Analysis

Governor’s Budget Invests in Education and Infrastructure Using Dollars Otherwise Piling Up in Excessive Reserves

Governor Beshear’s 2024-2026 budget proposal expands investment in a variety of public services, with a focus on education and infrastructure,...

Kentucky Average Teacher Pay Fails to Keep Up with Inflation in Most Districts, Remains Far Behind 2008 Levels

In 80% of Kentucky school districts, average classroom teacher salaries declined in the current school year compared to last year once inflation is taken into account, according to a KyPolicy...

Local Sales Tax Amendment Could Lead to Wider Inequality Without Better Funding Local Services

Under Kentucky’s constitution, there are limits on the types of taxes the General Assembly may authorize local governments to levy, and local sales taxes are not allowed. [efn_note]As currently interpreted,...

State Report Describes Growing Educator Shortage, and Lack of Funding Plays a Key Role

The growing shortage of teachers and other school personnel is becoming more severe, according to a new report by the Kentucky legislature’s Office of Education Accountability (OEA). Inadequate funding and...

Kentucky Is Excessively Stockpiling Needed Resources and Prioritizing Costly Tax Cuts

In recent years, the Kentucky General Assembly has prioritized an effort to reduce its single largest revenue source, the individual income tax. After decades with a graduated income tax and...

New Federal Rule Extends Free School Meals to Nearly All Kentucky Students

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to expand free breakfast and lunch to nearly every school in Kentucky through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This means...

The Funding for Food and Formula for 120,000 Kentucky Kids and Moms Is at Risk

Vital nutrition assistance for nearly 120,000 Kentucky moms and kids remains at risk due to inadequate appropriations from Congress and the looming threat of a government shutdown. The Special Supplemental...

Report: Criminal Fines and Fees Drive up Incarceration, Push Kentuckians Deeper Into Poverty

Excessive fines and fees imposed through the criminal legal system drive up incarceration and perpetuate poverty in Kentucky, according to new research from the Vera Institute of Justice. Local and...

New Federal Laws Can Create Opportunities in Kentucky, If We Act on Job Quality and Community Access

In recent years, Congress has passed several sweeping federal policies that aim to create jobs, modernize the economy and boost key industries. Early returns are promising in Kentucky, which is...

Kentucky’s Inflation-Adjusted Minimum Wage Now at Its Lowest Since 1950

Today marks 14 years since the federal minimum wage increased from $6.55 an hour to $7.25. For the dozens of states, including Kentucky, that have failed to boost the minimum...

Governor’s Budget Invests in Education and Infrastructure Using Dollars Otherwise Piling Up in Excessive Reserves

Kentucky Average Teacher Pay Fails to Keep Up with Inflation in Most Districts, Remains Far Behind 2008 Levels

Local Sales Tax Amendment Could Lead to Wider Inequality Without Better Funding Local Services

State Report Describes Growing Educator Shortage, and Lack of Funding Plays a Key Role

Kentucky Is Excessively Stockpiling Needed Resources and Prioritizing Costly Tax Cuts

New Federal Rule Extends Free School Meals to Nearly All Kentucky Students

The Funding for Food and Formula for 120,000 Kentucky Kids and Moms Is at Risk

Report: Criminal Fines and Fees Drive up Incarceration, Push Kentuckians Deeper Into Poverty

New Federal Laws Can Create Opportunities in Kentucky, If We Act on Job Quality and Community Access

Kentucky’s Inflation-Adjusted Minimum Wage Now at Its Lowest Since 1950

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