102 New AGENDA Introduction...... 2 Task Force...... 3

5 Goals to Transform Kentucky...... 4 100 Ideas...... 9 Kentucky in the Global Market...... 6 Agriculture...... 10 Alcoholic Beverages...... 10 Improving Education Attainment...... 6 Crime/Drug Abuse...... 10 A National Leader in Energy...... 7 Economic Development ...... 1 1 A Healthier Kentucky...... 8 Education—General...... 12 Modernizing Government...... 8 Education—Pre-K ...... 15 Education—Elementary and Secondary. . . . .15 Education—Postsecondary...... 17 Education—Teachers...... 19 Energy...... 20 Entertainment/Recreation...... 20 Environment...... 21 Gambling...... 22 Health Care...... 22 Labor...... 24 Libraries...... 26 Miscellaneous...... 27 Quality of Life...... 27 Senior Citizens...... 27 Social Services...... 28 State and Local Government...... 29 Taxes...... 31 Telecommunications...... 32 Tourism...... 33 Transportation...... 35 Utilities...... 37 Contributors...... 38

New AGENDA  A New Agenda for Kentucky Introduction

The New Agenda for Kentucky initiative was designed to encourage Kentuckians to look at things in a different way and to think creatively about our challenges and opportunities. They responded with a host of innovative, exciting ideas.

The New Agenda contained in these pages came about through an open-source process that collected Kentuckians’ ideas through a dedicated web site, www.newagendaky.com; community meetings and “idea-raisers;” outreach to civic organizations and community groups; Craig Grant and interviews with experts and opinion leaders.

Launched in the spring of 2007 with the support of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the project generated almost 400 ideas from contributors from all parts of the state. Kentuckians clearly welcomed this opportunity and took the assignment seriously as they followed the guidelines that the New Agenda Task Force developed for submitting ideas: • Be relevant to Kentuckians. Every idea should speak to the concerns of Kentuckians and be relevant to their lives. • Focus on the future. Each idea should be about the future and aimed at making Kentucky a better place to live and work. • Think beyond the government. Although government’s role is vital, ideas should focus not only on government action but also should consider the role of private enterprise and individuals in making Kentucky the best it can be.

The Task Force members, representing business executives and younger entrepreneurs from throughout Kentucky, reviewed the ideas and selected 100 of the most noteworthy to share with the state and its elected and policy leaders. In keeping with the citizen-directed nature of the effort, the Task Force served as a conveyer of Kentuckians’ ideas and, from them, developed five goals to transform the state. Together, these constitute the New Agenda for Kentucky.

We believe that anyone interested in the future of Kentucky will find this New Agenda to be interesting reading. We also hope that it will be helpful to our Governor, legislators and other elected, civic and business leaders as they work to strengthen our state and its future.

Craig Grant Chair New Agenda for Kentucky Task Force

 New AGENDA New Agenda Task Force Chair-Craig Grant Ann McBrayer Sean O’Leary Regional President President CEO PNC Bank Kentucky Eagle Beer, Inc. Genscape, Inc. Louisville Lexington Louisville

Malcolm Bryant Jeffrey A. McKenzie Chris Spalding President Chair/CEO YPAL President The Malcolm Bryant Corp. Greenebaum Doll & Financial Analyst Owensboro McDonald PLLC Humana Inc. Louisville Louisville Tricia Burke President, OEC Marcia McMillen Steve Sexton Louisville President President, Churchill Downs, Inc. McMillen Creative Louisville Joan A. Coleman Ft. Mitchell President Susan Weiss AT&T Kentucky Brian R. Mefford President Louisville President/CEO Net Tango, Inc. Connect Kentucky Louisville Marilyn Cordova-Winchell Bowling Green Editor, Hoy En Las Americas Shannon White Shelbyville Mark Messer Shine Consulting Technical Director 360 Digital Louisville C. Edward Glasscock Sharpsburg Co-Managing Partner Phil Wilkins Frost Brown Todd PLLC Eric Mills Entrepreneur, Author, Consultant Louisville Owner Lexington Eric Mills Law Office Rick James Inez Kristin R. Williams President, RJ Industries LLC KRW Consulting Frankfort Daniel P. Murphy Paducah Attorney, Wyatt, Tarrant & Kris Kimel Combs, LLP Stephen A. Williams President, KY Science & Lexington President & CEO, Norton Technology Corp. Healthcare, Inc. Lexington Louisville

The New Agenda for Kentucky was developed by a task force that Front Row (L to R): Ann McBrayer, Marcia McMillen, Susan Weiss, Marilyn Cordova-Winchell, was convened by the Kentucky Daniel P. Murphy, Rick James, Brian Mefford. Standing (L to R): C. Edward Glasscock, Chamber of Commerce but operated Stephen A. Williams, Jeffrey A. McKenzie, Tricia Burke, Malcolm Bryant, Eric Mills, Joan A. Coleman, Sean O'Leary, Craig Grant, Shannon White, Mark Messer. independently of the Chamber’s policy Not Pictured: Kris Kimel, Steve Sexton, Chris Spalding, Phil Wilkins, Kristin Williams. development process.

New AGENDA  A New Agenda for Kentucky: Five Goals to Transform Our Future

The New Agenda for Kentucky project spent After selecting the top 100 ideas, the much of 2007 soliciting ideas from citizens Task Force turned its attention to throughout Kentucky – inviting participation determining which of the ideas were truly through a web site and gathering suggestions transformational—with the potential to move at “idea-raisers” and through other activities. Kentucky forward in a critical area. These transformational ideas make up the New The result was the submission of hundreds Agenda. of ideas. Some of these were simple, such as a proposal to provide more directional For Kentucky to make real progress, the signs on major highways. Others were more New Agenda must speak to policy areas involved, such as creating a program that that are in greatest need of improvement, allows a student to work toward an associate but it must also address the core elements degree while finishing high school. Whether necessary to ensure future success. With this the ideas addressed our economy, educational guiding principle in mind, the New Agenda system, health care or taxes, all spoke to a for Kentucky addresses five fundamental common goal: making Kentucky a better elements: place in which to live and work. 1. Preparing Kentucky to successfully compete in the global marketplace In crafting a New Agenda to reach this goal, the Task Force first selected the top 100 2. Improving the education attainment of ideas from among the almost 400 that were Kentuckians at all levels submitted. The selection was made on the basis of five criteria: 3. Expanding Kentucky’s role as an energy leader • Viability 4. Promoting wellness and healthy Kentuckians • Financial feasibility 5. Modernizing government at all levels • The time needed to implement • Innovation and vision • Impact

 New AGENDA to Transform Kentucky 1. Preparing Kentucky to successfully compete in the global marketplace 2. Improving the education attainment of Kentuckians at all levels 3. Expanding Kentucky’s role as an energy leader 4. Promoting wellness and healthy Kentuckians 5. Modernizing government at all levels

New AGENDA  5 Goals to Transform Kentucky 1. Kentucky in the Global Market Just a few generations ago, America the global marketplace. This means • Radically altering Kentucky’s dominated the world economy. Most recognizing that our true economic income tax, by either abolishing it, products were manufactured in the competitors are no longer limited to or replacing it with a simple three- United States, and many of those Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and other line tax form produced in less-developed countries states, but now also include countries • Teaching the metric system in were considered inferior. With the rise like China, Korea and India. It will public schools of the global economy, fueled in part also require adapting our educational by the development of the Internet, system to this new international • Teaching foreign languages, such quality products and services are reality and making sure that state as Chinese, to prepare students to now manufactured around the globe. and local government policies are participate in the global market The U.S. share of the global market friendly to both foreign and domestic • Comparing Kentucky’s economic/ has decreased to about 25%, and the businesses. educational performance with nation now has an annual trade deficit other countries, instead of other of more than $700 billion. Some Preparing Kentucky to compete in states, since our real competition in complex products like computers and the global marketplace will require a the global economy is beyond our software, once exclusively American number of action steps, which might national borders products, are now widely produced in include: • Encouraging Kentucky cities to China and India. • Providing tax incentives to STEM participate in the Sister Cities companies (Science, Technology, program, to strengthen foreign Given this profound economic shift, Engineering, and Mathematics) linkages and encourage foreign Kentucky’s future prosperity rests on that are currently located in investment in Kentucky its preparation to compete in Kentucky or want to move here

2. Improving Education Attainment

Kentucky’s economic future is directly community colleges and technical • Only 12% of Kentucky ninth related to the education and skills of schools has increased 67% over the graders go on to complete either its citizens. The business community past decade. an associate's degree in three years requires a labor pool of well-prepared • The rate of high school graduates or a bachelor’s degree in six years high school and college graduates to attending college in Kentucky has compared with 18% nationally and successfully compete in the global increased from below the national 28% in the best-performing states. economy. Kentucky’s 1990 reforms in average to above the national • Of those students who make elementary and secondary education, average in the past ten years. it to college, the Council on combined with new goals for Postsecondary Education reports postsecondary education enacted in Despite these impressive gains, other that 53% of incoming freshmen 1997, have yielded important results: states have been improving their require remediation in one or more • The percent of students scoring educational performance as well, and subjects. proficient or higher on National many challenges remain for Kentucky: • Families are being required to Assessment of Educational • Only 65% of high school freshmen shoulder a larger share of the cost Progress (NAEP) exams in math, in Kentucky graduate in four years. of attending college in Kentucky. science and reading has increased Nationally, Kentucky ties for the The state auditor reports that substantially since the 1990s. 17th highest state dropout rate for public college tuition has increased • Enrollment in Kentucky’s grades 9-12. by an average of 128% since 1998.

 New AGENDA 5 Goals to Transform Kentucky

• Kentucky invests substantially less • Establishing an education per student in education funds improvement tax credit for than surrounding states, and the businesses in Kentucky that percent of the state budget spent contribute to public and private on education has declined in recent schools (as in Pennsylvania, Florida years. and Arizona); contributions could Improving education attainment at go into a statewide fund and be all levels will require multiple actions, distributed to schools based on such as: need “1. Improve education • Fully funding all-day kindergarten, • Improving education alignment by: at all levels. to give children a boost in • Ensuring universal 2. Continue to improve performance when starting transferability of credits from elementary school KCTCS institutions to four- education at all levels.” • Updating teacher compensation year public institutions—all William Sturgill, Chairman, by adopting differentiated pay for credit earned at any of the Central Rock Mineral Co., Lexington teachers that pays higher salaries 16 KCTCS colleges should for: be transferable to any public • Teachers in hard to serve areas university in Kentucky and subjects • Improving teacher education/ • Performance instead of preparation to better prepare seniority students for college

3. A National Leader in Energy Kentucky enjoys an historic position To meet future energy demands, state This strategy could include, but not as a national leader in energy regulators have estimated that we be limited to: production, ranking as one of the will need ten additional large power • Alternative energy production/use top three U.S. coal producers for plants over the next 20 years. If we are (hybrid vehicles, turning waste into the last 50 years. Our abundance of to meet this growing demand while power, wind and solar power) coal and an efficient system of power protecting the environment, as well as generation has also resulted in the our position as an energy leader, we • Expansion of hydroelectric power lowest electric rates in the nation—a must expand the recently developed generation real plus for consumers, especially state energy plan to ensure that • Value-added energy production industries engaged in manufacturing. Kentucky has a comprehensive energy • Taxes/incentives that encourage conservation/efficiency strategy responsible energy use involving public-private partnerships. • Clean coal technology

Kentucky should “capitalize on becoming a key provider of alternative energy sources, create laws to lower the cost of civil litigation and medical malpractice liability, pass employee choice laws, continue efforts to substantially increased R&D efforts, and develop a new model for training and developing the workforce.” William J. Jones, President, U.S. Bank, Paducah

New AGENDA  5 Goals to Transform Kentucky 4. A Healthier Kentucky A recent assessment of the health of • Kentucky ranks sixth in obesity, To promote wellness and healthy Kentuckians prepared by the Institute with 29% of adults considered Kentuckians, we need to consider: of Medicine at the University of obese, compared to a national • Provide tax credits to companies Kentucky revealed that we lead the average of 24%. that offer wellness programs to nation in some grim statistics: • Oral health is also a concern, with employees • Kentucky ranks No. 1 in the Kentucky ranking eighth in the • Encourage physical education in percent of adults who smoke. A full number of adults who have lost at public schools 29% of adult Kentuckians smoke, least one tooth to dental disease. compared to 21% nationally. • Create anti-obesity programs/ The UK study found that many of the nutrition education in schools • An estimated 25% of high school health problems in the state are due students also smoke, compared to to poor lifestyle choices, which lead • Provide dental hygiene education 23% nationally. to preventable diseases and premature to public school students • More than half of all smokers will deaths. Compounding these problems • Expand access to affordable health die of a smoking-related illness is the fact that more than 14% of care by working with the private (cancer, cardiovascular disease and Kentucky’s population is not covered sector to provide affordable health respiratory illness) and 23% of all by public or private health insurance, coverage and put Kentuckians on deaths in Kentucky are attributed and when the uninsured get sick, a plan that can be paid for on an to smoking. they tend to avoid seeking medical individual or employer basis treatment or filling a prescription. 5. Modernizing Government The structure of state and local in the size and scope of services • Privatizing the Kentucky Lottery to government in Kentucky is based offered by state government. With increase the return to the state largely on our 1891 state constitution. over 27,000 employees and annual • Creating a pilot project to privatize The method of organization of city expenditures of over $22 billion, at least one state park and allow and county government has remained Kentucky state government provides liquor sales as part of the pilot virtually unchanged for over 115 a host of essential services, such as years. The authority provided to roads, education and social safety • Creating incentives to reduce the cities to govern themselves (such net programs. The state also operates number of counties in Kentucky as the form of local government, one of the largest park systems in the • Consolidating local offices such as ability to raise revenue, and fire and country and engages in many activities constable, surveyors, magistrates, police protection) varies by city that could be provided by the private sheriffs, to improve efficiency class (from first class to sixth class sector with increased gains to the • Encouraging regional/consolidated cities), with smaller towns having taxpayer. A case in point: the state service delivery with timelines for less authority than larger cities. This lottery. A recent report in the New implementation antiqued system has left many local York Times found that some states communities in Kentucky struggling were considering leasing their state • Abolishing the classification with rising pension and benefit costs, lotteries to private operators, with system of Kentucky cities and give with limited options for increasing estimates of the return to the state as all communities the authority revenue other than to reduce essential high as $37 billion in California. to govern themselves in as services. entrepreneurial spirit as possible, Kentucky should modernize including the ability to levy sales During the past one hundred years government and improve efficiency by and restaurant taxes there has also been a vast increase considering such ideas as:

 New AGENDA New AGENDA  GREAT IDEAS 1-5

Agriculture Alcoholic Beverages 1. 3. With the elimination of the tobacco Kentucky has a long history of price support and quota system, bourbon production. Today, more Kentucky’s agricultural economy has than 98% of all bourbon is made experienced fundamental change in here. Overall sales of bourbon top $1 recent years. The USDA reports that billion and “The Bourbon Trail” has net farm income in Kentucky declined helped to make bourbon distilleries more than $400 million between Crime/Drug Abuse top tourist attractions. Nevertheless, 2005 and 2006. And the Kentucky it is illegal to buy bourbon or any State Data Center reports that the 4. other alcoholic beverage in all or part number of Kentuckians employed According to the Government of more than 60% of Kentucky’s 120 in farming decreased by almost Accountability Office (GAO), half countries. Antiquated alcohol sales 10% from 1990 to 2000. To bolster of all police officers convicted in laws, which are confusing to tourists Kentucky farms, we should promote the nation as a result of FBI-led and sacrifice revenue, should be alternative agriculture by: corruption cases between 1993 and eliminated and alcohol sales should 1997 were convicted for drug-related • Encouraging organic farming be permitted statewide in Kentucky. offenses. It is critical that appropriate • Providing incentives for the checks and balances be put in place to production of industrial hemp ensure allegations of law enforcement (that cannot be used to produce Kentucky’s strengths include “the corruption are properly investigated marijuana) citizens’ common sense (and) by independent authorities. To • Offering financial incentives for accomplish this, allegations of police ethanol production and growing willingness to work hard to corruption should be investigated corn for ethanol production achieve their objectives.” The state by outside, independent law should “develop early intervention enforcement agencies, such as the 2. programs for the children most Attorney General or state police from another area of the state. The University of Kentucky reports at risk to help assure they have that more than 80,000 acres of Kentucky farmland were converted to as great a chance as possible in 5. other uses during the 1990s. Urban completing at least a high school The average cost of incarcerating growth not only diminishes the rural education.” approximately 20,000 state inmates character and beauty of the farm in Kentucky is about $47 per day. landscape, it also can create conflict Mark Bailey, Executive Vice President, Kentucky’s county jails housed an Big Rivers Electric Corp., Henderson between farmers and suburban additional 15,000 inmates at an dwellers who object to certain farming annual cost of $244 million in 2005 operations. Kentucky should preserve (at an average daily cost of $36.25). farmland from urban development To ensure offenders contribute by: something of value to the community, • Using Lexington’s Urban Service inmates convicted of non-violent Area as a model crimes should be required to work on community projects. • Simplifying the conservation easement process • Funding the Kentucky Land Trust

10 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 6-9

“Turn Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky and other areas of concentrated economic productivity loose to create their own future unburdened by those who are not interested in helping themselves.” Bill Samuels Jr., President, Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto 8. The Kentucky State Data Center Economic reports that Kentucky’s population is growing at a much slower rate than Development the rest of the nation (projected at 9.5% growth vs. 19% growth by 2020). We need to encourage people 7. to move to Kentucky to keep our According to the Kentucky Council population at levels necessary to on Postsecondary Education, the compete economically. To do this, we United States ranked third worldwide should encourage local communities in the number of science graduates to develop web sites that allow new 30 years ago. Today, the nation’s residents to hook up utilities and international position has slipped to arrange for other necessary services 17th. Kentucky’s performance reflects online. this decline, as we currently rank: • 47th in workforce education 9. • 47th in the number of scientists Eight Fortune 1000 companies and engineers are currently headquartered in • 45th in the number of patents Kentucky: Ashland Inc., Brown- issued Forman, General Cable, Humana, 6. Kindred Healthcare, Lexmark, Local prosecutors in Kentucky • 42nd in the number of high tech Omnicare and Yum! Brands. In (County Attorneys and jobs addition to creating jobs, a corporate Commonwealth Attorneys) are • 39th in industry investment in headquarters is a magnet for attracting independently elected by local R & D talent to Kentucky and encourages voters and are not subject to direct • 33rd in the number of fastest college graduates to remain in their supervision or control from a state growing companies home communities. To bring agency. The Office of the Attorney more corporate headquarters to General has no authority to hold • 41st in the number of science and Kentucky, Kentucky should offer a local prosecutor accountable engineering occupations a wide array of incentives, including for substandard performance. • 44th in the number of high tech full tax abatement for 10 years for all Accountability for local prosecutors businesses in the state executives who move to Kentucky. should be encouraged by the annual By offering tax incentives to Science, publication of data that would allow Technology, Engineering and voters to compare the performance Mathematics (STEM) companies of their prosecutors with others in who are currently located in Kentucky Kentucky in areas such as: number of or want to move here, we can help disposed cases, number of convictions to reverse this trend and increase overturned on appeal and child the number of STEM jobs in the support collections. Commonwealth.

New AGENDA 11 GREAT IDEAS 10-12

“Educational access for all Kentuckians is essential for the future. Adequate financial resources are needed at all levels of education. …Economic development efforts must become more innovative and tied to helping rural Kentucky compete in a global economy.” Michael Carter, President, Campbellsville University

12. Employers interviewed by the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet as part of a Target Industry Analysis reported dissatisfaction with the basic skill levels of job applicants. Employers also report substance abuse is a significant problem among job candidates. Research has shown that Life Skills training can have a positive impact on students, leading to a reduction in violence, risky behaviors and use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Such training also could help Education-General prepare high school students for the workplace. Life Skills classes should 11. be required for all students and Last year, the United States imported include: $763 billion more in goods and • Character education to stress self- services than we exported. Experts respect, respect for others, basic have estimated that 25% to 35% of manners/etiquette and personal all work currently performed in the responsibility United States can be done outside of the country. Not only have many • Parenting skills/responsibilities traditional jobs moved off shore, but • Personal finance to teach the the Internet also makes it possible for basics of savings, checking, such professional work as engineering borrowing money, credit cards, and medicine to be handled in other buying a house, etc. parts of the world. Actions that are • Business education/experience required to prepare Kentucky to that encourages entrepreneurial compete in the global marketplace, thinking, participation in 10. include: Junior Achievement or similar From 1990 to 2000, the number • Teaching the metric system in programs and involves business of manufacturing jobs in Kentucky public schools representatives as volunteer grew at a slower rate than most mentors other sectors of our economy. As the • Teaching foreign languages, such growth in traditional manufacturing as Chinese • Civic engagement/community jobs declines, Kentucky should • Comparing Kentucky’s service to encourage students to create a task force to prepare economic/educational volunteer for community projects incentive packages to attract performance with other • Cooperative jobs to provide “next generation” and emerging countries, instead of just other workplace experience industries. states

12 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 13-16

13. 14. 15. The Support Education Excellence The University of Kentucky Center A number of organizations have been in Kentucky (SEEK) formula was for Business and Economic Research working toward the production of created in 1990 to allocate state reports that spending on education low-cost laptop computers. Equipped education funds to school districts. in Kentucky as a share of overall with a wind-up power supply, the Among the goals of SEEK is to state spending has fallen in recent laptops will cost approximately $100. provide a minimum level of funding years. Establishing an education As these low-cost laptops become per student regardless of the wealth of improvement tax credit for available, Kentucky should enhance the district, require a minimum level businesses in Kentucky that contribute education technology by providing of funding effort from each school to public and private schools (as in one for each student; the state also district and equalize school spending Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona) should reduce textbook costs by across the state. A 2002 Legislative could help increase funding for installing content on the laptops and Research Commission review of schools. Contributions could be made by using other online instructional SEEK found differing opinions among to a state fund for distribution to resources. superintendents about the impact of schools based on demonstrated need. SEEK. The SEEK formula should be 16. reviewed and revised to ensure that Kentucky currently has 174 local it does not lead to more funding for public school districts within its 120 some districts at the expense of others. counties. Some observers believe that having so many districts leads to inefficiencies and duplication of effort. Consolidating school districts “Kentucky needs drastic could improve efficiency and lower improvement in accountability administrative costs, freeing up more for K-12 educators. Teachers dollars for instruction. State incentives should be held responsible for should be developed to encourage the consolidation of school districts, their performance and results and Kentucky counties should be and should be rewarded encouraged to follow suit. accordingly.”

Craig Guess, President, Vanguard Contractors, Paducah

New AGENDA 13 GREAT IDEAS 17-21

“Kentucky needs to seize the opportunity to be a leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and in energy research and development.” Lee T. Todd, President, University of Kentucky

19. Create a “Reverse-tuition” Public School System in which the tuition that students pay to attend a school other than their “home school,” is allocated to strengthen the home school to improve its performance and enhance its competitive position.

17. 18. 20. While most states base school funding A 2005 study by Standard and Poor’s A 2003 assessment found that 42% of on enrollment, a number of states, of spending in school districts in nine adult Kentuckians have basic or below including Kentucky, base funding states, including Kentucky, found that basic literacy levels. Kentucky can on average daily attendance (ADA). there was no significant relationship help the adult learners by establishing Proponents of enrollment-based between student performance and regional adult development training funding argue that schools must be the percent of spending allocated to centers and requiring state universities prepared to serve all students on instruction and administration. Since to assist with GED programs. any given day, regardless of whether research suggests student performance they attend. States using ADA will not be adversely affected, school 21. believe this approach boosts student districts should be required to Currently, everyone seeking a GED attendance and decreases truancy. adopt a lean management model to in Kentucky is given the same test. A third model ties funding, at least improve efficiency. However, the federal Individuals with in part, to performance. Kentucky Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) should consider restructuring requires the GED testing system to its school funding system to tie make accommodations for persons funding to improvements in the with learning disabilities and broadens academic performance of students. the passage rate by looking at a pattern Consideration also should be given to of relative strengths and weaknesses of restructuring high school funding by the person. GED assessments should paying high schools for each student be modified to accommodate adults they graduate. with learning disabilities.

14 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 22-24

22. Education—Pre-K Education— The California Secretary of Food and Elementary and Agriculture, A.G. Kawamura, recently 23. Secondary noted that “a garden teaches a child Research on the benefits of quality about the delicate balance between early childhood education show a living and surviving through a hands- high rate of return for the public 24. on relationship with another living dollars invested. The benefits of According to the National Center organism. It teaches the child about high-quality programs include: for Education Statistics, public the consequences of negligence… improvement in IQ, better test scores, schoolchildren who attended The forgotten lessons that a garden a higher high school graduation rate, kindergarten for a full day do better provides can set the stage for new a lower arrest rate, lower use of social in reading than those enrolled in half- paradigms in teaching, school lunch services, higher earnings and higher day programs. Kentucky currently programs, community food security home-ownership rates. Kentucky mandates half-day kindergarten and outreach, agricultural literacy, and should expand the availability of funds it through the SEEK formula. community service learning.” To quality early care and education by: About 70% of Kentucky’s 176 school promote eco-literacy, Kentucky districts provide at least one full- should create a sustainability • Making high quality preschool day kindergarten program, with the curriculum in which students available in public schools to all districts making up the costs not are educated about sustainable 3- and 4-year-old children on a covered by state funds. In 2005, the development as well as basic survival voluntary basis cost to fund all-day kindergarten skills beginning in elementary school. • Developing aggressive early statewide was estimated at about $111 This effort should include the childhood math programs and million per year. Kentucky should establishment of school gardens. teaching children in early grades fully fund all-day kindergarten to about career opportunities available take advantage of its benefits. from a math and science education • Asking churches and community organizations to participate in programs addressing the health and “For the past two years I have education of young children promoted a National Principals Academy to recruit and train principals for our education system. …It would be similar to a Harvard Business School. …We could be the first in the country to recruit and train principals (which would do more to upgrade education than anything else). Everything starts with strong leadership.” Former Governor John Y. Brown Jr., Lexington

New AGENDA 15 GREAT IDEAS 25-27

25. 26. The Alliance for Excellent Education Many states require that anyone under estimates that more than 18,000 the age of 18 must be enrolled in students did not graduate from school to obtain a driving permit. If Kentucky would benefit from Kentucky’s high schools in 2004, a student drops out of school, his or costing the state more than $4.8 her driving permit is revoked. Some more flexibility in adult billion over a lifetime in lost wages, automobile insurance companies education and making it more taxes and productivity. High school grant a “good student discount” to readily available at the secondary dropouts each earn about $9,200 less high school students who maintain a and postsecondary levels. The per year than high school graduates, B average or better. Why not reward and are more likely to end up either good grades as a matter of state law state also needs to maximize on public assistance or in prison. by requiring a certain GPA before a tourism, especially in the areas of Nationally, Kentucky tied with New teenager can get a driver’s permit? historic, recreational and “green” Hampshire and Vermont for the 17th tourism. highest state dropout rate for grades 9-12 during the most recent school Wayne Martin, Regional Vice President, year for which data is available for all Gray Television, Inc., General Manager, 50 states. A new Columbia University WKYT-TV, Lexington study estimates that U.S. taxpayers could save $45 billion a year if the 27. number of high school dropouts was In Tough Choices or Tough Times, cut in half and $18 billion a year if the Commission on the Skills of the the number was cut by one-fifth. American Workforce reports that the Kentucky should invest in dropout globalization of the world’s economy prevention programs to realize these has resulted in the development savings and help students graduate of a low-skilled and low-cost labor from high school. force. If the United States wants to compete in the global market, it can lower wages and increase working hours, or concentrate on high-value- added products and services. To do the latter, Kentucky must make fundamental changes in our schools. To better compete in the global market, Kentucky must transform its high schools to create a seamless transition to college by: • Creating a curriculum in which high school graduates could receive a two-year associate degree • Increasing expectations in high school in science and math • Offering an “early college” approach which introduces a college-level curriculum • Letting students go to college when they are ready—even at age 16

16 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 28-30

29. A recent report by the Kentucky State Data Center found that people leaving 30. Education- Kentucky tend to be college educated Data from the Council on Postsecondary and employed in professional or Postsecondary Education reveals that technical occupations. Keeping more 53% of college freshmen in Kentucky 28. college graduates in Kentucky would require some type of remedial courses help ensure that our investments in in one or more subjects. This means In early 2007, the Kentucky Auditor that colleges and universities must of Public Accounts reported that education pay off. To make college more affordable and provide spend substantial resources providing between August 1998 and August instruction that students should have 2006, in-state tuition at Kentucky’s incentives for graduates to stay in Kentucky, we should: received in high school and students eight four-year public institutions have to pay for courses that do not increased by an average of 128%— • Offer tuition/expense earn college credit. To adequately more than five times the rate of reimbursement for college prepare Kentucky high school inflation. Kentucky should fully graduates who stay and work in graduates for college classes we should fund higher education in exchange Kentucky for a specified period of improve educational alignment by: for an agreement from state colleges time and universities that they will not • Strengthening the role and • Expand the KEES program authority of P-16 Councils to raise tuition; fully fund need-based to allow college students to grant programs to cover all applicants enhance alignment across the earn KEES money for graduate system in a given year; and increase maximum degrees based on their GPA as KEES awards to cover full tuition at undergraduates • Improving teacher education/ state universities. preparation • Offer full scholarships to students who maintain a B average in high school

Kentucky should “continue to strive for improvements and funding for educational programming, support growth in the manufacturing sector of the economy and promote clean coal technology development to assure Kentucky’s coal usage.” Tim Mosher, President/CEO, Kentucky Power, Frankfort

New AGENDA 17 GREAT IDEAS 31-34

Kentucky should create an authority to monitor school and university performance; require top educational performance in schools and take whatever steps are needed to accomplish that goal; and develop a new road funding formula. David Jones Sr., Co-founder, Humana Inc. and Director, The Glenview Trust Company

34. In the 1998 Partnership for Kentucky Schools report Ready for Work: 32. Essential Skills for Kentucky Jobs, A 2001 survey of college-bound one Kentucky employer described Kentucky high school students found how expectations of employees have that 35% said they will have to move changed: “In the 1950s we left a great out of Kentucky to be successful. deal of thinking to the supervisors, We can reduce brain drain by and we left the doing to the workers... establishing a program to recruit Today, we have gone 180 degrees. bright Kentucky students to return to We’re saying to our employees in the Kentucky to work after completing workplace: ‘Your job is to think. Your college out of state. job is to problem-solve. We want you 31. to come up with new ways of doing As Kentucky pursues its goal of 33. something.’” To recognize these new achieving the national average demands, Kentucky should enhance Many of the jobs in our economy over workplace learning by: of educational attainment, the the next 20 years will not require a relationship between the state’s college degree but will require specific • Developing enhanced training community and technical colleges and vocational and technical skills. To programs for management and its universities is critically important. prepare our workforce for these new supervisory personnel Students who earn credits at KCTCS economic realities, Kentucky should • Creating world-class distance schools should be confident that enhance vocational/technical learning programs to give workers those credits will be recognized at any education by: access to educational resources via state university. To provide students technology with a more seamless system of • Broadening educational postsecondary education, Kentucky incentives to make vocational and • Bringing more training programs should: technical training as important as into the workplace or local attending college/universities communities • Ensure universal transferability of credits from Kentucky • Providing more funding to • Expanding co-op opportunities Community and Technical College vocational/technical education to give students more hands-on System institutions to four-year • Creating a knowledge exchange experience in their area of study public institutions; all credit to attract volunteer technical • Identifying Kentucky companies earned at any KCTCS institution experts who don’t have teaching that provide tuition assistance for should be transferable to any public degrees to relay “generational employees in a list on the Kentucky university in Kentucky. knowledge” to vocational students Chamber’s web site

18 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 35-37

35. Education—Teachers 37. The Kentucky Higher Education A 2000 report by the Legislative Assistance Authority (KHEAA) 36. Research Commission on teacher estimates that the cost of a four-year The merits of teacher tenure are quality issues in Kentucky expressed degree in Kentucky ranges from routinely debated around the country. concerns about whether veteran $40,000 to $120,000. KHEAA Under Kentucky law, teachers teachers have the content skills provides more than $180 million a become eligible for tenure after and knowledge needed for today’s year in financial assistance through a being employed for four out of six curricula requirements. There is a number of state-sponsored financial years in the same school district. clear need to bring teachers to the aid programs, including Kentucky After reaching tenured status, a classroom with up-to-date skills Education Excellence Scholarships teacher’s contract is automatically and knowledge. Recognizing this, (KEES), the College Access Program renewed and a teacher may only be Kentucky provides for the alternative and the Kentucky Tuition Grant dismissed for cause. Kentucky should certification of teachers, which allows program. To better inform college- consider reforming teacher tenure qualified candidates to become bound high school students and their by including a service component, teachers without having to return to families about available financial related to a teacher’s area of academic college. Kentucky should aggressively aid, a computer-based training expertise, to engage more teachers in encourage teaching as a second program on state financial aid for community initiatives. career for professionals and retirees college should be created and made to bring their experience into the available to students and their classroom. parents.

“At a minimum,” Kentucky needs “tuition-free higher education opportunities at the community colleges,” pilot projects in cities for new energy sources that include mass transportation and greater attention to workforce development for new technologies and the health care industry. Paula Gastenveld, President/CEO, Owensboro Community and Technical College

New AGENDA 19 GREAT IDEAS 38-40

Entertainment/ Recreation “Raise licensing standards for child care. Make the STARS 40. Kentucky has a weight problem. for KIDS NOW ratings system An estimated 38% of Kentuckians mandatory. Fully fund university are considered overweight or obese, access to pre-kindergarten giving Kentucky a sixth-place national ranking in this category. education.” While exercise is clearly in order, Terry Tolan, Executive Director, Kentuckians need more places to get United Way of Kentucky active. The Rails-to-Trails program converts abandoned railroad beds into 38. Energy trails that can be used for walking, Teacher pay in Kentucky is generally bicycling, horseback riding and other based on length of service and level 39. forms of physical activity. However, of education not on performance or As one of the top three U.S. coal with only 21 miles of rail-trails, extra work. That means that there producers for the last 50 years and Kentucky ranks 45th nationally in is limited, if any, differentiation with the lowest electricity costs in developing these healthful resources. among teacher salaries regardless of the country, Kentucky is a national Kentucky needs to create more the additional skill development or leader in energy. Kentucky created bicycle trails/paths by vigorously assignments taken on by individual an energy policy in 2005, with 54 supporting the Rails-to-Trails program teachers. To professionalize the recommendations on how to use and creating marked bike routes on compensation system, Kentucky our resources in sustainable ways existing roads. should increase teachers salaries while retaining our solid position statewide by adopting differentiated in the energy sector. We need to pay that provides higher salaries for: build on these first steps to ensure • Teachers in hard-to-serve areas and that Kentucky has a comprehensive subjects energy conservation/efficiency • Performance instead of seniority strategy involving public-private partnerships that includes, but is not • Additional skill development limited to: • Additional duties or responsibilities • Alternative energy production/ use (hybrid vehicles, turning waste into power, wind and solar power) • Expansion of hydroelectric power generation Kentucky’s strengths include • Value-added energy production its people, its landscape and its • Taxes/incentives that encourage natural resources. It needs fewer responsible energy use counties, true, comprehensive tax • Clean coal technology reform and a total commitment to education. Tim Kelly, Publisher, Lexington Herald-Leader

20 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 41-43

“I believe the root of our success in all economic, social and socioeconomic areas will involve generating awareness and changing attitudes about how we go about educating our people. While industrial and retail recruitment, development of quality of life components (including health), bettering race relations, and offering good housing are important, it is educating the people that will ultimately be the catalyst that progresses our communities in Kentucky.” Taylor Hayes, Publisher, Kentucky New Era, Hopkinsville

42. Sustainability has been defined as balancing the fulfillment of human needs with the protection of the natural environment so needs can be met into the indefinite future. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development, a CEO-led global association of 200 companies, believes that “sustainable development Environment helps companies prosper and maintain their long-term license to operate, 41. innovate and grow.” Kentucky should Each year an estimated 50 million follow suit and embrace the concept computers and 20 million televisions of sustainability by: are thrown away in the United States. • Creating a Task Force on Long 43. The Environmental Protection Range Vision and Sustainability Kentucky state government annually Agency estimates that only about contracts for more than $1 billion 10 percent of this electronic waste is • Encouraging environmental in goods and services. As such a recycled. And the lead, mercury and awareness education large customer, state government is cadmium present in electronics makes • Becoming a leader in in a unique position to encourage this waste a particular concern. To environmental thinking and environmentally friendly practices by reduce the presence of toxic electronic technology the firms with which it does business. trash in our landfills and keep these • Promoting sustainable practices Kentucky should require contractor materials in productive use, Kentucky in Kentucky cities accountability for the environment should create an “e-waste” recycling by requiring all potential state program for computers and • Becoming a model for ecosystem contractors to submit a scorecard electronics. California and Maine planning and management showing how well they reduce/reuse/ have mandated e-waste recycling, and • Encouraging rooftop greenscapes recycle; this information should more than 25 states are considering in high-rise developments and become a factor in the awarding of e-waste laws. covered parking lots state contracts.

New AGENDA 21 GREAT IDEAS 44-47

44. Kentucky should “find the best Kentucky has waste disposal problems. state model for mandating The Kentucky Long-Term Policy health insurance for all and try Research Center reports that as many to copy it or create new strategies as 7% of Kentucky households do to improve it – especially for not participate in garbage collection services and notes that “illegal dumps Medicare and children’s health are the most visible evidence of programs.” The state also needs nonparticipation.” An additional to “write a new constitution to problem is the use of straight pipes Gambling to eliminate household waste directly address transparency, simplicity, into rivers and streams. The U.S. flexibility, tax revision, funding Environmental Protection Agency 45. of education and environmental The horse industry has an estimated estimates the cost of eliminating protection.” straight pipes in eastern Kentucky at impact of $4 billion a year on $300 million. We need to clean up Kentucky’s economy, and horses are Al Smith, Former Host, Comment on Kentucky by: our leading agricultural product. Kentucky, Lexington However, economists estimate that • Imposing statewide mandatory Kentuckians spend over $1 billion garbage collection per year in out-of-state casinos. Half Health Care • Encouraging countywide of this amount is spent in casinos in recycling the border states of Illinois, Indiana 47. • Eliminating straight pipes as and Missouri. Kentucky should permit riverboat and/or casino Tobacco use is the leading cause a method of sewage disposal of preventable death. A recent treatment gambling, with the proceeds going to education and the horse report assessing the health status • Enforcing the litter law (including industry. The additional state revenue of Kentuckians prepared by the cigarette butts) generated from expanded gaming Kentucky Institute of Medicine found • Designating disposal areas for would help keep our equine industry that Kentucky leads the nation in hazardous and other wastes such competitive and provide needed funds the percentage of adult smokers. A as used oil, fluorescent bulbs, for education. full 29% of adult Kentuckians smoke solvents, paints, etc. to discourage compared to 21% nationally. An improper disposal of these items estimated 25% of high school students 46. also smoke, and more than half of all There are conflicting legal opinions smokers will die of a smoking-related on whether expanded gaming can be illness (cancer, cardiovascular disease authorized in Kentucky simply by a and respiratory illness.) We clearly bill passed by the General Assembly, need to reduce smoking in Kentucky or if the state constitution would by adopting a statewide smoke-free have to be amended, which requires policy in public buildings and/or a vote of the people. The last two encouraging local governments to Attorneys General of Kentucky have adopt smoking bans. come down on opposite sides of the question. To clear up any legal issues and to give the voters a voice on such a fundamentally important issue, Kentuckians should be allowed to vote on a constitutional amendment allowing expanded gambling.

22 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 48-51

48. 49. 51. The American Medical Association A recent study of 10,000 teenagers In the recently released Health reports that approximately two-thirds across the U. S. found the use of Assessment of Kentucky, the of physicians provide charity care to tanning beds was increasing, especially Kentucky Institute of Medicine found uninsured patients who do not have among adolescent girls. There is that many of the health problems the means to pay for health services. evidence that people who use tanning in the state are due to poor lifestyle Kentucky physicians annually provide beds may be exposing themselves to choices, which lead to preventable an estimated $58 million worth of more than ultraviolet radiation. A diseases and premature deaths. charity care to the estimated 576,000 2002 Dartmouth Medical School Kentucky ranks first in the percent Kentuckians who are not covered study found that tanning device users of adult smokers, sixth in obesity and by health insurance. Despite the had 2.5 times the risk of squamous eighth in the number of adults who considerable cost involved, physicians cell carcinoma and 1.5 times the risk have lost at least one tooth to dental are not allowed to deduct the cost of basal cell carcinoma. Kentucky disease. To promote wellness and of providing charity care from should reduce the incidence of skin healthy Kentuckians, we need to: their business taxes. To encourage cancer by regulating the tanning-bed • Provide tax credits to companies physicians to continue the important industry. that offer wellness programs to practice of providing charity, employees physicians should receive a tax 50. deduction for charitable care equal • Encourage physical education in The Kentucky Health Insurance public schools to one-half of the normal Medicare- Research Project, a recent effort of the approved rate for the service provided. University of Kentucky, examined the • Create anti-obesity programs/ uninsured population and found that nutrition education in schools cost was the major barrier to being • Provide dental hygiene education insured. The 14.3% of Kentucky’s to public school students population who are not covered by health insurance are more than three times as likely as people with insurance to report cost as the main reason they did not seek medical treatment when sick. Over half did not fill a prescription because of the cost. Kentucky needs to expand access to affordable health care by working with the private sector to provide affordable health coverage and put Kentuckians on a plan that can be paid for on an individual or employer basis.

New AGENDA 23 GREAT IDEAS 52-55

53. Over 83% (100) of Kentucky’s 120 counties are considered medically underserved, where the ratio of physicians to residents is below the level considered adequate to have access to physician services. This means residents in these areas must often travel long distances to obtain care. Kentucky should redouble 55. it efforts to recruit physicians The labor market has experienced to medically underserved areas, dramatic changes in the last decade. by providing financial incentives While some low-skilled jobs have for physicians who practice in moved off-shore, many new high-tech underserved areas, creating additional jobs demand a more highly skilled residency programs in rural areas, and and trained labor force. Recognizing recruiting medical school applicants these changing requirements, a from underserved areas. number of states have adapted their unemployment insurance systems Labor to meet the needs of a modern workforce. To encourage employers 52. 54. to train workers, some of these states The 2005 Kentucky General (including Delaware, Louisiana, When buying goods and services, Assembly enacted “e-health” Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Kentucky state government is required legislation that establishes a process Jersey, Rhode Island and Tennessee) to accept the “lowest and best bid” to for the development of a secure use a portion of the unemployment make sure citizens get the best deal for electronic network for sharing insurance tax (0.2%) to fund a grant their tax dollars. However, Kentucky health information. The use of program for companies to train law requires government entities to electronic medical records and health existing workers. Kentucky should pay the “prevailing wage” for the information exchange can both lower create an existing employee training construction of a new building. costs by reducing paperwork and fund with a small percentage of the A 2002 analysis by the Legislative improve quality, by allowing health unemployment tax. Research Commission found that the care providers to use technology to prevailing wage requirement increased quickly exchange health information the cost of public construction Consolidating counties and about a patient. Policymakers should projects by as much as 24% when support full implementation of county and city governments, compared to private construction Kentucky’s e-health initiative. revamping education and the projects. In a time when resources are tight, Kentucky should eliminate the way it is funded and changing prevailing wage requirement for all health plans for public employees public construction projects. to mirror private-sector plans would be ways to improve Kentucky. Jean Hale, CEO, Community Trust Bank, Pikeville

24 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 56-58

Three ideas to improve Kentucky: 1) public forums to discuss the challenges facing the state; 2) the formation of an innovation trust to engage the state’s best minds in creative problem solving; and 3) an education campaign to elevate the role of the arts as a resource for building communities. Judith Jennings, Executive Director, Kentucky Foundation for Women, Louisville

57. A “Right to Work” law guarantees that no person can be compelled, as a condition of employment, to join or pay dues to a labor union. States with “Right to Work” or “Employee 58. Choice” laws report faster per capita The federal Drug Enforcement 56. income growth, faster growth in Administration reports that Kentucky According to the Kentucky State Data manufacturing and nonagricultural is a major producer of marijuana Center, the influx of racial and ethnic jobs, greater capital expenditures, and has a drug arrest rate of 1,046 minorities into Kentucky is relatively lower unemployment rates and fewer per 100,000—approximately 50% small, but is occurring at rates that work stoppages. The 2005 Forbes higher than the national average of could double or triple the size of magazine Best Places for Business and 700. In addition, the Kentucky Office Kentucky’s minority population in Careers survey found that eight of the of Drug Control Policy reports that the next decade. At the same time, nine top-ranking large metro areas several counties in Eastern Kentucky Kentucky’s native population is and six of the nine top-ranking smaller lead the nation in using prescription growing at a much slower rate than metro areas are located in Right to drugs for non-medical purposes. the rest of the nation. If we are to Work states. Kentucky should adopt To help curb substance abuse, have enough workers in the coming Right to Work/employee choice Kentucky should require applicants years, Kentucky should embrace the legislation and promote freedom in for unemployment benefits to immigrant population to provide the the workplace by giving workers the successfully pass a drug test with future workers Kentucky will need to right to decide for themselves whether periodic re-testing before an extension fill jobs due to a declining birth rate. they want to join a union. of benefits is approved.

New AGENDA 25 GREAT IDEAS 59-62

60. The 2002 Governor’s Task Force on 62. the Economic Status of Kentucky's The Kentucky Department for Women found that Kentucky ranked Libraries and Archives main 47th among the states in measures building in Frankfort is the official of women’s economic and social state repository for official records autonomy. Kentucky women with and documents of state and local bachelor’s degrees earn $34,109 per governments. The building has year compared to $48,580 earned by been at maximum storage capacity men. Overall, women in similar jobs since June 2005 and is struggling to as men earn 12% less in Kentucky. meet demand. Although the Capital To improve the economic status Planning Advisory Board, which of Kentucky women, and grow evaluates all capital requests from Kentucky’s economy, Kentucky state agencies, approved an $8 million 59. should promote equal pay for equal funding request to expand the facility, Recent census data suggest that as work. the 2006 General Assembly did not many as 24% of Kentuckians has include these construction funds in some kind of disability—placing Libraries the budget. Kentucky should expand Kentucky in second place nationally the state Libraries and Archives for the proportion of disabled 61. building to create needed space for adults. The federal Americans Kentucky has public library services official documents and historical with Disabilities Act prohibits in 118 counties with more than 23 records. employment discrimination against million books and other media in persons with disabilities. Despite the circulation. Local public libraries protection afforded by federal law, are supported by a combination of it is often difficult for persons with state funds and local tax revenues. disabilities to obtain appropriate Legislation enacted by the 2002 employment. Kentucky should legislature created the Public Library increase employment of persons Facilities and Construction Fund with disabilities by encouraging and the Public Library Services telecommuting, with state government Improvement and Equalization Fund, taking the lead as an example of a best to help finance public library projects. practice. A total of $7 million was requested in the 2006 General Assembly to fund these two library funds, but the monies were not approved. To provide needed support to local libraries, Kentucky should increase state funding for local public libraries under these two funds.

More research into burning clean coal and an initiative on underachieving schools in the Appalachian region would help the state. Burns Mercer, President/CEO, Meade County Rural Electric Cooperative, Brandenburg

26 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 63-65

Quality of Life 64. There is a growing consensus that current patterns of residential and commercial development, often referred to as “sprawl,” are not in the best interests of existing communities. A number of initiatives have developed in response to these Senior Citizens concerns. The “smart growth” movement emphasizes restoring vitality to city centers and older 65. suburbs. Similarly, the concept With its central location, low housing Miscellaneous of “new urbanism” includes infill costs and abundant natural resources, development in cities, development Kentucky is an ideal place to retire. 63. of mixed-use facilities (with both In fact, communities in the western commercial and residential uses) and lakes region have been ranked as top The American Humane Society retirement destinations in national estimates that 56% of dogs and 71% developing walkable, pedestrian- friendly communities. To reduce surveys. We should make Kentucky a of cats that enter an animal shelter retirement destination by: are euthanized. Only about 25% are the loss of rural land and preserve adopted and far less are returned to existing communities, Kentucky • Creating a favorable tax owners. Kentucky’s animal control should promote responsible urban environment for retirees laws, according to a former Kentucky development by • Creating a health insurance Commissioner of Agriculture, were • Embracing the concept of “new structure favorable to retirees written over 50 years ago largely to urbanism” • Promoting/developing address the problem of stray dogs • Aggressively promoting recreational activities attractive to attacking livestock. Kentucky should “brownfield” redevelopment retirees encourage humane treatment of (abandoned industrial sites) animals by modernizing animal • Developing a marketing plan that control laws, educating the public • Encouraging downtown promotes Kentucky’s attributes as a on the need to spay/neuter pets and redevelopment great place to retire taking steps to avoid euthanizing • Creating community gardens in • Creating lifelong learning adoptable animals. vacant lots opportunities in our universities

New AGENDA 27 GREAT IDEAS 66-68

“Throw away the entire (tax) system and start with what the best thinkers/researchers (not the ideologues on any side) put forward as a good tax system – like we did with K-12 education and KERA. No tinkering – a reinvention. Sheila Schuster, Executive Director, Kentucky Mental Health Coalition, Louisville

Social Services 66. 67. 68. Kentucky Family Resource and Youth The Federal Communications Social workers are required to make Services Centers were established Commission has designated the life-changing decisions affecting as a component of the Kentucky telephone number 2-1-1 for the children and families. The recent Education Reform Act of 1990. purpose of community, volunteer murder of a Western Kentucky social There are currently 820 centers and human service information and worker while paying a home visit serving 612,000 students in 1,166 referral. It is an easily remembered underscores the danger that social schools where at least 20% of the number that, where available, connects workers sometimes face. There are student population is eligible for free people with important community also other problems as a recent state or reduced-price school meals. The services and volunteer opportunities. investigation found that some social centers provide referrals to social United Way of America is working workers were making inappropriate and health services, employment to implement 2-1-1 numbers around decisions to remove children from counseling, job development, drug the country. Kentucky should join their homes to speed up the adoption and alcohol abuse counseling and the effort to establish a 2-1-1 process. Despite the gravity of the mental health programs. Youth information number that connects decisions social workers are called on Services Centers should be callers with essential services. to make, their starting salary is only expanded to every county and $31,010. Kentucky should enhance provide services that also include social workers by increasing pay, nutrition, exercise, social and requiring appropriate education, educational outreach programs. improving training and providing increased accountability.

28 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 69-71

State and Local 70. 71. Government Kentucky has the third highest Pension plans for public employees number of counties in the nation, in Kentucky are facing a crisis. With behind Texas and Georgia, and the combined unfunded liabilities of 69. geographic area covered by some of more than $28 billion, funding for The Von Allmen Center for Kentucky’s counties is among the these plans has not kept up with Electronic Commerce at the smallest in the U.S. That creates liabilities. Essential services are at risk University of Kentucky reports that in challenges for the efficient delivery as cities face escalating retirement 2006, 70% of Kentuckians had access of government services. Kentucky contributions, and gains in state to the Internet with 80% regularly should improve the efficiency of education funding are being erased using e-mail; 54% purchasing local government by: by increasing retirement and health products or services online; and 34% • Reducing the number of counties insurance costs. Kentucky should conducting banking transactions. reform public employee pensions Kentuckians are clearly online and • Consolidating local offices such and health care benefits by: comfortable using the Internet to as constable, surveyors, magistrates, transact business. Kentucky should sheriffs • Consolidating government put as many government services pension funds into a new 403b • Encouraging regional/ plan (like a 401K) online and promote e-government consolidated service delivery with by: timelines for implementation of • Discontinuing the practice • Putting unemployment insurance regional programs of allowing the purchase of forms online to speed processing retirement years that allows early retirement • Transforming the automobile title process to speed it up • Prohibiting so-called double “The greatest contribution the dipping, where a retired • Creating an e-budget web site (Kentucky) Chamber can make worker can return to full-time that would provide detailed issue- employment and continue to level state budget information and is to form a committee of the most collect retirement payments allow users to submit comments influential business leaders in • Instituting a more realistic age of • Updating the e-MARS vendor Kentucky, study the educational retirement system in state government system in Kentucky in great • Structuring public pensions after • Permitting banks to detail, including its financing, private sector plans electronically bid on state and make specific, practical and business, as in West Virginia, with • Reducing retiree health costs by state deposits awarded to the bank doable recommendations and providing financial incentives that offering the highest interest rate then lead the struggle to get them encourage state retirees who return to work to enroll in the state health • Using the web to improve access adopted into law.” care plan and decline coverage to state and local government Former Governor Paul Patton, Pikeville from the retirement system and promote transparency in government

New AGENDA 29 GREAT IDEAS 72-75

72. 74. 75. Kentucky, like other states, has seen Kentucky’s current constitution The Kentucky Constitution sets forth growth in the purchase of goods and was adopted in 1891 and has long a classification system for Kentucky services from vendors outside state been the target of calls for reform. cities based on population: government. Recent state audits have A 1987 Special Commission on • First Class: 100,000 or more revealed that from 2000 to 2004, the Constitutional Review, created by amount state government spent for the Kentucky General Assembly, • Second Class: 20,000 to 99,999 commodities grew from $77 million recommended a number of sweeping • Third Class: 8,000 to 19,999 to over $345 million. To boost the changes, including: abolishing • Fourth Class: 3,000 to 7,999 local and state economies, Kentucky the office of Secretary of State, state government should adopt removing provisions calling for • Fifth Class: 1,000 to 2,999 the strategy of buying Kentucky racially-segregated schools, removing • Sixth Class: 999 or less products and services unless no provisions authorizing a poll tax, Under Kentucky law, the authority qualified in-state source can be found. deleting the city classification system, provided to cities to govern and amendments that would make themselves (such as the form of local 73. it easier for cities to borrow money. government, ability to raise revenue, Sister cities or “town twinning” These and other provisions are out-of- and fire and police protection) varies involves communities in the U.S. date and often reflect our segregated by city class, with smaller towns pairing with cities or towns in other past. We should modernize having less authority than larger countries to provide for cultural Kentucky’s constitution to eliminate cities. Kentucky should abolish exchange, develop municipal antiquated or obsolete provisions the city classification system and partnerships and create an atmosphere and provide more flexibility to allow instead give all communities the in which economic and community Kentucky to govern itself in a modern authority to govern themselves in development can be strengthened. fashion. as entrepreneurial spirit as possible, At present, 16 Kentucky cities including the ability to levy sales and participate in the program through restaurant taxes. the organization Sister Cities International. Kentucky cities should participate in the Sister Cities program to strengthen foreign linkages and encourage foreign investment in Kentucky.

“Regain the ( funding) momentum of KERA, including repeal of House Bill 44, so ad valorem taxes for schools rise with inflation like everywhere else in the country.” Sheryl Snyder, Attorney, Frost Brown Todd, Louisville

30 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 76-79

78. If Kentucky does not eliminate the individual income tax, it should reduce its administrative burden on filers and state government. We could do this for nearly all taxpayers by simplifying the tax filing to three lines: 1. What is your federal tax income 77. (from your IRS 1040)? Seven states have no personal 2. Multiply line (1) by Kentucky tax Taxes income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, rate. South Dakota, Texas, Washington 3. Subtract from line (2) your KY 76. and Wyoming. Two others, New income tax withholdings for tax In 2005, the Kentucky General Hampshire and Tennessee, tax due or refund. Assembly passed tax modernization only dividend and interest income. Any amount of tax revenue can be legislation that reformed Kentucky’s Elimination of the state income tax raised by simply adjusting the tax tax code. While corporate taxes would spur business growth, put more rate. Nearly everyone wins in terms of were reduced and low-income money in the hands of citizens and time wasted on filling out forms and Kentuckians were removed from the force government to operate more keeping records. state tax rolls, taxes affecting some efficiently on less revenue. Kentucky small business owners were increased should follow the lead of these nine by the alternative minimum tax states and abolish the state income 79. and application of the corporate tax. States that have done so have The National Center for Education tax to limited liability companies. experienced growth and attracted Statistics reports that the average Kentucky’s state and local tax retirees on fixed incomes. The New private school tuition was over structure should be thoroughly York Times reports that some states $4,600 a year in 2000. U.S. Census reviewed and changed to make also anticipate high revenue returns by data indicates that Kentucky has it more “business friendly” by leasing their state lotteries to private approximately 24,000 students eliminating or reducing taxes such as: operators. attending private high schools. A small number of states provide tax • Payroll taxes deductions for private school • Net profit taxes tuition. Kentucky should join these • Occupational taxes states and provide a tax deduction for private school tuition to allow parents • Inventory taxes to deduct tuition costs for private • Vehicle property taxes schools.

New AGENDA 31 GREAT IDEAS 80-83

Kentucky needs a “total overhaul of state and local systems of taxation. …a priority on civic literacy at the 12th grade level … (and) a priority on healthy life-styles. …” Nancy Jo Kemper, Executive Director, Kentucky Council of Churches, Lexington

80. 82. Research published by the University Some critics argue that the current of Louisville concludes that a number property tax works in reverse of of urban communities in Kentucky do the way it should. The tax increases not receive an adequate share of state as owners improve their property expenditures based on the revenue and decreases when buildings are they contribute to state government. abandoned and left to dilapidate. To ensure equity in the distribution Proponents of higher tax rates for of tax revenues, Kentucky should abandoned property argue that they provide sales tax rebates to local create a strong incentive for owners communities and counties to return to develop property instead of letting part of the state sales tax to the county it set idle while waiting for property in which it originated. values to rise. Kentucky could reduce the number of abandoned buildings 81. by creating a sliding scale property Telecommunications At least 14 states, including Missouri, tax with incremental increases the Texas, Florida, the Carolinas and longer a building is unoccupied (after 83. Tennessee, offer a “sales tax holiday” one or two years). KET’s digital capacities offer the on the first weekend in August during Commonwealth a television channel which back-to-school items (clothing, devoted exclusively to Kentucky computers, school supplies) are content. The Kentucky Channel exempt from state sales taxes. The would be an efficient and effective National Retail Federation reports way to tell Kentucky stories from that such holidays have a measurable across the state. Community leaders, impact on sales. Kentucky should elected officials, business leaders and establish a back-to-school tax-free others could share the interesting, holiday to give families a break, exciting and positive things happening boost retail business and discourage in their communities. KET should shoppers from crossing state lines be encouraged in its efforts to to take advantage of other states’ make that possible with a dedicated programs. digital channel. This will continue Kentucky’s national leadership in public television programming and will inspire and encourage Kentuckians to recognize the benefits of living in and helping grow a better state.

32 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 84-86

84. Kentucky ranks first in the nation for expanding broadband Internet service, and broadband use has increased 50% since 2004. However, a technology assessment study conducted by ConnectKentucky found that a quarter of Kentucky adults surveyed said they didn’t need a broadband connection, and 26% of dial-up users said broadband is too expensive or unavailable. Kentucky needs to improve awareness of broadband availability in Kentucky and enhance computer literacy to increase the use Tourism of broadband services. 86. 85. In 1998, the University of Kentucky A destination resort is a resort with an analyzed the economic impact inherent location and amenities that of art and found that 1.2 million attract visitors regardless of the route Kentuckians attended events at needed to arrive or the area-wide performing arts centers; art activities features of interest. Examples include contributed over $77 million in Walt Disney World in Florida and the earnings and another $41 million in Greenbrier in West Virginia. Such related economic activity. Kentucky resorts can have a major economic should build on its thriving arts impact. For example, the Greenbrier community and promote arts/ has 1,800 employees and is responsible cultural travel by: for more than half of the economic • Creating an arts and crafts impact that tourism has in its home industrial park in which artisans county. To enhance our tourism and craftsman practice their skills economy, Kentucky should create with centralized support and sales tourist destinations such as: services (an expanded version of • Destination resorts similar the Kentucky Artisan Center in to West Virginia’s Greenbrier, Berea) Georgia’s new Reynolds Plantation, • Replicating the Manchester Indiana’s French Lick and Craftsmen Guild in Pittsburgh (an Alabama’s Grand Hotel and Robert arts education center) Trent Jones Golf Trail • Supporting efforts such as the • National attractions like the St. River Heritage Museum in Louis arch, the Space Needle in Paducah Seattle or Mount Rushmore in South Dakota • Developing eco-tourism in Eastern Kentucky that focuses on the mountains and Appalachian culture

New AGENDA 33 GREAT IDEAS 87-89

87. 88. 89. Kentucky has 17 state resort parks, A number of nonprofit organizations, The Kentucky State Parks system each featuring lodging, a dining room such as the Playhouse Square Center has 52 parks, 17 of which have full- and other amenities. While efforts in New York City, use volunteers as service lodges. The park system have been undertaken to improve the greeters or for providing information operates at a deficit, estimated at food in state parks, recent reviewers and directions. Often called “Red $25 million in 2005. Privatization on the popular travel web site Trip Coats” because they are provided is one possible solution. Several Advisor declared the food at one red jackets to wear, such volunteers Canadian park systems have had resort park in the western lakes are a staple in many hospitals and success in privatizing parks, with area “quite average” while another provide valuable patient care. The improved reviews by visitors. The compared it to a college cafeteria. state park system should follow this U.S. Park Service uses private vendors Kentucky should improve state well-established practice and use to provide services in our national resort park food quality, especially local volunteers as hosts/hostesses parks, such as Yellowstone and from the standpoint of using local in state resort parks to make guests Yosemite. The reservation system for food products, and make staying and feel welcome and provide information 32 campgrounds in Kentucky parks dining in our resort parks a wonderful about the surrounding area. have already been outsourced to a experience. private contractor (ReserveAmerica). Kentucky should take the next step and create a pilot project to privatize at least one state park and allow liquor sales as part of the pilot; such sales are currently not allowed in state parks.

Kentucky needs “greater investment in infrastructure (road, Internet connectivity, etc.), and an examination of potential tax code changes to lure greater business investment…” Bob Albert, Dean, Morehead State University College of Business

34 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 90-93

90. 91. Transportation In a story about new Maryland Kentucky is home to more than welcome signs, The Baltimore Sun 700 annual festivals. Celebrating 93. recently reported that “welcome local products such as bourbon and Light rail service is different from signs are a big deal to some people.” barbeque, a number of our festivals regular train service in a number of They let drivers know they are have become nationally known, such ways. It operates on electricity, consists entering a new state, and often as the Kentucky Derby Festival. of few train cars and can run at communicate a bit of its character. Others, like Owensboro’s recently ground level or on elevated platforms. In Kentucky, tourism and travel developed Mystery Writers Festival, Often called trams, streetcars and contribute almost $9 billion annually cater to tourists with specific interests. trolleys, light rail use is common in to the state’s economy, but our Kentucky should increase efforts to Europe. One of the main benefits of welcome signs change with every new expand and promote festivals to light rail is its ability to operate in administration. To create a better first attract tourists to Kentucky. mixed traffic settings, which results impression for travelers, Kentucky in lower construction and operating should create distinctive gateways 92. costs. To increase transportation to the state, such as using native The Ohio River runs more than 650 options in Kentucky’s most populous limestone to construct attractive and miles along the northern border of regions, we should develop light well-landscaped welcome signs. Kentucky and was the site of early rail service/public transportation, developments in the state’s history. especially between Lexington and Towns began to develop along the Louisville and in the Bluegrass Region river by the late 1700s, and Louisville of Central Kentucky. was the nation’s 10th largest city by 1850. But the decline of the river as a major transportation artery contributed to the loss of prominence of many river communities. Efforts are now under way in several communities, and Kentucky should promote efforts to improve and promote tourism and industry in our river cities.

New AGENDA 35 GREAT IDEAS 94-96

95. 96. All but three states require some or Available evidence suggests that all motorcyclists to wear helmets. Kentucky counties served by interstate Kentucky first passed a mandatory highways have the highest level of helmet law in 1968 for all riders, but economic activity. Per capita gross amended it in 1998 to apply only product for these counties is nearly to persons under age 21. There is three times that for counties that do considerable evidence that helmet not have good four-lane highways, laws save lives. The National Highway and per capita income is 56% higher. Traffic Safety Administration reports Plans are currently in the works that there was a 37% increase in for two new interstate highways 94. motorcycle-crash injuries in the that will cross parts of Kentucky: Funding for highway construction three years after Kentucky’s law was I-69, in far Western Kentucky; is not keeping pace with inflation in changed. Kentucky should revive the and I-66, in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Kentucky’s gasoline tax, mandatory motorcycle helmet law Kentucky. Kentucky should improve one of the main funding sources for for all riders to save lives and reduce transportation by building I-66 and roads, is 21 cents per gallon and is not injuries. I-69 and promoting public/private adjusted for inflation. Our six-year partnerships, as in Indiana, to develop road plan is under-funded by $1.8 our transportation infrastructure. billion. Kentucky should create a sustainable transportation system with adequate funding that is adjusted for inflation.

36 New AGENDA GREAT IDEAS 97-100

97. 99. Utilities Official guide signs, those blue The Government Accountability and brown signs on the interstate, Office reports that many small 100. inform motorists of cultural and communities face challenges in Electric utilities are subject to a tourist attractions, food, lodging obtaining or retaining commercial complex set of regulations related to and gas available at each interstate airline service, and government power generation, transmission lines exit in Kentucky. Federal regulations assistance is often required. Kentucky and rate structure. The Kentucky limit the number of signs that may has a limited number of community Public Service Commission, be placed at each exit. Given the airports offering commercial which regulates utilities in the popularity of these guide signs, passenger service. Kentucky should Commonwealth, recently evaluated Kentucky should create a carefully provide state incentives for the local our electric infrastructure and assessed mapped and planned signage development of commercial air our future needs. It found that while program on major and minor passenger service. we are well-positioned to meet the highways that lets tourists know what needs of consumers in our state, there is available. are constraints relating to the ability to flow power through Kentucky and 98. potential points of instability in the In the wake of a recent crash that system. Kentucky should simplify killed five teenagers, including the the regulation of electric utilities to driver who was using a cell phone, address capacity, infrastructure and the National Traffic Safety Board transmission issues. recently called for a prohibition on cell phone use by novice drivers. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety says talking on a cell phone while driving can quadruple your chances of a crash that results in hospitalization. Kentucky should prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones while driving to prevent accidents and save lives.

The state should support regional collaboration, needs analysis and delivery of services and support. Allen Goben, President/CEO, Hazard Community and Technical College

New AGENDA 37 New Agenda for Kentucky: Idea Contributors

New Agenda for Kentucky: Idea Contributors 13. Review SEEK formula Rodney Jackson, Lexington 14. Establish an education improvement tax credit The New Agenda for Kentucky Task Force selected the Joseph Atcher, Louisville top 100 ideas from among those submitted to our website Task Force contribution (newagendaky.com). The following individuals submitted 15. Enhance education technology Greg Drake, Lexington the selected ideas. Similar submissions were combined, John Stephenson, Independence resulting in more than one person being identified as the 16. Consolidate schools districts Economic Summit Participants contributor. In some instances, the task force contributed 17. Performance funding for education an idea or expanded on those submitted. In addition, some Mike Baumgardner, Madisonville ideas were contributed by participants in the Kentucky Ron Sanders, Madisonville Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Summit. (The Economic Summit Participants 18. Require school districts to adopt a lean management model information below was provided by those making on-line Economic Summit Participants submissions; in some instances, this included first names or 19. Create a “reverse-tuition” public school system e-mail names only.) Jill Morzillo, Louisville 20. Adult education—helping the adult learner Janice Baldon-Gutter, Louisville 1. Promote alternative agriculture 21. GED assessments Jim Embry, Lexington Amanda Bishop, Horse Cave Donna Kunkler, Brandenburg 22. Create a sustainability curriculum Michael Morgan, Louisville Jim Embry, Lexington Charles L. Witt, Winchester Trudi Kubik, Louisville 2. Preserve farmland from urban development 23. Expand early childhood education Helm Roberts, Lexington Lana Barrett, Hartford Task Force contribution Barclay McCoy, Madisonville 3. Permit alcohol sales throughout Kentucky Laura Miller, Mt. Sterling Danville Homeowner Robert Sexton, Lexington Amanda Sauermann, Cadiz 24. Fully fund all-day kindergarten 4. Investigate corrupt police Aimee Hiller, Lexington Benjamin Thomas Wadkins, Ashland 25. Invest more in dropout prevention programs 5. Require inmates convicted of nonviolent crimes to work on Bob Gray, Frankfort community projects 26. Reward good grades Valerie Adams, Lexington Shari Fiveash, Lexington Debbie Buchanan, Benton 27. Transform Kentucky high schools to create a seamless 6. Promote accountability for local prosecutors transition to college Howard Hanks, Ashland Steven Fife, Morehead Ruth Middleton, Warsaw Robert Sexton, Lexington Task Force contribution 28. Fully fund higher education in Kentucky 7. Incentives for STEM jobs Dr. Joe L. McCormick, Fisherville Christopher Kulp, Richmond 29. Make college more affordable & provide incentives for 8. Help people move to Kentucky graduates to stay in Kentucky Lynn King, Paducah Wesley Delk, Jeffersonville 9. Bring corporate headquarters to Kentucky Jay Hutchins, Bardstown Mike Mountjoy, Louisville Ed Lane, Lexington 10. Attract next generation/emerging industries Chamber Young Professionals, Owensboro M. Green, Frankfort 30. Improve alignment Task Force contribution Task Force contribution 11. Prepare Kentucky for the global marketplace 31. Universal transferability of credits Tom Williams, Louisville Johnna Reeder, Covington Kentucky Chamber Economic Summit Participants 32. Reduce brain drain 12. Require life skills classes Wesley Delk, Jeffersonville Gary Berdeaux, Park City 33. Enhance vocational/technical education Janice Chittenden, La Center Harrie R. Buswell, Ph.D., Cloverport Character Counts, Somerset Jill Morzillo, Louisville Lori Davis, Lexington Jim Robinson, Lawrenceburg Debbi Preston Howard, Salyersville Economic Summit Participants Wynn Jefferson, Shepherdsville 34. Enhance workplace learning/experience Fran Johnson, Paducah Economic Summit Participants Money Matters, Somerset 35. Create computer-based training for students and parents Conley Manning, Somerset Linda McCarty, Bedford Martha Rodgers, Kuttawa 36. Reform teacher tenure Mike, Nicholasville Paul Ransdell, Berea Economic Summit Participants

38 New AGENDA New Agenda for Kentucky: Idea Contributors

37. Encourage teaching as a second career 47. Reduce smoking in Kentucky Economic Summit Participants Lori Davis, Lexington 38. Adopt differentiated pay for teachers Jim Embry, Lexington Joan Moore and Karla Gibbs, Shelbyville Darren, Louisville Economic Summit Participants 48. Provide tax deductions for physicians for charitable care 39. Create a comprehensive energy conservation/efficiency J. Todd Inman, Owensboro strategy 49. Reduce skin cancer by regulating tanning beds Rick Clewett, Lexington Joseph P Bark, MD, Lexington Bob Gray, Frankfort 50. Expand access to affordable health care Gerald Guiling, Paducah Todd Kranpitz, Ashland Steve Hegge, Ft. Mitchell Dan VanWinkle, Winchester Earl G. Hemze, Boaz Molly, Somerset Gary Maier, Louisville 51. Promote wellness and healthy Kentuckians Anne Mitchell, Covington Melanie Crupper, Shelbyville Jare Schneider, Lexington Lori Davis, Lexington Andrew F. Timperman, Edgewood Debbie Gibson, Pikeville Tim Vickers, Danville Devon Mitchell, Louisville Shannon White, Louisville Task Force contribution Beth, Lexington 52. Support implementation of electronic medical records Kevin, Owensboro Task Force contribution Nicole, Florence 53. Physician recruitment Task Force contribution Lynn King, Paducah 40. Create paved bicycle trails Task Force contribution Dr. Ed Ball, Frankfort 54. Eliminate prevailing wage Carol Marie Coffee, Flatwoods Kevin Sell, Alexandria Jayne Cravens, Henderson Task Force contribution Marsha Daniel, Eddyville 55. Fund worker training Joyce & Rick Embry, Leitchfield Craig Grant, Louisville Lee Emmons, Paducah Michael B. Gritton, Louisville Martha Emmons, Paducah 56. Embrace the immigrant population J. Pearl Garland, Benton Economic Summit Participants Elsie Pritchard, Morehead 57. Adopt right-to-work legislation Joy Renfro, Paint Lick Doug Alexander, Lexington Dianna Ross, Ashland 58. Require drug testing for unemployment benefits Helen Siewers, Bowling Green Mary L. Hall, Lancaster Mike, Nicholasville 59. Increase employment of persons with disabilities Rick, Paris Wendy Wheeler-Mullins, Lexington 41. Create a recycling program for computers and electronics 60. Promote equal pay for equal work Bob Gray, Frankfort Task Force contribution 42. Embrace the concept of sustainability 61. Increase state funding for local public libraries Rick Clewett, Lexington Carol Baughman, Frankfort Steve Martin, Owensboro Chris Bischoff, Louisville Keyth Sokol, Lexington Linda Kompanik, Hopkinsville 43. Require contractor accountability for the environment Paige Sexton, Lexington Beth, Lexington Vivian Stamper 44. Clean up Kentucky Library Support, Lebanon M. Arnold, Corydon, IN Patricia Whiescarver, Russellville Kevin Howard, Georgetown 62. Expand the state libraries and archives building Ralph Kern, Mt. Sterling Alexandra Clemons, Lawrenceburg Mary N Smith MD, Lexington Susie Johnson, Frankfort Sandi Thomasson, Edmonton Robin Pearce, Frankfort Beth P., Lexington Barbara Schulte, Frankfort Rick, Paris Jennifer Sexton, Frankfort Task Force contribution Lisa Thompson, Frankfort 45. Permit riverboat and/or casino gambling with the proceeds 63. Encourage humane treatment of animals going to education and the horse industry Gloria Hollifield, Benton Adam Gross, Southgate Lisa and Garth McLane, Cynthiana Ian Kirkpatrick, Paducah 64. Promote responsible urban development Devon Mitchell, Louisville Kate Munroe, Louisville 46. Allow Kentuckians to vote on a constitutional amendment Task Force contribution allowing expanded gambling Ian Kirkpatrick, Paducah Task Force contribution

New AGENDA 39 New Agenda for Kentucky: Idea Contributors

65. Make Kentucky a retirement destination 82. Create a sliding scale property tax Vivian DiLillo, Danville Mike Moll, Louisville Terri Johnson, Richmond 83. KET digital channel Church Saufley, Shelbyville Mac Wall, Lexington Glenn Sparks, Nashville, TN 84. Improve awareness of broadband availability Harry W. Walker, Owensboro John Bentley, II, Greenup Task Force contribution Jean Gabbard, Brodhead 66. Establish youth/teen centers in every county Vivian, Stamper Rachel Zimmerman, South Shore Task Force contribution 67. Establish a 2-1-1 information number 85. Create tourist destinations Terry Tolan, Louisville Dave Adkisson, Lexington 68. Enhance social workers Brian Moore, Louisville Task Force contribution 86. Promote arts/cultural travel 69. Promote e-government Ed Chisholm, Henderson Interested Citizen, Frankfort Jim Embry, Lexington James Collins, Frankfort Bob, Winchester Bob Gray, Frankfort George, Lexington Bill Smith, London 87. Improve state resort parks’ food quality Damian Wirth, Franklin Janice Morgan, Murray Task Force contribution Rona Roberts, Lexington 70. Improve the efficiency of local government 88. Use volunteer hosts/hostesses in state parks John Bird, Lexington Bonnie Borders, Calvert City Aimee Hiller, Lexington 89. Create a park privatization pilot project Emil Hochstrasser, Shelbyville Task Force contribution Roy H. Hunt, Louisville 90. Highways and gateways Jonathan Zerhusen, Highland Heights Kevin Atherton, Austin, TX Task Force contribution 91. Expand festivals 71. Reform public employee pensions/health care Donna Howard, Owensboro Austin Carroll, Hopkinsville 92. Utilize river cities better Mary Ann Gray, Hopkinsville Kerry Summers, Louisville Michael J. Hoersting, CPA, Henderson 93. Develop light rail service/public transportation Roy Hunt, Louisville Lori Davis, Lexington 72. Adopt a strategy of buying Kentucky products John Andrew Dixon, Danville Beverly Bell, West Liberty Judy Flavell, Waco Paul Ross, Lexington Ken Kurtz, Lexington 73. Promote Sister Cities program Kirk Richardson, Bowling Green Economic Summit Participants Rita Shepherd 74. Modernize Kentucky’s constitution 94. Create a sustainable transportation system Stan Lampe, Fort Mitchell Rondell W. Combs II, Beatyville Economic Summit Participants Jack Fish, Louisville 75. Abolish classification system of cities William F. Mc Creary, Louisville Malcolm Bryant, Owensboro Michael A. Thorton, Florence 76. Review Kentucky’s state and local tax structure 95. Mandatory motorcycle helmet laws Hal W. Burnett, Paducah Rachel Frazier, Lexington J. Todd Inman, Owensboro James Pendley, Greenville Rich Gimmel, Louisville 96. Improve transportation Diana Gioielli, Louisville Economic Summit Participants Roy Hunt, Louisville 97. Signage program A. May, Ashland Nancy R. Smith, Ashland Jack Miller, Crestview Hills 98. Prohibit use of hand-held cell phones while driving Vickie Townsend, Bowling Green Steve Schneiderman, Murray Charles M. Wright, Louisville 99. Provide State Incentive for Local Development of Commercial Rose, Paducah Air Service 77. Abolish state income tax, privatize lottery Task Force contribution Craig Grant, Louisville 100. Simplify regulation of utilities Emil, Shelbyville Task Force contribution 78. -Line Kentucky income tax Paul Coomes, Louisville 79. Tax deduction for private school tuition Tonya Matthews, Bowling Green 80. Provide sales tax rebates Larry Jones, Ashland 81. Tax free holiday Dave L., Bowling Green

40 New AGENDA The New Agenda for Kentucky was made possible with the generous support of:

AT&T Kentucky Chase Kentucky Churchill Downs Incorporated ConnectKentucky Frost Brown Todd LLC Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC Kentucky Eagle Beer, Inc. Norton Healthcare PNC Bank PNC Foundation Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP

Thank You!

New AGENDA 41 42 New AGENDA