District 45

Kentucky House of Representatives

All or part of 10 seats in the Kentucky House of Representatives include Fayette County. All seats in the Kentucky House are up for re-election every two years. Two Fayette County districts have Democratic primaries in 2020 – the 45 th and the 56 th .

45 nd House District: there is a Democratic primary with three candidates, with the winner running in November for the seat currently held by Republican Stan Lee, who is not seeking re-election.

56 th House District: there is a Democratic primary with the winner running in November to replace Democrat Joe Graviss, who is running instead for the state senate.

Fayette

Kentucky House District 45 – Democratic primary

Fayette County

Shirley Flynn Mitchell

www.shirleyforkentucky.com

www.facebook.com/ ShirleyForKentucky

twitter.com/ ShirleyForKYRep

Corey M. Nichols

www.facebook.com/ Corey-Nichols-for-HouseDistrict-45-105905364274632

twitter.com/ CoreyForKY

Sean Mike Pickard

Did not respond Shirley Flynn Mitchell, Corey M. Nichols and Sean Mike Pickard are seeking the Democratic nomination for the District 45 Kentucky House seat in the June 23 primary. The winner will face Republican Killian Timoney, who has no primary opposition, in November.

Mitchell and Nichols responded to the KFTC survey. Their answers begin on the next page.

The seat is entirely in Fayette County. Republican incumbent Stan Lee is not running for re-election.

Kentucky House District 45 – Democratic primary

Fayette County

QUESTION:

What’s your vision for Kentucky? How will the lives of Kentuckians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: My vision is based on a 4 E’s platform, Education + Economic Growth + Earth + Everyone. The first step in my vision starts with connecting the full pipeline from preschool to K-12 to universities, then investing in our most valuable resource—our talented people—to ensure we grow our economy in smart, sustainable ways while protecting our earth so we build a Kentucky that works for everyone.

We must invest in public education, children, and teachers to ensure our workforce is competitive and prepared for the jobs of the future. Our universities should be viewed as our economic engine.

All my life, I’ve lived in the 45th District of Kentucky, except when I was serving my country as a civil engineer officer in the U.S. Navy. My parents

QUESTION:

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: A Kentuckians right to vote should not be contingent on who is currently occupying the Governor’s office, which is why we need a constitutional amendment to codify voting rights for ex-felons who have paid their debt to society. Kentucky was 1 of only 2 states that banned ex-felons from voting for life. The second state is pushing to eliminate this ban, too.

This ban disportionately affected black voters because of the percentage impact to the total black voting population. Studies have shown that when ex-felons vote, they feel like they are part of the community and statistically, they are less likely to commit another crime.

I believe Governor Beshear’s Dec 2019 executive order is a step in the right

QUESTION:

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: From my middle school civics class, I learned and still believe two key principles: 1) voting is both a right and a responsibility, and 2) democracy works when everyone has a voice. In order to address the numerous changes that have occurred over time - including different workday hours, more sophisticated methods to collecting votes, and more non-English speaking citizens - we need to modernize the state election laws to match our citizens and make it more accessible so everyone who is eligible can vote.

This includes early voting, mail-in ballots, same-day voter registration, extended hours, and multiple language ballots. I think mandating photo IDs on election day creates new problems that silences voices without solving the real problem of preventing any potential voter fraud. We must remove the barriers that make it difficult for people to vote in order to improve voter turnout. worked two jobs each to support our family. They instilled in me a hard work ethic, patriotism, and a belief that I can achieve anything.

I’ve served on a board to fight human trafficking and volunteered in schools and churches to build stronger communities. I’ve blazed trails where few have dared to go. I’ve succeeded because I know how to design a vision, lead large initiatives, and bring diverse teams together to accomplish common goals.

Corey M. Nichols: My vision is one that enriches our communities by supporting our public schools, expanding our workforce and creating new sectors of revenue (like sports betting and medicinal/recreational marijuana), and enabling

Even after Governor Beshear’s December 2019 executive order, over 170,000 Kentuckians with felonies in their past are still ineligible to vote. Do you support a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to all Kentuckians with felonies in their past once they’ve served their time, probation, and parole? Please explain.

affordable access to good healthcare. direction so Kentuckians who have served their time, probation, and parole and did not commit violent crimes have hope. We need to explore the next step to lift the ban for those who are on probation. We need to send a clear message that we believe our fellow Kentuckians are deserving of a second chance and give them hope for a better way of life starting with civic engagement.

Corey M. Nichols: Absolutely. As a criminal defense attorney, re-enfranchising our citizens will be a high priority. Those that have paid their debt to society, whatever that may be, should be restored the most important civil right they

What is your view on modernizing state election laws? Specifically, do you support allowing early voting, mail-in ballots, same-day voter registration, extended hours at polling locations, offering ballots in multiple languages, and other election reforms? Do you support legislation requiring that Kentucky voters present a photo ID on election day even though many Kentuckians do not have that kind of ID? Why or why not?

have: a voice in our government.

Our right to vote was hard-won, and we should continue to find ways to make sure every eligible voter has access and is equipped with correct and impartial information on the candidates.

Corey M. Nichols: Any measure that gives Kentuckians a reliable and secure way to vote as easily as possible is worthwhile. I support extended access to polls by allowing early voting, mail-in ballots, and even making Election Day a state holiday. Our voice is the most important thing we have: we should not have to bend over backwards to speak up. I would oppose a mandatory photo-ID law. I can understand that we want secure elections, but the type of voter fraud that would prevent simply does not happen in any significant way in Kentucky. That burden would be unduly hard on our minority and immigrant population, as well.

Kentucky House District 45 – Democratic primary

Fayette County

QUESTION:

Kentucky has a tax code that does not raise enough revenue to meet the Commonwealth’s budgetary needs – a problem that was made worse by the legislature’s tax shift of 2018. After years of budget cuts, the funding for pensions, public education, infrastructure, and other essential programs have reached dangerous levels of disinvestment. How would you work to create a more equitable state tax structure – where everyone pays their fair share – that raises adequate revenue, fights poverty, and invests in Kentucky’s under-resourced communities and the services we all need?

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: I was disheartened that a state that is cutting funding for pensions, education, and other basic programs would also change the tax code in favor of the highest income earners. Since income tax is our highest revenue source, we need to develop a better solution for a more equitable tax structure, and make sure we do not put more of the burden on low and middle-income families.

If elected, I would support tax changes that do not place a disproportionate burden on the middle and lower classes. The biggest indicator of any healthy economy is the strength of the middle class, so I believe it is economically counterproductive to place the very highest income tax burden on the middle 20% of Kentuckians. Furthermore, studies consistently find that services that help the

QUESTION:

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: I think it is the right move forward that local governments have made a policy that people will not be asked immigration status by local authorities unless there is a risk of violence. The police are there to address the issue at hand to keep our communities as safe as possible. Many times, undocumented immigrants are too scared to report a crime when they have been victimized. Those that have hurt them know of their fear and they use it to their advantage, since they think they will not get caught. Law enforcement is there to protect everyone - citizen, green card holder, or undocumented immigrant - and not to enforce the role of ICE Agents on a daily basis.

I believe we need this clarity between law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be state-wide. As a board member to a non-profit aim

QUESTION:

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: Absolutely! Protecting our earth is a top priority for me. My master’s thesis at UK was funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, and I’ve worked on sustainability initiatives throughout my career. economically disadvantaged, such as Medicaid and food stamps, generate more in economic activity than what is initially spent on them.

Let’s face it. We have a revenue problem. We need to change our mindset from short-sighted ideas to building a true, long-lasting strategy for economic growth which means focusing on the industries that are our strengths and making a concerted effort to be a leader in the emerging industries.

Corey M. Nichols: A more modernized and progressive marginal tax bracket would allow everyone to contribute equitably to our public projects. We also need to infuse our budget with additional revenue, by creating and taxing new

Many Kentucky’s local governments have a policy that people will not be questioned about immigration status by local authorities, and that local police will only assist federal agents in enforcing immigration laws when there is a warrant signed by a judge or a risk of violence. What is your view of these types of policies and what would you do to expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

sectors like sports betting and recreational marijuana. ing to fight human trafficking and protect those who cannot protect themselves, I stand for enabling Kentucky’s members of law enforcement to be seen as people who victims can put their trust in to protect them.

Corey M. Nichols: I’m proud to live in Lexington, where all are welcome. I would support keeping those policies in place -- it’s not our job to enforce those federal laws, and we shouldn’t spend our taxpayer money to do it. I would look for every opportunity to allocate/expand resources to support organizations like Kentucky Refugee Ministries, who provide valuable help to our most vulnerable

Is acting to address the climate crisis a priority for you? What policies do you support to ensure that solutions – such as clean energy jobs and reducing high energy bills – benefit all Kentuckians, including low-income communities, communities of color, and those who are most impacted by the changing climate? And what policies would you support to ensure that all Kentuckians have clean air and water, no matter the color of our skin, income, or zip code?

populations.

I’ve already engaged with some of our top thought leaders on sustainable energy & forestry, clean water & air, and discussed with them how to propel answers continued on next page

Kentucky House District 45 – Democratic primary

Fayette County

ANSWERS CONTINUED: Climate crisis …

Kentucky forward as a leader in the new economy, which is green and high-tech.

I would build upon HB213 that didn’t make it out of committee in 2019. This establishes renewable portfolio standard (RPS) targets with clean energy goals for the upcoming years. I support HB126 Affordable Utility Rates, enabling solar rooftops, boosting the solar energy industry, and incentivizing carbon sequestration in farming.

ALL Kentuckians should have clean air and water no matter the color of their skin, income, or zip code. Every child’s health matters. This means we need to engage with federal initiatives like EPA’s Clean Power Plan, where state’s are designing their progression towards targets where carbon pollution is reduced by 32% nationally.

The power of human imagination is on the verge of major breakthroughs to

QUESTION:

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: In the 50 years since Martin Luther King, Jr died, we saw some progress, but we still have more work to do to achieve true racial equality. I want to bring a more hopeful, inclusive, and sensible vision and conversation on this issue and bring us together so hope and opportunity can thrive.

As Kentucky State Representative, my first role is to lead by example by supporting all people of color and having zero tolerance for white supremacy. I would propose strengthening our hate crimes laws, which currently do not include certain types of violent crimes. They also do not allow for someone to be charged with a standalone hate crime and have time added to their sentence.

Immigrants play a big role in Kentucky’s economy, especially in our agriculture and forestry industries. We need to ensure that people who come here to provide a better life for their families and contribute to our economy feel safe, since sometimes undocumented immigrants are the victims of crimes and don’t

QUESTION:

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: We need to stop this mass incarceration and pass meaningful criminal justice reform. I agree with our Governor when he said in his state of the union address, “Our people aren’t more violent, we don’t have more criminals, we just put more people in our prisons and jails.”

I hear the educational impact from the teachers when they describe the number of their kids who have one or both parents in jail and being raised by their grandparents. When children lack a strong home support system, learning meet such challenges. New jobs are being created, and communities are impacted for good … answer exceeds word limit

Corey M. Nichols: Absolutely a priority -- I have two kids who are going to have to live on this planet hopefully long after I’m gone. It’s irresponsible to not address climate change with every option available to us. Specifically, I would focus on making more effective and efficient public transportation -- starting in our urban centers and moving outward. There’s a bus stop in Lexington on New Circle Rd. that’s on the shoulder, in a ditch, with no cover and no protection from nearby traffic. We can do better to have a safe, affordable, and effective

What is the role of the Kentucky legislature in opposing white supremacy, addressing racial inequality and supporting racial justice for Black people, Indigenous people, Latinx people, immigrants, those who are undocumented, and all people of color in our state? Please identify at least two policy initiatives you would propose while in office to address racial and systemic inequalities.

public transportation system that helps minimize our carbon footprint. feel safe reporting it. I would propose a statewide measure to keep law enforcement agencies 100% independent from ICE.

Corey M. Nichols: It is the job of anyone with a voice to speak up for the voiceless. Our Legislators have the opportunity to speak up the loudest. Specifically, I would advocate for specialized outreach and substance abuse treatment to support community-based substance abuse treatment programs targeted to minority populations. I would also propose a program that helps health care providers develop integrated, community-wide systems that serve the uninsured and under-insured. The program would be designed to increase access to health care by eliminating fragmented service delivery, improving efficiencies among safety

Kentucky has the ninth highest incarceration rate in the nation, is second in the nation for incarcerating women, and has the second-highest rate in the country of children separated from a parent due to incarceration. In addition, Black Kentuckians make up 8.3 percent of the state population but 21 percent of the state’s incarcerated population. Are you committed to ending mass incarceration in Kentucky? Why or why not? If elected, what will you do to make strides toward ending mass incarceration and reinvesting resources into the communities most impacted by this system?

net providers, and by encouraging greater private sector involvement. barriers are created, passing ramifications to the next generation.

I would propose modifying the bail system, which keeps thousands accused of low-level offenses behind bars without ever being convicted of a crime because they cannot afford bail. Criminal records can follow individuals the rest of their lives and impact their employment opportunities, thus perpetuating the cycle of poverty. When people who want to work hard to provide for their families are

Kentucky House District 45 – Democratic primary

Fayette County

ANSWERS CONTINUED: Ending mass incarceration …

kept of the job market, the whole state suffers. I would propose a Clean Slate Act that would expunge the records for those who served their time for nonviolent, low-level offenses and have remained crime-free so that they can find self-sustaining employment.

Corey M. Nichols: Absolutely. Our (privatized!) jails are overcrowded, and our criminal justice system lends itself to incarceration at an inordinate rate. In my work as a criminal defense attorney, I most often see that other sentencing

QUESTION: support LGBTQ Kentuckians?

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: Discriminiation in any form is wrong, plain and simple. I support HB225 that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, financial transactions, and public accomodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This type of fairness is basic for a civil society. I also support HB 199 that would protect LGBTQ youth from the practice of conversion therapy.

All my life, I have been a voice for those who felt unnoticed and unheard. All of my work career, I have strived to support my LGBTQ coworkers. On a personal level, I have close friends that I consider family who are part of the LGBTQ

QUESTION:

Shirley Flynn Mitchell: Every Kentuckian should have access to quality, affordable medical care. We need to cap the out of pocket cost of insulin (HB12), end surprise medical billing, and protect healthcare coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.

I support HB 180, which would end employer-imposed waiting periods for new employees’ health insurance coverage. This has personally impacted my family when my daughter was switching jobs and did not have medical coverage when she needed it. New employees should have coverage on day one.

American maternal mortality rates are on the rise and are some of the worst in the developed world, especially among women of color. We need to end these preventable maternal deaths in our state by joining the thirty other states that have passed a Maternal Mortality Prevention Act establishing a Maternal Mortality Review Board. By identifying and addressing the causes of maternal mortality, options, like diversion, rehabilitation, and/or supervised probation are more effective at deterring our Defendants, while jail time only leads to more jail time, and no real change. Our substance abuse laws need pretty fundamental overhaul -- we need to focus on curing the addiction instead of punishing the addict. For example, our current laws punish anyone who drove home from their methadone treatment with a DUI -- regardless of whether they were actually “under the influence.” We need to make access to rehab and treatment as easy as possible,

Do you support a statewide Fairness law to protect LGBTQ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer) from discrimination in housing, employment, financial transactions, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity? What will you do to

instead of incarcerating those who try to get better. community. I will be a State Representative for every resident in District 45 and ensure everyone is protected in our state.

Corey M. Nichols: One hundred percent, yes. It should be obvious that your ability to find a place to stay, or to work, or to keep a bank account, shouldn’t be impeded by your sexual orientation or gender identity. I will support ANY legislation that protects the rights of ALL citizens to be treated with respect as fellow

Nearly 400,000 low-income Kentuckians qualified for health care – including vision, dental and mental health – for the first time under the Affordable Care Act. But there are major challenges here in Kentucky. The Bevin administration failed to respond to Kentucky’s Hepatitis A outbreak, local health departments are underfunded and are slated to lose about a third of their workers, and the legislature has recently passed a bill restricting access to reproductive health. The legislature has a role in getting Kentucky on track for better health. What would you to build on the progress of Medicaid expansion and to ensure that all Kentuckians have access to quality, affordable health care?

human beings. states can save the lives of mothers and babies while significantly cutting back on healthcare costs.

I believe that medicaid is a great deal for Kentucky because it is largely paid for by the federal government. For every state dollar invested in Medicaid in 2019, the federal government invested $3.36. Quality Healthcare empowers people to care for their families, work their jobs, and live their lives.

Corey M. Nichols: Our healthcare has regressed substantially in the last fourfive years, much to my disappointment. Gov. Steve Beshear had one of the most successful Medicaid expansions nation-wide, and every Kentucky tax dollar was matched and exceeded in Federal dollars. I’d help the legislature pick up where he left off and undo all the damage from Gov. Bevin’s regressive policies, to make sure we’re taking advantage of all the assistance we have available to us.