Letter to KY PSC

 

To the Kentucky Public Service Commission,

I am writing to formally oppose the continued rate increases approved for Kentucky Power Company (AEP Kentucky) and to request immediate review and relief for residential customers, particularly those living on fixed incomes in Eastern Kentucky.

I submit my own billing history as clear evidence of the growing hardship these rates impose. In October 2025, my household used 438 kWh of electricity and was billed $113.11. By November, usage increased to 1,000 kWh with a bill of $218.48. In January, winter heating needs drove usage to 2,306 kWh, resulting in a bill of $364.56.

These increases cannot be explained by usage alone. The accumulation of base rate increases, fuel adjustment clauses, environmental surcharges, DSM riders, and other fixed charges has created a compounding financial burden that disproportionately impacts households with limited or fixed incomes. Customers are being charged more not because of waste, but because of unavoidable seasonal need.

Eastern Kentucky residents already face lower median incomes, higher unemployment, older housing stock, and fewer utility alternatives. Yet Kentucky Power customers routinely pay effective electric rates that exceed national averages and are significantly higher than rates paid in other parts of Kentucky and neighboring states. Many TVA-served areas and surrounding states experience materially lower electric costs, even during peak winter months.

For families on Social Security, disability, or retirement income, these increases force impossible choices between heat, food, medicine, and housing. Conservation alone is no longer a meaningful solution when fixed charges and riders continue to rise regardless of consumption.

I urge the Commission to:

• Reevaluate the cumulative impact of recent and past rate increases
• Closely scrutinize fuel and environmental riders
• Prioritize affordability and income equity in future rate cases
• Expand protections for fixed-income and medically vulnerable households
• Require Kentucky Power to demonstrate real cost containment before approving any additional increases

Affordable and reliable electric service is not a luxury — it is a necessity. The Commission has both the authority and responsibility to ensure that rates remain fair, just, and reasonable for the people of Kentucky, not just sustainable for utility shareholders.

Thank you for your consideration and for your service to the Commonwealth.

Respectfully,

Raymond Ratliff
Ashcamp, Kentucky
Kentucky Power Customer

Sex offender identification

 

Our families and children are our most vital resources in Kentucky, and their protection must be our top priority—above all other rights, conveniences, and comforts. This is not a matter of preference or politics; it is a matter of duty. For that reason, I am urging your immediate and unequivocal support for stronger public safety identification measures to protect our communities—especially women and children—from sexual predators, sexual violence, and human trafficking.

Sexual predators rely on anonymity and mobility to offend, evade detection, and reoffend. When individuals have been convicted of serious sexual crimes and remain under legally mandated registration requirements, the Commonwealth has both the authority and the obligation to impose reasonable identification and monitoring conditions that prioritize public safety. Every preventable assault or trafficking crime that occurs because warning tools were absent or underutilized represents a failure to act when action was clearly warranted.

Courts across the country have consistently recognized that public identification and monitoring requirements imposed during a lawful registration period are constitutional when enacted for public safety purposes. While offenders retain certain rights, those rights are lawfully limited during the period of punishment and registration. The judiciary has repeatedly affirmed that these measures are regulatory—not punitive—and that states are permitted broad latitude to protect the public under the Constitution. The First, Fourth, and Eighth Amendments do not prohibit reasonable identification requirements tied directly to a conviction and an active registration obligation. In fact, federal law explicitly allows states to go further than minimum standards when public safety demands it.

This is not about shaming or retribution. It is about prevention. Operating a motor vehicle is a regulated privilege, not an absolute right. When identification measures can assist law enforcement, increase compliance, deter repeat offenses, and provide communities with situational awareness, refusing to implement them elevates offender comfort over victim protection. That is an unacceptable tradeoff.

Women and children disproportionately suffer the consequences of sexual violence and human trafficking. Parents deserve to know that their leaders are willing to act decisively—before harm occurs, not after another tragedy becomes unavoidable. Public safety identification measures disrupt predatory behavior, reduce opportunity, and send a clear and necessary message: Kentucky will use every lawful tool available to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

Supporting this legislation is not optional—it is a responsibility. The legal foundation exists. The authority exists. The need is undeniable. The only remaining question is whether we will act now, or wait until another child or family pays the price for inaction.

I strongly urge you to stand with Kentucky families and support this critical public safety initiative.

The following is my proposal.

AN ACT

relating to sex offender registration and motor vehicle regulation; prioritizing the protection of families, women, and children; creating a new section of KRS Chapter 186; amending KRS 17.510; providing for administrative regulations; and declaring legislative findings and purpose.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

SECTION 1. AMEND KRS 17.510 TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

KRS 17.510 is amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:

( ) Any individual required to comply with the registration requirements of this section, who is classified as a moderate, high, or lifetime registrant, and who owns, leases, or regularly operates a motor vehicle registered in the Commonwealth, shall be required, as a condition of continued registration and lawful operation of a motor vehicle, to comply with the public safety vehicle identifier requirements established under Section 2 of this Act.

Compliance with this subsection shall be mandatory during the period in which the registrant remains subject to active registration and continuing legal consequence resulting from a criminal conviction.

SECTION 2. CREATE A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 186 TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

Public Safety Vehicle Identifier Requirement for Certain Registrants.

The Transportation Cabinet shall establish and administer a Public Safety Vehicle Identifier Program applicable to individuals required to register pursuant to KRS 17.500 to 17.580 who present an elevated risk to community safety.

A registrant subject to this section shall display a public safety vehicle identifier license plate on any motor vehicle that is:

(a) Registered in the registrant’s name; or

(b) Operated by the registrant on a regular, recurring, or habitual basis.

The public safety vehicle identifier license plate shall:

(a) Be visually distinct from standard motor vehicle license plates issued by the Commonwealth;

(b) Utilize neutral colors, symbols, numbering, or alphanumeric identifiers designed to promote public safety and law enforcement recognition;

(c) Not contain explicit language identifying the registrant as a sex offender or describing the underlying offense; and

(d) Be identifiable and interpretable by law enforcement agencies through state and national motor vehicle and criminal justice databases.

The requirements imposed under this section shall apply only during the period in which the individual:

(a) Is subject to active sex offender registration; and

(b) Remains under lawful punishment or continuing legal consequence arising from a criminal conviction.

Upon completion of the required registration period, or lawful removal from the sex offender registry, the individual shall no longer be subject to this section and shall be eligible to receive a standard license plate without penalty, stigma, or additional condition.

The Transportation Cabinet shall establish a procedure by which a registrant may petition the sentencing court for a limited and narrowly tailored hardship exemption, upon a verified showing of extraordinary circumstances, including documented employment or medical necessity. Any exemption:

(a) Shall not compromise public safety;

(b) Shall be subject to periodic judicial review; and

(c) May be revoked upon noncompliance or changed circumstances.

Failure to comply with this section shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor. Each day a registrant operates a motor vehicle in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.

Compliance with this section is a condition of the privilege to operate and register a motor vehicle and shall not be construed to restore, expand, or imply any right otherwise limited by criminal conviction or registration status.

SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS.

The Transportation Cabinet, in coordination with the Kentucky State Police, shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A to implement and enforce this Act, including but not limited to:

Design, issuance, renewal, and replacement standards for identifier plates;

Verification of registrant status and eligibility;

Duration, expiration, and transition procedures upon completion of registration;

Integration with law enforcement databases and automated license plate reader systems; and

Procedures governing hardship exemptions and judicial oversight.

SECTION 4. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND DECLARATION OF PURPOSE.

The General Assembly hereby finds and declares that:

Families and children are the Commonwealth’s most vital resources, and their protection is a paramount governmental responsibility that must take precedence over convenience or comfort during periods of lawful punishment;

A criminal conviction lawfully imposes consequences that may restrict or condition certain rights and privileges, including the operation and registration of motor vehicles;

Individuals required to register pursuant to KRS 17.500 to 17.580 remain subject to continuing legal obligations and supervision arising directly from their conviction;

Operation of a motor vehicle is a regulated privilege, not an inherent right, and may Individuals be reasonably conditioned to protect public safety;

Identification of vehicles operated by certain registrants enhances community awareness, assists law enforcement monitoring, deters repeat offenses, and supports the prevention of sexual violence and human trafficking; and

The requirements of this Act apply only while punishment and legal consequence remain in effect and shall terminate upon completion of those obligations.

SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY.

If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky possesses clear constitutional authority to enact reasonable public identification and monitoring measures for individuals required to register as sex offenders, provided such measures apply only during the period of active registration and continuing legal consequence resulting from a criminal conviction. Courts across the United States, including the Supreme Court of the United States, have repeatedly affirmed this principle.

The United States Supreme Court has held that sex offender registration and public notification systems are civil, regulatory measures enacted for public safety, not additional criminal punishment. In Smith v. Doe, 538 U.S. 84 (2003), the Court upheld Alaska’s sex offender registry and public disclosure requirements, explicitly concluding that the dissemination of offender information serves a legitimate, non-punitive public safety purpose. The Court recognized that states are entitled to adopt regulatory measures designed to protect families and children, even when those measures impose ongoing obligations on convicted offenders.

Similarly, in Connecticut Department of Public Safety v. Doe, 538 U.S. 1 (2003), the Supreme Court upheld the public disclosure of sex offender registry information and rejected the argument that reputational harm alone constitutes a deprivation of constitutional liberty. The Court made clear that individuals who have been convicted of qualifying offenses may lawfully be subject to public identification requirements tied directly to their conviction and registration status, without additional procedural hearings.

Federal appellate courts have further reinforced the authority of states to impose identification-related requirements on registrants as part of lawful monitoring and prevention efforts. In Doe v. Shurtleff, 628 F.3d 1217 (10th Cir. 2010), the Tenth Circuit upheld requirements compelling registrants to disclose identifying information linked to their activities, finding such requirements constitutional where they are rationally related to public safety and law enforcement objectives. Courts have consistently emphasized that these measures are permissible when narrowly tailored, regulatory in nature, and directly connected to an active registration obligation.

State courts across the country have likewise recognized that public access to registrant information enables families, parents, and communities to take protective action, enhances law enforcement effectiveness, and deters recidivism. These courts have repeatedly affirmed that states may adopt disclosure and identification tools that go beyond minimum federal standards when justified by public safety concerns.

Importantly, courts have also recognized that operating a motor vehicle is a regulated privilege, not an inherent right, and may be conditioned to promote public safety. During periods of lawful punishment and registration, the state may impose reasonable conditions on privileges—including vehicle operation—so long as those conditions terminate upon completion of the registrant’s legal obligations.

The proposed legislation aligns squarely with this well-established constitutional framework. It:

Applies only to individuals under active registration and continuing legal consequence;

Serves a compelling public safety purpose, particularly the protection of women and children;

Is regulatory, not punitive, and terminates automatically when legal obligations end;

Avoids explicit labeling or expressive messaging while remaining identifiable to law enforcement; and

Preserves judicial oversight and narrowly tailored hardship exemptions.

Taken together, decades of federal and state precedent confirm that public identification measures for registered sex offenders—when limited to the duration of lawful registration—are constitutionally permissible, legally defensible, and firmly grounded in the state’s responsibility to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

Protecting families and children is not optional. The Constitution does not require the Commonwealth to prioritize offender comfort over community safety. The law supports action—and the responsibility to act is clear.

Respectfully,

Ray Ratliff

The Future of Eastern Kentucky (TFEK)

AN ACT

Requesting Support for Statewide Casino-Style Gaming Legalization & KRS Reform

 To the Honorable Members of the Kentucky General Assembly,

I am writing on behalf of The Future of Eastern Kentucky (TFEK) to respectfully urge your support for comprehensive reform of Kentucky’s gaming laws and the modernization of KRS statutes that would allow the issuing of full casino-style gaming licenses statewide.

Kentucky has reached a pivotal moment. Our neighboring states have embraced expanded gaming and are collecting billions of dollars annually in revenue that should be circulating here at home—benefiting our people, our schools, our infrastructure, and our pension systems. For Eastern Kentucky in particular, expanded gaming represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore economic vitality and create sustainable jobs where they are most needed.

We are encouraged to see a growing bipartisan coalition of legislators who support expanding legal, regulated gaming in the Commonwealth. Leaders such as:

Rep. Michael Meredith – primary sponsor of the sports wagering legislation that successfully passed and demonstrated Kentucky's ability to regulate gaming responsibly.

Rep. Al Gentry, Rep. Chad Aull, Rep. Kim Banta, Rep. Jared Bauman, Rep. Jonathan Dixon, Rep. Patrick Flannery, Rep. Matthew Koch, Rep. David Osborne, Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, Rep. Rachel Roberts, Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson, Rep. Killian Timoney, Rep. Nicolas Wilson, and Rep. Derrick Graham – all of whom supported modernizing Kentucky’s approach to gaming.

Sen. Damon Thayer – a long-time advocate for responsible gaming expansion and regulatory modernization in the Senate.

Rep. Thomas Huff – who recently introduced legislation aimed at legalizing casino-style entertainment and creating a statewide regulatory framework.

These legislators, and others aligned with them, have demonstrated leadership in recognizing that gaming expansion is not simply about entertainment—it is an economic development strategy. It is a tool capable of generating significant new revenue for pension stabilization, education funding, workforce development, infrastructure repair, and local investment, particularly in rural counties.

TFEK strongly believes the next necessary step is the adoption of statewide casino licensing through reformed KRS statutes that:

1. Authorize the issuance of full casino gaming licenses through a transparent, regulated process;

2. Allow every county the option, by local referendum, to participate in casino-based economic development;

3. Establish strong regulatory oversight through an empowered statewide agency such as the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation;

4. Ensure that tax revenues are allocated to pensions, public education, rural development funds, and community revitalization initiatives;

5. Prioritize economically distressed regions, including Eastern Kentucky, for early licensing opportunities and project consideration.

Our organization works daily with families, communities, and local leaders who are desperate for new opportunities. Expanded gaming—with responsible regulation and strong oversight—can help reverse generations of economic decline while keeping Kentucky’s entertainment dollars inside our borders.

We respectfully ask you to stand with the legislators already supportive of gaming modernization and to help move Kentucky toward a more prosperous future. TFEK is prepared to work with all lawmakers, regardless of political affiliation, to advocate for a fair, safe, and modern gaming framework that benefits every community in our Commonwealth.

Thank you for your public service and your continued work on behalf of the people of Kentucky. We hope you will join us in supporting the modernization of KRS statutes and the full legalization of casino-style gaming statewide.

Proposal: Kentucky Revised Statutes – Statewide Casino-Style Gambling Regulation

Title: An Act relating to the regulation of casino-style gambling in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the establishment of a state gaming authority, and the appropriation of gaming revenues for public funds including retirement systems, educational programs, public safety, and gambling reform initiatives.

Section 1 – Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to:

1. Legalize and regulate casino-style gambling statewide under a uniform statutory framework.

2. Ensure that proceeds from legalized gaming are allocated to the Kentucky Retirement Pension Fund, public educational systems, public safety initiatives, gambling reform programs, and community enrichment programs.

3. Establish mechanisms for oversight, transparency, and enforcement to prevent gambling-related harms.

4. Encourage economic development and generate sustainable revenue streams for the Commonwealth.

Section 2 – Definitions

Amend KRS Chapter 528 to include the following definitions:

1. “Casino-style gambling” – Any gambling activity authorized by this statute, including but not limited to slot machines, electronic gaming devices, table games, poker, and other games of chance offered in licensed gaming facilities.

2. “Licensed gaming facility” – Any location authorized by the Kentucky Gaming Authority (KGA) to operate casino-style gambling.

3. “Kentucky Gaming Authority (KGA)” – The independent regulatory body responsible for licensing, oversight, and enforcement of all casino-style gambling operations in the Commonwealth.

4. “Gaming revenue” – All gross revenue derived from casino-style gambling operations, including but not limited to gaming operations, licensing fees, fines, and penalties.

5. “Gambling reform programs” – Programs designed to reduce gambling addiction, provide counseling, fund educational outreach, and support research on responsible gaming practices.

Section 3 – Establishment of Kentucky Gaming Authority

Create a new KRS statute establishing the Kentucky Gaming Authority with the following powers:

1. Issue licenses for casino-style gambling facilities statewide.

2. Inspect, audit, and enforce compliance of licensed gaming facilities.

3. Establish rules and regulations consistent with this statute and necessary KARs to ensure the integrity of gaming operations.

4. Collect licensing fees, fines, and gaming taxes.

5. Submit annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly detailing operations, revenue collections, and fund allocations.

Section 4 – Licensing of Casino Facilities

1. All casino facilities must obtain a license from the KGA.

2. Licensing requirements include:

Proof of financial stability.

Security and compliance plans.

Commitment to responsible gaming programs.

3. Licenses may be revoked or suspended for violations of law, regulations, or license terms.

Section 5 – Allocation of Gaming Revenues

Gross gaming revenue shall be allocated as follows:

Fund / Program Percentage of Revenue Purpose

Kentucky Retirement Pension Fund 35% To fund teachers’ and state employees’ retirement plans

Public Education Fund 25% To support K-12 and higher education programs statewide

Public Safety and Special Fund for Firefighters & Police 15% To assist in departmental funding, expansion, and training for law enforcement and fire services

Gambling Reform Programs 10% To fund counseling, prevention, and research programs

Mineral Severance-Style Fund 10% To support economic development and infrastructure projects

Administrative Costs / KGA Operations 5% To cover regulatory, enforcement, and administrative expenses

 The Special Fund for Firefighters and Police shall be administered by the Department of Public Safety, allowing grants for training, equipment, and departmental expansion.

Section 6 – Regulatory Oversight and Compliance

1. All licensed casino operators must submit monthly and annual financial reports to the KGA.

2. KGA may audit, inspect, and impose fines or penalties for non-compliance.

3. Any violation of statutory or regulatory obligations may result in license suspension, revocation, and/or criminal prosecution.

4. The KGA shall promulgate KARs specifying detailed operational, technical, and safety requirements for casino-style gambling.

Section 7 – Responsible Gaming and Problem Gambling Programs

1. Licensed gaming facilities shall contribute to gambling reform programs, including addiction counseling, research, and public education.

2. The KGA shall maintain a registry of individuals voluntarily excluded from gambling facilities.

3. The KGA shall report annually on responsible gaming initiatives and effectiveness of gambling reform programs.

Section 8 – Amendments to Existing Statutes

1. Amend KRS 528.010 to exempt licensed casino facilities from general prohibitions against gambling devices.

2. Repeal conflicting provisions in KRS or KAR that prohibit or restrict licensed casino-style gambling.

3. All new KARs promulgated under this statute shall be consistent with the goals of transparent oversight and public benefit.

Section 9 – Severability

If any section, clause, or provision of this Act is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

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Section 10 – Effective Date

This Act shall take effect July 1, 2026, to allow sufficient time for KGA establishment, licensing, and regulatory framework implementation.

Summary:

This proposal establishes a comprehensive legal framework for casino-style gambling in Kentucky, creates a state regulatory authority, and directs proceeds to retirement funds, education, public safety, gambling reform, and infrastructure. It balances economic development with social responsibility and transparency.

Sincerely,

Ray Ratliff

The Future of Eastern Kentucky (TFEK)

www.TFEK.org

Welcome to TFEK: Building a Stronger, Self-Sustaining Eastern Kentucky

 Welcome to TFEK: Building a Stronger, Self-Sustaining Eastern Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky is more than a place on a map—it’s a community built on resilience, family, and generations of hard work. At TFEK.org (The Future of Eastern Kentucky), our mission is simple but powerful: to uplift our region by promoting economic development, strengthening community connections, and creating opportunities that help our people thrive.

TFEK is a grassroots initiative founded and led by Ray Ratliff and Paula Ratliff, a mother-and-son team deeply rooted in the heart of Eastern Kentucky. Together, we are committed to building programs that not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for long-term growth.

Who We Are

Ray Ratliff

A community advocate, volunteer firefighter, and problem-solver dedicated to improving quality of life across Pike, Letcher, Floyd, Knott, and Perry counties. Ray brings hands-on experience with regional challenges—from economic hardships and infrastructure gaps to food insecurity and lack of resources. His vision is to create a future where Eastern Kentucky residents have real opportunities and a voice in local development.

Paula Ratliff

A lifelong Kentuckian with a heart for helping others, Paula has decades of experience supporting families, volunteering, and building community connections. Her compassion and commitment make her a foundational part of TFEK’s mission, guiding programs focused on feeding families, supporting local youth, and strengthening neighborhoods.

What TFEK Does

TFEK focuses on projects that make an immediate difference while paving the way for long-term sustainability:

🌱 Community Gardens & Growing Programs

Creating cooperative gardens and greenhouse initiatives—including exploring the use of abandoned mine lands for food production—to ensure that every family has access to fresh, locally grown produce.

🎬 Community Events

Hosting movie nights, holiday gatherings, and family-friendly activities that bring neighbors together and strengthen community bonds.

🥫 Food Pantries & Community Meals

Helping families in need by organizing food distribution, community dinners, and support services for households facing hardship.

🏛️ Bridging Citizens and Elected Officials

Advocating for transparency, communication, and accountability. TFEK works to bring citizens closer to their representatives so important issues—economic development, infrastructure, housing, and jobs—are heard and addressed.

📘 Educational & Skills-Building Programs

Supporting local youth and adults through workshops, outreach, and empowerment opportunities that strengthen the region’s workforce and future potential.

Why We Do It

Because Eastern Kentucky deserves a future where families can prosper without having to leave home to find opportunities. We believe that by working together—neighbors, volunteers, leaders, and community members—we can build a stronger, more independent region.

Join Us on This Journey

TFEK isn’t a political group or a business—it’s a movement built by everyday people who care. Whether you want to volunteer, collaborate, participate in events, or simply follow our progress, we welcome you into our growing community.

Together, with the combined dedication of Ray and Paula Ratliff, and the support of the people of Eastern Kentucky, TFEK is planting the seeds for a brighter, more sustainable future.

AN ACT relating to the delegation of federal and state disaster recovery funds for stream clearing and water infrastructure development.

 AN ACT relating to the delegation of federal and state disaster recovery funds for stream clearing and water infrastructure development.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

Section 1. Legislative Findings and Purpose

The General Assembly finds that repeated flooding events have caused significant damage to communities across the Commonwealth, particularly in Eastern Kentucky. Many of these events are worsened by obstructed waterways, inadequate stream maintenance, and lack of proper drainage and water infrastructure. The purpose of this Act is to establish a mechanism for the delegation of funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) programs, and state disaster recovery funds for proactive stream clearing, flood mitigation, and expansion of county-wide water and sewage infrastructure to unserved or underserved areas.

Section 2. Delegation of Funds

(1) The Kentucky Division of Water, in coordination with the Kentucky Emergency

Management and the Energy and Environment Cabinet, shall establish a Stream and Flood Mitigation Program to receive and allocate funds from FEMA, EPA, AML, and state disaster recovery programs. (2) Funds shall be delegated specifically for the following purposes: (a) Clearing and maintenance of creeks, waterways, and flood-prone areas to prevent obstructions and future flooding; (b) Rehabilitation of natural drainage systems and floodplain restoration; (c) Technical and financial assistance to counties and municipalities for localized mitigation efforts.

Section 3. County Infrastructure Expansion Subsection

(1) A portion of delegated funds shall be allocated to identify and develop county-wide water and sewage infrastructure projects. (2) The Division of Water shall work with county governments, local water districts, and public service commissions to identify areas that are currently unserved or underserved by public water and sewage systems. (3) Funding shall prioritize areas with demonstrated public health or environmental risks and areas of repeated flooding events.

Section 4. Reporting and Accountability

(1) The Division of Water shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the funds allocated, projects completed, and measurable reductions in flood damage and water infrastructure gaps. (2) All disbursements and expenditures shall be publicly reported and made available through the Kentucky Transparency Portal.

Section 5. Effective Date

This Act shall take effect upon passage and approval by the Governor or upon its otherwise becoming law.

Kentucky Sustainable Agriculture on Abandoned Mine Lands Act”

 “Kentucky Sustainable Agriculture on Abandoned Mine Lands Act”

Submitted by: The Future of Eastern Kentucky (TFEK)

SECTION 1. TITLE

This Act shall be known as the Kentucky Sustainable Agriculture on Abandoned Mine Lands Act.

SECTION 2. LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS

The General Assembly finds that:

1. Kentucky holds thousands of acres of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) suitable for redevelopment under KRS 350.550–350.597 and the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), Title IV.

2. Kentucky is a designated participant in the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, which provides federal funding for community and economic uses of reclaimed mine lands, including agriculture, tourism, and green infrastructure.

3. Many rural and Appalachian communities experience increased food insecurity, lack of local agricultural production, and limited access to fresh foods.

4. Kentucky’s Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) and Division of Abandoned Mine Lands already possess legal authority to reclaim and repurpose AML properties but lack a unified statewide initiative for agricultural reuse.

5. Emerging technologies in controlled-environment agriculture, greenhouse production, regenerative soil management, and water-efficient systems make AML sites viable for year-round food production.

6. A coordinated statewide program will:

Promote food independence in rural Kentucky;

Create new agricultural jobs and entrepreneurship;

Increase economic diversification;

Reduce the impacts of supply-chain disruptions;

And accelerate the productive reuse of previously mined lands.

SECTION 3. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Act is to:

1. Establish a unified statewide program dedicated to converting reclaimed or reclaimable AML properties into community agriculture hubs, cooperative gardens, regenerative farms, and greenhouse facilities.

2. Coordinate federal, state, and private funding streams into a single accessible pathway for communities.

3. Enable nonprofits, local governments, and cooperatives—including the Future of Eastern Kentucky (TFEK)—to obtain access to AML properties for agricultural reuse.

4. Strengthen Kentucky’s long-term food resilience by promoting local, sustainable food production.

5. Encourage environmentally sound remediation and soil enhancement practices consistent with 405 KAR Chapters 8 and 18.

SECTION 4. CREATION OF THE KENTUCKY AML SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROGRAM

A new program is hereby established within the Energy & Environment Cabinet, Division of Abandoned Mine Lands, to be known as the:

Kentucky AML Sustainable Agriculture Program (K-ASAP).

The Cabinet shall:

1. Identify suitable AML properties for agricultural redevelopment.

2. Maintain a public-access database of eligible AML parcels, including soil condition, reclamation status, hydrologic issues, and access points.

3. Establish application and leasing procedures for nonprofits, cooperatives, local governments, and educational institutions seeking to use AML for agriculture.

4. Coordinate environmental assessment needs with the EPA Brownfields Program, including Phase I/II assessments and liability protections.

5. Develop soil remediation and reclamation standards necessary to prepare land for agricultural use.

6. Provide technical assistance to applicants on compliance with KRS 350.550–350.597 and applicable administrative regulations.

SECTION 5. FEDERAL & STATE FUNDING COORDINATION

The Energy & Environment Cabinet shall create a unified grant and technical assistance pipeline that integrates:

1. Federal AMLER funding for reclamation and redevelopment.

2. EPA Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup grants for testing and remediation.

3. USDA urban and innovative agriculture programs, including UAIP and NRCS high-tunnel, composting, and soil programs.

4. Partnerships with Kentucky CDFIs, regional development authorities, and philanthropic foundations for matching funds or low-interest financing.

The Cabinet shall assist applicants in assembling multi-source funding packages for project implementation.

SECTION 6. AUTHORIZED AGRICULTURAL USES

AML properties made available under this Act may be used for:

1. Community garden co-ops and shared growing spaces;

2. Greenhouse and high-tunnel agriculture;

3. Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), including hydroponics and aeroponics;

4. Composting facilities, soil regeneration, and regenerative agriculture training;

5. Educational and workforce training centers operated by schools or nonprofits;

6. Food distribution hubs, farmers markets, or cooperative produce processing centers;

7. Water capture and irrigation systems compatible with reclamation and KAR requirements.

SECTION 7. LAND TRANSFER AND LEASING AUTHORITY

1. The Cabinet may lease, license, or transfer AML properties to qualifying entities consistent with KRS 350.570 and applicable federal authority.

2. Priority shall be given to:

Nonprofit organizations, including The Future of Eastern Kentucky (TFEK);

Local governments;

Agricultural cooperatives;

Educational institutions;

Food-security organizations.

3. Lease terms may be offered at reduced or zero cost when projects demonstrate community benefit, food-security impact, or economic development potential.

SECTION 8. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Energy & Environment Cabinet shall submit an annual report to the Legislative Research Commission detailing:

Number and location of AML parcels converted to agricultural use;

Amount of AMLER, EPA, USDA, and private funds leveraged;

Measurable outcomes in economic development, food production, and jobs created;

Recommendations for program expansion.

SECTION 9. EMERGENCY DECLARATION (OPTIONAL)

In recognition of rising food costs and supply-chain vulnerabilities, the General Assembly may declare this Act an emergency, enabling immediate implementation upon passage.

SECTION 10. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act shall take effect upon approval by the Governor.

AN ACT relating to medical transportation and lodging for Medicaid and Medicare recipients with ongoing or potentially terminal health conditions

 AN ACT relating to medical transportation and lodging for Medicaid and Medicare recipients with ongoing or potentially terminal health conditions.

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

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 SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 205 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

1. (1) The General Assembly finds and declares that:

(a) Many Kentuckians with chronic, rare, or potentially terminal illnesses must travel outside the Commonwealth to obtain specialized or life-saving medical care;

(b) Existing administrative limits on out-of-state medical transportation and lodging assistance create unnecessary barriers to treatment access; and

(c) It is the policy of the Commonwealth to ensure equitable, uninterrupted access to medically necessary care for all Medicaid and Medicare recipients with ongoing or potentially terminal health conditions, regardless of location.

2. (2) As used in this section:

(a) “Ongoing or potentially terminal health condition” means a medically verified chronic illness, rare disease, or life-threatening condition that requires continued specialist care, including but not limited to cancer, autoimmune disorders, organ failure, or vasculitis;

(b) “Out-of-state medical transportation” means travel beyond the borders of the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the purpose of obtaining medically necessary services covered under Medicaid, Medicare, or both; and

(c) “Lodging expenses” means reasonable costs for overnight accommodations for the recipient and one medically necessary attendant or caregiver during treatment.

3. (3) Notwithstanding any limitation contained in 907 KAR 3:066, 907 KAR 1:060, or any successor administrative regulation, the Department for Medicaid Services shall provide coverage for:

(a) An unlimited number of out-of-state medical trips per calendar year for any recipient diagnosed with an ongoing or potentially terminal health condition, provided that:

    1. The service sought is not available within the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and

    2. The treatment is prescribed or referred by a licensed physician or specialist;

(b) Lodging expenses associated with medical travel as provided in paragraph (a) of this subsection, up to limits established by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services consistent with federal per diem guidelines; and

(c) Transportation and lodging expenses for one medically necessary caregiver or attendant, if certified as necessary by the treating provider.

4. (4) The Department for Medicaid Services shall promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A to implement this section within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of this Act.

5. (5) The Department shall coordinate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to obtain any necessary state plan amendments or federal waivers, and may utilize the Human Service Transportation Delivery Regions for administration, but shall not impose any annual or numerical limitation on the number of qualifying out-of-state trips.

6. (6) Funding for this section shall be derived from existing Medicaid appropriations and any available federal matching funds. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services may pursue federal grants or public-private partnerships to offset travel and lodging costs.

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 SECTION 2. AMEND KRS 205.560 TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

Insert a new subsection ( ) to read:

 “The Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall ensure that all policies governing medical transportation, including those under 907 KAR 1:060 and 907 KAR 3:066, are consistent with the provisions of Section 1 of this Act.”

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SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Act shall take effect upon its passage and approval by the Governor or upon its otherwise becoming law.

SNAP funding suggestion

On October 31st in the early morning hours I sent this to every state representative in Kentucky.  As of today we have the support of several and it's looking hopeful. 

 Subject: Advocacy for Modification of Kentucky’s Rainy Day Fund Law to Support Temporary SNAP and Federal Assistance Funding

 

Dear Members of the Kentucky House of Representatives,

On behalf of The Future of Eastern Kentucky (TFEK), an organization dedicated to strengthening communities, supporting economic development, and ensuring the well-being of Kentucky residents, we are writing to advocate for a critical modification to the current Kentucky Rainy Day Fund law.

As you are aware, many Kentuckians rely on federally funded programs such as SNAP, WIC, and other assistance initiatives for basic nutrition and support. In the event of a government shutdown or unforeseen fiscal emergency, lapses in funding for these programs could have severe consequences for thousands of families across our state.

We respectfully request your support to amend the Rainy Day Fund legislation to include a provision allowing the Governor to temporarily allocate funds to maintain SNAP, WIC, and other federally assisted programs during periods of state revenue shortfall or government disruption. This modification would:

1. Ensure continuity of essential services to vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and low-income families.

2. Prevent economic and public health crises by stabilizing access to food and nutrition.

3. Strengthen community resilience by safeguarding the most critical social safety nets.

TFEK believes that this adjustment is not only fiscally responsible but a moral imperative, as it prioritizes the well-being of Kentuckians in times of uncertainty. By codifying this temporary funding authority, Kentucky can lead the way in ensuring that no resident goes without essential support due to administrative or fiscal delays.

We urge the Kentucky House of Representatives to consider this legislative modification and are available to provide policy analysis, community input, and support for drafting the specific statutory language needed. Together, we can ensure that Kentucky remains a state that protects its most vulnerable citizens while responsibly managing its fiscal resources.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with you to safeguard the health and stability of Kentucky families.

Here is a rough draft of what we think should be changed.  

AN ACT relating to emergency use of the Budget Reserve Trust Fund during a federal government shutdown.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

Section 1. KRS 48.705 is amended to read as follows:

1. (1) There is hereby created a trust and agency fund to be known as the Budget Reserve Trust Fund, which shall be administered by the Finance and Administration Cabinet.

(2) The Budget Reserve Trust Fund shall consist of appropriations made by the General Assembly and interest earnings as provided by law.

(3) No moneys shall be withdrawn from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund except upon the authority of an act of the General Assembly or as provided in subsection (4) of this section.

(4) (NEW SUBSECTION)

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, in the event of a federal government shutdown, lapse in federal appropriations, or other temporary suspension of federal funding, the Governor may authorize the limited use of funds from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund to provide for the continuity of essential federally funded state-administered programs.

(b) Programs eligible under this subsection shall include, but not be limited to:

1. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);

2. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC);

3. Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) administration; and

4. Other federally supported programs providing food, healthcare, or essential assistance to citizens of the Commonwealth.

(c) Any funds used under this subsection shall be considered a temporary loan and shall be repaid to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund from the affected federal funding source within ninety (90) days of the restoration of federal appropriations.

(d) The Governor shall, within ten (10) days of any such authorization, notify the Legislative Research Commission and the State Budget Director, including a statement of:

5. The amount of funds advanced;

6. The program or programs to which the funds were allocated; and

7. The anticipated source and timeline for repayment.

(e) The Governor shall not authorize the use of more than five percent (5%) of the total balance of the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for this purpose without the prior approval of the General Assembly or the State Budget Director and the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee if the General Assembly is not in session.

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Section 2. KRS 48.620 is amended to read as follows:

Add a new subsection (5) to read:

> (5) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Governor from exercising the limited authority granted under KRS 48.705(4) to ensure continuity of essential government services during a lapse in federal appropriations.

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Section 3. EMERGENCY CLAUSE.

> Whereas the Commonwealth must be able to continue providing food, medical care, and essential services to its citizens during a federal shutdown, an emergency is declared to exist, and this Act shall take effect upon its passage and approval by the Governor.