[♪♪] >> YOU DON'T GET USED TO IT.

YOU SIT ON YOUR PORCH AND PRAY IT DOESN'T GET HIGHER THAN THE STEPS IT STAYS RIGHT THERE.

>> Renee: WILL MERCER COUNTY KENTUCKY REBUILDS AFTER LAST MONTH'S INTENSE FLOODING.

>> IF YOUR KIDS ARE ASKING FOR THE ENERGY DRINKS I RECOMMEND AGAINST IT.

JUST SAY NO.

>> Renee: A KENTUCKY SCHOOL BANS ENERGY DRINKS OVER HEALTH CONCERNS HEAR FROM A PEDIATRICIAN ABOUT THE RISKS THEY POSE TO CHILDREN.

>> THEY WANTED TO GET THE MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES CONNECTED TOGETHER WHICH WE'VE NEEDED FOR YEARS.

>> Renee: AN EASTERN KENTUCKY HUMANITIES GROUP HOPES THERE'S NUMBERS IN STRENGTHS.

>> PRODUCTION OF "KENTUCKY EDITION" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE KET MILLENNIUM FUND.

[♪♪] >> Renee: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "KENTUCKY EDITION" ON THIS FRIDAY, MAY THE 16TH IT IS A STORMY FRIDAY I'M REN.

WE THANK YOU FOR SPENDING SOME OF YOUR FRIDAY NIGHT WITH US.

ALL HAZARDS POSSIBLE.

THAT'S THE WORDING FROM A STATE WEATHER ADVISORY AS KENTUCKY DEALS WITH YET ANOTHER ROUND OF SEVERE WEATHER.

GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR HAS DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY AS THE STATE URGES KENTUCKIANS TO WATCH OUT FOR DAMAGING WINDINGS, LARGE HAIL AND THE POSSIBILITIES OF TORNADOES AND LOCALIZED FLASH FLOODING.

AND THE SEVERE WEATHER COULD LAST INTO THE OVERNIGHT HOURS.

SO STAY WEATHER AWARE.

>>> MERCER COUNTY, KENTUCKY, IS STILL PICKING UP THE PIECES FROM APRIL'S FLASH-FLOODING.

THE COUNTY WAS ONE OF SEVERAL TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM FEMA FOLLOWING EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS WITH BERGIN SUFFERING INTENSE DAMAGE.

AND "KENTUCKY EDITION" RETURNED TO MERCER COUNTY YOU TO SEE WHAT COMES NEXT FOR FLOOD SURVIVORS.

>> WE ARE IN FULL-BLOWN RECOVERY MODE RIGHT NOW.

WE'VE HAD A LOT OF FEMA INSPECTORS IN AND A LOT OF INSURANCE PEOPLE IN.

EVERYBODY'S BEEN IN AND KIND OF SURVEYED THE DAMAGE GONE OVER WHAT THED INTOS ARE.

NEEDS ARE AND WE ARE IN THE PART NOW WHERE WE'RE ABLE TO THE FOLKS DO CLEAN UP AND CONSTRUCTION WORK AT THEIR HOUSES.

THE KENTUCKY RIVER PEAKED AT 49 FEET.

AND THAT WAS A NUMBER THREE FLOOD FOR US.

IT BEAT OUT FLOODS FROM THE 1800s.

THIS WAS DEFINITELY, ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS.

>> IT'S CRAZY, KNOWING THAT IT ALMOST GOT UP UP HERE TO THIS ROAD BESIDES CITY HALL.

BUT I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE WHEN THEY GO OUT THERE, THEY LOOK AT IT LIKE THERE'S NO WAY THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THAT MUCH WATER.

BUT IT WAS.

AND A LOT OF PEOPLE'S HOMES GOT DAMAGED BECAUSE OF IT.

>> WE HAD A COUPLE DIFFERENT AREAS OF DISPLACEMENT.

OUR MAIN ONE WAS ON THE KENTUCKY RIVER BY THE U.S. 68 BRIDGE IT CROSSES INTO JESS SIN COUNTY, THE PALISADES, PALISADES ROAD, 25-30 HOUSES AND ALL THOSE FOLKS WERE DISPLACED.

AND THEN OUR LITTLE CITY OF BERGIN, KENTUCKY, WE HAD RUNOFF WATER ISSUES THERE.

BUT WE HAD SEVERAL HOUSES 35 OF THEM THAT GOT DISPLACED THERE BECAUSE OF THE WATER.

>> I DON'T THINK ANYBODY'S HOME YET.

A LOT ARE STILL IN HOTEL ROOMS.

I THINK EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HAS PUT THEM UP FOR 30 DAYS.

SOME OF THEM HAVE STARTED REBUILDING.

BUT RIGHT NOW TEAR FIGHTING THE MOLD.

THEY ARE TRYING TO DEATH THE MOLD OUT OF THE HOUSE.

IT'S NASTY.

IT STINKS.

JUST TEARING UP YOUR FLOORS AND WALLS AND WAITING TO TREAT THE MOLD AND THAT'S LIKE I SAID THAT'S THE BIGGEST THING RIGHT NOW IS HOLDING PEOPLE UP AND TRYING TO GET THE MOLD UNDER CONTROL.

>> IT WAS A WAITING GAME FOR FEMA FOR US TO GET DECLARED AS ADISASTER COUNTY IN KENTUCKY AND ONCE THAT HAPPENED WE WERE FORTUNATE WE WERE ONE OF THE FIRST TO GET DECLARED.

WE START LOOKING AT PLANS FOR LONG-TERM CARE AND WE DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FOLKS THAT GOT FLOODED OUT AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK AND THEY DON'T HAVE NEEDS.

MAKING SURE WE HAVE THE DOOR OPEN FOR EVERYBODY WHO HAD FLOODING MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD AND IF THEY HAVE ANYTHING WE CAN ADDRESS IT.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE STILL PANIC.

I DO AND I'M NOT IN THE FLOOD BUT I USED TO BE.

BUT WHEN I HEAR RAIN, I PANIC IT STAYS WITH YOU AND IT'S SCARY.

BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S GOING TO DO.

YOU DON'T GET USED TO IT.

YOU SIT ON YOUR PORCH AND PRAY IT DOESN'T GET HIGHER THAN THE STEPS, IT STAYS RIGHT THERE.

>> Renee: 22 BERGIN CITIZENS WERE INITIALLY DISPLACED FOLLOWING THE FLOODINGS LAST MONTH.

>>> TURNING TO NATIONAL POLITICS A REPUBLICAN LEDDOUS COMMITTEE TODAY REJECTED PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S PROPOSED TAX BILL.

THE HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE REJECTED THE BILL WHICH CUTS $1 TRILLION IN MEDICAID AND FOOD ASSISTANCE SPENDING OVER A DECADE WHILE EXTENDING TAX CUTS.

A DEMOCRAT FROM IS ON THE COMMITTEE HE DENOUNCED THE BILL BEFORE TODAY'S VOTE.

>> A BUDGET IS A STATEMENT OF MORALS.

AND REPUBLICANS HAVE MADE THEIR MORALS CLEAR.

THEY CARE MORE ABOUT DRIVING YOU AND OUR COUNTRY INTO DEBT TO GIVE DONALD TRUMP'S DONORS PERMANENT TAX BREAKS.

TO PAY FOR IT.

KIDS IN KENTUCKY WILL GO HUNGRY.

NURSING HOMES AND HOSPITALS WILL CLOSE AND MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WILL BE KICKED OFF THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE.

IT'S WRONG.

I'M VOTING NO I IMPLORE MY COLLEAGUES TO DO THE SAME.

>> Renee: THE BILL FAILED 21-16 WITH FIVE REPUBLICANS VOTING AGAINST IT.

THOSE FIVE ARE CONSIDERED CONSERVATIVE QUOTE HARD-LINERS WHO THINK THE BILL DOESN'T GO FAR ENOUGH WITH CUTS.

REPUBLICAN LEADERS ARE VOWING TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE BILL'S CONSERVATIVE CRITICS.

>>> CONGRESSMAN ANDY BARR OF THE SIXTH DISTRICT WHO IS ALSO A CANDIDATE IN THE 2026 U.S. SENATE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY, POSTED THIS.

QUOTE I'M 100% WITH PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND THE HOUSE G.O.P.

LET'S GET ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL TO THE PRESIDENT'S DESK.

EXPANDING THE TRUMP TAX CUTS WILL BE A HUGE WIN FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

UNQUOTE.

>>> STUDENTS AT A PERRY COUNTY SCHOOL ARE BEING TOLD TO LEAVE THE ENERGY DRINKS AT HOME.

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF STUDENTS AT ROBINSON ELEMENTARY WERE TOLD UNDER A NEW POLICY ENERGY DRINKS WOULD NO LONGER BE ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM.

THE PRINCIPAL SAID THAT THE BAN WAS PUT IN PLACE OVER CONCERNS ABOUT HEALTH AND FOCUS.

STUDENTS SHOWED SIGNS OF DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING AND HEADACHES OR STOMACH DISCOMFORT AFTER CONSUMING THE DRINKS.

HE IS ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO BRING WATER, JUICE OR A SCHOOL-APPROPRIATE BEVERAGE.

A PEDIATRICIAN WE SPOKE WITH FROM NORTON'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL SAYS CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMING THE ENERGY DRINKS.

SHE OUTLINES THE POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DRINKS IN TODAY'S MEDICAL NEWS.

>> ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS YOU THINK ABOUT WITH THE ENERGY DRINKS IS CAFFEINE CONTENTS IN THOSE DRINKS.

FOR COMPARISON AN ENERGY DRINK HAS PROBABLY LIKE 80 MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE PER SERVING.

AND MOST OF THOSE LIKE TALL CANS ARE TWO SERVINGS.

SO THEY ARE GETTING 160 MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE IN THE ONE CONTAINER OF THE ENERGY DRINK.

AND JUST FOR COMPARISON'S SAKE, A SODA IS BETWEEN 30-40 MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE.

SO IT'S QUITE A BIT MORE.

CAFFEINE AND THEY WOULD BE CONSUMING IT IN A DRINK THAT MOST CHILDREN HAVE CONSUMED.

THE OTHER THING ABOUT THE ENERGY DRINKS IT'S NOT ONLY THE CAFFEINE CONTENT BUT THERE'S LARGE SUGAR CONTENT AS WELL.

AND IN MULTIPLE OTHER STIMULANTS THAT IT PROBABLY HAVEN'T BEEN STUDIED IN CHILDREN AS FAR AS THEIR SAFETY PROFILE IS CONCERNED.

SO ALL OF THOSE THINGS LEAD TO THIS COMPOUNDING EAFFECT OF MULTIPLE THINGS WITHIN THAT ONE CAN THAT HAVE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES.

YOU KNOW AS FAR AS THE SAFETY AND THE MEDICAL SIDE EFFECTS, THERE'S REALLY NO STUDIES THAT SAY THAT ANY AMOUNT OF CAFFEINE IS SAFE IN A CHILD LESS THAN 12.

SO, LIKE, THERE'S NOT NECESSARILY A FEDERAL GUIDELINE BUT THE GENERAL RECOMMENDATION IS THAT CHILDREN LESS THAN 12 REALLY SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMING CAFFEINE.

AND IN THE TEENAGERS THE 12-18-YEAR-OLDS, THE RECOMMENDATION IS TO LIMIT TO LESS THAN 100 MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE.

HEALTH WISE WE DO SEE A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THE HYPERACTIVITY.

SO THAT MAYBE WHERE THE FOCUS QUESTION WAS COMING INTO PLAY.

YOU'VE HAD TOO MUCH CAFFEINE YOU GET THAT JITTERY FEELING AND ANXIOUS IT CAN BE DISTRACTED IN THE CLASSROOM IF WE'RE GETTING THE CAFFEINE JITTERS.

WE CAN GET NAUSEA AND A POOR APPETITE FROM CAFFEINE AND HAVING THE CAFFEINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH EXACERBATES THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES.

KIDS CAN GET HEADACHES, DIZZINESS, DEHYDRATION.

AND THEN WE SEE ISSUES WITH TROUBLE SLEEPING.

WHICH IS A PROBLEM FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE.

BUT THEN FURTHER EXACERBATES THE ISSUES PAYING ATTENTION THE NEXT DAY IF YOU DID NOT SLEEP WELL.

IF YOUR KIDS ARE ASKING FOR THE ENERGY DRINKS I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND AGAINST IT.

JUST SAY NO.

IT'S ONE OF THOSE SLIPPERY SLOPES IF YOU LET IT HAVE IT THIS TIME THEY WILL ASK FOR THE NEXT TIME.

I ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO THINK ABOUT THE EXAMPLE YOU ARE SETTING FOR YOUR CHILDREN WITH WHAT YOU ARE DRINKING AS WELL.

IF THEY SEE YOU ARE CONSUMING THE ENERGY DRINKS OR EVEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF SODA, THEY ARE GOING TO THINK THAT IS WHAT THEY SHOULD DRINK.

THINKING AM I PUTTING FORTH AN EXAMPLE TO MY KID THAT REFLECTS THEM WHAT I WANT THEM TO DO?

IF I WANT THEM TO DRINK WATER I NEED TO BE DRINKING WATER AS WELL.

>> Renee: AT LEAST ONE OTHER KENTUCKY SCHOOL LINCOLN COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL HAS A POLICY BANNING ENERGY DRINKS IN THE CLASSROOM.

[♪♪] TIME NOW TO TALK ABOUT SOME PRETTY SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS THIS WEEK IN THE WORLD OF POLITICS.

WE HAVE BOB AND TRES WITH US FOR INSIDE KENTUCKY POLITICS.

SO WE ARE RECORDING THIS EARLIER THAN WE WOULD BECAUSE WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE CAN GET HOME SAFELY.

THE ONGOING SPAT BETWEEN THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ABOUT A MEASURE ON KINSHIP CARE.

IT WAS PASSED IN THE 2024 SESSION.

ALLISON BALL HAS GOTTEN INVOLVED THE STATE AUDITOR SHE IS SUING TO SAY THE BESHEAR ADMINISTRATION HAS TO IMPLEMENT THIS LAW ON KINSHIP CARE THAT INSTANCES OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT WOULD ALLOW RELATIVES TO TAKE CUSTODY AND ELIGIBLE FOR FOSTER CARE PAYMENTS.

THE GOVERNOR HAS SAID IN A COMMUNICATION HE PROVIDED TO KET, IT SAYS WHILE THE GOVERNOR SUPPORTS THIS BILL THAT WOULD HELP OUT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PRIOR TO SIGNING THE BILL INTO LAW HE MADE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AWARE IT WOULD COST MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES.

HIS ADMINISTRATION RELAYED THIS INFORMATION ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.

LAWMAKERS HAD MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO DELIVER THE FUNDING BOTH DURING THE 2024 AND 25 LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS.

AND CHOSE NOT TO.

THE SUPREME COURT RULED THE STATE CANNOT IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS AND POLICIES IF IT DOESN'T HAVE THE FUNDING TO DO SO.

IT'S DISAPPOINTED THE AUDITOR WOULD FILE A TAXPAYER LAWSUIT WITHOUT DISCUSSING IT FIRST.

>> LAST YEAR THE BILL PASSED NOBODY IS ARGUING ABOUT -- IN THE VETO PERIOD THE GOVERNOR SAID HERE ARE BILLS INCLUDING THIS ONE THAT ARE UNFUNDnd MANDATES.

YOU DID NOT PUT MONEY ASIDE WE CANNOT IMPLEMENT THEM.

IT HAPPENED AFTER THE BUDGET WAS FINISHED.

LEGISLATORS DID NOT LIKE THE TIMING OF THAT.

THEY WERE IN SESSION EARLIER IN THE YEAR THEY COULD HAVE FIXED THAT PARTICULAR BILL OR OTHERS THEY DIDN'T AND THE GOVERNOR SAYS HERE ARE A FEW MORE BILLS AND THE LEGISLATURE IS LIKE YOU HAVE MONEY.

ONCE WE APPROPRIATE THE MONEY IT'S FUNGIBLE AND WHERE IT POPPED UP WAS THE LAWSUIT AND A COMMITTEE HEARING WHERE THE ADMINISTRATION ASKED TO INCREASE A REIMBURSEMENT RATE TO PROVIDERS AND SENATOR ROCKY ADAMS SAID IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO DO THIS NEW THING WHY DON'T YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO DO MY NEW THING?

THERE IS A FIGHT GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND A MONTH AGO, PUBLIC SETTINGS POST SESSION REPUBLICAN LEADERS SAID, HEY GOVERNOR IF YOU WANT US TO GIVE YOU INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO SPEND THE MONEY WE CAN DO THAT AND YOU MAY NOT LIKE IT.

SO WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO SEE THIS OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS UNTIL APRIL NEXT YEAR WHEN THE BUDGET IS PASSED WITH SPECIFIC -- >> Renee: WE HEARD THAT ON THE HOUSE FLOOR, DAVID MEADE SAYS IF YOU WANT DIRECTION WE'RE GOING TO GIVE IT TO YOU.

IT'S SETTING UP A FIERY START TO THE BUDGET SESSION AND THAT IS 60 DAYS.

>> YES, WE'RE GOING TO SEE THIS DISCUSSION GO ON AND MORE LIMITATIONS PROPOSED BY THE LEGISLATURE REGARDING THE GOVERNOR FROM SMALL THINGS TO PERHAPS SIGNIFICANT THINGS.

THIS IS AN UNUSUAL STEP FOR THE STATE AUDITOR TO TAKE AN ACTION IN COURT.

IN MY FOUR YEARS I DID NOT DO THAT.

>> GREAT INTERN THERE.

>> PROBABLY WANTED THE BEST TO BE UNDER THE DOME.

THIS DIDN'T OCCUR TO ANYBODY THAT ISSUE WAS THAT RAISED OR PUSHED OUR WAY.

AND THERE WERE OTHER PRIORITIES AT THE TIME.

>> Renee: WHY HER DO IT?

>> BECAUSE SHE CAN.

SHE HAS THE STANDING.

IT IS AN ISSUE RELATED TO THE FINANCIAL PICK PICTURE OF THE STATE.

IT IS A NEW STEP IT'S PUSHING THE BOUNDARY BUT IT PROBABLY HAS MERIT ON THAT BASIS OF HER CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY AND HER LEGAL DUTY TO PUT FORTH ANY POSITION SHE FEELS IS IMPORTANT OR SIGNIFICANT.

FROM THE GOVERNOR'S PERSPECTIVE HE DID MAKE A POINT AND IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN TIME TO FIX IT ORIGINALLY AND TIME MORE RECENTLY IN 25.

THEY DIDN'T.

NOW THEY ARE TALKING AND YOU WERE THERE AT THAT MEETING THE PRESIDENT STIVERS AND OSBORNE GAVE THE INDICATION THAT THEY WOULD ZERO BASE THE BUDGETS MEANS TAKING A CABINET DOWN TO ZERO AND SAY WHAT IS THIS AND WHAT IS THIS?

THERE IS TIME TO DO THAT TEDIOUS ANALYSIS BUT IT'S A VERY LARGE COMMITMENT BY THE LEGISLATURE TO LOOK IN THAT DIRECTION.

THAT IS SOMEWHAT DODGEY NOOFER.

>> Renee: IT WAS OSBORNE OR THE SENATE PRESIDENT SAID WE HAVE NOT DONE IT THIS WAY.

>> THIS IS THE PERFORMANCE AUDITING WHAT ARE YOU SPENDING AND WHAT ARE YOU GETTING.

IS THERE A BETTER WAY?

IT WOULD BE HARD TO DO THE BUDGET ANALYSIS IN THE MONTHS WE HAVE LEFT.

TO TAKE A MAJOR AREA AND EXAMINE IT WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND MIGHT LEAD TO CONVERSATIONS IN THE INTERIM OF 26 ABOUT OTHER PARTS.

>> OR DO SOMETHING SMALL LIKE THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ITSELF THAT COULD TAKE A ZERO BASED BUDGET AND WHAT BOB DESCRIBED YOU FIGURE OUT WHAT DOES EVERYTHING COST AND START A BUDGET FROM ZERO.

>> Renee: THAT IS HOW YOU RUN YOUR HOUSEHOLD.

>> IN GOVERNMENT THEY DO A SNAPSHOT AND HOWEVER MANY EMPLOYEES YOU HAVE AND THEIR SALARIES PLUS WHATEVER THE COSTS ARE THAT IS WHAT YOU START WITH AS OPPOSED TO STARTING WITH ZERO.

YOU START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE AND THERE'S ADJUSTMENTS.

ULTIMATELY THIS IS A FIGHT BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE ON DEFINING THE PARAMETERS.

WHEN I WAS SECRETARY OF STATE THEY DID NOT PASS A BUDGET FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS.

WE OPERATED AS IF THERE WERE A BUDGET.

THE SUPREME COURT WAS CLEAR YOU HAVE TO HAVE A BUDGET TO FLUSH THINGS OUT THAT ARE NOT IN THE CONSTITUTION.

HOW SPECIFIC DOES THE LEGISLATURE NEED TO BE.

AND WE HAVE TWO PARTIES.

WE HAVE COMMUNICATION PROBLEM WHICH WE TALK ABOUT ALL THE TIME BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES HERE, MEANING THE GOVERNOR AND THE REPUBLICAN LEADERS.

AND THIS MAYBE WORKED OUT IN THE COURTS.

BUT IT'S CLEAR THIS NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET PROCESS IS GOING TO BE A TOUGH ONE ARE FOR THE GOVERNOR.

>> IT RELATES TO THE FEDERAL DECISIONS WE PUSH THE BUDGET FORWARD AND A CONTINUING RESOLUTION WITH NO THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT WE CAN REALLY INCREASE THIS AND GET A TREMENDOUS RESULT OR DECREASE BECAUSE WE FINISHED THAT.

IT IS COMPLETE AN INDICATION OF THAT BUDGETING THAT EVERY FAMILY, CHURCH AND BUSINESS DOES TO LOOK WHERE YOU CAN DO BETTER.

IF TAXPAYERS REALLY ABSORB THAT THEY WOULD SAY DO YOUR JOB AND GET IN THERE AND DO THOSE THINGS.

TODAY WE ARE EXPERIENCING IN THE NEWS BUDGETARY STALEMATE IN WASHINGTON D.C. BECAUSE HARD TO AGREE WITH THE DEBT LOOMING AND MORE DEBT ACCUMULATING AND MORE DEBT MAYBE IN OUR FUTURE AND THE OTHER FACTORS AND THINGS WE NEED TO DO.

>> Renee: JASON PETRIE WAS PROBABLY -- >> A FEW YEARS AGO THE HOUSE REPUBLICANS WON IN 2016 THE CONTROL OF BOTH CHAMBERS IN THE 2020 BUDGET PETRIE SAID WHY AM I INTRODUCING THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET I AM A REPUBLICAN.

AND REVENUE CHAIR.

UNDER THE COVER OF DARKNESS THE HOUSE PREPARED ITS OWN BUDGET AND SUBMITTED IT RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE COVID SESSION AND OVER THE LAST COUPLE YEARS WE'VE SEEN OUR BUDGETING PROCESS LOOKS MORE LIKE DC WHERE PRESIDENT TRUMP SAID HERE'S MY BUDGET AND REPUBLICANS SAID THANK YOU THAT'S NICE.

AND SO THAT'S HOW WE'VE BEEN THE LAST FEW YEARS OF GOVERNOR CAN INTRODUCE A BUDGET IT IS A POLITICAL DOCUMENT IT IS NOT IRRELEVANT BECAUSE IT DOES GO OUT THERE.

BUT IT'S NOT THE OPENING BID AND IT IS A BIG CHANGE WHEN FOLKS OR KET SAYS WE NEED MORE MONEY YOU START WITH THE GOVERNOR TO GET IT INTO THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET AND THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS.

YOU START WITH THE HOUSE TO GET IT IN THE HOUSE'S BUDGET.

>> IN FRANKFORT AND WASHINGTON YOU HAVE A EXECUTIVE BUDGET AND SENATE BUDGET.

AND THEY DON'T ALWAYS AGREE.

>> Renee: THAT TOOK OUR TIME.

HANG OUR HAT THERE FOR A LITTLE BIT.

VERY EDUCATIONAL.

THANK YOU GUYS GOOD TO SEE YOU.

STAY DRY AND SAFE.

[♪♪] >> Renee: LAST YEAR SEVERAL MUSEUMS AND HUMANITIES GROUPS CAME TOGETHER TO FORM THE EASTERN KENTUCKY HUMANITIES COMMISSION.

THE GROUP GATHERED FOR ITS FIRST CONFERENCE THIS WEEK IN MOREHEAD AT A TIME WHEN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES IS UP IN THE AIR.

>> I GOT A PHONE CALL ONE DAY FROM A GENTLEMAN DUSTIN, AND HE JUST WANTED TO COME VISIT MY MUSEUM AND SAID I WANT TO MEET YOU.

GET SHARE IDEAS AND I SAID SURE.

WE SETUP A MEETING AND THEY WANTED TO GET DIFFERENT MUSEUMS AND HISTORY CAL SOCIETIES CONNECTED TOGETHER, WHICH I THINK IS SOMETHING WE'VE NEEDED FOR YEARS.

I'M IN.

IT IS A FANTASTIC IDEA.

>> TODAY, OBVIOUSLY, IS OUR INAUGURAL CONFERENCE OF THE EASTERN KENTUCKY HUMANITIES OUR COMMISSION.

OUR FIRST ONE, 10 MONTHS AGO WE EMBARKED ON A JOURNEY WE KNEW WOULD CHANGE THE COURSE OF HUMANITIES IN EASTERN KENTUCKY.

OF WE HAVE SEVERAL OF OUR ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE 60 OUT OF ORGANIZATIONS OUT OF 40 COUNTIES THAT WE TRY TO COVER AND SEVERAL ARE HERE TODAY.

WE HAVE BATH COUNTY, CARTER COUNTY, LOUISA, TO NAME A FEW.

ASHLAND TO NAME A FEW ALL THE HUMANITIES HISTORICAL SOCIETIES, MUSEUMS, ALL THESE DIRECTORS, CURATORS ARE HERE, HISTORIANS THEY ARE ALL HERE TODAY.

AND WE FEEL LIKE IT IS A VERY VALUABLE THING TO PRESERVE AND TO PROMOTE AND TO BRING AWARENESS OF IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND WITH THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE NETWORKING TODAY, WORKING TOGETHER, POOLING RESOURCES AND IDEAS WE CAN SEE US BECOME A BIGGER AND A GREATER FORCE THAN WHAT WE HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY.

>> I DEFINITELY THINK WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER WITH THE FEAR OF THE BUDGET CUTS.

IT HASN'T AFFECTED OUR MUSEUM DIRECTLY SO FAR.

SO WE'RE THANKFUL FOR THAT.

BUT I KNOW THERE ARE ORGANIZATIONS THAT WILL BE HURTING.

YES, HAVING THESE FRIENDSHIPS AND REACH OUT TO GRANTS AND POTENTIAL FUND SOMETHING VERY IMPORTANT.

SOMETHING LIKE THIS COMMISSION WHERE THERE'S ALL THE NEW FRIENDS I'VE MADE TODAY I THINK WILL BE BENEFICIAL.

WE'RE HOPING IF YOU DO A PROGRAM YOU CAN SAY, HEY THIS WOULD BE A GREAT PROGRAM FOR YOUR MUSEUM AS WELL.

OR I HAVE THIS TRAVELING EXHIBITED IT WOULD WORK WONDERFUL IN YOUR MUSEUM.

IT'S BENEFICIAL TO EVERYBODY.

>> A LOT OF OUR ORGANIZATIONS ARE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, THEREFORE THEY RUN ON FUNDS AND DONATIONS FROM THEIR COMMUNITIES AND FROM PRIVATE CORPORATE DONORS WHAT HAVE YOU.

AND WE ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO POOL OUR RESOURCES FOR GRANT WRITING, NETWORKING, THINGS THAT PEOPLE ARE IN THE KNOW OF THAT OTHER PEOPLE DON'T NECESSARILY KNOW AND HOPING TO ENSURE THE LONGEVITY OF OUR HISTORY AND OUR CULTURE.

>> MY HOPE AFTER TODAY IS THAT EVERYONE ATTENDED KNOWS OKAY WE ARE NOT ALONE.

WE ARE AN ARMY AFTER TODAY.

SO WE HAVE PEOPLE TO TURN TO WHEN WE HAVE QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WE HAVE THESE RESOURCES AVAILABLE.

>> WE HAVE TRAVELED 32 OUT OF 40 COUNTIES IN THE LAST 10 MONTHS AND EVERY COMMUNITY HAS A PERSONAL STORY.

EVERY COMMUNITY HAS SOMETHING THAT THEY CAN BRING TO THIS REGION.

JUST RESOURCES ALTOGETHER THAT WE COULD PULL FROM ONE ANOTHER AND MAKE THIS REGION BIGGER AND BETTER THAN WHAT WE ARE TODAY.

>> Renee: THE EASTERN KENTUCKY HUMANITIES COMMISSION PLANS ON RECRUITING MORE GROUPS TO ITS CAUSE THIS SUMMER.

♪ [♪♪] >> Renee: IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE A REVOLUTIONARY WAR CANNON IN ACTION, TOBY GIBBS TELLS YOU HOW IN TONIGHT'S LOOK AT WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH.

[♪♪] >> LIBERTY IS HOSTING A WEEK LONG SCAVENGER HUNT STARTING TOMORROW.

EXPLORE THE TRAILS AND WIN PRIZES CHECK OUT THE FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DAILY UPDATES ON THE CLUES.

>>> BRING A BLANKET AND LUNCH TO THE OLD STATE CAPITOL TOMORROW.

THERE'S GOING TO BE AN OUTDOOR CELEBRATION HONORING OUR FRENCH REVOLUTIONARY HERO THE MARQUEE DE LAFAYETTE CHECK OUT THE COLLECTION OF ATTAR FACTS AND SEE A DEMONSTRATION OF A REVOLUTIONARY WAR CANNON.

>>> TODAY KICKED OFF THE PARANORMAL FILM FESTIVAL IN PADUCAH.

WITH THE PARANORMAL SYMPOSIUM, THE CINEMA HAS A LINEUP OF FILMS EXPLORING THE TRUTH AND TALES BEHIND BIG FOOT AND UFO'S.

CHECK IT OUT.

>>> THE HISTORIC MILL SPRING GRIST MILL IS OPEN AGAIN.

LRN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF A MILL ON THE TOUR, TAKE A PICNIC ON THE GROUNDS OR THE CORN GRINDING DEMONSTRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON.

TOMORROW IS BLUE FEST AT BERNHEIM ARBORETUM THIS WILL HAVE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES INCLUDING FERRY HOUSE CONSTRUCTION, LIVE MUSIC AND THE FERRIES AND GNOMES PARADE.

DO NOT MISS THIS GREAT EVENT.

>>> CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING AT THIS WEEKEND'S MAIFEST IN COVINGTON.

THE FESTIVAL WILL HAVE YOU DANCING AROUND A MAYPOLE EATING GERMAN CUISINE AND GROOVING TO LIVE MUSIC.

THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY AT THIS FUN, FAMILY FESTIVAL.

THE BUICK GS GRAND NATIONALS ARE AT BEACH BEN RACEWAY IN BOWLING GREEN AND THERE'S LOTS TO DO AT THE TRACK.

ENJOY THE RACING, CHECK OUT THE CAR SHOW AND MEET OTHER AUTO ENTHUSIASTS AT THIS WEEK LONG EVENT.

AND THAT IS WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH, I'M TOBY GIBBS.

>> Renee: THANK YOU, TOBY GIBBS.

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

STAY SAFE TONIGHT AND BE WEATHER AWARE AND COME BACK TO US ON MONDAY NIGHT AT 6:30, 5:30 CENTRAL FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" WHERE WE INFORM AND CONNECT AND INSPIRE.

CONNECT WITH US ALL THE WAYS YOU SEE ON YOUR SCREEN AND YOU CAN SEND US A STORY IDEA BY E-MAIL TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT KET.ORG AND LOOK FOR "KENTUCKY EDITION" ON THE PBS VIDEO APP THAT YOU CAN DOWNLOAD ON YOUR PHONE AND SMART DEDESCRIBESES.

DEVICES.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

AND I'M SEE YOU REALLY SOON.