Good news today from Governor Steve Beshear...

Today I announced a decision that has the potential to impact more Kentuckians than any other decision I have made or will make as governor – my decision to provide health insurance to more than 300,000 uninsured Kentuckians. This decision, combined with my previous decision to create the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange, means that all 640,000 uninsured individuals in Kentucky will now have the opportunity gain affordable health insurance.

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), states have the option to expand their Medicaid programs to more low-income individuals, with the feds picking up the cost for the first three years and then gradually decreasing to paying 90 percent of the cost. While I was always hopeful to take this step, I wanted to make sure it was the fiscally responsible thing to do for the state. Our analysis shows that not only can the state afford to expand this program, but upon full implementation of the ACA, it would cost us more to turn it down.

A healthier Kentucky.

You’ve seen the statistics. We rank at or near the bottom in almost every health category, and I for one am tired of being at the bottom. 20 other states have chosen to improve their state’s health and provide more of their people with health insurance. And folks, not all of these states are lead by Democrats. Some Republican governors have also made this choice for a healthier America.

My friends, it’s a win-win situation for the Commonwealth. A healthier population, paid for in large part by the federal government, a healthier workforce to better attract the jobs of the future, and a reduced burden on the state’s General Fund with millions of dollars of cost shifting to the feds. If you would like more information on this momentous step for Kentucky, please click here.

Every day, we are working hard to make Kentucky a better place for our children and families, our businesses and our workers. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Governor Beshear

Would you like a way to raise money for the Democratic Party that requires no work and doesn’t cost you a cent? Here’s how:

Located on your Kentucky Individual Tax Return Forms (such as the 740) is a box labeled “POLITICAL PARTY FUND.” By simply checking the “Democratic” box on your form, you'll be raising money for the Democratic Party.

Here are some quick facts about the Political Party Fund Check-Off:
•         By checking the “Democratic” box, you’re designating $2 from your tax return to Kentucky Democratic organizations.
•         $1.50 of your designated $2.00 will go to the Kentucky Democratic Party;  50 cents will go to your local county party.
•         Your designated $2 will not come out of your refund nor will it add to your tax bill. It only takes $2 out of what you’re paying anyway and provides it to the party. In other words, if either your tax bill or your refund is $100, it will remain $100 but $2 of the taxes that you paid will be given to the Democratic Party in Kentucky.

Imagine how much money could be raised for the Democratic Party if every Democrat in Kentucky would check that box!

And remember, each county party gets a share of the proceeds, including your Shelby County Democratic Party!

From the Shelby County KFTC:

Gather your friends to show off your knowledge of Kentucky Trivia on March 22 in Shelbyville.

Teams of 8 people will compete to answer questions in 10 categories. Entry fee is $10 per person and includes pizza, snacks and drinks. Teams can buy a bonus question in each category for $5 each. There will also be raffle bags of gently used items.

First prize is uncontested bragging rights for your team, and an invitation to defend your title at no charge at the next Trivia Night.

All proceeds go to support Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.

Join us Friday, March 22 at the Stratton Center, 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

To reserve space for your team, call Ann Ellerkamp at 502-437-5040.