Volume 37 Number 1
January 30, 2018
GENERAL ASSEMBLY NEWS
OTHER NEWS
Revenue solutions as lawmakers fumble on state budget .............. 5
Poor People’s Campaign ........... 4
Another attack on solar ............. 6 Defending the constitution ........ 7 KFTC Bill Tracker ...................... 8-9
Building grassroots power across Kentucky ................................ 12-15 A new location for the KFTC Annual Membership Meeting ................. 19
Kentuckians offer reasonable solutions to state’s budget woes With alternative vision to governor’s cut, cut, cut ................. Page 5
Change Service Requested
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Kentuckians For The Commonwealth P.O. Box 1450 London, Ky. 40743
balancing the
2 | Balancing the Scales
is a statewide grassroots social justice orga nization working for a new balance of power and a just society. KFTC uses direct-action 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.
KFTC Steering Committee Meta Mendel-Reyes, chairperson Randy Wilson, vice chairperson Christian Torp, secretary-treasurer Cassia Herron, at-large member Dana Beasley Brown, immediate past chair Chapter Representatives open, Big Sandy Sarah Bowling, Central Kentucky Chase Gladson, Harlan County Robby Olivam, Jefferson County Wendy Warren, Madison County Amy Copelin, Northern Kentucky Chanda Campbell, Perry County Chris Merritt, Rowan County Leslie Bebensee, Scott County Joy Fitzgerald, Shelby County Summer Bolton, Southern Kentucky Amanda Groves, Western Kentucky Barbara Farley, Wilderness Trace Alternates: open, Big Sandy; Candice Ryder, Central Kentucky; Cheyanna Gladson, Harlan County; Chandra Cruz-Thompson, Jefferson County; Rebecca Tucker, Madison County; Lauren Gabbard, Northern Kentucky; Russell Oliver, Perry County; Allie Secor, Rowan County; Clare White, Scott County; Cynthia Dare, Shelby County; Teresa Christmas, Southern Kentucky; Shaina Goodman, Western Kentucky; Margaret Gardiner, Wilderness Trace
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Table of Contents Executive Committee Corner: We need each other – and KFTC – for the long haul ... 3 Economic Justice National Poor People’s Campaign is growing in Kentucky....................................................... 4 Bevin plan to take away health care for many moves forward .............................................16 Kentucky Voices for Health: Response to Medicaid changes .............................................. 16 The majority of Kentuckians oppose Medicaid changes ....................................................... 16 Kentucky General Assembly Members push for investing in state’s people and future ........................................................ 5 What happened to the pension bill? ................................................................................................ 5 Anti-solar bill is most recent GOP attack on clean energy ..................................................... 6 KFTC works against threat to our democratic values ................................................................ 7 KFTC Bill Tracker ................................................................................................................................. 8-9 Racial Justice A clean DREAM Act would give our DACA family and friends security .......................... 10 Local Updates – Building Grassroots Power Nelson County members learn from lobbying experiences . ................................................ 12 Conversation to build racial understanding in Berea ................................................................13 Progressive voices join to win Fairness ordinance in Paducah ..............................................13 Scott County allies join for successful MLK Day event............................................................. 14 Madison chapter to again host Berea State of the City address, discussion .................. 14 Northern Kentucky groups to help families broken by ICE......................................................15 Cumberland area groups help facilitate health care access ...................................................15 Energy and Water RECLAIM Act strategies grow as Congressional action stalls.................................................17 Action for Democracy Regional teams plan for voter outreach in 2018......................................................................... 17 KFTC News Kentuckians help inspire return to Guam for Jonah Cabiles ................................................. 11 Delores Huerta brings organizing history alive for Becky Jones ......................................... 11 Grassroots funds will make much work possible in 2018 ....................................................... 18 KFTC annual meeting is moving to Berea College, August 3-5 .......................................... 19 New Organizing Academy cohort completes its first training session ............................ 19 KFTC Calendar, staff and offices .................................................................................................... 20
KFTC on social media Facebook www.KFTC.org/facebook For chapter Facebook pages, visit: www.kftc.org/links
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www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Balancing the Scales | 3
executive committee corner
We need each other – and KFTC – for the long haul By Meta Mendel-Reyes KFTC members know that this is one of the most difficult political moments in the history of our state and country. Each day since the 2018 General Assembly convened, KFTC members have been working to defend everything that we’ve done together since the 2017 General Assembly session adjourned, and to build on what we’ve done together throughout our entire 36-year history. Since being elected chair of KFTC last summer, I have been reflecting on the ways in which, throughout our history, members have rolled up their sleeves to build a powerful base of Kentuckians. For more than 36 years we have committed to acting together to bring our state closer to a shared vision of justice and democracy for all. I think it is important to take the long view in this historical moment as well as organize to beat back immediate threats. One of our biggest challenges is going to be not only fighting back against particular policies and bills, but against despair and division. It’s really important to keep hope alive, especially when there are a number of things happening that don’t seem to support hope.
Although there are a lot of reasons to despair, it is critical to remain engaged and keep working from a place of vision. In particular, we have to resist efforts to inflame division and to stoke racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and all kinds of discrimination. This is absolutely imperative. As an openly gay member of KFTC, I’ve personally felt that we have a lot we could lose and a lot to gain in this moment. KFTC is well-positioned to resist with vision because we are a multi-issue, statewide organization that represents the kind of diversity under attack. This year, we have already been working to build momentum and beat back some terrible policies and legislation. Since the beginning of the General Assembly in January, we have resisted calls for changes to our tax system that would deepen the pockets of those at the top, at the expense of those below. We’re also fighting calls for a constitutional convention that would change the constitution to make it even easier for the rich and powerful. And I could list many other significant battles. But one thing that I’ve seen about KFTC is that we fight back in a way that seeks to empower our whole selves and our communities, while bringing our state closer to our shared vision. One of my biggest hopes for 2018 are the new
Organizer Apprentice and Organizing Academy programs. The apprentices have fanned out across the state and already have begun to make a huge difference in the lives of Kentuckians. Through the Academy, we are helping to increase the number of trained organizers in the state with the skills to turn their communities around. The initial cohort of Academy Fellows brings an exciting range of experiences and backgrounds, including geographic diversity. I’ve had a chance to help design the curriculum and to lead a few sections of it, which has given me an opportunity to share some of my own organizing background. I believe that both of these programs exemplify the creative approach to building grassroots power that is needed in this moment. Spotlighting and helping develop new leadership is critical to building New Power in our communities. As we get to work during the General Assembly session, I would like you to know how much we appreciate you. It’s an honor to chair this organization because of our history of building and sustaining an organization of Kentuckians fighting together for Kentuckians for 36 years. Please remember that we don’t have to start from scratch. In the weeks ahead, I encourage you to be active. This is a moment when each individual action can make a real difference. I also encourage you to support one another. It’s always better to go through tough times and weather storms together. I’ve heard many folks describe KFTC as a family, and that feels about right to me. Cover: Sister Joyce Moeller and Virginia Johnson meet Rep. Jim Wayne in Frankfort. He and other House members have sponsored House Bill 29, calling for progressive tax reform that would fairly raise hundreds of millions of dollars. KFTC members helped shape that legislation.
The KFTC Big Sandy chapter teamed up with Progress Pike to cosponsor a Women’s March Anniversary event in Pikeville on January 20. Members across the state participated in similar local events. Photo by
Balancing the Scales is published by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth and mailed third class from Louisville,. Reader contributions and letters to the editor should be sent to P.O. Box 864, Prestonsburg, Ky. 41653 or jhardt@kftc. org. Subscriptions are $20/yr.
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
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ECONOMIC JUSTICE
National Poor People’s Campaign growing in Kentucky Last fall KFTC began working with the Poor People’s Campaign, a national campaign to unite “people across the country to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nation’s distorted morality.” The Poor People’s Campaign began in 1967 with a call from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to organize poor people from across all races, religions and geographies to take action together. Dr. King stated, in a speech titled “Remaining Awake During a Great Revolution” delivered at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. on March 31, 1968: “We are coming to Washington in a poor people’s campaign. Yes, we are going to bring the tired, the poor, the huddled masses … We are coming to demand that the government address itself to the problem of poverty. We read one day: We
hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But if a man doesn’t have a job or an income, he has neither life nor liberty nor the possibility for the pursuit of happiness. He merely exists … “We are coming to ask America to be true to the huge promissory note that it signed years ago. And we are coming to engage in dramatic non-violent action, to call attention to the gulf between promise and fulfillment; to make the invisible visible.”
Poor People’s Campaign today. Co-chaired by Rev. Dr. William Barber, the campaign is working to unite people across the country to “transform the political, economic and moral structures of our country.” KFTC is part of the coordinating committee in Kentucky and is working with members and allies to engage folks who want to be a part of the campaign. Several events are planned for this year. To get involved, contact Tayna Fogle at tayna@ kftc.org or 859-276-0563.
With the assassinations of Dr. King and Senator Robert Kennedy in 1968, progress on the campaign slowed, but the issues that the campaign addressed are still relevant – which is why there is a revival of the
Upcoming Poor People’s Campaign events Poor People's Campaign Training Saturday, February 3, 10 - 11 a.m. Mount Zion Baptist Church 175 Graham Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101 Training on the basic principles and goals of the campaign and how these issues affect the local community.
Eastern Kentucky conversation Rev. William Barber, the Poor People’s Campaign national leader, will be in eastern Kentucky on March 29 to join conversations about Just Transition, including energy and health care. Location and details are forthcoming. Check the KFTC website calendar at www.kftc.org/calendar
The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is uniting tens of thousands of people across the country to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nation’s distorted morality. Learn more and sign up at: https://poorpeoplescampaign.org.
Are you receiving Kentucky Watch, with legislative updates and action alerts from KFTC, via email? If not, then we don’t have a current email address for you. To remedy that, send an email to Ashley@kftc.org and ask to be added to the list. Central Kentucky members participated in the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade and other events in Lexington.
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Balancing the Scales | 5
2018 General Assembly
Members push for investing in state’s people and future Kentuckians want good jobs, good schools, quality health care, clean drinking water and safe and healthy communities. Investments in people and communities through the budget is perhaps the most important way state government supports this vision. But Kentucky’s tax structure is broken, unfair and unable to generate the revenue needed to build a great state. It doesn’t have to be that way. That’s the message KFTC members are working to get across to legislators during meetings in Frankfort and in their home communities. Kentucky has the opportunity – if legislators have the vision and courage – to raise revenue in ways that are fair (so that low- and middle-income Kentuckians no longer pay a disproportionate share), sustainable (grow as the economy grows) and adequate (enough to fund essential programs and services). House Bill 29, offers a reasonable path forward. Based on the work of the bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform, HB 29 would bring balance to Kentucky’s tax structure by lowering taxes for low- and moderate-income families, closing loopholes, asking more from those best able to contribute (and not doing so now) and would generate around $578
“We have an opportunity to make a strong statement in this budget that we all value a healthier Kentucky, one that is well educated and healthy, that can grow our economy and strengthen our quality of life. We need the legislators to make the choice to increase the revenue by cleaning up special interest tax breaks and other mechanisms so we all can invest in Kentucky's health.” — Sheila Schuster Advocacy Action Network at the January 18 Kentucky Together press conference
million in new public dollars every year from sources Pressure is growing, though. The governor’s proposed cuts affect almost everyone in the state, and that currently are untaxed or under-taxed. Kentucky’s current tax code rewards the wealthiest many are speaking out against his lack of vision and taxpayers with a dizzying assortment of exemptions, cruel choices. KFTC members with the Kentucky giveaways and caps that literally give away more than Center for Economic Policy and Kentucky Together are the ones providing solutions that support all Kenthey take in. The result is that Kentucky loses $12 billion annu- tuckians and invest in the state’s future. ally in “tax expenditures,” compared to $10 billion in taxes actually collected. Take Action Instead of correcting these injustices and working to raise needed revenue. Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposed Call 800-372-7181 to leave a message for your budget calls for drastic cuts. Seventy state programs state representative and state senator. are eliminated. Almost every other essential service receives another budget cut (on top of the 19 previous Suggested message: “We cannot cut our way to prosrounds of budget cuts over the past decade). perity. Support reasonable revenue raising solutions Programs hardest hit by the governor are those such as those in House Bill 29.” that support education and provide services to people in the greatest needed. Many legislators, in meetings with KFTC members and allies, agree with the need for additional revenue, especially as they work to find ways to meet their obligation to fund the state retirement system. But without leadership from the governor or legislative leaders, many express doubt there will be significant reforms in this leg- Despite challenging weather, KFTC members around the state – including those in Lexington pictured above – came together on January 16 for budget islative session. watch parties to watch and then discuss Gov. Bevin’s budget address.
What happened to the pension bill? Despite pledges by the governor and legislative leaders to push through a bill to revamp Kentucky public pension system in the first two weeks of the 2018 General Assembly, after the first four weeks there was no pension bill. Two, three or four versions of a pension bill – KFTC members have been told all three numbers during visits with various lawmakers – are being drafted by different interested parties. The drafts will then be “scored” – analyzed to determine their costs and impacts – before being introduced as legislation. Gov. Bevin had pledged to change Kentucky’s retirement system in a special legislative session in 2017. However, his proposed dismantling of the system brought severe public backlash and thwarted his plans. One or more pension bills expected to be introduced soon. KFTC members are supporting teachers and public workers in meetings with legislators. They also are pointing out the need to raise substantial new revenue to fund pensions rather than take money from other essential programs.
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
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2018 General Assembly
Anti-solar bill is most recent GOP attack on clean energy Kentucky’s rooftop solar industry is under attack again this year in the form of House Bill 227, written by large utility companies and sponsored by four Republican lawmakers. “Kentuckians want affordable, clean energy. Yet HB 227 seeks to destroy net metering, the program that allows rooftop solar customers to get full credit at the retail rate for excess renewable energy they produce and provide to the electricity grid,” explained Steve Wilkins. “With this bill, the credit to rooftop solar customers would be reduced by about 65 percent.” HB 227 re-writes the rules to reward monopoly utility companies and punish consumers. It guts the existing net metering law that gives qualifying solar customers in Kentucky a one-for-one credit for energy their rooftop systems provide to the grid. If passed, the bill would put rooftop solar out-of-reach for most Kentuckians. “Currently, the payback period for a household installing rooftop solar is around seven to nine years,” Wilkins said. “Under this bill, payback periods for new rooftop solar installations may be more than 20 years. Far fewer households would choose to install rooftop solar, and jobs created by our nascent, but growing, rooftop solar industry will be destroyed.” Kentucky already has one of the most restrictive net metering laws in the country. HB 227 is being pushed by a well-funded industry lobbying effort. A front group calling itself “Kentuckians For Solar Fairness” is now running ads in favor of the extreme anti-solar bill. That PR effort is funded by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA),
Here are some upcoming lobby days with KFTC and ally groups February 6 – KFTC Economic Justice Lobby Day. Prayer in Action Day with Workers Rights / Fair Wages theme, hosted by the Kentucky Council of Churches, 9:30 a.m. in the capitol annex room 129 February 12 – Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition Lobby and Action Day February 13 – Kentucky Council of Churches' Prayer in Action Day with Environment / Energy theme, followed by a Clean Energy Lobby Day with Kentucky Interfaith Power & Light, 9:30 a.m. in the capitol annex room 131
gible for the foreseeable future.” which is housed in a Washington, DC Besides Gooch, cosponsors of HB based lobbying firm backed by major utili227 are Larry Brown (Floyd County), ties and oil and gas companies. Sal Santoro (Boone County) and Matt In recent years, CEA was found to Castlen (Daviess County). It is before have submitted fraudulent public comthe House Natural Resources and Energy ments to the Federal Regulatory CommisCommittee, which meets on Thursday sion and on a petition about a utility rate mornings. The bill could be brought up at case in Wisconsin. Yet last year representaany time. tives of the CEA were invited by Rep. Jim An anti-solar net metering bill was Gooch to testify before an interim joint introduced in the 2017 General Assembly legislative committee about solar net meSteve Wilkins but died from a backlash of public oppositering. tion by solar installers, clean energy groups Kentucky independent solar companies had to request that they also be allowed to testify. and the public. HB 227 is worse than last year’s bill. They were given only about 20 minutes to make their case. Take Action “It is extremely disturbing that these state politicians claim they want free market competition, not Check the status of HB 227 at mandates. Yet, due to their extreme influence in state www.lrc.ky.gov/record/18RS/HB227.htm government, monopoly utilities, as opposed to freemarket competitors, get a green light to crush that Call 800-372-7181 to leave a message for your free-market competition,” Wilkins said. state representative and state senator. Utilities have opposed plans to analyze both the costs and benefits of rooftop solar and use those results Suggested message: “Vote NO on HB 227. This bill to adjust rates for rooftop solar customers. crushes consumer choice and Kentucky’s home-grown In many states, public utility commissions have desolar industry. It rewards monopoly utilities at the termined that rooftop solar customers actually provide expense of residents, independent businesses and jobs. more benefits to the grid than costs. The U.S. DepartPlease defeat this extreme and damaging bill.” ment of Energy has evaluated net-metering impacts across the nation and determined that, “For the vast Sign up at http://bit.ly/2DHgG81 to volunteer to majority of states and utilities, the effects of distributed help defeat this bill and promote renewable energy. solar on retail electricity prices will likely remain negliFebruary 14 – Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense Lobby Day
February 27 – Prayer in Action Day with Smoke Free theme, 9:30 a.m. in the capitol annex room 171
February 15 – Feb. 15 - NAMI Rally for Mental Health, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in capitol rotunda
March 6 – Prayer in Action Day with Death Penalty theme, 9:30 a.m. in the capitol annex room 129
February 20 – Prayer in Action Day with Gun Violence theme, hosted by the Kentucky Council of Churches, 9:30 a.m. in the capitol annex room 129. UFCW lobby day.
March 7 – Immigrants and Refugees Rally, 12:30 p.m. music and 1 p.m. rally in the capitol rotunda
February 21 – Fairness Lobby Day and Rally; orientation 8:30 a.m. in Capitol Education Center; rally at 1:30 p.m. in Capitol rotunda. AFSCME Lobby Day. February 22 – Kentucky Sustainable Energy Alliance lobby day; meet in Capitol Annex Room 149 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. for orientation
March 8 – Social Workers Lobby Day with rally at 1 p.m. in capitol rotunda Also, KFTC will be coordinating at-home town hall meetings with many legislators in February and March. To lobby with KFTC in Frankfort or at home, fill out this form at http://bit.ly/2nkq7V5 to let us know or contact your chapter organizer.
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Balancing the Scales | 7
KFTC voter engagement
KFTC works against threat to our democratic values
HJR 81
opening up the u.S. ConStitution General Assembly 2018
opening up the u.S. Constitution would jeopardize our democracy. A convention could lead to extreme, wide-reaching and unpredictable changes to the u.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. This is extreme, and dangerous. “There is no way to effectively limit or muzzle the actions of a Constitutional Convention. The convention could make its own rules and set its own agenda. Congress might try to limit the convention to one amendment or one issue, but there is no way to assure that the convention would obey.”
House Joint Resolution 81 calls for a constitutional convention for the purpose of redefining the role and powers of the federal government.
Former Chief Justice Warren Burger
“I certainly would not want a constitutional convention. Whoa! Who knows what would come of it?”
Despite the stated intent to limit what a constitutional convention could consider, there are no rules or precedents to guarantee this. Delegates would have the power to alter anything and everything about the united States government. A convention would likely open up the Constitution to whatever amendments its delegates chose to put forward, regardless of whether the convention is originally called to address a particular issue.
Antonin Scalia, late Supreme Court Justice
This is extreme, and dangerous. there are no safeguards to prevent a runaway convention that could lead to harmful changes to our founding document, as the Constitution itself puts no authority above a convention – including the courts. other changes that some would like to see include eliminating birthright citizenship, ending the direct election of senators, restricting free speech, undermining federal taxing authority, limiting access to health care, restricting the role of money in political campaigns, weakening the separation of church and state, and others. Kentuckians For The Commonwealth
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P.O. Box 1450
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London, Kentucky 40743
Kentucky is being targeted. If 34 states pass a resolution calling for a new convention, Congress must convene it. Right now, 28 states have live applications calling for a new convention. •
606-878-2161
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www.kftc.org
KFTC members have been talking to legislators about threats to our democratic values and institutions in the form of calls for national and state conventions to amend or re-write our constitutions. They dedicated their January 23 lobby day to discussions focused on this topic, asking lawmakers to oppose these efforts. Rep. Regina Huff introduced House Joint Resolution 81 calling for a national constitutional convention – or a “convention of the states” as backers call it. HJR 81 calls for a constitutional convention for the purpose of amending the U.S. Constitution to “impose fiscal restraints, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal government officials and for members of Congress.” Huff said she was recruited and is being advised by Citizens for Self-Governance, a national group affiliated with the Tea Party. There is a national movement, funded by ultraright sources, to get two-thirds of the states to petition for a constitutional convention. Kentucky would be the 29th state of the 34 needed if Huff’s resolution passes. Supporters of the effort usually focus on the call for a balanced budget amendment, an issue that has some popular support because of the huge national debt. The U.S. Constitution also could be amended – as it has 17 times after the first 10 amendments in the Bill of Rights – by an act of Congress ratified by threefourths of the states within seven years. That process, however, would not open the constitution to the broader changes that some groups want. Some of those changes are eliminating birthright citizenship, ending the direct election of senators, restricting free speech, undermining federal taxing authority, limiting access to health care, restricting the role of money in political campaigns, weakening the separation of church and state, and others. Despite efforts by Huff and others to say a constitutional convention should be limited to a balanced budget or other named issues, there are no rules or precedents that require that. Once convened, a convention could set its own rules and agenda. KFTC members found that many legislators agree that a constitutional convention is a bad idea, but they are getting many calls and letters in support of it. The Koch brothers-funded group Americans for Prosperity is coordinating the pro-convention effort in Kentucky and is expected to step up their lobbying pressure in February.
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
8 | Balancing the Scales
2018 General Assembly
KFTC’s 2018 Legislative Issues Here’s a list of the bills KFTC has a position on so far in the 2018 General Assembly, through January 29. Other bills are under review, and many more will be introduced through the end of February. The KFTC Executive Committee serves as the legislative strategy team and reviews new bills and amendments weekly. For a current update, visit www.kftc.org/bill-tracker.
Bills that KFTC supports Legislation: KFTC Supports
Issue
Summary
More information
Tax Reform House Bill 29
House Bill 29, the Kentucky Forward Plan, would make Ken- KFTC’s platform supports creating a just economy that sustucky’s tax system more fair, adequate and sustainable with a tains communities, families and individuals, and establishing broad variety of reforms to close corporate loopholes and have an equitable, fair and progressive tax structure. the wealthy pay more for a fair share.
Clean Energy Opportunity Act House Bill 196
HB 196 would require utilities to use increasing amounts of renewable energy, take energy-efficiency measures and implement energy-efficiency programs.
KFTC’s platform supports the development of a clean energy economy in Kentucky. HB 196 could be an important step toward implementing the Empower Kentucky Plan (visit EmpowerKentucky.org).
Statewide Fairness House Bill 195
House Bill 195 would prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and financial transactions on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
KFTC’s platform opposes and condemns discrimination. HB 195 would apply statewide what nine Kentucky cities have passed.
Minimum Wage Increase Senate Bill 17
Senate Bill 17 would increase the minimum wage for many workers to $10.10 per hour by 2020, and for tipped workers to $4.90 per hour by 2021.
KFTC’s platform calls for a living wage for all Kentuckians.
Death Penalty Abolition HB 155, SB 54
House Bill 155 and Senate Bill 54 would abolish the death penalty and create a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
KFTC’s platform supports the abolition of the death penalty.
Ban the Box House Bill 28
House Bill 28 would make it unlawful to require a job applicant to disclose his or her criminal history prior to an offer of employment.
KFTC’s platform opposes discrimination based on current or former incarceration status.
Other bills … Voting Rights
At press time (January 29), legislation proposing a state constitutional amendment for the automatic restoration of voting rights for many former felons had not been filed. Rep. George Brown told KFTC
members that he plans to file the bill. The deadline for filing new House bills is February 26.
Renters’ Rights
The Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act also has not been filed. URLTA would apply statewide minimum standards for the relationship between landlords and tenants to improve the quality of housing.
Voting
Senate Bill 14 will expand early voting by allowing in-person voting on three Saturdays preceding an election.
Medical Marijuana
House Bill 166 would allow cannabis use for treating patients with qualifying debilitating conditions.
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Balancing the Scales | 9
2018 General Assembly
Bills that KFTC opposes Legislation: KFTC Opposes
Issue
Summary
More information
Net Metering House Bill 227
House Bill 227 is a utility company bill that redefines net metering and lowers compensation rates for energy put into the grid, undermining rooftop solar. HB 227 is designed to end net-metering as we know it, also hurting Kentucky’s independent solar installers.
Federal Constitutional Convention HJR 81
Passage of House Joint Resolution 81 would add Kentucky KFTC’s platform supports a healthy democracy. A Constituto the list of states supportive of a constitutional convention, tional Convention would be a huge threat to our democracy. opening up the U.S. Constitution for change. Kentucky would be the 29th state of the 34 needed if this resolution passes.
State Constitutional Convention House Bill 76
HB 76 sets out a multi-year process for calling a convention for the purpose of revising the state constitution, to be decided by a popular vote.
KFTC’s platform supports a healthy democracy. A state constitutional convention would be a huge threat to Kentucky’s democratic government.
Juvenile Justice House Bill 169
HB 169 would layer on the punishment against young people who are alleged to have ever had a gang association. It would promote racial profiling and focus on punishment rather than prevention.
KFTC’s platform supports a transition to a more restorative justice system that honors the inherent dignity of all individuals. We oppose the inappropriate use of police powers, call for an immediate end to the mass incarceration of people of color, and the practices of mass incarceration.
Governor’s Budget House Bill 200
HB 200 is the governor’s proposed budget with massive cuts or KFTC’s platform supports funding effective and efficient elimination of programs and no new revenue. community services through an equitable, fair and progressive tax structure. HB 200 falls well short of this goal.
KFTC’s platform calls for energy policies that promote the development of community-scale, locally owned renewable energy sources, create local jobs and help low-wealth households, enterprises and communities access energy efficiency and clean energy. This bill attempts to do just the opposite.
Other bills that KFTC supports, opposes or is watching are on the Bill Tracker: www.kftc.org/bill-tracker
Ways to stay informed of KFTC’s work in the Kentucky General Assembly • Like us on Facebook: www.kftc.org/facebook • Make sure you’re on our email list for action alerts: www.kftc.org/get-involved • Visit our General Assembly web page for lobbying days, rallies and other actions, handouts and other resources: www.kftc.org/general-assembly
KFTC members met with Rep. Attica Scott (center) during the January 16 lobby day.
• Join a local Action for Democracy Team in your chapter area, or join the at-large Action for Democracy Team; contact your local organizer or Alicia@kftc.org.
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
10 | Balancing the Scales
Member Reflection / Racial Justice
A clean DREAM Act would give our DACA family and friends security By Adam Funck On September 5, I cried tears of pride as my girlfriend and our friends stood strong and told their immigration stories to a crowd of hundreds of people. The news that their immigration status would be changing came with tears of anger earlier that day as Jeff Sessions announced that the DACA program that granted them temporary relief from deportation, put into place by President Obama, was going to be rescinded on March 5, 2018. The layer of safety for immigrant youth and their families had been removed, revealing the broken U.S. immigration system that leaves people exposed and vulnerable. DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – was an executive order that gave immigrant youth a work permit and allowed them to pursue their education. Even though these are some of the brightest and hardest working people that I know, they have had even the little bit of opportunity that DACA provided taken away from them. Many of my friends who have DACA are on track to become doctors, scientists, farmers, educators, businesspeople, lawyers and diplomats. They want to work in the communities that raised them, but without DACA or a pathway to citizenship that will not be possible. The 45th president has taken away DACA and the peace of mind of about 800,000 young immigrants and their families and friends. My friends and I want a clean DREAM Act, which means that we want a permanent solution to protecting immigrant youth that includes a pathway to citizenship without any added immigration enforcement or criminalization. To turn those tears of anger into tears of joy, our legislators need to pass this legislation. I was always taught to “love thy neighbor” and welcome the stranger. These values were instilled in me as I’m sure they were many of us when we were young. Passing
a clean DREAM Act will give us the opportunity to be seen as a nation of people who live up to the values that a majority of us have been raised with. Undocumented youth deserve to be welcomed. Without passing the DREAM Act to provide protection for undocumented youth, this country will lose a great deal. The United States economy benefits from having this population in its work force. In just one year we stand to miss out on tens of billions of dollars in GDP that will only grow exponentially to hundreds of billions over a ten-year period. For many of us, passing a clean DREAM Act is simply about feeling safe. When will I feel safe? When will I have the freedom to pursue happiness? When will we have marriage equality in this country? Until my girlfriend and I can get married without the fear of her being deported and getting barred from the country for ten years, we don’t have complete marriage equality. This is not the land of promise and opportunity even for me, a U.S. citizen. A majority of people in the United States are opposed to deporting people who would be eligible for legal status under the DREAM Act. If you are one of the politicians who has not yet signed on to the DREAM Act of 2017, the Civil Rights Act of our generation, my question for you is “Which side of history do you want to be on?” With the possibility of [another] government shutdown looming, the United States Congress has a responsibility to pass a spending bill that will include protections for undocumented youth. As constituents we have a responsibility to be as loud as we possibly can. I would love the gift of some peace of mind this year. This week I will be calling my senators and representatives to tell them to support a clean DREAM Act. Across the country there will be actions, led by immigrant youth organizations like United We Dream, targeted at our representatives to encourage them to act.
Contact members of Congress Sen. Mitch McConnell (202) 224-2541 – Washington (502) 582-6304 – Louisville (859) 224-8286 – Lexington (859) 578-0188 – Fort Wright (606) 864-2026 – London (270) 781-1673 – Bowling Green (270) 442-4554 – Paducah Sen. Rand Paul (202) 224-4343 (270) 782-8303 (859) 219-2239 (502) 582-5341 (270) 689-9085 (270) 885-1212
– – – – – –
Washington Bowling Green Lexington Louisville Owensboro Hopkinsville
U.S. House Members Rep. James Comer, 1st District (202) 225-3115 – Washington (270) 487-9509 – Madisonville (270) 408-1865 – Paducah (270) 487-9509 – Tompkinsville Rep. Brett Guthrie, 2nd District (202) 225-3501 – Washington (270) 842-9896 – Bowling Green Rep. John Yarmuth, 3rd District (202) 225-5401 – Washington (502) 933-5863 – Louisville (502) 582-5129 – Louisville Rep. Thomas Massie, 4th District (202) 225-3465 – Washington (606) 324-9898 – Ashland (502) 265-9119 – LaGrange (859) 426-0080 – Crescent Springs Rep. Hal Rogers, 5th District (202) 225-4601 – Washington (606) 679-8346 – Somerset (606) 886-0844 – Prestonsburg (606) 439-0794 – Hazard Rep. Andy Barr, 6th District (202) 225-4706 – Washington (859) 219-1366 – Lexington
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Notes from the field
Balancing the Scales | 11
KFTC Organizer Apprentices reflect on their unique experiences and learning opportunities.
Kentuckians help inspire return to Guam for Jonah Cabiles By Jonah Cabiles Though my community organizing apprenticeship began just a few short months ago, I have been learning and growing with KFTC for much longer. I began working with KFTC as a member starting in 2014, then as a summer intern, and now as an organizer apprentice. I have always appreciated KFTC’s approach to empowering communities and centering member voices: letting members direct the work and speak on the issues that affect them directly. All of this was evident Jonah Cabiles from the first chapter meeting I attended, where community members talked so passionately and with such insight and wisdom that at first I assumed I had walked into a room filled with professional policy experts. After the meeting, I learned that these policy experts were community members like myself and for the first time, I really felt that I – someone who had no special knowledge, training or influential connections – could make a difference in my community. And I have been inspired to encourage others to that same sort of empowerment ever since. At the start of my apprenticeship, I was placed in the London KFTC office and was asked to help organize folks in the southeast Kentucky region (which
includes Laurel, Pulaski, Knox and Whitley counties). Though new to the area and to community organizing with KFTC, I was lucky to have had the privilege to work with members there. My work to build a strong community of activists and changemakers was made possible as members – in what will soon be the official Cumberland Chapter of KFTC – have shown up to the work with so much passion and commitment to build a better path for the region. Beyond the many technical skills of organizing like building a workplan, using Facebook livestream, facilitating a meeting and event planning, my experience as an organizer apprentice has given me so much that can’t be easily quantified or measured but will stay with me for the rest of my life. I have learned about the power of having hope for the future even when others can’t see it, that believing in our own power and in others is the key to our victory, and that the best way to change the world is to find the people who are just waiting for the right opportunities and questions to find their way into the work. Through my time as an apprentice, I’ve gained an appreciation for how much KFTC has grown and must continue to grow to reach our visionary goals. I believe that change is possible and that this work should always be intersectional not tokenizing, relational not transactional, and intentionally transformational. All of which I know KFTC is already striving for. For those who do not know already, I will be concluding my position as an Organizer Apprentice on
Cabiles gets a hug from KFTC organizer apprentices.
January 22 to move back to Guam (the island where I was born and where my Chamorro people originate) with the intention of learning more about the language, culture and history of the island. Kentucky has been my home since 2013, and in the four years since then, I have made wonderful friends who I will miss dearly. My decision to go back to my roots is, in part, inspired by the work of folks across Kentucky (but especially in eastern Kentucky) who have chosen to stay and fight for the places where they feel deep connection to the land and the people (or in other words, their roots). I hope I can offer as much to Guam as Kentuckians have given to me. Though I will be on the other side of the planet, I will be rooting for my fellow members striving to make Kentucky and the world a better place.
Delores Huerta brings organizing history alive for Becky Jones By Becky Jones “We just have to convince other people that they have power. This is what they can do by participating to make change, not only in their community, but many times changing in their own lives. Once they participate, they get their sense of power. And then when a group of people get together, it’s collective power. You know that you’re doing it for the good.” — Dolores Huerta
Becky Jones
“When people in Arizona said, ‘No se puede,’ you can’t do this in Arizona…my response to them was “Sí se puede.” Dolores Huerta’s rallying
cry (Yes We Can, in English) is to me what organizing is all about – believing in the possibility of profound and transformational change, and working towards it even when it has never been done. Dolores Huerta has lived and continues to live “sí se puede” all her life. She co-founded the United Farm Workers’ Union with Cesar Chavez though farm workers had never had a union. She brought women into the heart of the union at a time when women were almost never included in the labor movement. She connected environmental justice to labor struggles, and she is still working for justice today, at age 87. Earlier this month, we were lucky enough to welcome Dolores Huerta to Louisville. The Jefferson County KFTC Chapter partnered with Mijente Louisville, the ACLU of Kentucky, the Speed Museum, the
Cultural Center of the University of Louisville, and other organizations to host screenings of a new documentary about her life, titled “Dolores.” The film, and especially Dolores’ presence, had a profound impact on many of those in attendance. I was personally moved by the care she expressed for each person in the room. The film was totally sold out, and after introducing herself and the film to those who had seats, she went back out to those who were still in line to talk with them while the movie played. Daniela Bartlett Asenjo said of Dolores, “I think Dolores lives her truth in such a powerful way and shows us what commitment really looks like. I wouldn’t necessarily call her fearless because I think it continued on next page
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
12 | Balancing the Scales
Building Grassroots Power
Nelson County members learn from lobbying experiences A dozen Nelson County residents gathered on January 10 to hone their lobbying skills in a grassroots lobbying training led by KFTC staff with the help of member Mike Zoeller. Participants shared stories about lobbying, practiced lobbying in small groups and talked through the various challenges of lobbying at the local, state and federal levels. Two of Bardstown’s city commissioners attended and reminded participants that their doors are open and they are available to set up meetings to discuss local issues. One of the small groups practiced lobbying by debating whether Bardstown residents should be able to keep chickens or other livestock in the city. An ordinance around the issue is currently being discussed in the city commission.
Other groups focused on pension and budget issues with state-level lobbying. They practiced sharing their personal stories and making bold asks, with each person playing a unique and important role in educating and persuading the legislator. Many of the participants had experience in lobbying and were able to give examples to illustrate the do’s and don’ts and rhetorical pitfalls. Both new and experienced grassroots lobbyists left with the opportunity to use their lobbying skills in Frankfort over the next few months as KFTC addresses a wide range of topics in the 2018 legislative session. Next steps also include signing up for KFTC’s At-Large Action for Democracy Team, which will implement voter engagement strategies including canvassing, town halls, voter registration and other tactics
outside of KFTC chapter areas. The workshop was inspired by a conversation with Mike Zoeller, who said he was interested in taking local action on important issues specific to Nelson County, including the addition of bourbon warehouses on agricultural land and other environmental concerns. Training and lobbying opportunities? • • •
If you would like a similar workshop in your area, contact a KFTC chapter organizer. To join the At-Large Action for Democracy Team, contact Laura Harper Knight at laura@kftc.org or 270-282-4553. If you’re interested in lobbying with KFTC, you can sign up online at http://bit.ly/2nkq7V5.
Delores brings organizing history alive at Louisville screening continued from previous page just reaffirmed for me that the commitments that I is fear combined with indignation, (com)passion that have and the sacrifices that I’m making – that there’s a propelled the movement forward. Being in the same larger purpose.” room as Dolores was surreal. I was both star struck and Cassia and I also talked about how Dolores brought instantly made comfortable by the very tangible sense the need for multi-racial and multi-issue coalition building into the forefront for us. And the planning of warmth that she emits.” In addition to being a powerful organizer and behind her visit brought together a range of community voice for truth and justice, Dolores is a mother to organizations and people, sparking just the kind of connection that enables that type of coalition building. eleven children. Cassia Herron, a member of KFTC’s Executive One of the highlights of this experience for me Committee who works full time and does organizing as an Organizer Apprentice was getting to know orand social justice work in Louisville, was able to meet ganizers from Mijente Louisville, a local chapter of a Dolores and talk with her about that balance. When national progressive Latinx organization. asked what was sticking with her from the evening, PBS will broadcast the Dolores documentary on she told me: “As an organizer, the daily grind of being March 27, 2018. If you’d like to organize a screening a mother and working full time, and being commit- in your area before that date, contact your KFTC orgated to social justice work, I sometimes question how nizer. much I’m out of my home and away from my children This film is one that hits home deeply for many because I’m either working or doing community work. of us. KFTC member Chandra Cruz-Thomson shared “When I talked to Dolores, she said, ‘The kids are how it impacted her. “My mom’s family grew up in East Los Angeles, going to be OK.’ “This whole week, that’s been in my head – ‘Cassia, where my grandfather was a street vendor and my the kids are going to be OK.’ And it was so affirming to grandmother cleaned houses to provide for her seven hear her say that to me. All of her kids are OK and are children. Dolores Huerta fought for the rights of families like mine – doing the work, families with Follow the Jefferson County chapter’s work on social and are commitbrown skin and ted to the legacy media – Twitter: @JCKFTC • Facebook: www.facebroken English, of her work. She book.com/JCKFTC/ • Instagram: @jckftc
Some KFTC staff and members with Delores Huerta, center. She joined folks at the Speed Museum in Louisville for the screening of a film about her life organizing with the United Farm Workers Union. (photo by Steve Pavey)
families who worked hard for the sake of their children, families who lived where the border had crossed them. Dolores persisted and prevailed in the face of adversity, weaving webs of solidarity and building networks of real hope and change – often doing work that her male companions are credited with to this day. I am forever grateful to Ms. Huerta, and it was my honor to meet her and learn more about her life’s work at the documentary screening. ¡Sí, se puede!”
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Balancing the Scales | 13
Building Grassroots Power
Conversation to build racial understanding in Berea By Becca Parrish One of the most persistent issues in the United States is learning how to support diverse communities. Our history has created a dynamic whereby our towns are enriched by many cultures and backgrounds, but our society is still reckoning with systemic and entrenched racism. In November 2017, the Madison County KFTC Chapter’s Racial Justice Committee met and decided to expand its structure to include a community-building focus to its approach in addition to its more action-focused work. This work was spearheaded by members Wendy Warren (steering committee representative) and Shannon Roberts Smith. The goal of the community-building focus of the Racial Justice Committee is to provide space for committee members and allies to form relationships outside of planning and implementing campaigns and/or actions. Also, they hope to broaden reach and encourage conversations that can be difficult for many members of the community who are new to racial justice work. With that concept in mind it was decided that they would begin an “ongoing monthly community conversation about race, racism, understanding and rooting out white supremacy, and lifting up racial justice.” They named the community conversation First Thursday Club. The first meeting, held December 7 at the Berea
Friends Meeting House, began with dialogue about the hopes for the organization and outcomes of the gatherings. It was decided that, instead of being led by a governing body, the group plans to be more communally directed and follow a simple design format. Wendy Warren explained how the gatherings proceed. “We begin with a sharing time related to a theme selected the month before. Some people brought things to post on the walls (articles, poems, photos, short videos, art – anything), and we take time to look/ read/contemplate in silence as we explore what's there. “When people return to the circle, we open the time for anyone to share whatever came up for them related to the theme or to anything they just saw. People don't have to bring something tangible to share; stories from their lives are often the most interesting and effective ways for us to connect. “As people share, there is no response except thank you. We don't go around the circle; there is no pressure for everyone to share. Around 7:15 we break for dinner. Tables are set for groups of 6 or so, and that's the space for conversations resulting from the sharing. “When it's time for dessert, people can share something from their table conversation but most importantly, we use topics that came up to set the theme for the next meeting.” As a way to stay intentionally focused on the subject matter that feels important to the club, each meeting the group will decide on the topic of conversation
for the following meeting. Members are asked to bring food to share and also stories, poems, pictures and anecdotes that will help guide the conversation. In addition, the possibility for direct action, which would be organized during a separate meeting time, will be available to the group as needed. The December meeting of the First Thursday Club allowed for time to discuss various pictures, poems, articles and other items that members took time to explore, which led to some beautiful sharing of experiences, thoughts and motivations. During the meal the group shared ideas for future meeting discussions. The next meeting, to be held on February 1 at 6 p.m., will focus on “Unveiling Berea’s History Related to Racism” and will be held at the Berea Friends Meeting House (300 Harrison Road). On a personal note, I will share that the last several years have felt full of political division and strife. Because there are so many different areas that currently need our attention, it can be hard to know what to focus on, and it can be almost impossible to find a way to contribute in a positive and meaningful manner. I find that anger and rage have become great motivators, but those emotions are also exhausting. The First Thursday Club felt like a calm space to have an open and warm conversation about a difficult topic, to ask questions and share hard experiences, and to laugh and join in fellowship. The gathering was deeply appreciated and sorely needed. I’m looking forward to seeing the strength of First Thursday grow.
In a historic win for Fairness in western Kentucky, Paducah has become the ninth city in Kentucky to adopt an anti-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ+ people. On January 9, more than 250 people packed the Paducah City Hall chambers, about two-thirds of the crowd showing support. After lengthy public testimony and debate, the measure passed by a 4 to 1 vote. The ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. An amendment to include exemptions for religious business owners failed by a similar 4 to 1 vote. Such an exemption exists in state law, however.
KFTC members joined the Fairness Campaign and ACLU of Kentucky for phone banks to win support for the ordinance and turn people out for the city commission’s vote. Paducah is the first city in western Kentucky with a Fairness ordinance. The eight other Kentucky cities that have passed similar LGBT Fairness Ordinances are Covington (2003), Danville (2014), Frankfort (2013), Lexington (1999), Louisville (1999), Midway (2015), Morehead (2013), and Vicco (2013). Similar efforts and discussions are underway in several more Kentucky cities and towns.
Photo by Patric Rodriguez
Progressive voices join to win Fairness ordinance in Paducah
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
14 | Balancing the Scales
Building Grassroots Power
Scott County allies join for successful MLK Day event For the 16th straight year, the Georgetown-Scott County NAACP Unit celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a march and program commemorating the legacy and message of the late civil rights leader. In the current environment with growing income inequality, elected leaders playing to racial and religious differences, and a struggle to define what it means to be American, it was an important day to stand together. The NAACP held a question and answer period at Georgetown College with Dr. Toussaint Hill Jr., a nephew of Martin Luther King and a pastor in Atlanta. Dr. Hill spoke about the message of his uncle and answered questions from the crowd.
He pointed to growing income inequality as the most important issue facing us today, the need for youth to continue to lead in the work towards justice, and spoke in favor of anti-discrimination legislation to protect LGBTQ+ citizens. Many folks there shared the concerns of Dr. Hill regarding income inequality. Those in the crowd talked with each other about the need to protect pensions, a more just tax structure, and were excited to learn more about upcoming actions from the new Poor People’s Campaign, in which KFTC is a partner. KFTC members and others also were excited to hear Dr. Hill speak in support of Fairness. Over the past two years the local chapters of KFTC, the NAACP, and Fairness have been working to get a human rights ordinance to prevent discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and to establish a human rights commission to help enforce a local human rights ordinance. After a march ended, most attended a followup event at Faith Baptist Church in Georgetown. This
event included Dr. Hill, Pastor Bob Fox of Faith Baptist Church, and other community members. Follow the Scott County chapter’s work on social media – Twitter: @ScottCoKFTC, Facebook.com/scottcounty.kftc/
Madison chapter to again host Berea State of the City address, discussion In 2017, the Madison County chapter hosted a groundbreaking State of the City Address in Berea that changed the culture of this annual event. Previously, the event had been held during business hours and was hosted by the Berea Chamber of Commerce, which used it as an annual fundraiser. After conversations with Mayor Steve Connelly, the chapter was given the opportunity to re-envision the event and make it more welcoming and inclusive of many folks. Chapter members moved the event to the evening, made it free, arranged chairs in a circle so folks could face each other, and created a panel of local residents who talked about why they chose to live in Berea. The mayor gave his annual State of the City Address, and folks had the opportunity to ask questions. “Having attended State of the City meetings in the past, I can honestly say that this one felt much more inclusive and interesting,” said KFTC member
Becca Parrish after the event last year. “It served its purpose in educating us about ongoing issues and concerns. “But, more than that, I left the meeting feeling much more connected to, and proud of, my community. KFTC did an excellent job of bringing together various constituencies and helping us learn more about our city government.” After the success of last year, chapter members were excited to host the State of the City again this year. Set for Friday, February 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Acton Folk Center, the event will follow the theme “To Berea With Love.” One of the chapter’s goals for the event is to bring together Bereans from a variety of backgrounds and political views to reflect on what they all value and want for their community. The panel will feature local people whose job or volunteer work focuses on love and service to their
community. Folks who attend will have the opportunity to create a valentine expressing what they love about Berea. In the weeks before the event, chapter members will set up boxes in schools, workplaces and community spaces across town to invite folks to make valentines, and all the valentines will be delivered at a Berea City Council meeting. The State of the City will be emceed by a community member and begin with an introduction to KFTC and an invitation to attend a KFTC event later. Folks will again sit in a circle and have the opportunity to ask questions. The event is free and open to the public, with free childcare available. Transportation can be provided upon request. For those who can’t attend, the State of the City will be live-streamed on the Madison County chapter’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/MadisonCountyKFTC).
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Balancing the Scales | 15
Building Grassroots Power
Northern Kentucky groups to help families broken by ICE In December several organizations hosted a forum on what was needed to support families being impacted by the recent ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids across northern Kentucky. The event featured speakers from several of these organizations who shared the stories of families they were working with. These included: A woman who had her keys forcibly taken from her to allow ICE to enter her home without a warrant. A Puerto Rican woman who was detained by ICE after refusing them the ability to raid her staffing agency. Statements about ICE being given free reign to pick up any immigrants, and that it did not matter if someone was on its list or not. That those picked up would be leaving behind warm beds and comfort soon. That impacted families would have a harder time paying bills with the loss of their primary breadwinner. Following these testimonies, attendees divided into three groups: one for assisting families at risk or Follow the Northern Kentucky chapter on – Instagram at northernky_KFTC, Twitter: @ NKY_KFTC, Facebook.com/nky.kftc.
already impacted by the ICE raids, another to work on immigration law concerns, and another to make direct donations to help families who are missing their chief breadwinners right now. Some of the concerns on the forefront include how families would deal with the loss of their main breadwinner, the need to cover basic bills and necessities, and the potential wage theft that folks may experience. Those organizing the events are planning next steps on this work, and working to push more just policies to protect local families. Attendees also highlighted the need for immigrants to know their rights, including that ICE must have a warrant to enter, and that folks may refuse to answer the door. Members took the opportunity to also join the Immigrant Dignity Coalition working in the Greater Cincinnati area to help support local immigrant communities, and explore new ways to raise awareness about the plight of immigrants in northern Kentucky. The chapter is looking forward to working with this coalition and other allies to help protect their neighbors. Included in this work in northern Kentucky are
Black Lives Matter Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky Justice and Peace Committee, Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, local Benedictine Sisters, Sisters of Divine Providence, the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center, Democratic Socialists of America in Linda Vila-Passione of the SupGreater Cincin- porting Latino Families network nati and North- spoke about the impact on local ern Kentucky, families of recent raids. the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, Supporting Latino Families of Northern Kentucky, Transformations CDC, the Northern Kentucky Women's Network, and the Northern Kentucky KFTC chapter.
Cumberland area groups help facilitate health care access By Sarah-Sage Hoffman On December 8, KFTC members in the newly formed Cumberland chapter (Knox, Pulaski, Laurel and Whitley counties) and representatives from the
Folks participating in the healthcare.gov livestream were, left to right: Kathy Oller, Carol Adkins, Sarah Sage Hoffman and Whitney Allen.
Kentucky Primary Care Association hosted a Facebook livestream event to promote healthcare.gov, the federal health care exchange under the Affordable Care Act. The majority of the advertising budget for healthcare.gov has been cut this year, leaving a lot of people believing it no longer exists. Alongside two application assisters from KPCA, Kathy Oller and Carol Adkins, and the KPCA Coordinator of Community Development and Outreach, Whitney Allen, we had a goal to encourage Kentuckians to utilize healthcare.gov before the sign-up deadline on December 15. We gave a presentation on how to create an account on healthcare.gov along with a quick walkthrough of the application process. We also made general information available, such as the income levels needed to quality for health insurance and Medicaid,
family sizes, and contact information for the KPCA application assisters. To conclude the event we had a question and answer segment in which we invited people to call in or post online any questions they had about signing up for healthcare. In addition, we discussed some frequently asked questions that the application assisters provided. We decided to take an alternative approach and make the event digital in hope to reach out to more people who wouldn’t be able to attend a physical event. Our goal was to make this process less overwhelming for people by showing them that it can be fairly simple. This proved to be successful because the stream was viewed more than 500 times. I was very proud to be a part of this event!
Members in the Cumberland area are plan to petition to become the newest KFTC chapter at the February 3 Steering Committee meeting.
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
16 | Balancing the Scales
economic justice
Bevin plan to take away health care for many moves forward Gov. Matt Bevin’s efforts to dismantle health care for poor and low-income working Kentuckians got a boost in January with federal approval of his request to make changes to the Kentucky Medicaid program. By the Bevin administration’s own admission, as many as 100,000 Kentuckians could lose health care over the next five years. The changes Bevin sought, including requiring
many recipients to work or volunteer at least 20 hours a week, will take effect in July if not stopped by legal action. Dental and vision coverage will be taken away from “able-bodied” recipients, though one might be able to “earn” rewards to get coverage. “It’s insulting to assume that because I don’t have a job I don’t have dignity or respect for myself,”
Response to Medicaid changes Kentucky Voices for Health
Over the next five years, nearly 100,000 Kentuckians will lose Medicaid coverage to prove what we already know: more red tape and harsh penalties only make it harder for low-income, working Kentuckians and vulnerable families to access the care they need to improve their health and wellbeing. If we’ve learned anything from the past four years of Kentucky’s Medicaid expansion, it’s that people are able to engage in their health care, keep a job, and be better parents exactly because they are covered in the first place. We’ve heard story after story from Medicaid members and providers that people are taking ownership of their health and that’s the skin in the game that really matters. The evidence is in how people are using their coverage. We’ve seen dramatic increases in preventive screenings for cancer, diabetes, oral health, smoking, and hypertension along with increased visits to primary care providers, more chronic disease management, better adherence to prescription medication and, most significantly, a more than 500 percent increase in substance use treatment. Yet we continually hear that Kentucky hasn’t moved the needle on health. The bottom line is that Governor Bevin is using Kentucky HEALTH (Helping to Engage and Achieve Long Term Health) to solve a problem that does not exist, based on the false assumption that low-income Kentuckians aren’t already engaged in their communities and contributing meaningfully to our economy. The fact is that more than half of Kentuckians eligible for expanded [Medicaid] coverage are working. And the majority of those not working are students, caregivers, or have a disability. Despite the outcry from thousands of Kentuckians who weighed in during the public comment periods to overwhelmingly oppose Kentucky HEALTH, state and federal officials don’t seem to be listening. Governor Bevin’s plan to reform Kentucky Medicaid remains out-of-touch with what low-income, working Kentuckians and vulnerable families need to truly get healthy, stay healthy and contribute in their communities. No matter how it’s packaged, Kentucky HEALTH is not about giving Kentuckians back their dignity – because they already have that. It’s not about personal responsibility – most already work. And it’s not about promoting financial independence – we have yet to see a plan for creating better paying jobs that offer benefits. Instead, this is an effort to transform Medicaid into a work program for low-income adults with health care as the prize. It is deeply troubling that the Trump administration has essentially re-written the rules to usher in a new era of 1115 Medicaid waivers with complicated requirements and harsh penalties that have never been approved by any previous administration. In fact, these barriers have been the basis for rejecting waivers in the past. Regardless of CMS’s decision to remove the guardrails and allow states to experiment with punitive and costly new requirements, Kentuckians deserve better. Governor Bevin should continue to promote the original purpose of the Medicaid program: for low-income Kentuckians to have coverage without barriers so they can improve their health.
KFTC member Tajah McQueen, who was recently laid off from her full-time job, told In These Times magazine. “If anything took away my dignity, it was being let go of my job without explanation, and living in a society that doesn’t have better tools for people in these kinds of situations.” Kentucky is the first state to get approval for the work requirements from the Trump administration. Other states are expected to follow. Research and experience with other federal programs with similar requirements shows that these rules are ineffective at addressing poverty and will not help people be healthier. The Kentucky Equal Justice Center with the National Health Law Program and the Southern Poverty Law Center filed suit in federal court to challenge Trump’s re-writing of the Medicaid rules. “The change will harm Kentuckians across the state – housekeepers and custodians, ministers and morticians, car repairmen, students, and musicians – who need a range of health services, including checkups, diabetes treatment, mental health services, blood pressure monitoring and treatment and vision and dental care,” the lawsuit said. The lawsuit also states that Trump is illegally acting to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, an outcome that Bevin has made clear is his goal.
The majority of Kentuckians oppose Medicaid changes Two out of three registered voters in Kentucky say Medicaid should be left as is instead of scaled back under a plan to cover fewer people. By a similar margin, registered voters oppose six-month “lockouts” from coverage for failing to report income on time. “Kentuckians spoke up about their concerns in record numbers during the public comment periods on the plan,” said Rich Seckel, director of Kentucky Equal Justice Center. “The poll results show the concerns are widely shared across the state.” A majority of both men (61%) and women (70%) supported leaving Medicaid as is, as did majorities of registered Democrats (76%), Republicans (53%) and independents (60%). The age group 18-34 showed the strongest support for keeping Medicaid as it is (70%).
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Balancing the Scales | 17
New Energy and Transition
RECLAIM Act strategies grow as Congressional action stalls This winter, KFTC members have continued to work to pass the RECLAIM Act in Congress. The RECLAIM Act would help coal mining communities make a just transition by disbursing $1 billion over five years from an already-existing federal Abandoned Mine Lands Fund, which is intended to fund the reclamation of abandoned strip mine sites. Up to $100 million of that money could come directly to Kentucky to repair land and water in places that are struggling with the decline of the coal industry and long-term economic opportunities. After hearing from a grassroots, community-led movement, the RECLAIM Act was introduced in Congress by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers in 2016 and by Senator Mitch McConnell in 2017. The House bill has, during the course of 2017, secured 40 cosponsors. The House version (H.R. 1731), which includes provisions for economic development and community participation related to the reclamation of the abandoned sites, has passed the House Natural Resources Committee.
The next procedural step is for the RECLAIM Act to be heard and voted on by the full House. There is also a chance that the RECLAIM Act may be attached to an omnibus budget bill to pass through the House and Senate. However, progress in the House has stalled as Rep. Rogers and his staff are looking for a way to offset the $1 billion “cost” of the bill from somewhere else in the federal budget. This has been a procedural barrier even though the money already is in the AML Fund. KFTC members have been mobilizing around the RECLAIM since 2015, and the most recent stalling of the bill in Congress has not dampened this enthusiasm. Members and allies are working alongside JudgeExecutive Jim Ward from Letcher County and traveled together to Washington in November 2017 to lobby for the bill. Ward has spearheaded the writing of a letter to Sen. McConnell from county judge-executives across the state expressing support for the RECLAIM Act.
Members of KFTC and the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition have been meeting with their county judges across the state to request that they sign onto the letter, adding to the pressure on McConnell to see the bill’s passage through Congress. Fifteen judge executives have already signed on. Although both national and statewide campaigning around the RECLAIM Act has been very much in a waiting game in January, KFTC members invested in RECLAIM are continuing to pressure McConnell and other state representatives (particularly those who cosponsored RECLAIM) to pass the bill through Congress. To voice your support for the Act, contact Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office and let him know that he needs to do all he can to pass the RECLAIM Act, with strong provisions for community participation and economic development.
Voter Engagement Regional teams plan for voter outreach in 2018 KFTC’s regional Action for Democracy Teams are meeting throughout the state, setting goals and planning activities for voter engagement in 2018. With all the state House seats and half the Senate seats (evennumbered districts) up for grabs and dozens of local races, there’s a lot at stake for Kentuck-
Anastasia Curwood participated in the Central Kentucky chapter’s Action for Democracy meeting.
ians and the state’s future. Dozens of KFTC members are among those stepping up to run for local offices, from school boards, city councils and mayor to state House and Senate seats. The deadline for candidates to file was January 30, and a list of candidates can be found on the website of the Kentucky Secretary of State at: http://bit.ly/2BB288m. The primary election is May 22. The deadline to register to vote in the May primary is April 23. In February there are two special elections to fill vacancies in the state House. On February 20, voters in the 49th district (part of Bullitt County) will elect a new representative after the death of Dan Johnson. In the 89th district (Jackson County and part of Madison and Laurel), voters will choose a new representative on February 27. To join a local Action for Democracy Team in your chapter area, or join the at-large Action for Democracy Team, contact a local KFTC organizer or Alicia Hurle at Alicia@kftc.org or 502-589-3188.
The Central Kentucky chapter’s Housing and Energy Work Team is working on local application of the ideas in KFTC’s Empower Kentucky Plan. Here Chris Porter helps capture work team ideas during a recent meeting.
Stay up to date with the Empower Kentucky Project at: http://empowerkentucky.org/ www.facebook.com/empower.kentucky
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
18 | Balancing the Scales
Building Grassroots Power
Grassroots funds will make much work possible in 2018 KFTC members hit the ground running in 2018 with the start of the General Assembly. Already, folks have spoken out at press conferences and rallied alongside our allies. Members are in Frankfort each week, talking with their legislators about tax justice, fair wages, protecting public pensions, criminal justice reform, voting rights, and more. If you donated to KFTC during our fall campaign – thank you! You built grassroots power and strengthened our work this year in the General Assembly and across Kentucky. Though we fell $27,947 dollars short of our 2017 fundraising goal, we still have powerful work planned for 2018. This year KFTC members plan to: •
Hold our elected leaders accountable and make our voices heard on issues that matter to us during the General Assembly – in Frankfort and at home
•
Continue to push for tax justice and to protect our public pensions
•
Work to build an authentic, participatory democracy that is responsive to all Kentuckians by registering voters, educating the public and candidates about issues, and mobilizing voters around Election Day
•
Train more grassroots leaders through our Organizing Academy and Apprentice programs
• •
Protect access to affordable health care for all And so much more local and statewide work!
•
Organize local campaigns to enact good ideas from the Empower Kentucky plan to create cleaner energy options, new jobs and healthier communities
You can help make it possible. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kentuckians take action and create change this year. To renew your membership or join KFTC, fill out the form below.
Help KFTC members in Frankfort and throughout Kentucky! Name(s): ________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ City, state & Zip: __________________________________________
Give online at kftc.org/support
I would rather make a one-time gift of: □$100 □$50 □$25 □$15 □$5 Other: $__________ Suggested dues are $15-$50 annually, based on ability to pay. Any amount is welcome.
Step Two: Payment Method:
Phone: ________________________________________________
□ Check or money order enclosed
Email: ________________________________________________
□ Electronic Funds Transfer (best option for Sustaining Givers). Please return this form with a voided check.
Select which organization you would like to donate to: □ KFTC: Membership dues and donations are not tax-deductible. □ Kentucky Coalition: Dues and donations are tax-deductible.
□ Credit card: Complete information below.
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 make a bigger impact.
Expiration Date ___ ___ / ___ ___
Make me a Sustaining Giver!
Authorized Signature: ____________________________
I will contribute $ _____ every:
□ Month □ Quarter □ Year
To update an existing Sustaining Gift contact Ashley at 606-878-2161 or Ashley@kftc.org
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Card Number: __ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ -__ __ __ __
Date: _________________ Mail this form with your check to: KFTC • P.O. Box 1450 • London, Ky. 40743
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
Balancing the Scales | 19
KFTC News
KFTC annual meeting moving to Berea College, August 3-5 Following five years of successful annual membership meetings at General Butler State Park, the KFTC Steering Committee voted to relocate the KFTC Annual Meeting to Berea College on August 3-5, 2018. The vote followed a year-long conversation in which committee members met with KFTC staff and Berea College representatives to explore a possible relocation. The annual meeting is an important and necessary part of KFTC’s efforts to build grassroots power in Kentucky. It provides unique opportunities for members and folks who are interested in KFTC from every corner of the state and different backgrounds to come together for a weekend of gaining leadership skills, building community and having fun. It provides members and attendees an opportunity to build the skills to create change in communities all across the state, in Frankfort and in Washington D.C. Each year, multiple workshops are designed by members and staff to develop skill sets that help attendees analyze the structures of power and take effective action to build New Power. The annual meeting is a key component of KFTC’s strategy to build an engaged base of Kentuckians ready to take action to achieve the organization’s vision. It showcases the
larger statewide context in which building grassroots power takes place. “The KFTC annual meeting is an opportunity to join in community with people who share a vision,” said Wendy Warren of Madison County. “We travel from across the commonwealth to think together, laugh together, and yes, sometimes cry together as we chart a course for a better future.” The annual meeting also plays an important role in KFTC’s democratic process. Statewide officers are elected and the organization’s platform is adopted during the annual business meeting. And the annual meeting functions as a demonstration of the member ownership of the organization. As the 2017 annual meeting keynote speaker Heather McGhee noted, democracy and democratic practices help folks appreciate that we are all one people out of many. She noted that KFTC “in being a democratically governed grassroots organization works to help us achieve the sense of truly being a community that comes from many different communities and cultures, but is able to be united by a shared vision.” Many steering committee members expressed
enthusiasm about the move to Berea College, lifting up the college’s mission, history and practices. The school was founded in 1855 by abolitionist Rev. John Fee as the first interracial, coeducational institution in the South. The college strives to provide educational opportunities to lowincome students by admitting only students who have limited financial resources, many of whom live in the Appalachian region. Members were also enthusiastic about the many things that would be available to KFTC members during the annual meeting in Berea, including local foods. The college’s dining service includes options from the college farm, as well as other local farms. Members also highlighted the college’s composting practices to manage food waste from the dining hall. Berea College is located in a small town in Madison County surrounded by many natural attractions. “I hope our entire membership will feel at home as KFTC moves its annual meeting to Berea,” Warren noted. “With hiking trails nearby and all events within walking distance on campus, I think this new location will offer something for everyone.”
New Organizing Academy cohort completes its first training session KFTC’s initial Organizing Academy cohort had its first in-person training on January 20, giving members the chance to start getting to know one another and dive into the sixmonth curriculum. The first session focused on the topics of what is power, community organizing, the history of organizing in Kentucky and KFTC, learning and practicing sharing one’s story, and a bit on caring for oneself and each other in this work. The cohort is an intergenerational group consisting of a member in the 8th grade up to folks in their late 60s. The youngest members, Shane Wilcher (17) and Chase Gladson (14), brought on spontaneous applause and some tears after sharing about how important it is to get young folks involved. Wilcher shared about how he would love to have KFTC spaces where students can organize and learn together. Gladson shared how years of continuing budget cuts have left public schools with little resources. He wants to organize other students to tell legislators that they are stealing their education, and that young people want and deserve better. There are 21 members of the cohort, with 17 (pictured to the left) able to make the January session.
www.kftc.org | January 30, 2018
20 | Balancing the Scales
calendar of events
KFTC OFFICES and STAFF MAIN OFFICE
February 1 and March 1 – First Thursday Club, Madison County, to discuss racism 6 p.m. at the Berea Friends Meeting House 300 Harrison Street, Berea Info: Sasha@kftc.org or 859-358-9713
February 15 and March 15 Chapter meetings – Rowan County 6 p.m., St. Albans Church 145 E. 5th St., Morehead Info: Nikita@kftc.org or 502-488-3830
Morgan Brown, Burt Lauderdale, Ashley Frasher, Angel Hill and Jacob Mack-Boll 131 North Mill Street P.O. Box 1450 | London, Kentucky 40743 606-878-2161 | Fax: 606-878-5714
February 1 and March 1 – Potluck and chapter meeting, Scott County 6:30 p.m., Scott County Public Library 104 S. Bradford Lane in Georgetown Info: Joe@kftc.org or 859-380-6103
February 15 – History of Racism in the United States Workshop with the Central Kentucky chapter 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Mission House 203 E. 4th Street, Lexington Info: Meredith@kftc.org or 859-276-0563
FIELD OFFICES
February 3 and March 31 KFTC Steering Committee meetings 10:30 - 4:30, location TBA Info: Heather@kftc.org or 859-276-0563 February 5 and March 5 – Chapter meeting Wilderness Trace, 7 p.m. InterCounty Energy Community Room 1009 Hustonville Rd., Danville Info: Sasha@kftc.org or 859-358-9713 February 3 – Grassroots Lobbying Training Northern Kentucky Chapter 1 p.m. at the Kenton County Public Library 502 Scott Blvd. in Covington Info: Joe@kftc.org or 859-380-6103 February 4 and March 4 Cumberland chapter meeting, 2 p.m. Union College Student Center Heritage Conference Room, Barbourville (February) Info: Angel@kftc.org or 606-261-4955 February 6 and March 6 – Chapter meetings Big Sandy, 6 p.m. Location TBA Info: Jacob@kftc.org or 606-497-9262 February 12 Chapter meeting – Jefferson County 6:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church 809 S. 4th St., Louisville Info: Becky@kftc.org or 502-741-8759 February 15 – Gender Inclusivity/ LGBTQ 101 community workshop with Big Sandy chapter and Progress Pike; location TBA Info: Jacob@kftc.org or 606-497-9262 February 15 Chapter meeting – Shelby County 6 p.m. at the Stratton Center 215 Washington Street in Shelbyville Info: Becky@kftc.org or 502-741-8759
February 17 and March 17 – second and third training sessions for KFTC’s initial Organizing Academy Leader Cohort. Topics: Nonviolent Direct Action and Inclusive Organizing, Base Building and Leadership Development Info: Beth@kftc.org or 859-276-0563
Louisville Elizabeth Adami, Aubrey Clemons, Alicia Hurle, Becky Jones and Carissa Lenfert 735 Lampton Street #202 Louisville, Ky. 40203 502-589-3188 Bowling Green Molly Kaviar, Laura Harper, Lesley Garrett, Alex Goldsmith and James Line 958 Collett Ave., Suite 500 Bowling Green, Ky. 42101 270-282-4553
February 20 Chapter meeting – Northern Kentucky 7 p.m. at Center for Great Neighborhoods 321 W. 12th Street, Covington Info: Joe@kftc.org or 859-380-6103
Northern Kentucky Joe Gallenstein and Caitlin Sparks 640 Main Street Covington, Ky. 41005 859-380-6103
February 26 and March 26 Chapter meetings – Madison County 7 p.m. at Berea Friends Meeting House 300 Harrison Street, Berea Info: Sasha@kftc.org or 859-358-9713
Central Kentucky Jessica Hays Lucas, Beth Howard, Heather Mahoney, Erik Hungerbuhler, Meredith Wadlington, Tyler Offerman, Sharon Murphy, Tayna Fogle, DeBraun Thomas and Nikita Perumal 250 Plaza Drive, Suite 4 Lexington, Ky 40503 859-276-0563
February 27 and March 27 Chapter meetings – Southern Kentucky 6 p.m. at Foundry Community Center 531 W 11th Ave. in Bowling Green Info: Molly@kftc.org or 502-599-3989 February 27 – Voter Registration Training Northern Kentucky 6:30 p.m., Kenton County Public Library 502 Scott Boulevard, Covington Info: Joe@kftc.org or 859-380-6103 March 15 – Chapter meeting Central Kentucky, 7 p.m. Episcopal Mission House 203 E. 4th Street, Lexington Info: Meredith@kftc.org or 859-276-0563 Find an occasionally updated list of events at www.kftc.org/calendar
Floyd County Jessie Skaggs and Jerry Hardt 152 North Lake Drive • P.O. Box 864 Prestonsburg, Ky 41653 606-263-4982 Berea Lisa Abbott, Amy Hogg, Kevin Pentz, Sasha Zaring and Michael Harrington 210 N. Broadway, Unit #3 Berea, Ky 40403
859-756-4027
Email any staff member at firstname@kftc.org except for Jessica Hays Lucas, use jessicabreen@ kftc.org; Beth Howard, use bethhoward@kftc.org