With no statewide races on the ballot this year, the Kentucky Democratic Party is focusing its efforts on the General Assembly. Republicans have made taking over the state House a priority and have pledged to raise $1 million dollars to do so.
Two members of the Kentucky General Assembly have refused to be paid for a week long special legislative session held earlier this year. The two lawmakers have returned nearly $7,000 to the State treasury.
One of Kentucky's leading voices against child abuse is speaking out about abuse he suffered as a child. State Rep. Tom Burch is the chairman of the House Health and Welfare committee. Burch wrote a letter to the Lexington Herald-Leader that mentioned that he was sexually abused by a priest as a middle schooler and was also physically abused by his father.
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.
