April 2015 - balancing the scales

VOLUME 34 NUMBER 3 APRIL 30, 2015

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEXINGTON, KY. PERMIT NO. 513

Benham Power Board launches innovative residential energy effeciency program pg. 8

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Kentuckians For The Commonwealth P.O. Box 1450 London, Ky. 40743

BALANCING THE

Growing KFTC’s membership means growing our power in Kentucky..........................................3 Big Sandy chapter hosts sixth annual Growing Appalachia conference ......................................5 Northern Kentucky Chapter gears up for fifth anniversary ........................................................... 8 My path towards understanding: Megan McKinney .........................10 In Memory of McKinley Sumner ........................................................... 11 KFTC members support the People’s Budget — a good benchmark ....................................16 We Are Kentuckians: Meta Mendel-Reyes .............................. 15 Preparations begin for annual membership meeting, Call for Nominations and Form .......................................................... 17

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www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

Table of Contents Executive Committee Corner

is a statewide grassroots social justice orga­ nization working for a new balance of power and a just society. KFTC uses direct­action organizing to accomplish the following goals: • foster democratic values • change unjust institutions • empower individuals • overcome racism and other discrimination • communicate a message of what’s possible • build the organization • help people participate • win issues that affect the common welfare • have fun KFTC membership dues are $15 to $50 per year, based on ability to pay. No one is denied membership because of inability to pay. Membership is open to anyone who is committed to equality, democracy and nonviolent change.

Growing KFTC’s membership means growing our power in Kentucky ...................................................3

Local Updates Louisville event celebrates contributions of Black Kentuckians ................................................................ 4 Big Sandy chapter hosts sixth annual Growing Appalachia conference .................................................5 Madison County KFTC celebrates Pi(e) Day with 5th annual Pie Auction............................................. 6 Northern Kentucky Chapter gears up for fifth anniversary ......................................................................... 6 Raise the wage in Lexington: what you need to know to get involved ..................................................7

New Energy and Transition Update Benham Power Board launches innovative residential energy efficiency program ........................... 8 Obama administration announces support for economic transition ....................................................... 9 Proposed Tennessee Pipeline Repurposing Project ....................................................................................... 9

Member Commentary My path towards understanding: Megan McKinney .....................................................................................10 Westbound: Eastern Kentucky members’ eventful trip to Frankfort ......................................................10

In Memory Of McKinley Sumner, long-time KFTC member and humble defender of the mountains ..................... 11

General Assembly Update 2015 Legislative Session — building towards the long-term ...................................................................... 12

KFTC STEERING COMMITTEE Dana Beasley Brown, chair Carl Shoupe, vice chair Elizabeth Sanders, secretary-treasurer Tanya Torp, at-large member Sue Tallichet, immediate past chair

Chapter Representatives

Homer White, Scott County Christian Torp, Central Kentucky Lisa Montgomery, Rowan County Rick Traud, Northern Kentucky Ryan Fenwick, Jefferson County Alan Smith, Southern Kentucky Andrea Massey, Harlan County Russell Oliver, Perry County Meta Mendel-Reyes, Madison County Gwen Johnson, Letcher County Nina McCoy, Big Sandy Lee Ann Paynter, Wilderness Trace Leslie McBride, Shelby County Alternates: Rosanne Fitts Klarer, Scott County; Sarah Martin, Central Kentucky; John Hennen, Rowan County; Ben Baker, Northern Kentucky; Nan Goheen, Jefferson County; Dora James and Jeanie Smith, Southern Kentucky; Clair Stines, Harlan County; Katie Pirotina, Perry County; Megan McKinney, Madison County; Herb Smith, Letcher County; John Rosenberg, Big Sandy; Leah Bayens, Wilderness Trace; vacant, Shelby County Balancing the Scales is published by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth and mailed third class from Lexington, Kentucky. Reader contributions and letters to the editor should be sent to 250 Plaza Drive Suite #4, Lexington, Ky, 40503 or tim@kftc.org. Subscriptions are $20/yr.

Voter Empowerment Update Voter Empowerment Strategy Team regains focus to move forward ....................................................14

KFTC News Steering Committee commits to focus on stewardship, power ................................................................14 We Are Kentuckians: Meta Mendel-Reyes ......................................................................................................... 15

Economic Justice Update KFTC members support the People’s Budget — a good benchmark .....................................................16 Preparations begin for annual membership meeting, Call for Nominations and Form ..............17-19

Your membership in KFTC helps to build a community of Kentuckians working for New Power!

NAME:

_______________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________ CITY:

_______________________________________

STATE & ZIP: _____________________________________ PHONE: _______________________________________ EMAIL:

_______________________________________

Select what organization you would like to donate to: □ KFTC: Membership dues and donations are not tax-deductible. □ Kentucky Coalition: Membership dues and donations are taxdeductible.

Become A Sustaining Giver: Sustaining Givers provide steady income to support KFTC’s work throughout the year. And being a Sustaining Giver allows you to give more than you might be able to give in a single gift. With as little as $5 per month, you can make a greater investment in KFTC. Make me a Sustaining Giver!

I will contribute $ _____ every: □ Month □ Quarterly □ Annually

I would rather make a one-time gift of: □$100 □$50 □$25 □$15 □$5 Other: $__________

Suggested membership dues are $15-$50 annually, based on ability to pay. We welcome you to give whatever amount you are able. No gift is too small or too large.

Step Two: Payment Method: □ Check or money order enclosed □ Bank withdrawal (Please return this form with a voided check from the account you wish to have the withdrawals made) □ Credit card: Complete information below. □ Visa □ Mastercard □ Am. Express □ Discover

Card Number: __ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ Expiration Date ___ ___ / ___ ___ Bank Withdrawal/Credit Card Payment Authorization

I authorize KFTC/KY Coalition and their authorized third-party processing vendor(s) to debit my account or charge my credit card in accordance with the information provided. I understand that this authority will remain in effect until cancelled or changed by reasonable notification to KFTC/KY Coalition.

Authorized Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________________

www.kftc.org | April 30, 2015

Balancing the Scales | 3

executive committee corner

Growing KFTC’s membership means growing our power in Kentucky

By Elizabeth Sanders “What we do to the land, we do the people.” We hear this often in KFTC: in conversations, on posters, in our writing. So, it should follow that, if we aim to be good stewards of the land and the place in which we live, we must also work to be good stewards of the people. Fostering, protecting, caring, sustaining, growing…these are integral to doing the work that is building toward the world we want to see – the world described in KFTC’s vision where “…Kentuckians – and all people – enjoy a better quality of life.” That work can’t happen without the people. In this instance, I’m talking about KFTC members – past, present, and future.

Our work is inextricably linked to our membership. It is developed, guided, and executed by you and me. It’s a cycle that doesn’t end. With spring swiftly moving into summer, the neighbors all up and down my road are tilling and planting their land for the growing season. The last time I planted a garden I planted too much; I was overzealous and couldn’t keep up with the weeds or come up with enough recipes for the zucchini – I was reminded of how much care and tending goes into raising a successful garden.

In order to make the changes we want to see in Kentucky, we need to continue to grow our membership. We’ve recognized, more than ever, over the past few years the im-

portance of cultivation for a purpose. Unlike me with my overflowing zucchini (I couldn’t even give them all away), KFTC members are not just another number. We are the backbone of what will carry this body of work into the future – and it is up to us to do so with as much care and enthusiasm as we can muster. This is not to say our current practices and methods can’t be improved upon – they can. This is a call for us all to do just that.

We’ve all become part of the KFTC family through different entry points. It is the conversations, fellowship, and work toward a common vision that have kept us here. Maybe you know someone who was a member when you first joined KFTC but you haven’t seen them around lately. Maybe that person is you. Maybe you met someone new to KFTC at an event and have been meaning to get in touch with them.

Maybe you’ve been meaning to become a Sustaining Giver but just haven’t gotten around to it. I know all of those “maybes” have been the case for me at some point.

Whether we’re talking statewide, within our chapters, or just as individuals, we all have a part in growing KFTC in a sustainable way – in engaging each other as members in a way that both retains our investment and encourages us to give more. In being good stewards of KFTC, it is also our responsibility to reach out and get to know others who may see themselves in some aspect of our work.

I’m excited about KFTC in 2015 for many reasons, but especially for our potential to grow when it comes to stewardship. It’s going to take all of us, all of our intentionality and heart, to successfully grow to match the scale of our beautiful, achievable vision.

When was your last gift?

Look at the cover of Balancing the Scales. Under your name we have listed your last gift date and amount!

We encourage you to renew your membership or make a special gift.

Suggested dues are $15-$50 annually.

Or sign up to become a Sustaining Giver! Becoming a Sustaining Giver is best for KFTC because it provides steady income to support the work throughout the year. It also allows you to give more than you might be able to give in a single donation.

Contributions to KFTC are not tax-deductible.

For tax-deductible gifts, make checks payable to the Kentucky Coalition.

Why invest in KFTC? Your membership in KFTC supports the important work we do to build a stronger democracy, including supporting constituents in talking to their legislators, monitoring activity in Frankfort, and giving members opportunities to take action on important bills. You also support our work to register and educate voters about where candidates stand on the issues we all care about.

Membership Renewal form is on page 2!

@KFTC @NKY_KFTC @ScottCoKFTC @MadCo_KFTC @EKY_KFTC @JCKFTC @WT_KFTC @SoKyKFTC @VotingRightsKY @CanaryProjeCt KFTC OFFICES AND STAFF MAIN OFFICE Morgan Brown, Robin Daugherty, and Burt Lauderdale P.O. Box 1450 | London, Kentucky 40743 606-878-2161 | Fax: 606-878-5714 info@kftc.org

FIELD OFFICES Louisville Elizabeth Adami, Jerry Hardt, JoAnna House, Alicia Hurle, and Carissa Lenfert 735 Lampton Street #202 Louisville, Ky 40203 502-589-3188 Whitesburg Tanya Turner and Sara Pennington P.O. Box 463 Whitesburg, Ky 41858 606-632-0051 Central Kentucky Tim Buckingham, Jessica Hays Lucas, Beth Howard, Enchanta Jackson, Erik Hungerbuhler, and Heather Roe Mahoney 250 Plaza Drive, Suite 4 Lexington, Ky 40503 859-276-0563

Northern Kentucky Joe Gallenstein 640 Main Street Covington, Ky 41005 859-380-6103 Floyd County Jessie Skaggs 154 North Lake Drive Prestonsburg, Ky 41653 606-263-4982 Berea Lisa Abbott, Beth Bissmeyer, Amy Hogg, and Kevin Pentz 140 Mini Mall Drive Berea, Ky 40403 859-756-4027

e-mail any staff member at firstname@kftc.org except for Jessica Hays Lucas, use jessicabreen@kftc.org; Beth Howard, use BethHoward@kftc.org; and Beth Bissmeyer, use BethBissmeyer@kftc.org Cover: Appalachian Transition Fellow Josh Outsey and KFTC member Carl Shoupe outfit a water heater with insulation as part of the newly launched Benham $aves Program.

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www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

Local Updates

Louisville event celebrates contributions of Black Kentuckians On March 20, 2015, the Jefferson County Chapter of KFTC (JCKFTC) hosted “We Are Kentuckians: Celebrating Our Common Heritage,” an event that honored the important but often unheard stories, culture, and heritage of Black Kentuckians. The celebration took place through art, music, poetry, and storytelling. During the evening program at the Clifton Center, Kentucky writers, musicians, and artists shared their work, personal stories and vision for Kentucky’s Bright Future.

In November 2014, a team of six JCKFTC members began planning this celebration with the goal of building on the success of last year’s event. Judi Jennings, We Are Kentuckians planning team member, said the first We Are Kentuckians event “was one of the most inspiring and affirming programs I have experienced in the 23 years since I left the mountains and moved to the city. Both the program participants and the audiences included folks of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities who wanted to learn more about the cultural bonds binding the coalfields to the banks of the Ohio. It inspired joy and hope for real change in Kentucky.”

The team began the planning process by having intentional conversations about the goals of the event and how it could be used to connect audience members to KFTC’s statewide and local work. They discussed the importance of using African American culture and heritage as a lens for the social, environmental, and economic justice issues that KFTC works on throughout the year. Starting in December the team began inviting Kentucky poets, speakers, artists, and musicians to participate in the event. The final line-up included Quinn Chapel AME Church’s Committed choir, rapper Joshua Outsey, DJ Yared Sound, Affrilachia Poet Joy Priest, poets Jeremy Clark and Tarsha Semakula; author and journalist Michael Jones, and speakers Tiffany Bellfield and Eastern Kentucky Social Club and Harlan County Chapter members Bennie Massey and Rutland Melton.

The Clifton Center, a restored 1930s performance and meeting complex located just east of downtown Louisville, graciously offered JCKFTC the use of its theater for the event. Per the suggestion of Clifton Center director John Harris the team decided to have the entire event on the theater stage. Clifton Center staff were able to set up the seating, stage area, and space for the silent auction, cash bar, and food on the stage. This non-traditional arrangement

made for a very intimate and unique experience for audience members.

“The set-up on the stage of the Clifton Center surprised some folks at first,” said Jennings. “As a member of the planning team, I tried to greet many of the early arrivals and welcome them to come up to the seats on the stage. Mostly, their eyes lit up and folks went “oooohhh” when they saw we would be seated on the stage and not in the auditorium.

Seating on the stage made it possible to see all the other great folks, check out the silent auction, talk about the food and anticipate the program to come. Again this year, Kentuckians of all ages, backgrounds and identities came out for KFTC’s Jefferson County Chapter celebration of the common heritage we share as Kentuckians. People came willing to listen, share stories, learn and greet each other as neighbors, friends and community members.”

Another wonderful feature of the event was a delicious chicken dinner catered by the family-owned restaurant Dasha Barbour’s Southern Bistro. Dasha Barbour’s often serves up food sourced from their family farm in Hart County. The Barbour family has been farming in Kentucky since the Civil War era and is currently working with New Roots, Inc’s Fresh Stop in Louisville. During the event the Barbour family shared their family’s story and talked about the importance of supporting local businesses and farmers.

Aside from bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate African American heritage and culture, the planning team also wanted to help raise money and members for KFTC. To this end members reached out to local businesses and artists for silent auction donations.

Donations were received from Please & Thank You coffee shop, Carmichael’s Bookstore, WHY Louisville, Sustainable Health Choices, Safiyyah Dance Company, Heine Brother’s Coffee, Old 502 Winery, Songs of Sheba, and members of the Art of the Rural’s Rural-Urban Exchange. Tiffany Bellfield also donated an original painting by her grandmother, Madison County native Bessie Johnson. Thanks to a few bidding wars and the generosity of several audience members, the silent auction raised $455.

Funds were also raised through admission fees and KFTC merchandise purchases. Attendees could also sign up to have their $10 admission go toward a KFTC membership or the renewal of their existing membership. By the end of the evening 9 people renewed their membership and 19

Left, Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir “Committed”. Right, Affrilachian Poet Joy Priest.

Chet Johnson, Rhumette Bazzell and Makayla and Tiffany Bellfield at We Are Kentuckians in Louisville

new people joined KFTC. In total the event raised a little over $2,000 on top of generating a lot of excitement about KFTC’s work and giving audience members a chance to visit with old friends and meet new ones.

Reflecting on the event, We Are Kentuckians planning team member and event emcee Cassia Herron said, “I really appreciate being asked, encouraged and supported to host this wonderful event for the second year! It gives me an opportunity to use my leadership skills in a different kind of way. I like the event because it makes me feel proud and helps connect my small town upbringing to many others.

The space is warm, inviting and inclusive. It is one of very few spaces that uplifts Black culture in Kentucky and puts us on center stage and at the same time helps connect Black Kentuckians to social justice issues that affect us in a big way yet we aren’t seen as a group working on them. My hopes are that through this annual event KFTC continues to bring new faces to our work and helps move the needle on those issues in a big way.”

Jennings said, “People came expecting to share and find commonalities, and they did. Once the program started, so many great folks, young, old and in between shared their stories and songs and visual art and foodways, that the feeling of our common heritage began to grow. People nodded and smiled and shared a happy moment with other audience members who happened to meet their eye as they looked around. And it just got better as the program went on. People really wanted to learn about KFTC and greatly appreciated all the information shared about the work. They really wanted to enjoy themselves and connect with each other and be happy about living in Kentucky and believe that together we can make a better Kentucky for all. And they did. The hard work and planning paid off as people sat together, ate together, clapped together and really could imagine a better Kentucky where we recognize and celebrate our common heritage together.”

The chapter is already making plans for the 2016 We Are Kentuckians event and is organizing a We Are Kentuckians Exchange to Southeastern Kentucky to meet with Harlan County and Letcher County KFTC members and participate in the Eastern Kentucky Social Club’s annual Memorial Day weekend reunion.

www.kftc.org | April 30, 2015

Balancing the Scales | 5

Local updates

Big Sandy chapter hosts sixth annual Growing Appalachia conference On Saturday, March 21, more than 80 people from around eastern Kentucky came to the sixth annual Growing Appalachia conference in Prestonsburg, a day of workshops about small-scale farming, energy efficiency and renewables.

Workshops were organized so that no matter what scale you were working at or what your interest was, there was something for everyone that day. Covered topics included beginning beekeeping, learning about the cooperative business model, planning your home garden, growing our own clean energy future in the mountains, soil building and nutrient management, do-it-yourself energy efficiency, seed saving, and more!

In addition to gaining practical skills and knowledge in the workshops, lots of people came to the conference for the chance to talk with people from around the region and to continue to build community. “I liked being around likeminded people. People who are interested in and care about the same kinds of things. That was the highlight for me,” said Holly Niehoff, who came from Rowan County.

Will Bowling, a farmer from Clay County, sees the conference as a way to make connections with those who are already farming and to inspire others to get involved in agriculture. “Some of the bigger things are networking to get commercial agriculture growth in the region, beyond farming for yourself but growing a little extra to market to others.

Helping people to understand the economic opportunities in farming and talking to people and seeing what they’re doing.”

Others were excited to learn about the possibilities of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region. At the Greening Our Schools workshop, attendees heard from a representative of Richardsville Elementary, the first net zero school in the country. After attending the workshop, Willis Newsome of Floyd County talked about the potential for similar projects in this region. “I loved the solar thing. I loved the concept, the school being self-sufficient. I reckon that education could be built into it. I’d hope Floyd County would look into it. It would be a good mindset and good for our community to see how it works.”

Organizers of the conference were excited to have Bill Best of the Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Center in Berea, who is known for his work with heirloom fruits and vegetables, give the keynote address this year. Mr. Best talked about the history of seed saving, how it nearly died out, and how the people who saved seeds out of necessity helped to maintain the genetic diversity of the region’s beans. Best and others also participated in the Appalachian Seed Swap on April 4 in Pikeville. More information can be found on the Facebook group page.

Many folks are interested in keeping the conversations and good work of the conference going all year long. With that goal in mind, additional workshops have already been scheduled for the coming months. On April 14, the Letcher and Harlan County chapters partnered with the Letcher County Farmer’s Market for a Good Agricultural Practices training to be offered in both Letcher and Harlan counties.

And in May, there will be two workshops offered in Floyd County: Getting Started Keeping Chickens and Gardening in Urban/Small Spaces. For more information, visit the event

For the 6th year, the Growing Appalachia conference brought community members together. Through workshops and skill shares, attendees discussed how to grow the community they want to live in.

pages on the KFTC calendar.

This year’s Growing Appalachia conference was organized and hosted by the Big Sandy Chapter of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth and co-sponsored by the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development, Com-

munity Farm Alliance, Grow Appalachia, the Floyd County Farmer’s Market, Appalachia Roots, and HF Farms. Special appreciation is due to the planning team and to all of the workshop presenters and panelists who generously donated their time and expertise.

FUTURE GROWING APPALACHIA EVENTS Getting Started Keeping Chickens: If you’ve ever wanted access to fresh eggs but didn’t know how to get started, this workshop is for you! Learn about the basics of keeping chickens, including managing chickens, how to collect and clean eggs, and safety practices.

Gardening in Urban/Small Spaces: Have you ever wanted to grow fresh produce but didn’t think you had the space to do it? Learn how you can from someone who is creatively using their backyard in downtown Prestonsburg to grow enough food to feed their family!

May 9, 2015 - 11:00am to 1:00pm 854 Bee Fork, Prestonsburg, KY 41653

May 30, 2015 - 11:00am to 1:00pm

For more information: www.kftc.org/calendar Contact Jessie Skaggs, Email:jessie@kftc.org, Phone: 606-263-4982

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www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

Local UPDATEs

Madison County KFTC celebrates Pi(e) Day with 5th annual Pie Auction More than 60 people came out for the Madison County KFTC chapter’s 5th annual Pie Auction, and it was a rousing success, chock-full of laughter, puns, cheers for KFTC, and, of course, lots of pie! This year’s annual event was held on Saturday, March 14 at Union Church in Berea. The Pie Auction was extra special this year, as it landed on Pi Day – 3.14.15, making this a once-in-a-century Pie Auction.

Local KFTC members and Berea College students Jonah Cabiles and Megan McKinney emceed the event. Sam Rosolina, a singer/songwriter from Knoxville, Tennessee, played a wonderful mix of songs for the evening’s entertainment.

Dana Beasley Brown, KFTC’s chairperson, ventured all the way from Bowling Green to join Madison County members for the evening and to share some of her story about how she came to be involved as a member: Growing up in the midst of both love and poverty, living in the crucible between life giving love and the hope stealing, dream snatching, power pilfering, voice silencing thing we call economic injustice has made me into the hope-filled, empowered dreamer I am today. Not because I have pulled myself up by my own bootstraps; quite the opposite. It is because many of you here today faithfully gave your time and resources to KFTC. If KFTC did not exist, I would not be the woman I am today.

Beasley Brown went on to talk about our vision and even connected the work we do to the work of making good pies.

The vision that we share for our future will not come easily.

In fact, it’s a lot like pie making. Pie making is not for the faint of heart. Many have tried and failed. But it is after the trying and failing – the too-dry crust, try again; the burnt crust, try

again – that the perfect, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pie crust is made. It takes patience, exactness and experience, and a little love to make the perfect pie. And it will take no less to make our dreams for Kentucky come true.

Right now, we are facing tough truths about our world. In this moment, we face hate and fear. The type of hate and fear that perpetuates racism, creates bathroom bullies and climate change deniers. It will take courage, experience, and patience – and most of all, love – to bring about the change we need…

In our test kitchen called democracy, it might seem like we have flour everywhere and only burnt crust to show for it, but we have a choice. We can take steps toward our vision, or we can spiral back. We know what we need to turn these dreams for our children into reality.

After Dana’s powerful words, the main event got underway with Kent Gilbert serving as live auctioneer. A record number of 32 homemade pies were donated this year, ranging from chess pie to sockeye salmon quiche to gluten-free strawberry rhubarb to everything sweet and savory in between. Folks were generous in their bidding, with few pies going for less than $40. The most expensive pie of the evening was a homemade apple pie in a ceramic heartshaped pie plate that went for $145. Homemade pies made in donated Turning Wheel Pottery pie plates were also high earners.

At evening’s end, the Pie Auction brought in just over $1900 to support KFTC’s work! Members are already looking forward to next year’s event and scheming what pies they hope to bake.

Carla Gilbert scopes out pies. The Madison County KFTC Chapter held its 5th annual Pie Auction fundraising event on the ultimate Pi(e) Day, March 14, 2015.

Northern Kentucky Chapter gears up for fifth anniversary The Northern Kentucky chapter officially came to be 5 years ago this May, and to celebrate they are planning a series of events celebrating the chapter’s history! While the details are still being worked out, there are a few key components the chapter will be celebrating.

Over the past 5 years the chapter has been able to accomplish some great things in the community. Beginning with under 120 members in 2010, the chapter now has over 750 members and has shown a commitment to growing a healthy democracy through being a consistent presence in Frankfort, turning in nearly 2,000 voter registration cards, and by working with local allies such as the Northern Kentucky Sierra Club, People Advocating Recovery, Northern Kentucky University’s Environmentally Concerned Organization of Students, Thomas More College’s Political Science Club, the Covington Farmers’ Market, the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Committee, the Northern Kentucky NAACP, the Kentucky Undocumented Youth Alliance, and Northern Kentucky Fairness, to name a few.

One of the most important parts of the celebration will be illustrating that the chapter is active across northern Kentucky by hosting events in all three counties the chapter focuses on. In Boone, Kenton, and Campbell County, the chapter will have a series of special events to celebrate the work they have been doing.

While some of the events are still in the process of being planned, the chapter has finalized a birthday party

for its chapter annual meeting on June 16 at 7 pm at the Center for Great Neighborhoods at 1650 Russell Street in Covington. As with any good birthday party, the event will feature both vegan and non-vegan cake options.

The chapter will also be guest-hosting the Northern Kentucky chapter of Drinking Liberally on June 17 at the

Crazy Fox Saloon at 901 Washington Street. Swing by any time after 7pm for local beer, good conversation, and to support a local business that is dedicated to progressive causes.

Though the other events have yet to be finalized, you can learn the emerging details by visiting the chapter’s page at kftc. org/chapters/northern-kentucky.

KFTC members at the 2010 formation of the Northern Kentucky Chapter of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth.

www.kftc.org | April 30, 2015

Balancing the Scales | 7

Local UPDATEs

Raise the wage in Lexington: what you need to know to get involved The Central Kentucky Chapter of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth wants Fayette County to raise the wage!

CKY KFTC supports a Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government ordinance to raise the minimum wage in Lexington to $10.10 per hour over a period of three years.

Currently, the ordinance is in the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, with the next hearing set for Tuesday, June 23 at 1 p.m. at Council Chambers located at 200 E. Main Street. Supporters will rally before the meeting at 11 a.m. at the Courthouse Square in Lexington and walk to the meeting together.

However, KFTC members, some LFUCG Council members, and allies are pushing for an earlier hearing and for the ordinance to be heard by the entire council by swiftly moving it out of the Budget and Finance Committee.

CKY KFTC members are getting involved and speaking out. Jesus Gonzalez wrote an op-ed that was published in the Lexington Herald Leader. The op-ed received hundreds of shares online and resonated with readers all over Central Kentucky. Jesus is a tipped-wage worker and a single father who struggles to make ends meet and is actively involved in the campaign to raise the wage.

“If you think anyone can survive off of $7.25 an hour, you’ve never had to. If you think anyone should work 40 hours a week and not be able to support themselves, you’ve never worked a day in your life,” he said.

CKY KFTC member Janet Tucker is co-chairing the Working Families Campaign, a coalition of community organizations and individuals who are working on raising the wage in Lexington.

“It is important that the people who work in Lexington can afford to live here. People in Lexington need to come together and oppose paying anyone poverty wages. 46 percent of minimum wage workers are women. As a woman who was a single parent making greater than minimum wage, I know how hard it was to make ends meet. So I know how incredibly difficult it is for those making minimum wage. We need to raise the wage here in Lexington,” Tucker said.

CKY KFTC member Sharon Murphy is speaking out about her own experience as a low-wage worker.

“I had no choice to settle for a part-time job. Even if

I did receive 40 hours a week, after taxes at $9.75 an hour I would bring home just under $300 a week. I can’t afford an apartment; therefore, I stay with a friend. I’m not a high school student, nor am I a single a mother. I’m a college graduate with two degrees – a bachelor’s and master’s.”

What the Research Shows: The ordinance proposes to raise the minimum wage in Lexington to $10.10 per hour over a period of three years.

After three years, the wage would be set to inflation. The ordinance also raises the wage for tipped-wage workers, which hasn’t been increased since 1991.

The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KCEP) cites that this ordinance would directly lift the wages for an estimated 20 percent of those who work in Lexington/Fayette County, or 31,300 workers. The minimum wage increase would provide relief from stagnant or declining wages for many workers on the bottom, and is supported by an extensive body of research suggesting little to no harm to employment.

Here are some more statistics from KCEP: • Ninety percent of direct beneficiaries are at least 20 years old. In fact, there are more workers over the age of 50

• • • • •

who would benefit than there are teenagers.

Fifty-seven percent of workers who would benefit directly are women.

Seventy-six percent of workers with family incomes below the poverty line would benefit from an increase.

Twenty-six percent of workers benefiting have a child in the household.

A family with one parent and one child needs $43,368 to make ends meet, but a full-time, year-round minimum wage worker makes only $15,080.

Tipped workers are twice as likely to fall under the poverty line as all workers, and waiters are almost three times more likely. Because of their low wages, 46 percent of tipped workers and their families rely on public assistance.

Furthermore, KCEP found that “claims that increases in the minimum wage will eliminate a large number of jobs are not supported by the substantial body of research on this question. The minimum wage is one of the most extensivelystudied topics in economics, and the conclusion of a vast body of evidence is that modest increases have little to no effect on employment.”

ACTION: Get involved to raise the wage Speak Out: If you are a directly-impacted person and want to speak out on this issue or get more involved, please contact CKY KFTC Chapter Organizer Beth Howard at bethhoward@kftc. org. There are a variety of ways to have your voice heard, such as speaking at the upcoming LFUCG Budget and Finance Hearing, speaking at upcoming rallies and events, writing letters to the editor, or telling your story to council members in lobby meetings.

Reach Out: The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council needs to hear from you. Calling your council member and letting them know you support raising the wage in Fayette County is one of the most effective things you can do. Go to www.lexingtonky.gov for your council member’s phone number. And take a moment and email the council members at : councilmembers@ lexingtonky.gov. This email address will send your email to every council member. It’s an easy, efficient way to make a big difference and to make your voice heard on this issue!

Show Up:. The Working Families Coalition is organizing a series of educational events and rallies to move this issue forward. Join us! Large numbers of people make a big difference and show that people care about this issue. See calendar of events below.

Upcoming Dates: • •

Raise the Wage Rally: Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m. at The Courthouse Square in Lexington Raise the Wage Hearing and Rally: Lexington Fayette Urban County Council Budget and Finance Committee Meeting, Tuesday, June 23 at 1 p.m. in Council Chambers located at 200 E. Main Street. * Rally before the meeting at 11 a.m. at the Courthouse Square in Lexington

Increase the wage to $10.10 for hourly and $3.09 for tipped workers

8 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

NEW ENERGY AND TRANSITION UPDATE Benham Power Board launches innovative residential energy efficiency program Residents of the town of Benham in Harlan County will soon benefit from an innovative energy efficiency program called Benham$aves, which was established today in a special called meeting held by the town’s municipally owned utility, the Benham Power Board. To celebrate the decision, Benham residents gathered for a Community Pig Roast at the Betty Howard Coal Miner’s Memorial Theater on April 24.

“This is something we’ve been working towards for a long time. It is exciting to see it come together,” said Danny Quillen, chair of the Benham Power Board. “This program can help individuals save money on their bills and help the whole community by lowering what the Benham Power Board pays to a wholesale energy provider for peak demand.”

The Benham$aves program will pay the upfront costs of insulation, upgrades to heating and air conditioning units, and other energy efficiency measures for qualifying customers who choose to participate. Residents will repay the investment over a 15-year period, using a portion of the energy savings. The program is designed to ensure that the monthly Josh Outsey, Appalachian Transition Fellow hosted by KFTC, presented Neighborhood Helper awards to KFTC members repayment is no more than 85% of the projected monthly who helped canvass to do energy surveys and distribute energy kits for the Benham $aves residential energy efficiency savings, meaning that the retrofits pay for themselves over project. Pictured (l-r) are KFTC members Carl Shoupe, Candace Mimes, Cindy Humphrey, Josh Outsey, Andrea Massey time and customers start saving money immediately, comand Benham Power Board chairman Danny Quillen. pared to their previous energy bills.

WHEREAS, the Benham$aves Program is being designed After the vote, Power Board chairman Danny Quillen “We are glad to be able to help the people of Benham reflected, “The way our Power Board has come together and implemented as an on-bill financing program that alsave money through energy efficiency,” stated Blake Enlow, around this project really shows we are looking towards the lows residents in the City of Benham to weatherize homes the Executive Director of COAP, a local nonprofit organizafuture instead of just sitting and living in today. We are apfor no money down and pay back the investment on their tion that provides affordable housing in Harlan, Bell and preciative of the founders of this Power Board and all the utility bills, using a portion of the energy savings, and to Leslie counties. As part of the Benham$aves program, COAP members who have served in the past who have given us this raise funds for a revolving community investment fund will do home energy assessments and make recommended opportunity to keep power in our community and make that can, over 15 years, pay the upfront costs for making energy improvements in participating homes. “Most of the important and innovative decisions like this. I’m proud that homes in Benham energy efficient, and can, in later years, houses we’ve looked at in Benham have minimal insulation. our Power Board can sit and discuss and decide and come to be invested in other energy efficiency, renewable energy or If we can take care of that and do some air sealing at the same agreement without splitting everybody. That’s part of looking sustainable energy infrastructure projects that benefit the time, people will instantly feel the difference. Their homes toward the future.” community; and will have less warm air going out the roof and won’t suck so The Benham$aves program was inspired by an on-bill much cold air in through the floors.” financing program pioneered by several of Kentucky’s rural WHEREAS, the Benham$aves “I didn’t even sleep last electric co-ops and MACED. In December 2013, MACED Program has been developed night I was so excited,” said “This is one way we can improve our econoalso provided funds to do one energy assessment and retrofit with the help and collaboration Harlan County retired coal my here in the mountains.

When we invest in in Benham as a demonstration project. In the first month from many community partminer, Carl Shoupe, who serves after completion of that job, average energy use in the town ners, including COAP, Inc., energy efficiency, right away people feel betas statewide vice chair of KFTC as a whole increased by 42% over the year before, due to cold Kentuckians For The Comand is a member of the Benter in their homes and have more money in weather.

However, energy use in the newly insulated home monwealth, Inc., Mountain ham Power Board. “We started their pockets, money that can circulate in our decreased by 56% in that same month!

Association for Community working on this project somecommunity. This program can also generate Initial funding for the Benham$aves project was proEconomic Development, Inc., time back in 2009 or so, when vided by the Blue Moon Fund. A campaign to raise the Appalshop Inc., and Harlan new jobs and income for local businesses and it was just a dream. It’s finally capital for Benham$aves energy retrofits will get underway County Community Foundacoming to fruition.” workers. And the whole thing has come about soon. For now, contributions to this project may be made to tion, Inc.; and because people are working together.” the Kentucky Coalition, PO Box 1450, London, KY 40743 The resolution passed today by Carl Shoupe, Harlan County with “Benham” in the memo line.

WHEREAS, the capital for the Power Board states in part: As Carl Shoupe explained, the Benham$aves program is this program, along with some part of a larger story of efforts to shape a just economic traninitial administrative costs, “WHEREAS, the sition in eastern Kentucky. “This is one way we can improve will be raised from donations and investments from private Benham$aves Program’s purpose is to build a strong and reour economy here in the mountains. When we invest in foundations, individuals or state and federal grant prosilient community in Benham through a community-wide energy efficiency, right away people feel better in their homes grams; and, energy efficiency program that saves money for residents and and have more money in their pockets, money that can the Power Board, create wealth, income and job opportucirculate in our community. This program can also generate NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board nities for local workers, improve the value of local homes, new jobs and income for local businesses and workers. And of Directors of Benham Power Board herewith approves the build local knowledge and relationships and create a hopethe whole thing has come about because people are working establishment and implementation of the Benham$aves ful story about what can be accomplished when people pull together.”

Program....” together; and

www.kftc.org | April 30, 2015

Balancing the Scales | 9

NEW ENERGY AND TRANSITION UPDATE

Obama administration announces support for economic transition Efforts toward a just transition to a more sustainable economy in eastern Kentucky will get a boost from the federal government, according to an announcement made in late March by Gov. Steve Beshear and federal officials.

“This is encouraging to our efforts to rebuild our economy,” said Carl Shoupe, a Harlan County retired coal miner and member of the KFTC Steering Committee. “We have been working hard to improve our economy here in eastern Kentucky, and this program is a small step in the right direction toward helping us build our economic transition.”

The governor, Jerry Abramson (Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House) and other federal officials announced that the President’s POWER Initiative will award $28-$38 million in planning and implementation grants to partnerships anchored in communities impacted by the decline in coal use. These grants will help communities organize themselves to respond on behalf of affected workers and businesses, develop comprehensive strategic plans that chart their economic future, and execute coordinated economic and workforce development activities based on their strategic plans.

These activities can seek to: (1) diversify economies; (2) create jobs in new or existing industries; (3) attract new sources of job-creating investment; (4) and provide a range of workforce services and skills training, including work-based learning opportunities, resulting in industry-recognized credentials for high-quality, in-demand jobs.

“I can imagine how these funds could be used here in my coal camp community of Benham, where we have been working on a energy efficiency project that is ‘shovel ready’ – making people’s homes tighter to save money on electricity bills,” Shoupe added. “That money can stay in our region and create good work for local folks in the process.”

“It’s great that the Obama Administration is taking this initiative, and if we can get Congress involved to release Abandoned Mine Lands funds, then we could see a real boost to economic activity in the region,” said KFTC member Eric Dixon from Letcher County. “Hal Rogers and Mitch McConnell should use their considerable influence to help the region instead of standing on the sidelines.”

In February, the president said he would ask Congress to accelerate the release of $1 billion over the next five years from the Abandoned Mine Lands Fund to be used for mine reclamation projects that also promote economic revitalization.

The Obama administration also is asking Congress to boost to $55 million the money in next year’s budget for expanding this program.

Members of KFTC have been working for the past few years to broaden and deepen the conversation around Appalachian transition and building a strong, diverse, local economy in the mountains. Members believe it’s essential that the transition to a new economy is a just transition – one that celebrates the culture and invests in communities and workers that depended on the old economy.

KFTC believes that a just transition is possible and that such a transition must: • improve the quality of life for people and communities affected by economic disruption, environmental damage

• • • • • •

and inequality foster inclusion, participation and collaboration generate good, stable, meaningful jobs and broad access to opportunities and benefits promote innovation, self-reliance, and broadly held local wealth protect and restore public health and our environment respect the past while also strengthening communities and culture consider the effects of decisions on future generations

While the president’s latest initiative and his broader POWER+ proposal would not provide all the solutions for a

just transition, it would provide a needed boost for the next economy.

Dixon hopes the public will have ample opportunity to bring these principles into conversations about the future of the region.

“With POWER funds flowing into Kentucky this year, I expect discussion around how to implement this, and the proposed POWER+ funds will be a main topic of discussion at the SOAR summit in May,” he said. “No other funding source presents such potential to change the economic landscape in the region as the POWER+ plan, and fostering a grassroots implementation of these funds could be SOAR’s crowning achievement.”

LOCAL UPDATE: ROWAN COUNTY PROPOSED TENNESSEE PIPELINE REPURPOSING PROJECT

By Annie Adams The Rowan County chapter of KFTC has been working to raise awareness of the proposed Tennessee Pipeline Repurposing Project that would cut through the Commonwealth.

On March 27 four members of a subcommittee of the chapter met with Rowan County Judge-Executive Walter Blevins. They presented Judge Blevins with a wealth of information on the repurposing project. At the end of a thorough discussion, the judge-executive noted that he strongly opposed this project and would be taking the issue up in a special session of fiscal court in April.

On April 3, chapter members met with the publisher, an editor and a reporter of The Morehead News to inform them of the dangers that this unprecedented project would pose for citizens of the county (and all people living, working, and going to school in or near the path of the pipeline). The subcommittee presented KFTC’s handout on The Utica Marcellus Texas Pipeline Project as well as its

comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding Kinder Morgan’s request to repurpose.

The subcommittee also provided a range of recent news reports and a host of helpful background information, including maps of the pipeline itself.

The publisher of the paper, who had looked into the pipeline project in preparation for the meeting with members from KFTC, was well aware of the enormity of the undertaking, and he asked many thoughtful questions about safety and economic and environmental impact. At the end of the very productive meeting, the representatives of The Morehead News thanked the Rowan County chapter for the information provided and noted that the proposed project would be covered in a series of articles in the paper.

The chapter has already submitted one letter to the editor that will be published in the next edition of The Morehead News and is in the process of soliciting more letters from individual members to keep the important conversation about this dangerous project going.

SPRING FROLIC AND FARMING WORKSHOP Saturday, May 9 Morning Small Scale Farming Workshop, In the Garden 10 am to 1 pm, $20 (includes afternoon and evening activities) Starting small, staying small and staying in: strategies for scaling the garden for long term success; Layout and design of one acre, divided into tenths for rotation and continuous production, spring through fall; Cultivating methods at a small scale, using hand tools and walk-behind tractor implements; Adding dairy goats and laying hens to the mix: pros and cons; On Loving It: reckoning with the economics of small-scale ag and accentuating the positive Spring Frolic and Potluck 1 pm to 6 pm, $5 suggested donation. Old-time and bluegrass jamming all afternoon; Bring a dish to share; Silent Auction; Passive solar power demos; Garden tour; Earth Tools demo with Joel Dufour; Creek splashing, crawdad hunting; Treehouse climbing; Visit the goats; Woodland walk in the hundred-acre wood Square Dance and Jamming in Carlisle 6 pm to 11 pm, $5 at the door at the historic Neal Center, 111 Main St., Carlisle For more information, email David at threespringsfarmky@gmail.com or call (859) 289-2562

10 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

Member Commentary

My path towards understanding: Megan McKinney At its February meeting, the KFTC Steering Committee established a Racial Justice Ad Hoc Workteam whose purpose is to develop a workplan for educating members and chapters on racial justice issues this year. As part of its work, the Team hopes to have something in each issue of Balancing the Scales related to racial justice issues. Sometimes that might be an update on local work; sometimes it might be an educational/historical piece; sometimes it might be a personal reflection. This issue’s piece comes from Madison County member Megan McKinney.

While Kentucky certainly holds a special place in my heart, I’m actually a native Tennessean. As such, I often feel my heart swell with pride whenever I hear or see any reference to Memphis-style BBQ, a very bright shade of orange, or the great Dolly Parton. Sadly, I always seem to remember a bit of the bad, as well. Shortly after the Civil War, six Confederate veterans got together to create an organization to oppress African Americans. The Ku Klux Klan has become one of the most infamous hate groups in the entire world, and it was started in humble Pulaski, Tennessee. This history wasn’t actively taught when I was in secondary school.

However, some of those same values were still evident.

While I cannot remember any active racial violence, I can very clearly recall the prejudices and the hate-filled speech. I remember hearing my father frequently using the N-word. I recall how my mother would become obviously uncomfortable and mumble “that’s just not right” whenever she saw an

interracial couple. Many years later, I can still easily count the number of non-white students in my grade in elementary school: three African-Americans, three Hispanics, no Asians.

When I chose to attend Berea College, I honestly knew nothing about it besides that there was no tuition and it was in Kentucky. I certainly never could have guessed that it was the first interracial college in the South. When I entered into my freshman year, I brought so many unknown prejudices with me. As I began championing for social justice and political causes, I was able to honestly and sincerely interact with blacks, Latinos, Asians, and many other types of people. After each conversation, I would realize just how stupid and wrong my preconceived notions were. Slowly, the blindfold was lifted from my eyes and I began to see how my privileges and securities weren’t always afforded to others. Following the Trayvon Martin trial, I wept. After Mike Brown and Eric Garner, I was furious. This is 2015, yet these injustices still happen. Over Spring Break, I mentioned to a relative how I’d been a part of a few of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations and had been becoming more engaged on the race issue. This relative was perplexed. They asked me, “Honey, you don’t have a dog in that fight. Why do you care?” I care because injustice impacts us all. To quote the great Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” We all have a dog in this fight, and we should continue striving for justice.

Westbound: Eastern Kentucky members’ eventful trip to Frankfort

By Herby Smith The trip from the mountains to Frankfort can be difficult, but the KFTC van ride on I Love Mountains Day was one we will tell big tales about for years. Harlan “Tootie” Seals has been driving charter buses and vans for decades and even served a term as mayor of Fleming-

Neon. So I was looking forward to an adventure. Little did I know…

It was cold and dark in Whitesburg when we met at 6:00 in the morning. The road to Cumberland that crosses Pine Mountain is difficult. When Tootie’s van crossed the mountain, I figured the rest of the trip would be downhill, no problem. KFTC friends from Lynch, Benham, and Cumberland met us on the south side of the mountain as the sun was rising. On to Harlan, where the rest of our van riders joined us, then we headed for Frankfort.

The blow out of one of our front tires was on I-75 north of Richmond. Bennie Massey, our fellow van rider and friend from Lynch, is a retired coal miner.

Bennie can handle anything. So I figured we could change the tire and keep rolling. Luckily we had a spare tire, but we didn’t have a wrench that fit the lug nuts. That was a problem. While we were calculating whether we could get another van and whether we were going to get to Frankfort in time for the rally, a Kentucky transpor-

tation truck stopped. The truck had a whole set of sockets and we were able to change the tire. No problem, on to Frankfort.

Well, time was starting to be a problem. We were running late, we had one of the banners for the march from the Kentucky River to the capitol, and one of the rally speakers was riding with us, Kimberly Shepherd. We began to focus on the capitol speaking part of the day. Let the march go as planned, with other banners and signs. If we could get Kimberly to the capitol steps in time for her speech, then things would work out. No problem, except for the cold, cold wind and light snow.

The speeches were amazing. I was proud to be there and to hear expressions of hope and love for our state.

Someone said that this could be the last “I Love Mountains Day.” Although the Kentucky legislature meets in the coldest time of the year, I will miss the opportunity to stand on those steps and let the members of the General Assembly know that we are paying attention.

The return trip was going smoothly until the brakeline broke near Corbin. The brake pedal went to the floor with no effect. Having no brakes is a serious problem.

Somehow Tootie got the van stopped and there was a bit of room on the shoulder of the road. The cell phones allowed us to call for other vehicles. Eventually, as daylight ended, Burt and Jenny Lauderdale arrived with snacks and a small van. Other cars came to the rescue. All is well that ends well. It was a long trip, but I wouldn’t have missed it.

www.kftc.org | April 30, 2015

Balancing the Scales | 11

in memory of...

In remembrance: McKinley Sumner, long-time KFTC member and humble defender of the mountains McKinley Sumner, a long-time KFTC member and environmental educator, died on April 10 at the age of 82.

Sumner hosted countless visitors on his Perry County property to view the beauty, to learn about the importance of a family homeplace, and to, unfortunately, view the theft and destruction of a portion of his family’s land.

Always prepared and excited to speak with visitors, McKinley, or “Kin” as he was often called, would have his notes — his story — in his shirt chest pocket, wrapped nicely inside a plastic bag. Never did he shy away from telling his story, never did he forget a detail; he always had his notes if he felt he needed them.

“He is emblematic about how KFTC as an organization helps people find their voice,” said Colleen Unroe, a KFTC organizer in east Kentucky from 2003 to 2011.

Long-time KFTC leader and friend of McKinley, Teri Blanton recalled, “The young people, the college students, he loved talking to them the most. He loved that they cared enough to listen. He was excited about the good youth of the day, of the future, and the people that cared.”

Group trips to McKinley’s property occurred frequently.

He might not have considered himself an environmental educator, but to the visitors who came to his property, in their eyes, he was.

Although he used his story as a way to educate and empower individuals, Unroe commented, “It always made me sad how he would couch his comments in classism and internalize oppression. He would be dismissive of himself because he didn’t have a college degree like his sisters. But he was sharp as a tack and was a go-to for folks to understand the issues related to undivided property.”

Blanton recalled a story from a trip to Washington D.C. with McKinley: “It was training day for Week-in-Washington.

He was sitting outside on the steps and he had 7 or 8 young people sitting around. They wouldn’t take an eye off him. He was beaming that the young people were so excited to hear his story.”

Unroe remembered: “McKinley was one of the kindest and most lovely community activists I had the pleasure of working with during my time in east Kentucky.”

Below is his story as published by KFTC many years ago.

McKinley Sumner’s stolen land McKinley Sumner planned to spend his latter years in the home in Perry County where he was born.

He was in his 70s, his health was good, he liked to garden and his siblings were happy to have him taking care of the family homeplace. That serene life was shattered in August 2006.

“I was out in the yard one day, and I heard this awful commotion. It didn’t sound right to me, so I de- McKinley (right) hosted many people and groups on his property who visited to learn cided to go to the top of the about his case, including U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth. mountain. I put on my boots “They had gone down one ridge and bulldozed a road and to keep the copperheads and rattlesnakes away and headed up,” took out the survey. And then they came down this other ridge McKinley remembered.

The coal company already was mining in the adjacent holler, and mined. They took every float and every peg I had down the and had literally removed the other half of the mountain. What ridge. It cost me another one thousand fifty dollars to have the McKinley found was that they were now mining his family’s pegs replaced.

“A few evenings after this happened a representative from land. About 15 feet of the top of the ridge had disappeared – ICG called me. They said it was a mistake, and that they would hauled off and forever gone. make it good. I don’t think it was a mistake. I think the company “ICG had approached my siblings and I about selling wanted to see how far they could push me. They couldn’t say that or leasing them our land that is about 63 acres. I told them a it was a mistake because my property lines were well marked, number of times that we did not want to sell to them because I and there was a big white oak tree that was well-marked by the wanted to live out my days here on the land I grew up on. surveyor where the property lines were. I had talked with them a “This company did me dirty on George’s Branch, and I number of times before and told them that they weren’t to get on didn’t trust them. [So] I put out a lot of money, about $7,000 in total, from my own pocket to make sure I knew where the my property.”

This began years of aggravation for McKinley and his sisters, property lines were and that the lines were well marked.

Maude and Shirley. State officials did issue ICG a citation for mining off its permit but would not collect a fine. The company offered to buy out McKinley so it could mine all the property.

It made low offers to compensate for damages. When McKinley refused these offers, they would call his sisters in Indiana and complain that McKinley was being unreasonable – trying to turn them against McKinley.

“I can’t sleep a night because I lay worrying about this,” McKinley said at the time.

The family stuck together. With a lot of persistence over three and a half years, the family got an agreement with ICG to address the problems. Part of that agreement required the company to plant trees and replace the soil. But even then, it took months after they promised they would for the company to actually do that.

“I’m glad I didn’t give up because you can get something Religious leaders from a variety of faith traditions prayed for healing of the mountains in May 2007. They are standing done!” McKinley reflected. on McKinley’s once-forested land, overlooking the destroyed other side of the mountain.

12 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

General Assembly UPDATE

2015 Legislative Session — building towards the long-term There are many ways to view the story of the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly and KFTC’s role in organizing and advocating for important public policies. While the legislature did reach agreement on a few major items in the final hours of the 30-day session, they declined to act on a long list of urgent and important issues affecting our commonwealth, including clean energy reforms, minimum wage, and voting rights.

KFTC members, as a whole, tend to take a long-term view about how change happens, especially where our legislature is concerned. We have what the late Knott County KFTC member and chairperson Marie Gangwish used to call “stick-to-it-ive-ness.” So it’s not surprising that many of our lobby days during this year’s legislative session had record turnout, even in a year when legislative action on many of our priority issues was lacking.

For example, KFTC members were a big part of a Clean Energy Lobby Day which brought more than 90 people to Frankfort for a total of 60 meetings with legislators in one day! We hosted weekly voting rights prayer vigils outside Senate leadership offices. We celebrated the 10th annual I Love Mountains Day with a large and spirited gathering of about 1,000 people on the capitol steps. Our voting rights rally drew hundreds of participants and a wide range of speakers, including Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes. Overall, more than 125 members lobbied with KFTC in Frankfort, in addition to many others who attended rallies and actions.

One group of KFTC leaders who play a major but largely invisible role in our work during the legislative session is KFTC’s Executive Committee, including Dana Beasley Brown, Carl Shoupe, Tanya Torp, Elizabeth Sanders and Sue Tallichet. These dedicated leaders serve as the organization’s legislative strategy team, participating in weekly calls to consider our positions on many bills and make strategy decisions. They have and deserve our gratitude.

Below is a summary of actions and outcomes on the bills KFTC took positions on in the 2015 General Assembly.

Voting Rights KFTC members and allies had a steady presence throughout the session in support of Voting Rights, House Bill 70, under the banner of “Let Us Vote.” Our efforts included weekly Tuesday prayer vigils, citizen lobbying efforts, and the voting rights lobby day and rally. HB 70 passed the House, as it has done 10 times in the past decade. The vote in the House was 86-12 on February 12, the most support the bill has yet received. Nevertheless, in the Senate it was assigned to the State and Local Government Committee and was never given a hearing.

Hundreds of Kentuckians took part in a Voting Rights lobby day and rally on February 26 to call for passage of the bill. Later, a non-violent protest action by Greg Capillo, Jordan Mazurek, Mary Ann Ghosal and others during the final meeting of the Senate State and Local Government Committee brought public attention to the Senate’s blocking of the constitutional amendment.

Mt. Sinai Singers from Lynch, Kentucky, led the attendees in songs during the voting rights rally.

Photo by Steve Pavey

Stream Saver The Stream Saver Bill was introduced as House Bill 131. HB 131 would have prohibited the dumping of toxic mine wastes, most commonly associated with mountaintop removal, into “an intermittent, perennial, or ephemeral stream or other water of the Commonwealth.” Rep. Jim Wayne was the lead sponsor, with seven cosponsors: Reps.

Tom Riner, Tom Burch, Joni Jenkins, Mary Lou Marzian, Reginald Meeks and Jeffrey Donohue, all of Louisville; and Kelly Flood of Lexington.

HB 131 was assigned to the House Natural Resources & Environment Committee, where bills to protect the environment stand almost no chance of being heard or voted on under the chair of Rep. Jim Gooch. HB 131 was not considered.

Economic Justice The Kentucky Forward Bill we supported (House Bill 132) would have made Kentucky’s tax system more fair, adequate and sustainable with a broad variety of reforms. It would have raised about $575 million in new revenue, mostly from income and transactions that currently go untaxed.

Rep. Jim Wayne introduced HB 132 with six cosponsors.

KFTC members met with many legislators to discuss the need for tax reform and discuss ways public investments in education, health care, environmental protection and other programs can help make Kentucky a great place to live. We also talked about how lower income folks would pay less in taxes under HB 132, largely due to a 15% refundable

Earned Income Tax Credit.

HB 132 was assigned to the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee but did not receive a hearing, and there seemed little interest among legislators in addressing comprehensive tax reform in a non-budget year.

After conversations with the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, House Democratic leaders, and KFTC, Rep. Wayne also moved a couple of the provisions in HB 132 into a separate, smaller bill. House Bill 374 would have created a 7.5% Earned Income Tax Credit for Kentucky’s working families and closed some corporate loopholes that allow some profitable corporations to shield income recorded overseas or in certain other states. The EITC in HB 374 was lower than the one proposed in HB 132 in order to match the amount of revenue that could be recovered by eliminating the loopholes.

HB 374 had a brief “discussion only” hearing on March 3 before the House Appropriations Committee with testimony from Rep. Wayne, Rep. Greg Stumbo, Jesus Gonzalez for KFTC, and Jason Bailey with the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. Earlier in the session we expected HB 374 to receive a vote, but Speaker Stumbo and committee chair Rep. Rick Rand (both cosponsors of HB 374) decided not to allow a vote.

After a bill to raise the minimum wage (House Bill 2) passed the House on February 10 by a 56-43 margin, we focused on asking senators to get a hearing and vote on the issue in the Senate. Senate Republican leaders did not support the bill, which would have increased the minimum wage (continued on next page)

www.kftc.org | April 30, 2015

Balancing the Scales | 13

Legislative Session, continued from previous page for some workers from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour over three years.

We had many conversations with House members about the need for a bill to strengthen renters’ rights in Kentucky.

House Bill 368, the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee. We had key support for this bill but could not get a hearing (or get it assigned to a different committee that had more time than the Judiciary Committee). An interim hearing on the issue seems likely. There was a good report about the Southern Kentucky chapter’s work on URLTA in the previous issue of Balancing the Scales.

Last year a bill to allow Kentucky cities to adopt a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) died in the House. This year Speaker Greg Stumbo decided it was his top priority and named it House Bill 1. That helped the legislation get through the House, which it did by a 65-32 vote on February 12. LOST (also called LIFT by its supporters) would amend the state constitution (if approved by voters) to give Kentucky cities the authority to enact local sales tax increases of up to 1% for specific capital projects, if approved by local vote.

KFTC opposed HB 1 for being regressive, failing to consider better options for raising local revenues, and directing funding to capital projects rather than programs suffering from years of budget cuts.

In the Senate, HB 1 was assigned to the State and Local Government Committee. It did not receive a hearing or vote after that, though there was plenty of pressure on the Senate to consider and pass it. Opposition surfaced late in the session from a group of manufacturers in Louisville (Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer is the chief proponent of the bill), who realized they would have to pay millions of dollars more in sales taxes under the plan. HB 1 supporters discussed ways to “accommodate” these manufacturers, though there was no similar effort to help low-income households when Rep. Wayne pointed out that they would have to pay a disproportionate amount of their income in LOST sale taxes compared to people with higher incomes.

Clean Energy Working with allies, we had a great lobby day in support of the Clean Energy Opportunity Act, with lots of energy and folks coming from all over the state to talk with legislators about House Bill 229. The legislation would have created a Renewable and Efficiency Portfolio Standard requiring utilities in Kentucky to get an increasing share of their electricity from clean, renewable sources and energy efficiency programs. It also would have established a Feed-in Tariff that sets a guaranteed rate for renewable energy producers. The two policies could create 28,000 new Kentucky jobs over the next 10 years.

The bill was assigned to the House Tourism Development & Energy Committee. The chairwoman of the Economic Development Committee, Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, also expressed interest in the bill. She scheduled a hearing on the positive impact of North Carolina’s similar policy on jobs and investment on the same day that the bill, HB 229, was scheduled to be heard in the Tourism and Economic Development Committee. Unfortunately, both hearings were cancelled due to a major snowstorm. Efforts are underway to reschedule testimony before one or more interim legislative committees this year.

More Information: Bill Tracker Final: For the final resolution on other bills KFTC took a position on, visit www.kftc.org/billtracker.

Energy Wire had a great article on the lobby day, the legislation and the energy landscape in Kentucky that featured KFTC leaders. You can read that here: www.eenews.net/ stories/1060014722/.

In the months before the session KFTC also participated in several stakeholder meetings with utilities, solar industry advocates, and some legislators to discuss expanding Kentucky’s net-metering rules. These rules govern whether and how customers can install renewable energy systems and get credit on their bills for the energy produced. Kentucky’s netmetering law is restrictive and creates unnecessary barriers for customers who choose to invest in renewables. Despite active negotiations, the issue made no gains during the session.

KFTC endorsed House Bill 100, which sets up an innovative funding mechanism for local energy efficiency and water projects. The bill passed the full House, 66-32, on February 9 and was approved by the full Senate, with an amendment, on March 11. The House concurred with the Senate changes, 85-13, and the bill has been signed into law by the governor.

There was no movement on House Bill 349, a bill to extend state tax credits for individuals or businesses that install specific types of energy efficiency upgrades or renewable energy systems. The current state tax credits are small and expire at the end of this year. The bill had been assigned to the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee but was not given a hearing during the short session.

During the legislative session, KFTC opposed two identical bills, Senate Bill 186 and House Bill 386, that modestly improve the oil and gas regulations for deep wells and for hydraulic fracking. The bills came out of a working group of industry, state regulators, business groups and Tom FitzGerald that began meeting a year ago. The bill was supported by the Kentucky Oil and Gas Association.

KFTC and many landowners from Madison, Rockcastle and Estill counties countered that the bill was developed without input from affected communities, and did not go far enough to protect landowners or water quality from highvolume hydraulic fracking. In a letter to lawmakers, KFTC asked for a two-year moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracking to allow studies of social, economic and environmental impacts. Local landowners Vicki Spurlock and David Tipton gave powerful testimony before House and Senate committees. They described the risks and harms of high-

volume fracking and asked for the moratorium.

The industry-supported bill (SB 186) passed, but the efforts by many affected landowners raised awareness of fracking concerns and the need to prevent a new wave of high-volume hydraulic fracking in Kentucky.

Eminent domain and pipeline safety Working with a network of folks involved in the successful effort to stop the proposed Bluegrass Hazardous Liquids Pipeline and concerned about a new pipeline project by Kinder Morgan, we went into the legislative session with two bills related to pipelines: eminent domain and a new pipeline safety bill.

Eminent Domain: Rep. David Floyd and Sen. Julian Carroll each filed eminent domain bills (House Bill 103 and Senate Bill 113). However, there was no momentum to move an eminent domain bill this session for several reasons: There was no immediate threat, such as there was last year from the proposed Bluegrass Pipeline; Rep. John Tilley, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, was not inclined to hear the bill again this year because of that committee’s heavy agenda and the unlikelihood that the Senate would consider the bill; and The Senate’s policy of not considering legislation that involves issues currently being litigated (a favorable ruling landowners received last year in Franklin Circuit Court is under appeal).

Pipeline Safety: After a meeting in December with KFTC members and others, Rep. Floyd agreed to file a bill requiring soil and water monitoring around pipelines as a possible “early detection” system for leaks, and to provide baseline data to prove contamination after there is a leak.

What resulted was a much broader pipeline safety bill (House Bill 272) – one with standards and programs only a handful of states have adopted (though it lacked soil and water monitoring requirements).

HB 272 was sent to the Tourism Development & Energy Committee. It seemed efforts to get a hearing on that bill may have been making some progress when weather disrupted schedules and provided a convenient excuse to not bring up certain bills. Near the end of the session, Rep. Floyd filed an amended bill that included some of the changes we asked for to strengthen the bill. The next step is to try to get a hearing in the interim.

PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, MAY 19 POLLS ARE OPEN 6 A.M. - 6 P.M.

FOR CANDIDATE RESPONSES AND VOTER INFORMATION VISIT WWW.KENTUCKYELECTION.ORG

14 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

VOTing rights UPDATE kftc news

Voter Empowerment Strategy Team regains focus to move forward Members of the Voter Empowerment Strategy Team (VEST) have invested a decade of work toward restoring former felons with the right to vote. Over the span of 10 years, we’ve seen many members, coalition partners and legislators come and go. We’ve tried various grassroots tactics including celebrating our supporters with cards and buttons; engaging Kentuckians in grassroots citizen lobbying efforts; and organizing prayer vigils outside of Senate leadership offices. In 2015, HB70 gained a lot of traction and support because of our citizen lobbying efforts and KFTC members using their personal stories to share why the bill should pass. However, Majority Leader Senator Damon Thayer was not moved and refused to call HB70 up for a vote. Unfortunately for Thayer, we don’t give up that easily.

A bit disgruntled from another brutal session, VEST Committee members came together on April 1 to discuss what we can do next. After debriefing the session, we felt the weight on us, but did not allow ourselves to trudge through the muck. It was a consensus that something new has to happen. We carved out some time to do a short visioning exercise. We envisioned the type of VEST Committee that would be effective and that would make us feel empowered and victorious. As we envisioned, our goal was to create a VEST Committee that was larger and independent of roadblocks like Thayer, but inclusive of our wildest desires. Visions included some powerful characteristics such as: • Transforming the way people view returning citizens • Collective liberation: my liberation is tied up in your

• • • • • • • • • • •

liberation and everyone else’s VEST Committee members building stronger relationships with each other Restorative justice Compassion and empathy Courageous action Legislative reform Grassroots community-level work Unity Engaging former felons Rebuilding our Voting Rights Coalition, possibly broadening our lines Love and appreciation Inclusivity

After imagining our potential and possibility, we walked away from the meeting feeling energized. Our meeting location was at the Scott County Library, which kicked us out at 9pm, but the majority of us hung around in the parking lot to chit-chat more. A smaller group of us grabbed food to burn off some of the energy through laughter and conversation.

Many members expressed that the April 1 VEST meeting was the best they’ve experienced in a long time or ever.

Longtime member Homer White acknowledged our boldness and applauded our courage to do a vision exercise rather than fuss over the session. Everyone is eager to continue developing our mini vision session, so we scheduled a larger

Members of the Voter Empowerment Strategy Team met to plot their path forward toward justice in Kentucky.

The KFTC Steering Committee kicked off its March A solid show of support from members helps us weather the 28 meeting by sharing stories and photos of some of the ebbs and flows that can happen when seeking grant support. highlights of the first quarter of 2015. KFTC chapters and “This is about power,” noted Meta Mendel-Reyes of members were busy these last few months building power, Madison County. “It’s not just about membership. Our pushing our issue campaigns, hosting events, and having fun. members are our power.”

Numerous activities were highlighted including the General After reviewing some data from 2014—and learning that Assembly lobby days, the voting rights vigils, the Madison we’d had a bit of a dip in our membership renewal rate—the County Pie Auction, Jefferson County’s We Are Kentuckians Committee broke into small groups to brainstorm ideas for event, Growing Appalachia, a Showing Up for Racial Justice boosting renewals, recruiting new members, and encouraging training and more. members to become Sustaining Givers.

The Steering Committee spent some focused time durSustaining Givers are members who commit to give ing the meeting discussing the on a regular basis—generally concept of stewardship and monthly or quarterly. Often “KFTC works on all the issues I care what that means for KFTC. folks are able to give a larger They noted that stewardship about. I choose to be a Sustaining Giver amount when it’s spread across is simply the idea of taking because we’re multi-issue and I can get a year of monthly or quarterly care of the folks who support so much from my membership here.” gifts than they could give at our work—our members! This Leslie McBride, Shelby County any one point. involves thanking them, com“Being a Sustaining Givmunicating with them about er is awesome because you the work their renewals and donations make possible, and never have to worry about whether your membership is curmotivating them to renew and get others to join with us. rent,” explained Christian Torp of Lexington. “It’s the bread The Committee noted that focusing on stewardship and and butter of our work.” growing our base of support is important for many reasons.

Ideas generated by the Committee for boosting renewals First, it helps us build our power. More members mean more and support ranged from raffling off dinners with notable people engaging around our issue campaigns and pushing for Kentuckians to having a drawing for a weekend at a state park the change we seek. Secondly, growing our membership and for members who renew by a certain date. Other ideas inSustaining Givers helps sustain our work for the long haul. cluded making more personal connections when asking folks

to renew, developing a new member packet that engages folks soon after they join, and highlighting our Sustaining Givers at the annual meeting.

The Committee noted that we have to find new and creative ways to capture the consistent high spirit that so many folks associate with being a member of KFTC—whether they’re deeply engaged in chapter work or someone who simply enjoys reading balancing the scales. If folks feel that spirit, they’ll be moved to renew.

Leslie McBride of Shelby County said it was that personal connection to KFTC and the feeling she gets as a member that keeps her renewing.

“KFTC works on all the issues I care about. I choose to be a Sustaining Giver because we’re multi-issue and I can get so much from my membership here,” she explained.

The Steering Committee made a commitment to check in on our stewardship efforts at every meeting this year.

Chairperson Dana Beasley Brown encouraged all the chapter representatives and alternates to take a few minutes at each chapter meeting to check in on these issues of sustainability as well.

“If everyone could work with their chapters on this, we’ll succeed,” she noted.

In other business, the Steering Committee approved a financial report, approved the Annual Meeting theme of “All In: Uniting Around a Progressive Vision for Kentucky,” debriefed KFTC’s work in the General Assembly, and made plans for their overnight retreat coming up in May in Bowling Green.

weekend meeting later this month to do some deeper visioning, partake in a Kentucky power analysis, and strategize on the structure we will take moving forward.

It is no secret that the VEST work has been really heavy on a lot of our hearts. Kentuckians being denied their legal right to participate in our democracy goes against the core values of KFTC. However, with VEST committee members and staff, as always, KFTC’s future of doing meaningful, inclusive work looks bright and powerful.

Steering Committee commits to focus on stewardship, power

www.kftc.org | April 30, 2015

Balancing the Scales | 15

We are Kentuckians Meta Mendel-Reyes, Madison County Meta Mendel-Reyes is an Associate Professor of Peace and Social Justice Studies and General Studies at Berea College and a member of KFTC’s Steering Committee. She has been instrumental in racial justice work at KFTC and across the country and in fairness organizing in Berea.

How did you get involved with KFTC? I have been a member almost since I moved down here, which would be 15 years ago, but I wasn’t very active until the last three or four years. I was focused on my job.

Focused on issues on campus around discrimination, including discrimination around sexual orientation. I had been an organizer and began to miss being a part of the community.

Organizing was how I really saw how people getting together could solve their problems.

I thought all the issues were really important, but when we started the fight for a fairness ordinance here in Berea, that’s when I got more involved. And I got involved partly because of the issue, but I also got involved because our chapter and organizer were just so good. Everybody had a voice. It just reminded me of why it was so important for people to be members, and active members, of organizations like KFTC.

relationships with other people. I think KFTC makes it possible for those kinds of relationships to form. It doesn’t mean that everybody is ever going to be exactly the same. But I do feel that to be a real movement, you have to have that level of relationship building and you have to have a space where that’s important. For me it’s important for us to go to Frankfort and lobby, but it’s also really important for us to get together at an annual meeting.

How does KFTC bring people together?

I think the commonality is democracy — by and for the people. I think what holds the issue is the goal of having people have some say about their lives, whether it’s mining or dealing with disenfranchisement of former felons. This is not a state where the regular person has a lot of say. What ties us together is our belief that people should have some say about their lives.

I think KFTC is critical because it’s important to have an organization that’s multi-issue and social justice oriented.

KFTC is the only organization that I’m aware of that’s composed of Kentuckians who are trying to solve our own issues and create a state that really belongs to all of us.

What keeps you involved for the long haul?

I really think KFTC is special because of the way it combines issues with a genuine vision of a state that would be based on justice and equality. But I think another reason that I do it, quite frankly, is I really like it. I like the opportunity to be with people that have shared commitments who maybe come from totally different backgrounds. I’m not even a native Kentuckian. I get a lot of joy out of this kind of work.

Even making telephone calls asking people to renew is something that is special when it’s shared. I really feel like I have a place in KFTC, and I really feel like I can make a difference.

And those things keep me going.

Why should someone invest in KFTC as a member?

There’s a Jewish saying that I like a lot that is something like, “It’s not for you to complete the journey, but neither is it for you to desist from it.” So we’re all part of this long journey. It’s not given to us to complete the journey, but we also don’t have the option of sitting on the sidelines.

KFTC works because it’s so grassroots, and that really does depend on everybody doing their share. The organization wouldn’t be what it is if people didn’t have the sense of ownership that you only get when you’re making a contribution. This is your organization, and you want it to be as strong as it can possibly be.

What is a favorite KFTC event or moment?

My favorite is down in little old Berea when we had a rally for a fairness ordinance. We had over 400 people. We were loud. We were noisy.

At the moment, we’re in the part of the story that’s the low point. But I feel that even at the low point, being part of an organization that’s really committed to that issue, as well as other issues, helps you get through those kinds of points.

At the fairness rally in Berea, there were a whole lot of people standing with us. That seemed to me really the way KFTC works.

Why did you choose to become a Sustaining Giver?

I wanted to contribute in a way that the organization could count on on a regular basis. I felt like what I get from the organization, and what I give to the organization, doesn’t happen just once a year. It’s an ongoing commitment, and I wanted my financial contribution to take the same form. It’s also a lot easier. I don’t have to think about it — my recurring contribution is just coming out.

Even more important than that, I just really wanted to help this organization that I believe in so much be as successful as it can be. I think each person, if they really look inside themselves, understands that our power depends on our members. That power is exercised by people being willing to make the contribution that you need to keep an organization like this going and growing.

How are we more powerful together?

Organizing has always seemed to me to be about relationships, and you become stronger when you have deep

KFTC is made up of more than 9,000 individuals who come together to amplify our voices and to fight for a better Kentucky. As individuals we bring our own talents and treasures with us to the organization. We Are Kentuckians is a new series that will profile KFTC members in various aspects of the organization.

Meta Mendel-Reyes

BECOME A SUSTAINING GIVER Sustaining Givers provide steady income to support KFTC’s work throughout the year.

gift. With as little as $5 per month, you can make a greater investment in KFTC.

And being a Sustaining Giver allows you to give more than you might be able to give in a single

The best way to make a Sustaining Gift to KFTC is through automatic bank withdrawal. With this

option, KFTC gets 100% of your gift and you never have to worry about your credit card expiring. To sign up for automatic bank withdrawal, complete the form on page 3 and send it to us with a voided check. Or you can choose to use a credit card.

16 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

Economic Justice UPDATE

KFTC members support the People’s Budget — a good benchmark KFTC members from across the state told their Congressperson that they stand in support of the People’s Budget.

This included policy supports for tax fairness such as the Estate Tax, so that as a country we can make investments in our nation’s bright future.

However, there is a sizeable gap between what these members and Kentuckians are calling for, and what Congress is so far delivering as the blueprint for tax and budget policies.

Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a repeal of the estate tax — an important safeguard against gross accumulations of wealth. This repeal, if it were to pass both chambers and be signed into law, would be damaging to Kentucky.

Next year, Kentucky is expected to have only roughly 40 estates owing any estate tax. At the same time, Kentucky’s economic well-being is absolutely tied to the federal investments that are funded in part by the estate tax.

According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KCEP) Kentucky receives about $6,496 of federal aid per person every year, to fund Medicare, Social Security, Pell Grants, unemployment benefits, and more. That is the eighthhighest among the states and 15 percent more than the U. S. average of $5,662.

Representative John Yarmuth of Louisville was the only member of Kentucky’s delegation that voted against repealing the estate tax.

Weakening the estate tax and continuing to cut corporate taxes weakens the ability to make federal investments in people and communities — a consequence that the rest of the House’s proposed tax and budget plan embraces.

In addition to omitting President Obama’s initiatives to shape a just transition in Central Appalachia through the Power + Plan, the House budget proposes several harmful cuts. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities: • More than two-thirds of the cuts would come from programs that are specifically to help low- to moderateincome folks, even though these programs are relatively inexpensive, making up less than a third of the cost of all federal programs.

• The House budget proposal cuts SNAP by more than a third between 2021 and 2025. During this time, food stamps would become a block grant that states would oversee, and would be jeopardized.

• It cuts funding for Pell Grants, and freezes the maximum

grant level for ten years. (Tuition costs will not be frozen over the next ten years, and student loan debt is already oppressive.)

• It repeals health care reform, including the Medicaid expansion, which has made a huge impact on Kentuckians’ ability to get health care coverage.

KFTC has endorsed the People’s Budget, put forth by the Progressive Caucus. Although the House has already rejected the People’s Budget, it serves as an important benchmark for what good public and economic policy looks like, and what Congress should be supporting.

JoAnn Schwartz, who serves on KFTC’s Economic Justice Committee, says, “The People’s Budget reads like a KFTC wish list. I think the more conversations around the People’s Budget, the better. And the more organizations that will support it, the more its message will be spread.”

The Economic Policy Institute is one policy organization that endorses the policies in the People’s Budget because it prioritizes growing jobs and opportunities, and pays for it by asking corporations and the wealthy to contribute their fair share. Specifically, the People’s Budget calls for: • Adding higher marginal tax rates for millionaires and billionaires • Taxing investment income like labor income, and taxing financial transactions like stock trading • Restoring a more progressive estate tax • Eliminating inefficient corporate tax loopholes And with this revenue, along with cutting some defense budgets, the budget is able to support economic recovery: • Expanding tax credits for low- to middle-income earners • Creating jobs: 4.7 million in 2015 and another 3.8 million over the next two years • Strengthening our shared social safety net by increasing funding for education, access to higher ed, job training, employment, and social services You can learn more about the People’s Budget at cpc.grijalva. house.gov or from the Economic Policy Institute at www. epi.org.

WHAT IS THE WEALTH GAP IN KENTUCKY THESE DAYS? The wealthiest 1 percent of U. S. families have 42 percent of the wealth—a gap unprecedented since the Great Depression.

On average at the national level, the super rich captured all income growth, with the bottom 99 percent actually experiencing a decline.

Here in Kentucky, the top 1 percent captured nearly 40 percent of all the income growth.

Kentucky also has racial disparities in income and wealth. Thirty percent of white working families are considered low-income in Kentucky. That’s a lot, but according to a report by the Working Poor Families Project, more than half of Kentucky’s working families of color are considered low-income.

KFTC and allies are working for solutions that will help close this gap: • Tax reform that asks the wealthy to contribute their fair share so we can better invest in every Kentuckian’s success.

• Tax reforms that also include measures to make our taxes more fair to lower-income folks, like a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

• Raising Kentucky’s wage. Read all about the Central Kentucky Chapter’s work to raise the wage in Lexington while we continue to push for federal and statewide change.

• Access to safe, affordable housing—a key component for economic stability and security.

• Local economic development initiatives that create the kinds of jobs and communities that Kentuckians deserve and envision.

June 13 • 4 p.m. • Junction City, KY • BethBissmeyer@KFTC.org for more info

www.kftc.org | April 30, 2015

Balancing the Scales | 17

Preparations begin for annual membership meeting KFTC’s statewide Annual Membership Meeting will take place August 21-23 at the General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton.

The annual meeting is a time for all KFTC members to gather together to celebrate great work over the past year, learn new skills and hold the yearly business meeting.

During the business portion of the meeting, members will consider the proposed platform, elect statewide officers and

accept new or renewing chapters for the coming year.

In preparation for the statewide annual meeting, all KFTC chapters across the state hold their chapter annual meetings two months prior, in late May or June. At these meetings, chapter members provide input to the KFTC platform, set local priorities and goals, decide if they wish to continue as a chapter and, if so, select officers.

Chapters select a Steering Committee representative

ANNUAL CHAPTER MEETINGS: CHAPTER

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

ADDRESS

Southern Kentucky

May 26

6 p.m.

The Foundry

Wilderness Trace

June 1

7 p.m.

Inter-County Energy Community Room

1009 Hustonville Road, Danville

Letcher County

June 2

6 p.m.

Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church

18 Broadway Street, Whitesburg

Scott County

June 4

7 p.m.

Sociology House

145 Holly Hock Lane, Georgetown

531 W. 11th Sreet, Bowling Green

Jefferson County

June 8

6:30 p.m.

First Unitarian Church

809 S. 4 Street, Louisville

Harlan County

June 8

6 p.m.

Putney Trailhead Campground, Rooster’s Nest Cabin

8331 HWY 119, Putney

Big Sandy

June 8

7 p.m.

Floyd County Public Library

161 N. Arnold Avenue, Prestonsburg

Perry County

June 15

6 p.m

Room 118 of the Owens Building, HCTC Technical Campus

101 Vo-Tech Drive, Hazard

th

Northern Kentucky

June 16

7 p.m.

Center For Great Neighborhoods

1650 Russell Street, Covington

Central Kentucky

June 18

7 p.m.

Northside Branch of Lexington Public Library

1733 Russell Cave Road, Lexington

Rowan County

June 18

6 p.m.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

5th Street, Morehead

Shelby County

June 18

6 p.m.

Stratton Community Center

205 W Washington Street, Shelbyville

Madison County

June 22

6:30 p.m.

Berea College Appalachian Center

205 N. Main Street, Berea

CHAPTER LEADERSHIP POSITIONS: Are you a member of a KFTC chapter? If so, please consider accepting a position as a chapter officer for the coming year, starting this fall. Chapter officers are: Steering Committee Representative Steering Committee Alternate Fundraising coordinator

Membership coordinator Publicity coordinator All are important roles for which you will receive training and support. The responsibilities can be shared with others.

If interested, please contact your chapter organizer for more information.

and alternate and chapter coordinators for membership, fundraising and publicity. They also agree to raise at least $500 for the statewide organization.

In return for their commitment to KFTC, chapters get a seat on the Steering Committee and receive staff time and organizational resources to assist in their work.

NOMINATIONS FOR STATEWIDE COMMITTEES: KFTC is accepting nominations for members of its governance and issue committees (descriptions below).

All committee nominations will be considered by the Leadership Development Committee. New committee assignments will be finalized in September by the Steering Committee.

Personnel Committee — Members may participate in hiring process and review annual staff performance evaluations. This committee provides guidance and makes recommendations about personnel policies and issues. Meets as needed.

Finance Committee — Reviews and recommends budget and quarterly financial statements. Reviews and recommends financial policies and practices.

Meets periodically in person and by conference call.

Leadership Development Committee — Develops, evaluates and helps implement KFTC’s leadership programs. Nominates and reviews nominations of people to serve on statewide committees and offices.

Meets several times a year as needed.

Land Reform Committee — Coordinates KFTC’s statewide campaigns on issues connected to natural resources. Meets 3-6 times a year, as needed.

Economic Justice Committee — Develops and coordinates campaigns on economic issues, including tax justice. Meets 3-6 times a year as needed, often by conference call.

New Energy and Transition (NET) Committee: Develops strategy and priorities for three related KFTC campaigns: Rural Electric Co-op Reform, Sustainable Energy, and Appalachian Transition.

Voter Empowerment Committee: Develops and evaluates KFTC’s strategies for registering, informing and motivating voters, including our restoration of voting rights campaign.

Litigation Committee: Makes recommendations about KFTC’s litigation strategies; monitors progress of legal cases in which KFTC is a participant; participates in communication among allies, lawyers, and KFTC decision-making bodies. Meets as needed with frequent conference calls.

18 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS — THE PROCESS The process for recommending, nominating, and electing members to KFTC’s Executive Committee reflects our commitment to being a grassroots, membership-led organization.

It is an expression of KFTC’s core values, including our commitment to diversity; an open, deliberate and democratic process; a model of shared leadership; and a practice of developing grassroots leaders as a primary strategy for social change.

Anyone may nominate someone to serve in one of the four elected positions on KFTC’s Executive Committee or

three seats on the Kentucky Coalition Board. KFTC’s Leadership Development Committee considers those suggestions and recommends a slate of candidates for each board that is balanced, diverse, and qualified. In July the KFTC Steering Committee reviews those slates and formally nominates individuals for election at KFTC’s Annual Membership Meeting in August.

Nominations for KFTC’s Executive Committee and Kentucky Coalition Board are open until May 31, 2015.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS: Due May 31, 2015 KFTC’s Steering Committee is the statewide board that makes decisions about the organization’s strategy, policies, budget and long-term direction. The Steering Committee is made up of one representative from each chapter, plus five statewide officers.

These five officers make up the Executive Committee. This group makes necessary decisions between Steering Committee meetings and provides leadership for the organization. Four members of the Executive Committee are elected. The fifth position is the immediate past chairperson. The following is a description of the four elected positions: Chairperson The Chairperson is a voting member of the KFTC Steering Committee and Executive Committee, as well as the Chairperson of the KFTC Steering Committee and the Kentucky Coalition Board of Directors. He or she presides at all Annual Meetings, Steering Committee meetings, Executive Committee meetings, and KC Board of Directors meetings.

Vice Chairperson The Vice Chairperson is a voting member of the KFTC Steering Committee and Executive Committee, as well as the Vice Chairperson of the KFTC Steering Committee and the Kentucky Coalition Board of Directors. He or she presides in the absence of the Chairperson at all Annual Meetings, Steering Committee meetings, Executive Committee meetings, and KC Board of Directors meetings.

Secretary-Treasurer This officer serves as Secretary-Treasurer for KFTC and the Kentucky Coalition. He or she also serves as a voting member of the KFTC Steering Committee and Executive Committee, as well as the Kentucky Coalition Board of Directors. The Secretary-Treasurer also serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee.

At-Large Representative The At-Large Representative is a member elected from anywhere in the state. He or she serves as a voting member of the KFTC Steering Committee and Executive Committee, as well as the Kentucky Coalition Board of Directors.

Requirements: • A statewide officer must be a member of KFTC. • A statewide officer cannot be a paid employee or the immediate family member of a paid employee of KFTC or Kentucky Coalition.

• A statewide officer cannot serve in the same position for more than two years.

• The Leadership Development Committee will consider all nominees and recommend a diverse slate of qualified candidates, taking into account a diversity of characteristics including gender, age, race, income, educational background, place of residence, level of involvement in the local chapter and statewide organization, issue interests, and other desired qualities.

The Leadership Development Committee values your suggestions! You may nominate as many people as you like. You may nominate a person for a specific statewide office, or “for any position” on the KFTC Executive Committee. Either way, the Leadership Development Committee considers all nominees to be eligible for any and all of the four positions.

NOMINATIONS FORM: NEXT PAGE

You may nominate yourself or any other member for KFTC’s Executive Committee or the Kentucky Coalition Board of Directors.

All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on May 31, 2015.

Current Executive Committee: In making your suggestions, it may be helpful to know who currently serves on the Executive Committee, and whether or not they are eligible for another term: Chairperson: Dana Beasley Brown Vice Chairperson: Carl Shoupe Secretary-Treasurer: Elizabeth Sanders At-Large Representative: Tanya Torp All have served in their positions for one term and are eligible to serve again if nominated and elected.

KENTUCKY COALITION NOMINATIONS: Due May 31, 2015 Kentucky Coalition is the sister organization of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth. Kentucky Coalition (KC) is a 501(c)(3) organization, meaning that it is allowed to accept tax-deductible donations from members and can access foundation grants that are not available to Kentuckians For The Commonwealth as a 501(c)(4).

Kentucky Coalition’s purpose is to support grassroots community organizing, leadership development, and public education around important public policy. KC’s reach stretches beyond KFTC and beyond Kentucky. Kentucky Coalition has provided support and acted as fiscal agent for groups working in Appalachia and the South. For instance, KC is currently the fiscal agent for the Alliance for Appalachia, a group of 13 organizations from Central Appalachia working to stop mountaintop removal coal mining.

The KC Board provides general oversight and direction for the organization. It maintains a close working relationship with the KFTC Steering Committee, monitors finances, and conducts planning and evaluation. The Board meets at least quarterly, often by conference call.

The KC Board is composed of the five members of the KFTC Executive Committee plus three additional members who are elected by the KFTC membership at its Annual Meeting. KC Board members serve one-year terms. The KC board members who are also members of the Executive Committee follow the term limits placed on them as KFTC Executive Committee members. The three additional KC board members may serve four consecutive one-year terms.

Requirements: • A KC board member must be a member of KFTC. • A KC board member cannot be a paid employee or the immediate family member of a paid employee of KFTC or Kentucky Coalition.

• A KC board member not on the KFTC Executive Committee cannot serve in the same position for more than four one-year consecutive terms.

• The Leadership Development Committee will consider all nominees and recommend a diverse slate of qualified candidates, taking into account a diversity of characteristics including gender, age, race, income, educational background, place of residence, level of involvement in the local chapter and statewide organization, issue interests, and other desired qualities.

• It is preferred that nominees to the KC Board are people with prior experience on the KFTC Steering Committee or Finance Committee who do not currently serve as their chapter’s representative.

Current Kentucky Coalition Board of Directors: In making your suggestions, it may be helpful to know who currently serves on the Kentucky Coalition Board, and whether they are eligible for another term.

The following members currently serve on the KC Board: Mary Love Megan Naseman Stanley Sturgill All are eligible to serve again if nominated and elected.

www.kftc.org | April 30, 2015

Balancing the Scales | 19

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: KFTC Executive Committee and Kentucky Coalition Board, Due May 31, 2015.

You may nominate yourself or any other member for KFTC’s Executive Committee and the Kentucky Coalition Board of Directors. All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on May 31, 2015. You may make your nominations by returning this form to KFTC at PO Box 1450, London, KY 40743. You may also email your suggestions to nominations@kftc.org, or use an online form at www.kftc.org/nominations. Members attending chapter meetings in May also will have the opportunity to make nominations during those discussions.

KFTC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Due May 31, 2015

Your Name: Phone: Email:

KENTUCKY COALITION BOARD: Due May 31, 2015

You may nominate as many people as you like for the KFTC Executive Committee. Please use additional paper if needed.

You may nominate as many people as you like for the Kentucky Coalition board. Please use additional paper if needed.

I would like to nominate: ___________________________________

I would like to nominate _________________________ for a position on the Kentucky Coalition Board.

For the following position(s) on KFTC’s Executive Committee: Chairperson Vice-Chairperson

I believe this person is a good choice because: __________________

Secretary-Treasurer

At-large Rep.

Any position

I believe this person is a good choice because: __________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ I have spoken with this person about my nomination, and they are willing to be considered (It’s okay if you haven’t).

I have NOT yet spoken with this person about my nomination, and I do not know if they are willing to be considered.

I would like to nominate: ___________________________________ For the following position(s) on KFTC’s Executive Committee: Chairperson Vice-Chairperson Secretary-Treasurer

At-large Rep.

Any position

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ I have spoken with this person about my nomination, and they are willing to be considered (It’s okay if you haven’t).

I have NOT yet spoken with this person about my nomination, and I do not know if they are willing to be considered.

I would like to nominate _________________________ for a position on the Kentucky Coalition Board.

I believe this person is a good choice because: __________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

I believe this person is a good choice because: __________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ I have spoken with this person about my nomination, and they are willing to be considered (It’s okay if you haven’t).

I have spoken with this person about my nomination, and they are willing to be considered (It’s okay if you haven’t).

I have NOT yet spoken with this person about my nomination, and I do not know if they are willing to be considered.

I have NOT yet spoken with this person about my nomination, and I do not know if they are willing to be considered.

STATEWIDE COMMITTEES: Due June 30, 2015 KFTC’s statewide committees include: Personnel; Finance; Leadership Development; Land Reform; Economic Justice; New Energy & Transition; Voter Empowerment; and Litigation. You may nominate yourself or other KFTC members for these committees. Nominees for these positions will be reviewed by the Leadership Development Committee and appointed by the new Steering Committee in September 2015.

You may nominate as many people as you like for consideration for KFTC’s committees. Please use additional space or paper as needed.

Nominee:

Committee nominated for:

Nominee:

Committee nominated for:

Nominee:

Committee nominated for:

20 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | April 30 2015

CHAPTER MEETINGS May 4: Wilderness Trace Chapter Meeting 7-8:30 p.m. at Inter-County Energy Community Room. 1009 Hustonville Road, Danville.

Info: BethBissmeyer@kftc.org or call 859-314-2044 May 7: Scott County Chapter Meeting 7 pm. at Sociology House 514 Hollyhock Drive in Georgetown.

Info: Joe@kftc.org or call 859-380-6103 May 11: Jefferson County Chapter Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 809 South 4th Street in Louisville. Info: Alicia@kftc.org or call 502-589-3188 May 11: Big Sandy Chapter Meeting 7-8:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Lodge, 75 Theatre Court, Prestonsburg.

Info: Jessie@kftc.org or call 606-263-4982 May 18: Perry County Chapter Meeting 6 pm at the Treehouse Cafe and Bakery, 426 Main St., Hazard.

Info: Jessie@kftc.org or call 606-263-4982 May 18: Madison County Chapter Meeting 6:30 p.m. at Berea College Appalachian Center, 205 N. Main St., Berea.

Info: BethBissmeyer@kftc.org or call 859-314-2044 May 19: Northern Kentucky Chapter Meeting 7 p.m. at Center for Great Neighborhoods 1650 Russell St., Covington.

Info: Joe@kftc.org or call 859-380-6103 May 21: Shelby County Chapter Meeting 6 p.m. at Stratton Community Center 215 W Washington St., Shelbyville.

Info: Carissa@kftc.org or call 502-208-1696 May 21: Rowan County Chapter Meeting 6 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 5th St., Morehead.

Info: Sara@kftc.org or call 606-632-0051 May 21: Central Kentucky Chapter Meeting 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Diocese Mission House (corner of Martin Luther King Blvd. and 4th St.) in Lexington.

Info: BethHoward@kftc.org or call 859-276-0563 May 26: Southern Kentucky Chapter Meeting 6 p.m. at The Foundry, 531 W. 11th St., Bowling Green.

Info: Info@kftc.org or call 606-878-2161

KFTC is partnering again this year with The Moonshiners Ball. Held in Madison County, The Moonshiners Ball is a weekend full of music and community. KFTC members will be on site to talk about our work and to build new relationships.

Additionally, festival-goers can add a $5 donation to their ticket to support KFTC. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact BethBissmeyer@kftc.org