid economic headwinds, another tax cut remains uncertain. “There will be a revenue measure filed and passed at some point during this session. […]
Posted inPolitics
This Kentucky General Assembly is going to be very different for the public
Things looked different for lawmakers and the public when the Kentucky General Assembly began its 2026 session on Tuesday. Because the Capitol is closed and vacated for a $300 million multi-year renovation, the House and Senate will meet in a temporary building that was constructed next to the Capitol Annex. Other state offices, including the governor’s […]
Posted inNews
Advocate and auditor raise concerns about Kentucky kinship care proposal
During a public hearing on a proposed state regulation to change how kinship care placements are handled in Kentucky, an advocate raised concerns about how the revisions will play out. Norma Hatfield, a longtime advocate for kinship care families who, like herself, are raising minor relatives, addressed officials with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family […]
Posted inNews
Kentucky attorney general’s office demands resignation of fish and wildlife board chair
The Kentucky attorney general is demanding the resignation of the board chair overseeing the state’s wildlife management agency, arguing he is ineligible under Kentucky law — a position that could have broader implications for the state’s hunters and anglers. Attorney Aaron Silletto, head of the Office of Civil and Environmental Law within the AG’s office, […]
Posted inNews
Here’s some of what Kentucky advocates want legislature to do for children in 2026
An organization that advocates for Kentucky’s children wants the legislature to fund a kinship care law that’s been stuck in limbo, give guardians ad litem raises, eliminate the sales tax on diapers and much more in 2026. Kentucky Youth Advocates released its Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children in early December. This document lays out the organization’s priorities for the 2026 legislative session, which begins Jan. […]
Posted inNews
Beshear talks about saving the American Dream
In the middle of his second and final term as Kentucky governor, Democrat Andy Beshear says he’s focused on helping Kentuckians keep the American Dream within reach. Beshear, 48, who will lead the red state through 2027, has spent much of the year pushing back against Republicans at the federal level, particularly when it comes […]
Posted inNews
Kentucky Republican wants to remove BMI from eating disorder treatment standards. Here’s why.
This story discusses eating disorders. If you or someone you know is at risk for an eating disorder, the National Eating Disorders Association has resources and a free screening tool at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. Kentuckians being treated for eating disorders who gain much needed weight in treatment sometimes reach a body mass […]