Chamber July 17. Annual Meetingon Chamber’s keynote speakers for theKentucky willappearas Kristol (bottom) (top)andWilliam Business SummitandAnnualMeeting tucky tomove forward.” place, are absolutelyessentialforbusinessesinKen- workers whocan competeintheglobalmarket- international standards, soourkidscanbecome standards thatarekisson. “These benchmarked to noted ChamberPresident andCEODave Ad- find ajobafterfinishinghighschool. to skills whethertheyplantogooncollegeortry dents needastrong foundationofknowledge and and theworkplace –recognizing thefactthatstu- are focusedonpreparing studentsforbothcollege intheglobalarena.ucation performance Andthey those inothercountriestoimprove thenation’s ed- than inthepast. The standards are benchmarked to – thatsetthebarofstudentlearningmuchhigher adopt thesestandards –now inplacemoststates guage arts. challenging academicstandards inmathandlan- state’s new, more the firsttimeon dents are testedfor as Kentucky stu- happening thisyear thing different is classrooms across theCommonwealth. But some- plications forthestate’s employers. spring weeks couldhave significant long-termim- schools,andwhat tucky MAY MONTH AN IMPORTANT IS From theclassroomtoboardroom May an important monthforstudents,futureworkforce May animportant

newsMAY 2012 “We’re allinvolved inglobalcompetition,” Kentucky wasthefirststateinnationto As inmanyyears past,May istestingseasonin before theendofschool year. explaining whatastudentneedstolearn What isastandard? happens duringtheseearly 2012 electionsandmore atAnnualMeeting on punditsfromPolitical oppositesidestake more thingaboutAfghanistan!’” the otherone-upthem:“Eachofus willalwayswantthelastword, ‘Oh, here’s one little bitofahistoricalperspective, andhow dowe understandthismomentwe’re in.” tually endupagreeing analyticallyonwhat’s toputitina likelytohappen.Ialwaystry will befun.” litically, butanalyticallywe don’t disagree thatmuch. I’m ahugeBill Kristolfan,soit U.S. BothBegala andKristolsaythey’re tosharingthestage. looking forward from politicsintheCommonwealthon everything tothegreatest worriesforthe staff forthen-Vice President Dan Quayle, and Begala andasked themtoweigh in other majornationalandglobalaffairs. riott Downtown, where thetwowilldiscusspresidential electionraceand the White House, willsoundoffagainstKristolonJuly 17attheLouisvilleMar- bracket choicesinthefuture. Kentucky Chamber’s AnnualMeeting willhelpthemmakemore informed Basketball Tournament. Perhaps theirvisittoKentucky thisJuly tospeakatthe ther pickedtheUniversity ofKentucky basketballteamtowintheNCAAMen’s withtheKentucky ChamberinMarch:missed themark duringinterviews Nei- on oppositesidesofmostissues,butthere’s issue where oneimportant theyboth PAUL BEGALA AND WILLIAM KRISTOL WILLIAM AND PAUL BEGALA for Ken- Though Begala andKristolmayoccasionallyagree, Begala saysthey won’t let Kristol saidheandBegala willdebateandteaseeachother, but“sometimes we ac- “He’s person,” afairlysmart Begala saysofKristol.“We don’t agree onmuchpo- We satdown Republicanaschiefof withKristol, aneoconservative whoserved Begala, ascounselortoPresident apopulist Democrat whoserved Clintonin standards.’” stand tallandsay, ‘We’ve gottohave these businesscommunityneedsto Adkisson said.“The local schoolboards andthelegislature tobackup,” these standards, especiallyifthere ispressure on stand withtheeducationcommunityandreinforce impact. employers standards understandthenew andtheir Foundation isspearheadinganinitiative tohelp force. That’s whytheKentucky Chamber ing thedevelopment ofabetter-educatedwork- standardssticking withthenew iscriticaltoensur- old approach andtheeasierwork itinvolved. But pull backfromstandards thenew andreturn tothe disappointing testscores to willprompt aneffort employers comeintoplay. There are concernsthat work beingrequired ofKentucky students. scores alsowillreflect thereality ofthetougher for release laterintheyear –tobelower than tion leadersexpectthisyear’s scores –scheduled will show how well theprocess isworking. Educa- standards, andthetestsbeinggiven thismonth tostudentsbasedonthenew ering instruction A setofsentences “The businesscommunityhastobewilling “The That iswhere theimplicationsforKentucky Teachers have spentthepastschoolyear deliv- are opinionatedpoliticalanalysts ured, butlower the scores are meas- change intheway the result ofa Part ofthiswillbe those inthepast. Continued onpage 2 academic standards academic Businesses and readykentucky.org. state. For moreinformation,visit to organizationsorgroupsanywhereinthe sentatives willprovidefreepresentations volved Kentuckians. ReadyKentucky repre- among parents,teachers andotherin- build supportforthenewstandards lence ontheReadyKentucky campaignto Prichard Committee forAcademicExcel- [email protected]. tact JessicaFletcher at502-848-8731or uted statewide.To pre-orderthekit,con- June 1.Printed copiesalsowillbedistrib- they areimportant. stand whatthestandardsareandwhy businesses andtheiremployeesunder- new academicstandardsdesignedtohelp is developinganinformationkitonthe THE KENTUCKY CHA KENTUCKY THE Free InformationKit The Chamberisalsoworkingwiththe The kitwillbeavailableonlineafter registration open Business Summit THIS YEAR THIS kychamber.com/businesssummit. p.m.Registernowat at 6:30 p.m. andtheAnnualDinnerMeeting that eveningwithareceptionat 5 full dayofpresentationsandwrap up a.m.witha two willkick offat8:30 Taste ofKentucky Reception.Day and willconcludeat5p.m.witha p.m. withanafternoonofsessions will beginonMonday, July16, at1 tant issuesfacingKentucky. Dayone importance toourstate’s success. business eventtodiscussissuesof islators gatheratKentucky’s premier business leaders,educatorsandleg- Greenebaum DollLLP. Each year ing, presentedbyBingham Business SummitandAnnualMeet- year oftheKentucky Chamber’s The Summitaimstotackle impor- will marktheseventh MBER Foundation Welcome new FROM THE FRONT members! Begala, Kristol weigh in on Kentucky politics, jobs and debt Please help us thank these companies ABOUT PAUL BEGALA for investing in the Chamber’s mission Texas native Paul Begala is a political strategist, by giving them your business. author, columnist and commentator. He is an affili- TRUSTEES ated professor of Public Policy at Georgetown Uni- Farmers Capital Bank Corporation versity with several best-selling books and columns Sun Tan City in Newsweek and The Daily Beast and is a political Windstream Communications analyst for CNN. Begala partnered with , an An- EQUITY PARTNERS nual Meeting keynote speaker in 2006, on Ken- Galt House Hotel & Suites tucky Gov. Wallace Wilkinson’s campaign and Remington Arms Company spent a great deal of time in the Commonwealth.

GENERAL MEMBERS BEGALA ON KENTUCKY Advantage Capital Partners Working on the Wallace Wilkinson campaign The last time the Kentucky Chamber hosted two keynote speakers at its Annual Dinner was 2008 with Donna Aleris Recycling Brazile and Tucker Carlson. Arkema Inc. with Carville, Begala said he lived in Frankfort for Associations International about a year. this race will be down to the wire: “Every time I look at quite well and has impressed a lot of people,” AWP Industries “I really love your state, it’s just fantastic,” Be- the economy, I think Obama can’t win, and every time Kristal said. “McConnell’s obviously an extremely B & M Industrial Supply gala said. “I have very powerful and fond memories I look at the Republicans, I think Obama can’t lose.” canny and savvy politician, and so Kentucky, you’re Bri-Den Company of the bluegrass state. It’s a great place.” actually punching above your weight in terms of Delta Air Lines Begala said the people of Kentucky embody his ABOUT WILLIAM KRISTOL senators’ influence, I think.” Do Design Marketing & Public Relations affinities: “I think Kentuckians have two great passions, Founder and editor of political magazine The Elwood Staffing Service and I share them: sports and politics. Besides family Weekly Standard, William Kristol also frequently KRISTOL ON THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE Federal-Mogul Friction Products and faith, those are the two great things that I love.” appears on FOX News and is an advocate for Kristol discussed the , and Fletcher-Thomas When it comes to election-winning strategy, Be- strong U.S. foreign policy. He is an author, profes- contends despite differences of opinion among its Froedge Machine & Supply Company gala said he’d like to see President Obama take notes sor and columnist, and served under President Rea- members, the Republican Party will be united. Hall Contracting of Kentucky from Kentucky’s latest gubernatorial campaign. Hilton Lexington/Downtown gan’s secretary of education, William Bennett. “On the whole, the energy and the broadening of Home Federal Bank “If I were Barack Obama, I’d be studying real Kristol worked with Kentucky’s former Secre- the base [by the Tea Party] in the Republican Party Instant Signs hard how did it,” Begala said. “Usually tary of State Trey Grayson in his current position was important,” said Kristol. “From a political point Jackson County Fiscal Court an incumbent’s re-election is a referendum on the in- at Harvard. of view, it’s been a plus for the Republican Party.” Kelcas Well cumbent, and I think Steve [Beshear] would have As far as the political environment in Washing- Kwantek won with that, but he didn’t want to take any risks. KRISTOL ON KENTUCKY ton, D.C., Kristol maintains that partisanship is no Lexington Legends Professional Baseball He made it a referendum on the challenger, and I Kristol said Kentucky is an interesting state po- worse than it’s ever been, and that people can ex- Company think that’s what Obama needs to do.” litically because it’s not an “automatic” win for ei- pect some important bipartisan deals in 2013, re- Lexpress Printing & Mailing ther Republicans or Democrats. Like Begala, gardless of the outcome of the presidential race. Maximum Transportation BEGALA ON THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE Kristol finds Kentucky’s presence in the U.S. Senate “We are in a time of great volatility and fluidity, Providence Chamber of Commerce Begala said President Obama has a good record fascinating. and of great unpredictability in our politics,” Kris- Ray, Foley, Hensley & Company that’s defensible, but that this election will be a toss-up. “You’ve got Mitch McConnell, the minority tol said. “One of the very few predictable things, I Southern Petroleum “Too many Democrats have irrational exuber- Trey K Electric leader, and , a kind of rebel in disso- guess, was Kentucky’s extremely boring victory in Wiser Strategies ance right now,” said Begala. “I’ve heard more De- nance, and I think that’s an interesting aspect of the NCAA [Championship].” mocrats tell me [Obama’s re-election] is in the bag, Kentucky,” says Kristol. “For a medium-size state, Editor’s Note: See what Kristol and Begala which I think is crazy. No president has run for re- you’ve got two pretty important senators.” have to say about business issues and the country’s election with unemployment this high in 70 years.” “I don’t agree with Paul, especially on foreign future challenges in an extended version of this story But, Begala said, Romney is a weak challenger and policy, but analytically I think he’s actually done online at kychamber.com/begalakristol. DEGREES THAT MAKE A STATEMENT

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The Kentucky Chamber Public Affairs Team. From left, Charles George, President and CEO Dave Adkisson, Allyson Hamilton-McIntire, Chad Harpole and Bryan Sunderland.

Progress slow and difficult in Frankfort

THE 2012 REGULAR SESSION of the Kentucky General Assembly and the subsequent special session illustrate that progress and compromise on key issues remain difficult to achieve. After spending much of the first half of session trying to craft new legislative districts, the legisla- ture made substantial progress on many key issues; however, a number of priorities fell short. The good news is the legislature passed a two-year budget on time that was, by nearly all accounts, a fiscally responsible plan to fund government services without higher taxes. The legislature implemented a number of Chamber recommendations by reducing the state’s level of debt and eliminating a substantial portion of the structural imbalance by relying on fewer accounting gimmicks and the use of one-time monies for recurring expenses – a practice common in recent sessions.

SUCCESSES DURING REGULAR SESSION Perhaps the greatest relief for business was legislation that addressed the interest on the debt the state owes to the federal government for unemployment insurance. Without a mechanism to repay this interest, Kentucky employers would have faced a disastrous $420-per-employee tax penalty for a total cost to business of more than $600 million. Working with the Gov. Steve Beshear’s administration and business groups, legislators addressed this problem in a bipartisan way that provides for both the interest payment and opportunities for future tax relief. Ulti- mately, this critical legislation passed the House and Senate unanimously. Legislators also passed a career-based education initiative, and legislation to simplify local Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson (center) along with Tyler Campbell (left) of Commerce business tax filings. Limited progress was also made on addressing concerns with the public pen- Lexington and Ron Wolf of Associated General Contractors testified in support of prescription drug legis- lation during the Special Session of the Kentucky General Assembly. sion system. Lawmakers crafted incentives for auto manufacturing lobs, and a law to improve the regulatory process. They were also able to pass a reasonable compromise that addresses the Lawmakers also did not address one of the most persistent problems faced by our signa- proliferation of meth labs. ture thoroughbred industry. For years, other states have been out-competing Kentucky and In the waning hours of the regular session, an impasse over road funding and road projects threatening our position as Horse Capital of the World. The availability of expanded gaming turned what would have been a successful conclusion into a disappointing end that resulted in a in nearly every other horse-racing state has resulted in a significant job loss for Kentucky – a contentious blame game and a special session. The transportation budget and a compromise to trend that studies indicate will continue as long as the industry here is denied a level playing address prescription drug abuse failed to pass in the regular session, so Gov. Beshear called law- field. Unfortunately, despite a strong coalition of supporters, lawmakers failed to advance a makers back immediately to address these issues. Both items passed in the five-day special ses- proposal to allow the people of Kentucky an opportunity to vote on the issue of expanded sion, but a number of other issues will have to wait until next year. gaming. In addition to bills that are enacted, another way to measure the success or failure of any The General Assembly also missed opportunities to improve the health of Kentuckians. A legislative session is to note whether any anti-job business legislation is passed. Fortunately, a measure to limit smoking in public places, a proposal to provide incentives for wellness plans in the number of such measures that were opposed by the Kentucky Chamber were defeated. Legisla- workplace and a measure to limit frivolous lawsuits that raise health care costs all fell short. tion that would have increased health and legal costs for businesses was defeated. The defeat of these measures was a positive development for the 2012 session, but business that remained un- CHALLENGES REMAIN finished overshadowed these victories. Kentucky faces persistent challenges that demand our attention. The public pension and Medicaid systems pose the greatest fiscal challenges to our prosperity. Our tax code, which is UNFINISHED BUSINESS being evaluated by a gubernatorial commission right now, needs reform to make Kentucky more A number of successes for the business community were achieved in a difficult political envi- competitive. We must also ensure our labor policies are not a hindrance to job growth as we see ronment; however unfinished business remains. Several key education issues were unaddressed neighboring right-to-work states out-compete us. Finally, we must reform our legal climate to during the 2012 session. Despite the introduction of many compromise proposals, lawmakers slow the increasing costs of civil litigation on Kentucky employers. left town without coming together on legislation to prevent 16-year-old students from dropping The legislative process is designed to be deliberate; however, these and many other issues will out of high school. They failed to enact charter school legislation to address persistently low-per- require swift action to create a competitive workforce and foster job creation and prosperity in forming schools. They also failed to pass several Senate measures to improve the quality of teach- Kentucky. We appreciate the support of our members and your willingness to be engaged in the ers in the classroom. legislative process to help us make a difference.

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce provides leadership as a catalyst, consensus-builder and advocate to unite business and advance Kentucky. 464 Chenault Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 | 502-695-4700 | kychamber.com | twitter.com/kychamber PASSEPRO-BUSINESS LEGISLATION D

Unemployment Insurance HB 495 prevents a $609 million tax increase on Kentucky employers by creating a perma- nent mechanism to pay back the interest the state owes to the federal government for unemployment insurance. The bill requires the governor to seek a cap on federal taxes and provides additional tax relief in future years. Prescription Drug Abuse HB 1 (Extraordinary Session) addresses the prescription drug epidemic by strengthening the state’s KASPER system and cracking down on pain clinics. Prescription drug abuse is not only a social issue; it is a busi- ness issue. From a loss of productivity to creating serious workplace safety concerns Gov. Steve Beshear signs HB 495 into law. The legislation prevents a $609 million tax increase on Kentucky to increasing Kentucky’s workers’ compen- employers by creating a permanent mechanism to pay back the interest owed to the federal government for sation premiums, prescription drug abuse is unemployment insurance. having a negative impact on jobs. Pseudoephedrine Protecting Energy Jobs Tax Simplification Unlike the prescription mandate opposed by HB 559 encourages job retention and the Chamber, SB 3, as enacted, further limits expansion by endorsing the recycling of HB 277 streamlines state business tax the over-the-counter purchase of cold and filings by creating a one-stop portal for local uranium tails and spent nuclear fuels at the allergy medication containing pseudoephedrine tax forms on the Secretary of State’s Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. It would to 7.2 grams monthly and 24 grams annually. website, and requires the establishment of a also encourage the production of coal to standard tax form to be accepted by all local This legislation is a reasonable compromise gas liquefaction at the Paducah plant. jurisdictions by 2017. to the effort over the past two years to mandate a prescription, which would have Protecting Business Records Retirement Reform unnecessarily increased employer health care HB 496 protects private companies that HB 300 modernizes the boards of costs and employee absenteeism. compete for state contracts from being Kentucky’s various retirement systems and forced to disclose all of their records under requires investment placement agents to Career-based Education the state Open Records Act. register as executive branch lobbyists. SB 38 offers career-based programs of study with enriched career counseling for Responsible State Budget Pension Study high school students, designed to keep HB 365 is a fiscally responsible plan budget House Joint Resolution 162 creates a task more students engaged in school. that funds government services without force to study the state’s various pension higher taxes. The plan reduces the state’s systems. The task force must submit a report Student Achievement level of debt and the structural imbalance by to the legislature by December 2012. HB 37 targets improving student achievement relying on fewer accounting gimmicks and by allowing schools to be exempt from the use of one-time monies for recurring Regulatory Reform certain administrative regulations and to use expenses – a practice that had become SB 157 requires state agencies to use a innovative approaches. common in recent sessions. uniform method of drafting administrative Redevelopment regulations and makes publishing informa- Copper Theft HB 465 provides incentives to businesses tion online, instead of printing, the preferred HB 390 addresses the issue of copper to restore blighted properties, encouraging method of notice. theft – one that has been plaguing a economic growth, increasing surrounding number of businesses – by changing the Automotive Incentives property values and revitalizing communities. process by which scrap metal is purchased The bill extends non-liability protections to HB 400 amends the Kentucky Jobs and sold in the Commonwealth. Retention Act (KJRA) by allowing property owners seeking to redevelop a site companies with projects related to where a release of petroleum, pollutants or automobile and parts manufacturing to contaminants has occurred. seek economic development incentives regardless of their location in Kentucky. To State Employee Wellness qualify, proposed projects must have at HB 225 creates a pilot worksite wellness least 1,000 full-time employees and an program for state employees aimed at reducing investment of at least $100 million. state health care costs over the long term. DEFEATEDANTI-BUSINESS LEGISLATION Chiropractic Mandate Anti-Arbitration HB 202 would have increased health care costs, particularly on small HB 88 would have severely undermined the business owners, by mandating a minimum reimbursement rate and co-pays arbitration process in Kentucky, forcing employers for chiropractic services. This would have created a slippery slope enabling to litigate before they arbitrate and further increasing other providers to demand similar privileges from the legislature. Passed the legal fees. Passed the House; defeated in the House, defeated in the Senate. Senate. UNFINISHED BUSINESS CHAMBER-SUPPORTED LEGISLATION

Charter Schools Angel Investment HB 77 would have authorized charter HB 113 would have extended tax credits to schools, which are independent schools individual investors who further the estab- designed to provide tuition-free public lishment or expansion of small businesses, education choices to parents and students. create additional jobs and foster the devel- Charter schools could help areas with opment of new products and technologies. consistently low-performing schools. Not Not considered by the House. considered by the House. Employee Misclassification Teacher Workforce SB 77 would have clarified the definition of SB 122 and SB 132 would have made great an independent contractor, creating a fair, strides in correcting two antiquated personnel straightforward procedure that streamlines policies that can make it difficult to remove compliance and ensures a level playing field poor performing teachers from the classroom: for employers. Passed the Senate; not automatic tenure and the termination and considered by the House. suspension appeals process. These measures would have helped ensure we have qualified Limiting Debt Kentucky Chamber Board Member and Health and teachers in every classroom, increasing the Wellness Council Chair John Harryman spoke in SB 1 would have capped the state debt limit quality of education for our future workforce. support of HB 289 at a news conference in the Capitol. at 6% of General Fund revenues. Although SB 122 not considered by the Senate. SB Rep. introduced HB 289, a statewide SB 1 did not become law, the biennial smoke-free law that would have prohibited smoking in 132 passed the Senate; not considered by indoor public places. budget passed by the General Assembly the House. significantly reduces debt levels. Passed the Smoke-free Senate; not considered by the House. Early Graduation HB 289 would have created a statewide SB 86 would have allowed students who smoke-free policy that prohibits smoking in Alternative Fuel Incentives meet specific academic criteria to graduate indoor public places. Smoking is not only HB 246 would have created incentives for high school early and attend a public two-year killing us, it is bankrupting us through higher the construction of components used in or four-year postsecondary institution. The bill productivity costs, insurance premiums and alternative energy production and energy was amended to include a requirement to tax bills. Not considered by the House. efficiency projects. Passed the House; not raise the dropout age to 18. Passed the considered by the Senate. Senate prior to amendment; passed the Expanded Gaming House as amended; not reconsidered in the SB 151 would have given Kentuckians the Regulatory Reform Senate as amended. opportunity to vote on a constitutional HB 450 would have provided that adminis- amendment to expand gaming as a way to trative regulations declared by the executive Raising the Dropout Age help stem the loss of jobs in the Common- branch would not impose undue costs and HB 216 would have phased in a process to wealth’s signature equine industry. Failed in fees on Kentucky businesses. Not considered raise the mandatory school attendance age the Senate. by the House. to 18, keeping students in school and working toward a diploma. SB 109 would Medical Review Panels have made raising the dropout age to 18 HB 361 would have established an optional for local districts. As amended in independent medical review panel process the House, the bill would have phased in the for lawsuits against long-term care facilities, age requirement after the initial optional providing a screen for frivolous lawsuits period for school districts expired. Attempts without limiting access to the courts. Rising to compromise were unsuccessful. HB 216 costs associated with medical malpractice passed the House; not considered by the liability continue to take a significant financial Senate. SB 109 passed the Senate prior toll on Kentucky’s health care industry, to amendment; passed the House as resulting in increased costs for businesses amended; not reconsidered by the Senate and consumers. Not considered by the as amended. House. Investing in Great Teachers Worksite Wellness Program SB 11 would have provided financial rewards HB 549 would have helped address high for teachers and students of Advanced Place- employer health care costs by giving ment courses in science, technology, companies a nonrefundable tax credit equal engineering and math, with a goal of encourag- to 50% of the cost of offering a wellness ing students to pursue STEM careers. Passed program to employees. Not considered by the Senate; not considered in the House. the House.

False Claims E-Verify Utility Rate Increases Energy Cost Increases HB 401 would have created lucrative HB 5 would have created a more onerous HB 41 would have driven up the cost of HB 404 would have driven up electric financial incentives for employees to requirement in Kentucky than other states residential and business utilities by rates by treating coal ash that comes become “whistleblowers” to allege fraud by requiring any company doing business removing franchise fee agreements from the generation of electricity at and would have encouraged frivolous with a public agency – including any state between local municipalities and utilities power plants as a hazardous waste. lawsuits against employers who do or local government, school board, and spreading the costs of those Defeated in the House. business with the state. Passed the university or publicly created board – to agreements among the utilities’ entire House; defeated in the Senate. use the federal E-Verify system. Passed rate base. Defeated in the House. the House; defeated in the Senate. Kenneth Winters Mike Wilson David Williams Jack Westwood Robin Webb Johnny Turner Katie Stine Kathy Stein Brandon Smith Tim Shaughnessy Jerry Rhoads R.J. Palmer Vernie McGaha Robert Leeper Alice Kerr Ray Jones Tom Jensen Ernie Harris Denise HarperAngel David Givens Julie Denton Perry Clark Joe Bowen Walter Blevins BILLS SENATE LEGISLATOR at lrc.ky.gov. floor voteforeach house.To accessthelanguageofbillshighlightedinthisdocument,Kentucky Chamberinvitesyout inthe of abillmaybesignificantlyalteredduringthelegislativeprocess.Unlessotherwisenoted,legislationreferenced Session. Althoughwetookpositionsonseveralbills,thevotingrecordincludesonlythosethatreceivedafullvotebeforeth The rollcallvotesyouseeinthisrecordrevealhowlegislatorsvotedonbillstheKentucky Chamberpubliclysupportedoropp EXPLANATION OF BILLS USED IN VOTING RECORD VOTING IN USED EXPLANATION OFBILLS Find outhowyourlegislatorsvotedonkeybusinessissues 2012 RECORD VOTING encourage legislatorworkforlawsthat how theyvoted.Didyourstate bly. Findyourlegislatorson fortheiractionsintheGeneralAssem- them accountable with theknowledgetoevaluateyourlegislatorsandhold vote. The objectiveofthisinformationistoprovideyou opposed bytheChamberinadvanceoflegislative ness community, andeach onewaspubliclysupportedor were chosen forhavingsignificantmeaningtothebusi- bills canbefoundontheprecedingpages.These bills 2012 Kentucky GeneralAssembly. Descriptionsofthese received afullvoteintheHouseorSenateduring knowledge overtoyou–theconstituent. business climate.Butnowweturnthat and belief thatknowledgeiskeytoasuccessfulstate employers andpolicymakers.We doallofthiswiththe legislators, creatingavaluabledialoguebetween informative legislativebriefsandpersonallymeetwith provide experttestimonyat and bad–legislationmayhaveonemployers.We informs legislatorsofthepotentialimpact–bothgood wealth. That’s whytheChamber’s PublicAffairsteam about abillanditspotentialimpacttotheCommon- climate. It’s crucialtheymakewell-informeddecisions hundreds ofbillsthatcouldaffectKentucky’s business EACH LEGISLA The Chamberhascompiledalistofkeybillsthat job growthoractcontrarytoyourinterest? CHAMBER POS R-Russell Springs R-Bowling Green D-Elizabethtown D-Prestonsburg R-Georgetown D-Madisonville BILL NUMBER R-Nicholasville D-Hopkinsville TIVE SESSION R-Greensburg R-Manchester R-Owensboro D-Winchester D-Henderson R-Burkesville R-Crestwood R-Shelbyville R-Southgate R-Leitchfield D-Morehead D-Lexington R-Lexington D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Frankfort R-Louisville R-Louisville R-Lebanon D-Grayson DISTRICT R-Erlanger D-Pikeville I-Paducah R-London R-Hazard R-Murray R-Berea R-Union ITION committee meetings,

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Drug Abuse Photos courtesyoftheLegislative Research Commission

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X X Student Achievement a e Susan Westrom Alecia Webb-Edgington David Watkins Tommy Turner John Tilley Tommy Thompson Wilson Stone Fitz Steele Smart Rita Kevin Sinnette John Short Carl Rollins Tom Riner Steven Riggs Ruth AnnPalumbo Darryl Owens Sannie Overly Fred Nesler Mike Nemes Lonnie Napier Tim Moore Terry Mills Charles Miller Michael Lee Meredith Thomas McKee Lee Stan Martha King Thomas Kerr Dennis Keene Wade Hurt Brent Housman Melvin Henley Richard Henderson Keith Hall Sara BethGregory Derrick Graham Jim Glenn Danny Ford Joseph Fischer Bill Farmer C.B. Embry Teddy Edmonds Bob DeWeese Jim DeCesare Robert Damron Ron Crimm Leslie Combs Larry Clark Mike Cherry John Carney Thomas Burch Linda Belcher John Arnold Royce Adams Julie Adams LEGISLATOR BILLS HOUSE CHAMBER POS D-Bowling Green D-Bowling R-Bowling Green D-Shepherdsville R-West Paducah R-Campbellsville D-Elizabethtown R-Mount Vernon R-Elizabethtown D-Prestonsburg D-Jeffersonville D-Brandenburg R-Tompkinsville D-South Shore D-South R-Williamsburg D-West Liberty R-Harrodsburg D-Nicholasville D-Sandy Hook D-Sandy D-Middlesboro R-Morgantown R-Fort Thomas R-Georgetown BILL NUMBER D-Hopkinsville R-Hopkinsville D-Owensboro D-Owensboro D-Wittensville R-Jamestown R-Brownsville D-Providence D-Henderson R-Winchester R-Fort Wright R-Bardstown R-Shelbyville D-Lewisburg D-Scottsville D-Covington R-Burlington D-Cynthiana D-Greenville R-Monticello D-Richmond R-Pembroke D-Dry Ridge D-Dry D-Lexington D-Lexington D-Lexington D-Lexington R-Lancaster R-Lexington R-Lexington D-Princeton R-Somerset R-Taylor Mill D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Louisville D-Frankfort D-Hindman D-Maysville R-Louisville R-Louisville R-Louisville R-Louisville R-Louisville R-Louisville D-Glasgow D-Lebanon R-Prospect R-Florence R-Paducah D-Mayfield R-Flat Lick DISTRICT D-Jackson R-Erlanger D-Pikeville R-Grayson D-Bedford D-Ashland R-Danville D-Midway D-Benton R-Harned D-Sturgis D-Shively D-Shively D-Hazard D-Murray R-McKee D-Phelps R-Hyden D-Wilder D-Paris ITION

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X X X X X X Unemployment Insurance es Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Career-based Education Online resources How a bill becomes a law

DURING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, 1 2 3 the Kentucky Chamber helps guide legisla- Bill is introduced by the Committee on Committees Bill is reported from tion to improve our members’ bottom lines. State Senate or House of sends bill to committee. committee or left to die. Through newsletters and e-communica- Representatives. tions, we keep our membership up to date on initiatives that impact the business com- munity. Here are some additional resources:

kychamberblog.com Legislation Fails Visit the official public affairs blog of the 6 5 x 4 Kentucky Chamber throughout the year to Rules Committee places on receive timely updates on legislation and Bill is given second reading Bill is given first reading and order of day for a vote or and sent to Rules Committee. placed on calendar. issues affecting your business. recommits bill to committee.

kentucky.gov The state of Kentucky’s official website is a Bills in one chamber of the which recommits it to the commit- resource for Kentucky government as well General Assembly can be either tee it came from or another as education and doing business in the 8 new bills filed by a member of that committee. chamber or bills that have been state. 7 If passed by both House If passed, bill introduced and passed in the When a bill gets its third reading, it and Senate, bill goes to the other chamber and which must be can be called up for a vote. If it is goes to other governor.ky.gov Governor. approved by both the House and passed, and has already been chamber to go The Governor’s website provides constituents Senate to become law. passed by the other chamber, it through same goes to the governor for signature. with up-to-date news, issues and cabinet process. The Committee on Committees in If it has not yet been passed by information. both House and Senate are pow- the other chamber, it goes there erful committees chaired by the for approval, and if approved, to 9 Speaker of the House and the the Governor. thinkkentucky.com President of the Senate. They The website for the Cabinet for Economic Bill is either signed by decide to what committee particu- If one chamber changes a bill that Governor, becomes law lar bills are sent. The fate of a bill was already approved by the other, Development is an indispensable source for without signature or vetoed. can sometimes be determined by it must go back to the chamber in programs and services available to busi- which committee gets the bill. which it originated for approval. nesses, including existing businesses, This is called concurrence. When a bill is sent to a committee, newly locating companies, start-ups, and it can be reported out of a com- When the Governor gets the bill, small and minority businesses. mittee with a favorable or unfavor- the Governor can sign it, veto it or able report. It can also be refuse to act upon it. If the Gover- 10 amended or, in the Senate, re- nor signs the bill or does not act lrc.ky.gov ported out of the committee with upon it, it becomes law. The Legislative Research Commission If vetoed, bill goes back to no opinion. A bill can also be voted chambers. If veto is over- (LRC) is the Kentucky legislature’s home down. If a bill is not called up at all, If the Governor vetoes the bill, the ridden by a constitutional it simply dies in committee. bill goes back to the Legislature. page. It provides contact information for majority in both House and The veto can be overridden by a your legislators, the current legislative cal- Senate, it becomes law. The Rules Committee in both constitutional majority of both the Kentucky House and Senate is another House and the Senate (at least endar and the legislative record for current Revised powerful committee chaired by the 51 House votes and 20 Senate and past sessions. Statutes House Speaker and the Senate votes). President. When a bill gets its sec- ond reading, the Rules Committee If the Governor’s veto is not x can delay the bill coming to the overridden, the bill does not floor for a vote of all the members, become law. Legislation Fails

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AK Steel Corporation Farmers Capital Bank Corporation Kentucky Spirit Health Plan NACCO Materials Handling Group Steel Technologies, Inc. Alliance Coal, LLC General Electric Company Kosair Charities Owensboro Medical Health System, Inc. Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Anheuser Busch Companies Gray Construction Lexington Clinic Passport Health Plan Sun Products Corporation Armstrong Coal Company, Inc. Gray Kentucky Television, Inc. Logan Aluminum, Inc Paychex, Inc. Sun Tan City Brenntag Mid-South, Inc. International Coal Group Louisville Bedding Company Peabody Energy Corporation UK HealthCare Century Aluminum of Kentucky, LLC Kentucky Community and Technical Lourdes Hospital Pikeville Medical Center Whitaker Bank, Inc. Coca-Cola Refreshment College System MAHLE Engine Components Planters Bank, Inc. Windstream Communications Columbia Gas of Kentucky, Inc. Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc. Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC Kentucky League of Cities, Inc. Marathon Petroleum Company LP Signature HealthCARE Doe Anderson, Inc. Kentucky Medical Services Foundation,Inc. Mountjoy Chilton Medley LLP SRG Global TAX TALK Kentucky Chamber proposes tax changes to support economic growth

WITH THE CLOSE of the 2012 General Assembly, an issue of particular significance for Kentucky’s business community is expected to get more attention in the coming months: taxes. The governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Re- form has started meeting with a goal of developing recom- mendations to reform the state’s tax code by late this year. The Kentucky Chamber is monitoring the process and has developed the following statement reflecting its position on the fundamental issue of tax reform.

A CLOSER LOOK Kentucky has an opportunity to take a close look at the realities of state taxes and spending, and develop a system that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of needed gov- ernment programs while building taxpayers’ confidence in how their money is being spent. There are several basic points that should be kept in mind during this process: • We’ve just experienced the worst economy in more than 75 years, resulting in revenue shortages for Kentucky and most other states. • Kentucky’s competitiveness is key. In 2009, the Kentucky Chamber, led by President and CEO Dave Adkisson (pictured above), released a review of state spending called the • We can’t just look at taxes; we have to look just as hard Leaky Bucket report, which documented a shift in state spending priorities away from investments in education. The report was followed up at state spending. State spending has grown faster, on last year with Building a Stronger Bucket. average than the state’s economy over the past 20 years. investments in education and toward programs that, in sev- The economic growth necessary to produce more tax eral cases, represent what happens when you fall short on ed- KENTUCKY CHAMBER revenue cannot happen if Kentucky’s employers are put at a ucation attainment. TAX PRINCIPLES disadvantage through tax changes that hamper their ability The numbers: to expand and create or retain jobs. And both employers and • Between FY 1986-88 and 2012-14, K-12 education’s Since taxes significantly impact business deci- individual Kentuckians would face enormous tax increases – share of General Fund appropriations declined from sions that lead to job creation and retention, the between 12% and 25% (that is, $1 billion to $2.3 billion) 48.2% to 43.7%. Kentucky Chamber supports comprehensive tax under a proposal already put forward by one statewide or- • Over the same period, postsecondary education’s share reform in accordance with the following principles: ganization. That proposal is based on the notion that state declined from 16.9% to 12.2%. SUPPORT GROWTH AND COMPETITIVENESS taxes as a percent of the economy should be what they were A 2008 study by the Center for Kentucky’s state and local tax system should in 1991 – the highest level recorded in 21 years. Business and Economic Research, “Economic Growth in Ken- support growth-oriented tax policies that improve A frequently quoted report was prepared 10 years ago tucky: Why Does Kentucky Lag Behind the Rest of the the competitiveness of Kentucky businesses in for the General Assembly by University of Tennessee econo- South?” concluded: the national and global marketplace. mist William F. Fox. Although Fox recommended some tax “The empirical analysis contained in this report, our com- increases, he noted that, “tax burdens should be kept rela- parison of Kentucky with other states and our conversations REDUCE THE COST OF CAPITAL tively low to increase the chance that business can be suc- with site consultants all lead to the same conclusion – the pri- The tax code should encourage investment, as it cessful in Kentucky and so that the taxes do not inhibit the mary limitation to economic growth in Kentucky is the low is the key to increased growth and productivity as location or expansion of economic activity in Kentucky.” skills of workers in Kentucky. Until this problem is addressed all well as higher wages for Kentuckians. Several of the recommendations of the Fox report were other efforts at economic development will be unsuccessful.” enacted by the 2005 Gen- The biggest examples of SIMPLIFY TAX CODE eral Assembly as part of a unsustainable spending pat- The tax code should be simplified with the goal of significant overhaul (the terns can be found in the reducing compliance costs for the private sector. most recent major reform) state Medicaid and correc- Complex taxes impose costs on businesses that of the state tax system. tions programs and in public either reduce the return on investment or are These included the tax employee health insurance passed on to consumers and workers. treatment of limited liabil- and pension costs. And, ity corporations and while progress has been PROMOTE FAIRNESS changing the way compa- made in reining in the in- Kentucky’s tax system should promote fairness by nies were classified for pay- creases, spending in these creating a level playing field on which Kentucky ing corporate and sales areas continues to outpace businesses can compete. Double taxation, or taxes. In many circum- the growth in the overall pyramiding, should be prohibited, and tax expendi- stances these changes re- state budget. The Kentucky Chamber’s review of state spending, which began in tures should be carefully studied to determine sulted in higher taxes for 2009 with the Leaky Bucket report and continued in 2011 with It should be noted that effectiveness. businesses, though some Building a Stronger Bucket, has documented a shift in state spending Kentucky ranks 30th in the relief was provided for priorities away from investments in education and toward programs nation in the amount of its that, in several cases, represent what happens when you fall short on SUPPORT REVENUE NEUTRAL CHANGES small businesses the follow- education attainment. residents’ personal income Changes in the state tax code should be revenue ing year. that goes to government neutral and undertaken only to increase fairness Now, because state revenue growth has slowed, some argue spending, but Kentuckians earn less than the residents of 43 and competitiveness and not to simply generate that Kentucky’s business taxes should be increased. But one other states. State government has grown beyond the capac- additional state revenue. While tax changes point that can get lost in these discussions is that the slowing ity of citizens and businesses to support it. cannot guarantee tax neutrality for every revenue growth in the past few years has been the result of the The bottom line: unless this spending is brought under Kentucky business, the goal should be not to worst economic downturn the nation has experienced in more control, it really doesn’t matter how much tax revenue is raise net taxes on the business community. than five decades. It is doubtful that any state could create a raised. The “leaks” in the spending bucket will ensure that system that would protect it from the impact of such a no amount is enough. CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON SPENDING recession. The Chamber supports the long-term need for compre- To keep taxes competitive, it is critical to examine Much of the early rhetoric surrounding the tax commis- hensive tax reform. Our members tell us the tax system is expenditures and align them with economic sion’s deliberations speaks of “tax reform” – a phrase that is too complex and compliance is too costly, while economic realities. Reforming the tax code must be coupled heard by many to mean “tax increase.” But as a practical mat- development experts say our code puts us at a competitive with a continued commitment by the legislature to ter, and as Kentuckians have seen in the past, any benefits re- disadvantage because it punishes economic productivity. For reform and prioritize government spending. sulting from tax reform are likely to dissipate into thin air example, local occupational taxes are putting Kentucky’s unless close and serious attention is paid to state spending. major metropolitan areas at a competitive disadvantage with their peer cities in the South. THE LEAKY BUCKET The most sensible and stable way to increase revenue is The Kentucky Chamber’s review of state spending, by attracting new businesses and growing existing ones. which began in 2009 with the Leaky Bucket report and con- To overcome our competitors, the totality of the current tax tinued in 2011 with Building a Stronger Bucket, has docu- burden on Kentuckians – including state and local taxes – mented a shift in state spending priorities away from must be scrutinized. Chamber’s efforts result in significant cost savings to Kentucky businesses

BY THE NUMBERS These new sales taxes are of particular Nearly $20,000 concern to business because economists at the Legislation Annual Savings to Ky. Average Annual Savings University of Kentucky estimate that 50% of saved per business Business Community per Kentucky Business the sales taxes collected in Kentucky are paid Unemployment insurance THE KENTUCKY CHAMBER’S advocacy $609 million $17,850* by business. during the 2012 Session of the Kentucky Gen- tax avoided (HB 495) That means the estimated $115 million eral Assembly saved the Kentucky business in new sales taxes imposed by HB 127 would Health insurance mandate community an estimated $704.1 million per $3.1 to $7.2 million $996* have cost the Kentucky business community defeated (HB 202) year – an average of $19,790 per year for a over $57.5 million per year in additional Kentucky business with 50 employees, and Expanded sales tax taxes. With approximately 93,000 businesses $57.5 million $618 $395 per employee. Here’s a breakdown of defeated (HB 127) in Kentucky (according to the U.S. Census how the Chamber’s work generated real savings Bureau), the Chamber’s successful opposition for the business community. Spending reductions in to HB 127 saved each business in Kentucky state budget advocated by $30.4 million $326 an average of $618 per year in sales tax. Chamber (HB 265) UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ($57.5 million divided by 93,000 busi- TAX AVOIDED TOTAL SAVINGS $704.1 Million $19,790 nesses.) HB 495 prevents a $609 million tax in- The Chamber was also successful in *Savings estimated for a business with 50 employees. crease on Kentucky employers by creating a supporting HB 1 (passed during the special permanent mechanism to pay back the inter- session of the General Assembly). HB 1 est the state owes to the federal government STATE BUDGET COST SAVINGS addresses the prescription drug epidemic that for unemployment insurance. The bill requires Program Area Average Annual Business Share Avg. Annual Savings drives up medical costs for employers and the governor to seek a cap on federal taxes and Savings (40%) to Ky. Business** creates serious workplace safety issues. provides additional tax relief in future years. Although not included in the above calcula- $68.81 If the bill had not passed and Kentucky did Corrections $16 Million $6.4 Million tions, the business community will also see not repay the interest owed to the federal gov- savings thanks to the passage of this legislation. ernment, an additional federal UI tax of $357 Public Employee $60 Million* $24 Million $258.06 per employee would have been imposed on Health Insurance SPENDING REDUCTIONS Kentucky employers – this translates to IN STATE BUDGET TOTAL SAVINGS $76 Million $30.4 Million $326.87 per business $17,850 per year in additional taxes for an In its 2009 Leaky Bucket report, the employer with 50 employees. *Growth in $1.4 billion public employee health insurance plan reduced from 7.5% per year to 2% per year. Chamber pointed out that half of all growth ** Based on 93,000 businesses in Kentucky’s state budget since 2000 has HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATE been in three areas: corrections, Medicaid and DEFEATED HB 495 prevents an $609 million tax increase on public employee health insurance. HB 202 would have increased health care Kentucky employers by creating a permanent mechanism The Chamber advocated a number of costs, particularly on small business owners, to pay back the interest the state owes the federal common sense solutions for curbing this by mandating a minimum reimbursement rate growth, and the 2010 General Assembly re- and co-pays for chiropractic services. The ac- government for unemployment insurance. sponded and enacted spending reductions in tuary for the Kentucky Department of insur- each of these three areas over the 2011-12 bi- ance estimated that this mandate would key provision impacting Kentucky business • Security services ennium. These actions were continued in the increase health insurance premiums by $10.77 would have imposed the sales tax on the fol- • Exterminating and pest-control services 2013-14 biennial budget with continued sav- to $19.92 per person per year, meaning a busi- lowing services to generate an estimated $115 • Chartered air flight services if a pilot is ings in corrections and the rate of growth in ness with 50 employees would have to pay up million per year in additional state revenue: furnished, including hot air balloon public employee health insurance reduced to to $996 per year in additional health insur- • Golf course greens fees and member- flights 2% per year (down from 7.5% per year in the ance costs. ship fees in private golf clubs and pri- • Landscaping services, excluding lawn- previous budget). vate country clubs care services Based on data compiled by Ernst and EXPANDED SALES TAX AVERTED • Janitorial services, including carpet, • Non-coin operated automotive wash- Young, Kentucky businesses contribute 40% HB 127: This bill would have made a upholstery and window cleaning ing services and waxing services of all Kentucky tax revenue, meaning this $76 number of substantial changes in Kentucky’s • Garment alteration and garment repair • Commercial linen services, excluding million per year in spending reductions will tax code. In addition to increasing individual services uniform services and linen services to save Kentucky businesses $30.4 million per income tax rates for higher incomes and • Non-coin operated laundry and dry- hospitals and nursing homes year, or an average of $860 per business per phasing out the tax exemption (up to cleaning services • Limousine services if a driver is in- year ($30.4 million divided by 93,000 busi- $41,110) for public and private pensions, the • Armored car services cluded nesses in Kentucky).

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is the only business association WeWWee make it itour business in the state advocating for companies of all sizes and industries across thethe Commonwealth, oofferingffffefering our members: to protect yours. ACCESS our business to fellow business leaders, lawmakers, business education and savings programs. to protect INFLUENCE through member businesses and our leadership to advance pro-business legislation and shape the dialogue at the Capitol.

yours. PROTECTION from legislation that stifles growth and hurts your bottom line.

EachEach yeayear,rr,, our advocacyadvocacy eeffortsffortsforts helphelp save KentuckyKentucky companies millions of dollars. Get involved in helping us create a better climate for business, and get real results! Visit kychamber.comkychambermberr..com to learn more. Looking for help with your small business? ’s

only institutions granted the authority to issuen certificates of Get exclusive savings with one of the Chamber’s many programs a

origin. The Kentucky Chamber is an accredited cle state chamber ir Paychex enrollment for all members, with no fees or minimum ship- under the U.S. Chamber of Commerce andirm works in coopera- a C

The Paychex suite of HR and payroll solutions is perfect ping requirement. This program provides significant savings tion with the World Trade Center of Kentucky.h for helping smaller companies manage needs across the board. for most companies using commercial freight carriers. Existing Certificates of origin are discounted to $25C per shipment Each business can work with its own dedicated customer serv- UPS Freight clients can call 866-443-9303, ext. 4082 to see if for Kentucky Chamber members. Future members pay $55 ice and sales representatives to determine which of Paychex’s additional discounts are available through the Chamber. per shipment. products and services are best for its needs. Kentucky Chamber members receive a discount of at least Office Depot ChamberAdvantage 25%. Offerings include: Any size business is going to need some office basics on its The Chamber’s partnership with Anthem was created

n Payroll services and tax services path to success. Our Office Depot program saves you on the specifically for small businesses. The ChamberAdvantage pro-

n 401(k) and employee benefits products you use the most, in addition to special monthly of- vides small-group (2-99) health, dental, life, vision and dis-

n HR administration and compliance fers. As an added benefit, your employees get these discounts ability plans to Chamber members.

n Time and labor solutions for their home office or student needs as well. Participants in ChamberAdvantage receive: Paychex also helps educate users through its resource web- Plus, you’ll save time with four convenient ways to place n 2% discount on medical, dental and vision coverage site, white papers and webinars as well as boasting an indus- orders: fax, phone, Internet and on-site at retail locations with n 8.5% discount on life, dependent life and short-term dis- try-leading service model with on-site training and support. a Store Purchasing Card. ability coverage Visit smallbusiness.paychex.com to learn more. n 3.5% discount on long-term disability Certificates of Origin Anthem’s 360° Health wellness program is included with UPS Freight The Chamber is pleased to offer its members who export all health plans. Contact your broker for a quote. UPS Freight now offers Kentucky Chamber members dis- internationally a reliable source for obtaining certificates of To learn more about the member savings programs offered counts starting at 70% on LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) services. origin (a trade document required by some customs authori- through the Kentucky Chamber, contact Denise Scott at 502- The Kentucky Chamber/UPS Freight program offers free ties). With very few exceptions, chambers of commerce are the 848-8724 or [email protected]. NLRB posting requirement decision delayed

THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATION BOARD’S (NLRB) posting requirement that was set to take effect April 30 has been postponed yet again. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia suspended the deadline following conflicting decisions by federal district courts. A final decision on the notice will be made later this year. If you recently purchased posters from the Kentucky Chamber, they include the NLRB notice. You can continue to post as-is (all other notices on the poster are current), or you can cover the NLRB Posting – Employee Rights (located on the right side of your poster). The Chamber will continue to follow this story and keep you informed as additional deci- The Kentucky Chamber’s 2012 Executive Committee includes, bottom from left, Tierra Turner, Deb sions are made. If you have any questions, email Sarah Cathey at [email protected]. Moessner, Luther Deaton, Dave Adkisson, Jim Booth, and Mary Pat Regan. Second row, from left, Paula Hanson, Elizabeth McCoy, Chris Hermann, Dan Bork, Steve Loyal, Wil James, Julie Janson, David Gray and Lynn Parrish. Booth will serve as Chairman in 2013. KENTUCKY CHAMBER NEWS is published six times per year. Chamber board nomination deadline nears

Publisher: Dave Adkisson THE KENTUCKY CHAMBER is taking nominations for its 2013 Board of Directors. Editor/Designer: Jessica Fletcher Business leaders will be considered from a cross-section of industries and regions in Kentucky. Advertising: Andrea Flanders Nominations should contain name, title, organization, city and a brief statement of leadership 464 Chenault Rd., Frankfort, KY 40601 activities. Send to Candy Keeton at [email protected] or call her at 502-848-8741. kychamber.com — 502-695-4700 Nominations are due by May 25, 2012, for board seats beginning on Oct. 1.

Ronald R. Van Stockum, Jr. is pleased to announce the relocation of his law office to Shelby County, Kentucky. Mr. Van Stockum concentrates in environmental law, including that relating to air, water and waste. Mr. Van Stockum graduated from the Brandeis School of Law and holds the GIVE YOUR TEAM A BOOST! additional degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Biology.

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Ronald R. Van Stockum, Jr. Attorney at Law 4163 Zaring Mill Road, Shelbyville Kentucky 40065 Phone: (502) 568-6838 Email: [email protected] Website: www.vanstockum.com Fax: (502) 589-2714 THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT newsMAY 2012

2012 Kentucky General Assembly Chamber’s efforts save Kentucky businesses millions See “Results for Business” on page 3