Gov. Beshear discusses possible government shutdown
Warns of impact on private sector
In a Capitol press conference earlier today, Gov. Steve Beshear described the possibility of having no enacted state budget before the beginning of the next fiscal year as “cataclysmic.” Because of a Kentucky Supreme Court opinion, he may be forced to discontinue some state services and withhold funding for others.
According to Beshear, Kentucky State Parks, tourism programs, the Cabinet for Economic Development and Office of the Medical Examiner would have to be shut down. He added that state funding for State Police, Vehicle Enforcement, veterans’ nursing homes, regulatory and licensing agencies, and existing road projects may need to be shut down. Public colleges, universities, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System would likely lose state funding, and there is an unresolved legal question as to whether they would even be able to operate without budgetary authority from the legislature. Programs supported by Health and Family Services, including Medicaid, mental health hospitals, public health departments and aging services, may also face the loss of state money.
Beshear warned there could be adverse impacts to the private sector as well. Regulatory agencies charged with approving business licenses and permits would be closed. The resulting effect of not being able to legally operate could be felt in many sectors of the economy. Specifically, Beshear indicated that state-provided mine safety inspections and mine rescue teams would not be funded. The full impact to Kentucky employers is not known.
The governor reiterated his hope that the impasse would come to an end and set forth three principles he thinks the General Assembly should adhere to when finalizing an agreement. These principles are ones that the Kentucky Chamber supports: 1) it should fund government within its means without significant new debt, 2) it should not raise taxes on families or businesses, and 3) it should protect, to the extent possible our priorities – most importantly education. The governor will call lawmakers back to Frankfort in May to finalize the state budget.
Chamber cuts ribbon on the ‘front door to Frankfort’
Take the virtual tour
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s newly renovated and expanded facility is officially open for business. On Tuesday, April 20, Chamber leaders, Gov. Steve Beshear and more than 100 Kentucky business leaders gathered for the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the building that will serve as the business community’s “front door to Frankfort.”
“In 2006, the Chamber’s board of directors realized a need to expand the existing headquarters,” said 2010 Chairman Bill Jones of U.S. Bank. “There was no room for staff growth, the technology was outdated, and there was very limited meeting space. I’m glad to say that these issues are now in the past.”
The $3.2 million facility, funded, in large part, by donations and sponsorships from members, is now 17,000 square feet – a 70 percent increase in space. The building features state-of-the-art technology, including the AT&T Videoconferencing Center. The Chamber will be linked to the state’s videoconferencing network, through the Commonwealth Office of Technology, which includes every state university and community and technical college, every health department and some school systems. Click here for a virtual tour of the building.
In addition to cutting-edge technology, the building features art pieces commissioned by Kentucky artists, including four large paintings that portray the four seasons in the Commonwealth by John Lackey; panoramic photos by Lexington photographer Jeff Rogers; and paintings made with layered coal by Darrell Ishmael, manager of corporate security and continuity at East Kentucky Power and a past Kentucky Chamber board member.
The majority of the contract work done on the building was done by Kentucky companies and Chamber members.
“We were glad to provide Kentucky business with an opportunity to work on this project during these tough economic times,” said Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson.
“We hope the Kentucky Chamber’s new headquarters in Frankfort reflects our optimism and bold direction and will serve as a symbol of a bright future for Kentucky’s business community,” said Jones.
Health Care Reform:
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – How will it affect your business?
The Kentucky Chamber is hosting two seminars which will cover what employers (both large and small) need to know about the recent passage of this comprehensive legislation. Learn how the new mandates, penalties, and taxes will affect your business and how benefit plans will need to be updated as parts of the Act are implemented over the next few years.
May 21, 2010
The Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Ky.
Register here.
| June 3, 2010
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa, Lexington, Ky.
Register here.
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Looking for business leads?
The Kentucky Chamber offers the 2010 edition of Harris Kentucky Manufacturers and Services Directories. In addition to the printed directories, we also offer the Selectory online version, that allows you to access contact information for Kentucky businesses via the Web. To place your order visit us online or call Sarah Vaught Cathey at 502-848-8719.
Tells us how taxes and health care mandates affect your business
During the 2010 session of the Kentucky General Assembly, the Kentucky Chamber’s opposition to:
the expansion of sales tax to services the suspension of the net operating loss carry-forward accelerated sales tax collection
saved Kentucky business an average $1,955 per business per year.
Several other bills opposed by the Chamber would have required commercial health insurance to cover a range of new benefits—resulting in higher premiums for Kentucky employers who provide health coverage. By successfully opposing these mandates, the Chamber saved Kentucky businesses as much as $23.75 per employee per year in health insurance premiums in the commercial market.
These are averages. We want to hear your stories.
1. Would the suspension of the net operating loss carry-forward or other tax bills have impacted your company? Tell us how.
2. How would higher health insurance premiums affect your ability to offer health insurance to your employees? Are you already facing tough choices in that area? Let us know.
The more we know about the specific impacts of these bills on our members, the better we can represent you. Share your stories and put a face on the impacts of state legislation. Send your e-mails to legislative@kychamber.com.
To see a complete report on the financial impact of the Kentucky Chamber’s work this session, click here.
Limited Space Available for FREE China Trip Orientations
The Kentucky Chamber is traveling to China on a nine-day tour September 10-18, 2010. This exciting trip will not only open your eyes to the vast business opportunities this country of 1.3 billion has to offer, but will also give you the adventure of a lifetime!
If you aren’t quite sure you’re ready to make the commitment then please join us to learn more. Register now for one of the FREE Orientations!
5:30-7 p.m. – Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Louisville Marriott Downtown, Louisville, Ky.
Register here.
5:30-7 p.m. – Thursday, May 6, 2010
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa, Lexington, Ky.
Register here.
Learn more about the trip here.
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