Latest news with #Kentuckians'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protesting in Ohio and Kentucky? Here's what you can, can't do under the law
Protests across Ohio on July 17 included an ICE protest on the Roebling Bridge in Greater Cincinnati that led to multiple arrests after a tense exchange between protesters and law enforcement officers. The rallies were organized in response to the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, among other policies. Those arrested face charges such as rioting, unlawful assembly, failure to disperse, obstructing a highway, obstructing emergency responders, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, The Enquirer reports. What are your protest rights in Ohio and Kentucky? Can you wear a mask when protesting? Do you need a permit to organize a rally? Peaceful protests and assembly are protected under the First Amendment, but local or statewide restrictions still apply. Here's what protest attendees should know about their rights during demonstrations. Your rights when protesting: What Ohioans can and can't do during protests The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, assembly, and petition. Typically, demonstrations can happen in public places like streets, sidewalks, and parks. However, your freedom of expression could have limitations if it incites riots or violence. While not an exhaustive list, here are a few rules Ohio protestors must follow, according to the ACLU of Ohio and the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. You can't protest on private property without permission from the owner. You cannot stop others from using a public space, such as by blocking traffic or pedestrian walkways. No fighting, rioting, or 'disorderly conduct' under Ohio law. Law enforcement can implement "time, place, and manner' restrictions like enforcing noise levels or permits. You may need a permit for events that block traffic or close down streets, or if you use amplifiers, such as bullhorns. Demonstrators are allowed to wear a mask as part of their protest, but they may be required to provide information if suspected of a crime. It is a federal crime to threaten to harm the president, the vice president, or a major candidate. Do not physically or verbally antagonize the police or law enforcement. Avoid carrying any drugs or weapons to protests. If arrested, you could face additional charges for possession. Refusing to provide information or providing false information when stopped is illegal. If you are arrested, the ACLU of Ohio provides additional guidance on what to do, such as not resisting arrest and your right to hire an attorney. What are Kentuckians' rights during protests? Similarly, the ACLU of Kentucky lists a few legal rules and tips for attending protests, among other suggestions, the Louisville Courier Journal reports: Your right to free speech is strongest in public spaces, such as streets, sidewalks and parks. Speech can be restricted on private property. In the event of a counter-protest, police can separate the two groups — as long as the groups can still see and hear each other. But they must treat protesters and counter-protesters equally. Memorize an emergency contact's phone number or write it on your arm in case you lose your phone or other belongings. If you are stopped by the police while protesting The ACLU suggests the following if you've been stopped by the police during a protest: Stay calm with your hands visible. Don't argue, resist, or obstruct the police, even if you believe they are violating your rights. Ask if you are free to leave. If you are under arrest, ask why and request a lawyer. You do not have to answer any questions. You can make a local phone call, and if you're calling your lawyer, the police are not allowed to listen. You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. Police may "pat down" your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon. If you refuse a search, that may not stop them from searching you against your will, but objecting before it happens or during the search can be helpful in legal proceedings. Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete any data. If you believe your rights have been violated, the ACLU recommends writing down everything you can remember (including the officers' badge and patrol car numbers), contact information for witnesses, and pictures of injuries to file a written complaint. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio protests lead to arrests: See protest rights, laws in Ohio, Kentucky Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘They'll get over it,' McConnell reportedly assures GOP colleagues about Medicaid cuts
A spokesperson said U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell was reminding his "colleagues that we should all be against waste, fraud, and abuse while working to protect our rural hospitals and have safety nets in place for people that need it.' (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) When the U.S. House last month approved cutting Medicaid by $793 billion over the next 10 years, the Kentucky Hospital Association issued a surprisingly upbeat statement thanking the Kentucky Republicans who voted for the legislation, especially Rep. Brett Guthrie of Bowling Green. Guthrie had used his clout as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to protect a Medicaid funding stream that Kentucky hospitals say is critical to their survival. That funding stream now is at risk in the U.S. Senate, which is proposing even steeper cuts than the House to the federal-state program that pays for 1 in 3 Kentuckians' health care. If proposals from the Senate Finance Committee become law, 'you'll have hospitals closed, services eliminated and 20,000 jobs eliminated' in Kentucky, warns Nancy Galvagni, president and CEO of the Kentucky Hospital Association. 'We're encouraging our senators to support the House language on state directed payments,' Galvagni said Tuesday in an interview. While Republican senators from some states are voicing worries similar to those of Kentucky hospitals, Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell had a different message for Senate Republicans in a closed meeting Tuesday, reports Punchbowl News. 'I know a lot of us are hearing from people back home about Medicaid. But they'll get over it,' McConnell was reported as saying. Punchbowl reports that during the closed meeting, Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, raised concerns about Senate-proposed changes to the provider tax that helps support hospitals caring for large numbers of Medicaid patients. Tillis warned that provisions in the mega-bill that Republican leaders hope to approve by July 4 could result in GOP electoral losses similar to those suffered by Democrats after passage of Obamacare. A spokesperson for McConnell, the former Senate Republican leader, told the Lantern: 'Senator McConnell was speaking about the people who are abusing Medicaid — the able-bodied Americans who should be working — and the need to withstand Democrats' scare tactics when it comes to Medicaid. Senator McConnell was urging his fellow members to highlight that message to our constituents and remind them that we should all be against waste, fraud, and abuse while working to protect our rural hospitals and have safety nets in place for people that need it.' Sen. Rand Paul's office did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. At issue is a tax that Kentucky and other states collect from health care providers and use to supplement Medicaid payments. The goal is to boost what hospitals are paid for treating low-income Medicaid patients closer to what commercial insurers would pay for the same services. These state-directed payments pumped $4.5 billion into Kentucky hospitals in fiscal year 2024 and are expected to reach $5.5 billion by 2026. That's a quarter of the entire Kentucky Medicaid budget. Even with that supplemental support, many Kentucky hospitals are operating on perilously thin margins; without it, they would lose money, Galvagni told the Lantern Tuesday. The hospital association commissioned a study that found Kentucky hospitals on average are operating on a 2% margin that would drop into negative numbers — negative 7.4% — if what's proposed in the Senate is approved, she said. Researchers at the University of North Carolina recently analyzed hospitals' operating margins and their dependence on Medicaid payments and identified 338 hospitals that would be most at risk of shutting down as a result of the Medicaid cuts Congress is considering. Thirty-five of the hospitals identified as most at risk of closing are in Kentucky — more than any other state. (See list at bottom of story.) The House plan protects the status quo in Kentucky by freezing state provider taxes at current levels and grandfathering in existing plans for supplementing Medicaid reimbursements through state directed payments. Kentucky has three state directed payments plans — one for the state's two teaching hospitals at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, one for all the other hospitals and a small plan for ambulance services. The Kentucky plans, approved by the first Trump administration in 2020, tie supplemental funding for hospitals to quality measures intended to improve care. Galvagni said the financial incentives are driving improvements including reductions in infection rates, readmissions and opioid prescribing. But the current Trump administration accuses its predecessors in the Biden administration of allowing states and health care providers to 'game the system' via provider taxes to tap additional federal funds to boost Medicaid payments. Medicaid covers people who have low incomes or disabilities including working people who can't afford or don't have access to employer-provided health insurance. It is funded jointly by states and the federal government with most of the money coming from Washington. Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump's Medicare and Medicaid administrator, described provider taxes and state directed payments as 'legalized money laundering' in a recent Capitol briefing, reports The Hill. A June 6 White House memorandum says: 'These State Directed Payments have rapidly accelerated, quadrupling in magnitude over the last 4 years and reaching $110 billion in 2024 alone,' threatening 'the Federal Treasury and Medicaid's long-term stability.' GOP leaders in US Senate struggle to lessen pain of Medicaid cuts for rural hospitals The memo orders Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 'to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid, including by ensuring Medicaid payments rates are not higher than Medicare, to the extent permitted by applicable law.' The Senate proposal would reduce Medicaid's state directed payments to hospitals by 10% each year until they reach the allowable Medicare-related payment limit. Republicans in Congress are looking to cut federal spending in order make tax cuts from the first Trump administration permanent. Even with the cuts to health care and nutrition programs, and taking into account economic growth from the tax cuts, the House bill is projected to increase the national debt by $2.8 trillion over 10 years, or about $3.4 trillion if the full costs of federal borrowing are included, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Congressional Budget Office also estimates that the House bill would cost the poorest Americans roughly $1,600 a year while increasing the income of the wealthiest households by an average of $12,000 annually Galvagni said pegging the Medicaid supplement to Medicare rates, as the Senate committee proposes, would be 'extremely damaging to Kentucky' and put many Kentucky hospitals into an even more unsustainable financial position because Medicare rates in Kentucky are almost as low as Medicaid rates. 'You can't pay the hospitals less than what it costs to deliver services,' Galvagni said, and not expect some to close and others to reduce services. Medicare is a federally funded program that mainly covers people age 65 and over. Galvagni also disputed suggestions that Kentucky is abusing the provider tax. All hospitals pay the same rate, she said, and the amount of tax they pay is not related to the amount of money they receive from Medicaid. In the U.S. Senate, Republicans Jim Justice of West Virginia and Josh Hawley of Missouri have publicly voiced surprise and alarm at the cuts to provider taxes and Medicaid payments proposed by the Finance Committee. Sen. Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, has proposed creating a fund for rural hospitals, which seems to have gained some traction in the Senate. 'Not helpful' was Galvagni's assessment of such a fund. 'We appreciate the intent,' she added. Provisions in the House bill would cause an estimated 277,000 Kentuckians to lose their Medicaid coverage, according to KFF, which says that number could go as high as 346,000. Republicans in Congress also are expected to let tax credits expire that help Americans afford health insurance in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Without the tax credits the number of uninsured Kentuckians is projected to rise by 21%, according to The Urban Institute. The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Service Research at the University of North Carolina identified these Kentucky hospitals as most at risk of closure under proposed cuts to Medicaid: Whitesburg ARH Hospital, Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, UofL Health – Shelbyville Hospital, T.J. Samson Community Hospital, St. Claire Regional Medical Center (UK St. Claire), Middlesboro ARH Hospital, Spring View Hospital, Advent Health Manchester, Bourbon Community Hospital, Harlan ARH Hospital. Deaconess Henderson Hospital, CHI Saint Joseph Health – Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center, Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center, Baptist Health Corbin, Clark Regional Medical Center, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, The Medical Center at Albany. Three Rivers Medical Center, Kentucky River Medical Center, TJ Health Columbia, Pineville Community Health Center, Mercy Health – Marcum and Wallace Memorial Hospital, ARH Our Lady of the Way Hospital, Casey County Hospital, Carroll County Memorial Hospital, The Medical Center at Caverna. Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital, Mary Breckenridge ARH Hospital, Jane Todd Crawford Hospital,Barbourville ARH Hospital, CHI Saint Joseph Health – Saint Joseph Berea, Russell County Hospital District, McDowell ARH Hospital, Fleming County Hospital. McKenna Horsley contributed to this story. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republican Party of Kentucky elects officers during state reorganization
Republican Party of Kentucky headquarters in Frankfort. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Tom Loftus) The Republican Party of Kentucky elected a slate of officers that includes previous members of leadership and new members from across the state. Republicans elected the officers during its state reorganization Saturday, according to a Republican Party of Kentucky press release. Chair Robert J. Benvenuti III was reelected to a full four-year term. DeAnna Brangers secured a fourth term as vice chair and Karen Kelly was reelected as secretary. Hunter Whitaker was elected as the new youth chair of the party. Benvenuti said in a statement that he was honored to be reelected as chairman of the party. He was first elected to the role in 2023 after former Chair Mac Brown resigned. 'The success of the Republican Party of Kentucky is built on a foundation of individuals who understand and deeply cherish the conservative values that we as Republicans hold so dear,' Benvenuti said. 'Kentuckians have chosen Republican leadership, and I am absolutely confident that Republicans will continue to see unmatched electoral success in 2026 and beyond. I am grateful for the confidence of the members of the Republican Party of Kentucky, and I look forward to continuing to work with my team to elect strong men and women who share Kentuckians' values and want to build a better Commonwealth for future generations.' The newly-elected state members-at-large are Robbin Taylor, Patrick Jennings, Rob Givens, Sarah Van Wallaghen, Richard Grana, Jon Park, Sam Brown and Carol Rogers. Kentucky Republicans hold supermajorities in both the state House and Senate. Most of the state's constitutional officers and congressional members are Republicans as well. The Kentucky Democratic Party will hold its state convention this weekend.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kentucky auditor reviewing concerns surrounding Fayette County Public Schools finances
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — State leaders said Fayette County parents are voicing concerns about financial decisions being made by school board leadership after an attempted tax hike was found unlawful by the attorney general's office. Kentucky AG: Fayette County Public Schools violated law in attempted tax hike According to Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) leaders, an occupational tax increase was proposed as a necessary evolution in the school's future budget to balance against anticipated funding cuts, as well as increased demand on school staff and the school facilities themselves. 'This shift broadens the tax base to equitably support public education and ensure long-term sustainability without placing additional strain on property owners,' Dia Davidson-Smith, spokesperson for FCPS, said. 'We encourage our community to look beyond headlines and social media chatter and consider the full context of our decisions. Each investment is made thoughtfully, strategically, and with the success of our students in mind. Our progress is not by chance. It is the result of deliberate planning, partnership, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of public education.' Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman wrote on Wednesday in an opinion that the school board's tax hike proposal was unlawful. HPD arrests woman for allegedly threatening drivers with box cutter Looking for a perfect swim day? These are the 5 clearest lakes in Kentucky Release of Steven Lawson proceedings temporarily prohibited by court 'If the Fayette County School Board members believe they need more of Kentuckians' hard-earned dollars, they should clearly and publicly make their case before their own constituents,' the attorney general wrote. Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, said in a news release on Thursday that she proposed the possibility of initiating an FCPS audit to State Auditor Allison Ball. She commended the Fayette County Fiscal Court for its decision to halt a vote on the proposed hike. Fayette County fiscal court halts vote on school tax increase after AG opinion 'Given widespread concerns about spending priorities and the recent tax controversy, an independent review could provide much-needed transparency and reassurance,' Bledsoe said in a news release. 'Taxpayers deserve to know that education dollars are being used effectively, and I will continue to push for accountability where it's needed.' Auditor Ball told FOX 56 that she's heard about financial concerns at FCPS from more sources than just Sen. Mays-Bledsoe. 'I have heard from parents and other constituents concerned about the state of FCPS,' Ball said. 'In light of our ongoing audits of the Kentucky Department of Education and the Jefferson County Public School system, my office is reviewing these concerns to determine our next steps.' The school board carried out the rest of its June 5 meeting as planned, deciding on unrelated agenda items. The next school board meeting will be June 23. Madylin Goins contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
KY attorney general says Fayette school board didn't give public notice before tax vote
(Fayette County Public Schools) Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman's office says the Fayette County Public Schools board failed to give proper public notice before voting to increase occupational taxes within the district. The opinion released Wednesday said the board violated state open meetings laws, which says school districts must publish a notice about tax proposals in a local newspaper at least a week before meeting to vote on the proposal. The attorney general's office also refuted a recent claim by the school district to local media outlets that the state law doesn't apply to the tax increase because it is a 'county-level tax' also needing approval from the Fayette County Fiscal Court. The opinion said state law 'expressly recognizes that levying an occupational license tax is a power shared jointly by the School Board and the Fiscal Court.' It adds that a fiscal court vote could not happen unless the school board 'certified' the new tax rate. 'Accordingly, when the School Board properly certifies a new rate, the Fiscal Court's role is ministerial; the discretion and decision-making power lies with the School Board — which is why it is the body that must give public notice prior to voting on whether to impose the additional tax,' the opinion said. 'Therefore, it is the opinion of this Office that the Fayette County School Board's May 27 vote to increase the occupational license tax was unlawful.' The board voted 3-2 to approve the tax increase of 0.25% about a week ago. The tax rate would have taken effect in January. The board approved a $848 million proposed budget with the tax increase that would cost residents an average of $13 more per month, local media outlets reported. However, Coleman's office wrote the resolution for the tax increase 'is void and of no effect.' 'Tax and spend government is a danger to Kentucky's future, especially when officials who should be accountable to Fayette County voters try to ignore the rules to raise taxes,' Coleman said in a statement. 'If the Fayette County School Board members believe they need more of Kentuckians' hard-earned dollars, they should clearly and publicly make their case before their own constituents.' Based in Lexington, Fayette County Public Schools is the second largest school district in the state with more than 41,000 students. Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, a Lexington Republican, requested Coleman's office review the legality of the school board's vote. 'This validates what so many in our community, including myself, felt: Taxpayers were shut out of a huge decision about their own tax dollars,' Bledsoe said. 'I'm calling on the Fiscal Court to take no action today and for the school board to remedy this misuse of its authority. The board should table any further discussion of a tax increase until trust can be restored.' Consideration of the school board's tax increase request is on the agenda for the fiscal court's Thursday meeting. An FCPS representative did not immediately return an emailed request for comment Wednesday.
