Kenny Colston

A group of three economists hopes to provide key input to Kentucky's tax commission this summer. The Blue Ribbon Tax Commission picked three professors to act as consultants as the group considers changes to the state's tax code. Two are from the University of Kentucky and one is from the University of Tennessee.

A key part of the Affordable Care Act will be implemented by executive order in Kentucky if the healthcare law is upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Exchanges in which residents can purchase insurance are a major part of the law. Each state must have an exchange, and if states don't set them up, the federal government will.

A national battle between two legislative groups has reached Kentucky. The advocacy group Common Cause is asking federal agencies to remove the non-profit tax-exempt status of the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC.  ALEC provides lawmakers with sample legislation and talking points, often to promote conservative issues, and Common Cause says the organization is a lobbying group.

For the first time in a generation, Kentucky courts will temporarily close due to budget cuts. Workers in the judicial branch were notified this morning that furloughs will be necessary for three days. All state court employees will be furloughed on August 6, September 4, and October 15 of this year.

A new poll shows Kentuckians are becoming increasingly aware of the commonwealth’s health issues and willing to act on them. The Kentucky Health Issues Poll is conducted annually by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. The latest poll for last year was just released this week and found many Kentuckians worry about childhood obesity and depression.