Dec 10 2024 2 mins
Kentucky has seen a mix of significant developments across various sectors recently. Top headlines include a warning about scam calls, with Georgetown Police urging residents to be vigilant, and a community effort in Lexington to buy bus passes for those experiencing homelessness[1]. Additionally, the Lexington Recycling Center has temporarily closed, prompting residents to seek alternative recycling options.
In government and politics, the 2024 Kentucky legislative session concluded with the passage of a $102 billion two-year state budget, which includes boosts to per-student funding and state employee raises[2]. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce highlighted the session's focus on education, infrastructure, and workforce development, noting that the investments will yield significant economic returns[3].
On the business and economy front, the legislative session also saw the passage of tax updates that included a new $5 million income tax credit for sales taxes paid by businesses on qualified broadband investments, without expanding the state sales tax base to business purchases[3]. This move is expected to save businesses an estimated $1.006 billion.
In community news, education received a significant boost with increased per-student funding, which districts can use to give raises to teachers[2]. Infrastructure projects, such as multi-million-dollar investments in water infrastructure, were also approved[2].
Environmental and weather updates include a Level 1 Drought Declaration for all Kentucky counties, issued due to moderate to severe drought conditions affecting soil moisture and vegetative health[4]. The drought has particularly impacted agricultural water needs and increased the risk of wildfires.
Looking Ahead, Kentucky residents can expect continued efforts to address the drought conditions, with seasonal forecasts predicting mixed precipitation patterns[4]. The state will also monitor the economic impacts of the recent legislative session, particularly in areas of education and infrastructure development. Additionally, local communities will continue to work on initiatives such as supporting those experiencing homelessness and improving public safety measures.
In government and politics, the 2024 Kentucky legislative session concluded with the passage of a $102 billion two-year state budget, which includes boosts to per-student funding and state employee raises[2]. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce highlighted the session's focus on education, infrastructure, and workforce development, noting that the investments will yield significant economic returns[3].
On the business and economy front, the legislative session also saw the passage of tax updates that included a new $5 million income tax credit for sales taxes paid by businesses on qualified broadband investments, without expanding the state sales tax base to business purchases[3]. This move is expected to save businesses an estimated $1.006 billion.
In community news, education received a significant boost with increased per-student funding, which districts can use to give raises to teachers[2]. Infrastructure projects, such as multi-million-dollar investments in water infrastructure, were also approved[2].
Environmental and weather updates include a Level 1 Drought Declaration for all Kentucky counties, issued due to moderate to severe drought conditions affecting soil moisture and vegetative health[4]. The drought has particularly impacted agricultural water needs and increased the risk of wildfires.
Looking Ahead, Kentucky residents can expect continued efforts to address the drought conditions, with seasonal forecasts predicting mixed precipitation patterns[4]. The state will also monitor the economic impacts of the recent legislative session, particularly in areas of education and infrastructure development. Additionally, local communities will continue to work on initiatives such as supporting those experiencing homelessness and improving public safety measures.