♪ >> The entire state.

He's going to come a childcare desert.

The Kentucky House Okays a state budget.

But some critics say kids are being shortchanged.

>> Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ Good evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION for this Friday, February.

The second, I'm Renee Shaw.

Thank you for starting off your weekend with us.

>> As we told you yesterday, the Kentucky House passed a two-year budget last night after nearly 4 hours of debate.

>> It increases based funding for K through 12 education, fully fund school transportation meets public pension obligations and puts millions toward clean drinking water initiatives, public safety and more.

So what's missing?

Kentucky additions June Leoffler spoke to child welfare education and health care advocates about what's in the budget and what's been left out more as we begin tonight's Legislative update.

>> That cry around Kentucky's child care sector grows louder.

We as a state and 49 other states are flat out standing on a cliff because federal benefits that emanated from the pandemic are ready to damage.

>> Kentucky started receiving 330 million dollars annually for child care costs during the pandemic.

Those funds dry up the September Kentucky's House of Representatives says it will invest over 50 million dollars a year.

A bump in Kentucky spending, but a far cry from what the feds had offered.

>> I'm concerned that those investments are not enough to prevent even a cliff in childcare.

Much less improve childcare landscape right now around 60% of Kentucky as a child care desert, which means that there are 3 children who are vying for every available slot.

That's unacceptable to me.

Without >> significant state budget investment.

The entire state.

He's going to come a childcare desert.

>> We trial could.

It is about getting our our E R youngest off to a strong start ready for kindergarten when they are ready for kindergarten.

We see stronger outcomes in 3rd grade reading and mathematics, which sets those young people up for success in middle and high school.

>> Youth and education advocates say there's some winds in the House budget their significant investment in full funding for kindergarten which we've seen and the Legislature the last couple budget sessions and we're pleased to see again this year.

For the first time the House is proposing fully funding school transportation which is really important issue for urban and rural areas alike.

But even more important for rural areas of our state.

They're also putting significant dollars again for the 3rd straight budget into post-secondary education.

Brittany, based aid for students and into our universities across the state.

This is really important for Kentucky's economy and for making Kentuckians have the skills and the credentials they need to be successful.

>> We know the juvenile justice in the Commonwealth.

Is it best a hot mess?

What this budget does is it really goes upstream.

It looks set diversion and prevention programs and opportunities, which is exactly what we need to be doing.

So way to go house.

>> That includes more than half a million dollars.

14 therapeutic homes across the state.

>> You'll see some of important heads around child maltreatment.

You'll see some important improvements services for young people, aging out of care.

We are emboldened by their commitment to kinship care, which we believe is a really important element in that child welfare continuum.

>> One thing that's barely been discussed are more tax breaks for poor and working families.

Something Kentucky youth advocates says would be an ideal investment for Kentucky edition.

I'm John Leffler.

>> Thank you.

June.

Now the state budget is now in the possession of the Senate and waiting for consideration there.

School superintendents are praising certain parts of the House budget like fully funding student transportation, but expressing concern about other parts like seek funding under the budget, seek funding or the base per pupil funding will increase by 4% in 2025. and 2% and 2026. one superintendent we spoke with today said those increases are not enough to give teachers in her district and adequate raise or attract new teachers.

She's hoping lawmakers will reconsider those amounts.

>> For the last 16 years, the seek funding is relatively flat and most increase in funding from the local portion of that's the Formula Works.

So we need safe to be leveled out in order to make it more competitive.

To increase our our our bases starting teacher salary.

45,000 remain competitive with surrounding districts.

We need to raise our base that 9.2%.

How are we can only 14% using what?

That $4,368.

This school difference in sake.

There's almost $40 in reserve and their son additional funding opportunities out there for the General Assembly to consider to support C go blacklick the amounts consider adjustments and the change.

The base change that proposal T 4,500 in 2 and in an fiscal year, 25 4,800 in fiscal year, 26 and then continue to increase.

At that $300 each year and then our district will where we need to be.

But inflation cost.

Asking for handouts, which is asking for change that, you know, we're we're going to we're going to definitely put the money to use in the best way possible being fiscally responsible, but investing in our teachers.

>> Now you'll hear more from Kentucky.

Superintendent says they react to the state budget next week on Kentucky EDITION.

Now we do hope you'll join us this coming Monday night on Kentucky tonight.

As we discuss the state budget proposal passed by the House and we hope you'll send us your questions and comments.

That's Monday at 8 Eastern 7 central right here on KET.

And Frankfort.

Lawmakers are considering 2 bills involving rental properties that could have a statewide impact.

But the debate over rental properties is also taking place at a community level and Richmond's city officials have introduced an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb.

They say they want those businesses just to pay their fair share.

>> This is a problem that not unique to Richmond, northern Kentucky, Lexington Warfel had Bowling Green.

For sales and they already have at agreements with and Airbnb that day.

Cold Air Bnb collects for then in the midst that to the local municipality.

But most of the Commonwealth does not have that ability with Airbnb.

>> The concern is that all businesses like that.

folks, our hotels, motels or the short short-term rentals that all would treated the same with respect to their obligations to the city of Richmond, taxes.

And so on.

The problem is there are some.

Who are not paying their taxes and we're trying to find a nice, fair way.

But a fair way with teeth in it.

So to speak, to have a all to comply, hotels, motels, city.

Comply by pay those taxes.

And these folks are functioning in a similar capacity.

>> And also includes them of this ordinance is saying now everyone must be treated accordingly.

And should respond by paying their taxes that are due and whatever other qualifications or offer one to operate that kind of business.

>> The tourism department is funded.

Bad trait.

He attacks that is the self funding source for our department being able to collect at the transit tax from those Airbnbs allows us to help market been.

We spend at over half of our budget in marketing.

So it allows them to be on our website.

Is all of the different marketing that we do at all across the state and nationally and being able to have that trait.

He attacks is what allows us to be able to do what we did.

VRBO and Airbnb it haven't away our your 3 most popular.

I think there's around 20 to 23.

And that is just in the city limits.

There is probably close to have 40, but in the whole county.

And that didn't include Berea.

>> These short-term rentals.

I'm sure will require.

And we'll presume to have access to.

City services and city services, whether public safety or otherwise.

Are supported by tax monies.

So to have folks is come in and want folks words, Mooch.

Want to move jobs.

What's going on?

No, that's that doesn't sit well with his.

We're not going to not going to be nasty, but we're going to be persistent.

>> The proposed ordinance would also put safety regulations in place within short term rentals and Richmond.

♪ >> Time now for the reprieve.

You of some major political developments, particularly in Frankfort.

And it's all about the budget we have 2 good observers with us today.

Julie, a cream color who is the founder of Bright strategies, Republican consultant and former state Treasurer, Democrat Jonathan Miller's with us.

We appreciate them both.

>> I'll start with you, Julia.

Good to see you.

We all asked about your dog who made a cameo a couple of times before.

So we all give our regards the sergeant Pepper.

But your thoughts about this budget that there are 4 bills kind of connected to the budget.

Does some funding more funding for seek fully funding school transportation?

What are some other perhaps highlights of the bill?

>> Sure.

Yeah.

Thanks for having me.

It's a it's a strong budget Republicans put You know, I think.

They didn't really show their priorities and their commitment to education was K through 12 historic 8 to 12 fully funding the transportation in the second year.

The budget as well some some dedicated funds to substance abuse in the budget.

You'll also see an increase, a much-needed increase for foster care for minors there's several other increases in in areas with health care related to different rates that are out there where we're just really been behind our other state.

you also see 500 million dollars and a commitment to the unfunded liability in the Kentucky Teacher Retirement System 150 million to Kentucky State Police teacher retirement system.

So there there's a lot of their life.

But as everybody knows, it's like the last last version of the budget accounts.

That's right.

And we're far from the final version of the budget.

We've got some days and hours to go before then.

>> Jonathan Miller, we also know that Democrats on the House floor yesterday had some pretty strong critiques of what's not in the budget at a time when the the state is experiencing record cash flow, that they would be the time to make some big, bold investments that current the GOP is this by passing.

>> Yes, Democrats had 2 kinds issues, ones as They were not allowed to this year to make amendments to the budget on the floor or offer amendments and well, it's unlikely a and it's going to pass in the Super Republican So having that opportunity is something that's generally granted the minority party in this problem.

But from a substantive standpoint, I I so agree and support with everything Julia cents.

But what's missing are are things that were part of the governor's budget, including the 11 percent across the board raise for teachers, more money for for double housing and other other types of issues that the governor's been stressing we can use these excess funds for during this crisis.

Time for for education, for people.

>> And ensuring perhaps that we get to the conditions to satisfy the triggers for an income tax reduction.

Democrats added they feel about that.

>> You know, I think believe these continued to decreases in in the income tax are going to oppose challenges in terms of having the money around to pay for programs, you know, were we're right now living off of a lot of folks money that came out of the stimulus packages coming out of Washington, D.C., there.

They're not going to be there in the future.

And so losing that money as well as losing income tax dollars that could pose some real challenges for for important program to the future.

>> So Julio, Jonathan makes a good point about childcare and we've heard a lot about concerns from the business community, about from parents and caregivers who are concerned about how they can afford and even access childcare.

Do we think that there might be some legislation forthcoming to help buoy that system that is so fragile right now, not just in Kentucky, but across the nation.

Sure.

You know, one thing I want to go back to really quickly, Renee, is it kind of sounds like from John is respected.

Democrats want to have their cake and eat it, too.

They want to say you didn't spend enough money in this budget, but we don't tech students or about how much money we're bringing in.

>> So it's a little bit of a double edged sword, but yes, on the childcare is joining a chairwoman.

Some areas have run.

Who is a new committee chair to that area when they split health and family has been working diligently with stakeholders to address that issue specifically.

I know she's she's the debt paid family leave in different models out there, cost across the country and really bring and stakeholders, large business, small Cruz for specific for mothers and having those conversations.

So I think we'll have to wait and see what happens with that right.

We should mention that there was another bill that passed a couple others.

But one that will mention right now, House Bill one which use that one time money or some one-time money from the Budget Reserve trust fund to really go toward infrastructure State.

>> Employing teacher, pensions and economic development projects and public safety.

So more on all of this because we know we have a lot more to go before the budget is finally resolved.

What are you keeping your eyes on as we enter week 6 next week.

Julio, what do you think we could see come down the pike.

>> I think there's a lot of what appear to be chopped.

You know, we haven't seen anything yet on school choice issues.

You've got bills filed in the House right now.

Was constitutional amendments on those 2 issues.

So I think I think keeping an eye towards the sea where which is this measures moves to the Senate comes up with their own version of the school choice bill with a constitutional amendment are not.

So I think there's plenty still out there.

Yeah.

What do you think, Jonathan?

>> Well, you know, I I've been a believer for decades that bipartisanship is is the way to go in and it's not dead in Frankfort.

It's as much as people want to say.

Kasey Chambers, Armstrong has a great bill that would reduce or eliminate the sales tax on diapers.

It's supported by a number of Republicans.

He even Majority Leader Damon Thayer.

And so about half Kentucky's are having trouble buying Says.

A key problem and we've got a bipartisan solution.

You know, only 5% of the food and Kentucky's public schools is made in Kentuckyian Chad Oliver represented here in Lexington.

He's got to another bipartisan bill that would bring a more incentive to more dollars into getting Kentucky proud products, Kentucky agriculture into are our food into our school systems.

>> And we know there was a bipartisan bill on a allowing the homeless who have been certified verified homeless to get free, no cost for certificates.

And that was a bipartisan measure with Republican Susan Whitten and Democrats, Sarah Stalker, both from Jefferson County.

So Julio, bipartisanship is not dead right?

>> And that is still a look at our sun or where we're going to work across down.

Sometimes you see the most nuanced and unique issues that come out of bipartisanship.

So stay tune for more.

We'll see.

Stay tuned for more.

We're albeit what day?

23 or didn't day.

24, we go back on Monday.

So >> rest.

Well, both of you, thank you so much for your time at a great weekend.

Thank you.

♪ >> Kentucky will get almost 7 million dollars after an opioid settlement with publicists.

Health.

It's a marketing and advertising agency that helped promote opioids.

The company reached a 350 million dollars settlement with a group of state attorneys general for the role the company's advertising played in getting people addicted to opioids in 2022. more than 2100 Kentuckians died from drug overdoses.

The Kentucky state treasurer can be an executive job.

That is what the office holder makes of it.

Some often use a permit is assigned to the office.

A watchdog for public dollars and a champion for good government.

The treasurer sits on several boards, including the board of the Kentucky Teachers retirement system.

Kentucky lottery and the State Investment Commission.

The Kentucky Constitution spells out the role of treasurer.

But what does Kentucky's new checkbook hold or Mark Metcalf have on his to do list?

>> Let's talk about what else we can do.

I'm sitting with of the lottery commission.

2 weeks ago, I learned that they are withholding for taxes.

They're also withholding for child support >> I look at our own operations inside of the the treasurer's office.

I asked my staff, are we withholding for child support?

And they said, sir, we're not doing that yet.

I said let's make sure that we have authority to do it through the legislature or otherwise will adopt a regulation that allows us to do it.

Houses that are we was holding for crime victims.

And they said we're not and I'm going to be going back and talking to his Harvell at the at the Lottery Commission.

And I'll ask, are you withholding for crime victims?

And if we're not?

Let's get that up and running.

And what is a child support order?

It's a court order.

What is a victims?

Restitution order?

It's a court order.

So what we have in hand a valid court order.

Let's withhold for those things and restore victims to their property and give child support recipients that they should be receiving.

>> Hear more about what Mark Metcalf has to say about his new role as state treasurer as he is a guest this Sunday morning on connections at 11:30AM, Eastern 10, 30 central right here on KET.

♪ An Olympic style state of the art track facility in Louisville's west in is bringing thousands of visitors to this long neglected area of the city.

Our Kelsey Starks takes us inside the Norton, Healthcare Sports and Learning Center which first opened its doors in 2021. and a sense been a catalyst for more business and the west end of Louisville.

>> So this is our 200 meter indoor track facility to pull ball pits 2 worlds on the job hits too pa Joe Pitts.

We have everything we need to.

Perform anything from you for me to college meets to Olympic trials here.

So here are the main lobby.

There's a lot of different outlets that people go to whether they're coming in the doors for an event or they are coming to our amazing concessions.

What happens here or they are going for various programs.

Youth programs, after-school programs and what I consider on my favorite places, the fun zone.

This amazing part of the facility always gives you a good sweat, mainly because we have the virtual rock wall is well as the bowling alley.

We host a lot of birthday parties here.

We host various staff with treats church retreat.

But it is a good time for both kids and adults.

So up here is where a lot of the behind the scenes actually usually have.

>> So anywhere from the media journalism that occurs to get those articles in.

>> 2 are timers audio It more is all in these boost.

It honestly gives them the best view in the house.

We're really on any given day we could have a track meet going on.

After school program going on.

All while the next day.

We're having a CT Prep academy have so we see it all within this facility on this campus is a whole.

>> Getting site control and then raising all the money to a combination of city money, private philanthropy, a new market tax credits.

Bank debt was a very, very complicated for me to process.

And then there's the whole prospect of figuring out what what we're going to He had never been built in this city before or in Kentucky.

This is an Olympic NCAA level sports facility centers like this.

Well, sports facilities bring people from outside T-Mobile to spend money not only from outside the West and come outside of Louisville from outside the state of Kentucky action.

Even time outside of our region.

People are coming with this.

Hopple people are coming from all across the country.

To Kentucky to Louisville to the west end of Louisville, which has seen decades and really generations of disinvestment was it says to the community.

Where were we with this level of investment?

You are worthy of 53 million dollars of philanthropy.

But you're not a worthy investment to worthy of something beautiful of something that doesn't exist any place else in the state.

>> A beautiful facility in deeds of coming up on this week's inside Louisville makes a decor.

Reynolds, the driving force behind building this complex.

She explains how she made her vision a reality and it almost didn't happen.

Watch that interview this Sunday on inside Louisville at noon 11:00AM Central right here on KET.

♪ If you like music theater history dogs who doesn't or all of the above.

There's something for you in the next few days in Kentucky.

Our Toby Gibbs has tonight's list of what's happening around the Commonwealth.

♪ >> Back for the first time since 2018 is the Jeremy Hicks music festival in Somerset.

This music festival honors the memory of Jeremy Hicks who passed away from cancer in 2006, his time in Saint Jude Children's Hospital inspired his family to start this music festival as a fundraiser for the research hospital.

This year's artists include Zelin, a Travis Harris gravel switch and more come out to enjoy the music, the food and silent auctions for a good cause.

This weekend is another installment of the Fireside chat series at Fort Boonsboro State Park in Richmond.

Tomorrow's presentation by historic Preservation Coordinator, Tresa Brown will focus on the area now known as Kentucky before any pioneer settled here.

Enjoy snacks and refreshments, then settle in for a fascinating look at Kentucky before boom that.

The canine star stunt dog show is coming to the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg tomorrow.

You may recognize these rock star rescues and their trainers from America's Got Talent or American Ninja Warrior.

Now they're coming to the Commonwealth to show off their athletic ability to stream dog sports.

I'm positive.

>> You won't want to miss this family friendly event.

It's Black History Month in the Paris suburb in County Library is a presentation next Wednesday.

With the unique point of view joined Janet Taylor, the curator of the Dolls and Toy Museum and Carlyle Partner program, Black history that the eyes of dolls learn about the history of the representation of black people that the unique art of dolls.

Did you know that before it hit box offices in 1989, Steel Magnolias was originally a stage play next weekend.

Ruby's Louisiana Salon and colorful cast of characters will be on stage at the Glenn Damar Center for the Arts, bringing laughter, tears and lots of hairspray dinner.

Tickets are already sold out, but they're still performance tickets available for the 9th 10th and 11th.

>> And that's what's happening around the Commonwealth.

>> I'm tell begins.

>> Thanks as always to obey.

This is a good story.

And on a group of employees and teachers from a Kentucky middle school have won a 1 million Dollar Powerball prize.

The group of 30 educators are from Rector a Jones Middle school in Florence up in northern Kentucky.

Some retired.

They've been playing the same Powerball numbers since 2019 when they drew them randomly from my hat.

Well, their numbers finally hit on Saturday.

They matched 5 numbered balls but missed the Powerball.

Giving them a 1 million dollar prize.

Not shabby after school on Tuesday, the group car pulled in Louisville with the winning ticket safely.

Tucked in a quote, math textbook.

How appropriate?

Congrats to them.

Well, we hope to see you back here Monday night for Kentucky.

Addition for we inform connect and inspire, you will hit the jackpot for sure.

>> Thanks for watching this week.

I'm Renee Shaw.

Take really good care.

Have a great weekend.

Nazis sent.

♪