February 2016 - balancing the scales

VOLUME 35 NUMBER 1 FEBRUARY 12, 2016

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEXINGTON, KY. PERMIT NO. 513

Members layout a progressive vision for Kentucky pg. 11

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scales

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth P.O. Box 1450 London, Ky. 40743

BALANCING THE

Environmental justice conversation grows, needs more voices .............................................. 4 Youth lead on just transition to a sustainable energy future.......... 8 Will Kentucky comply with the Clean Power Plan?........................ 9 RECLAIM Act as Rep. Rogers responds to grassroots support ..........................................................10 Voting Rights – 10 years in the making and still work to do .......................................................... 13 Members push back on governor’s budget priorities ..........................................................14 KFTC membership: how we build and use our power...................... 15 Berea residents stand up for racial justice in their community .......................................................... 17 KFTC 35th Anniversary .............19

2 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Table of Contents Executive Committee Corner

is a statewide grassroots social justice orga­­ ni­zation working for a new balance of power and a just society. KFTC uses direct-action organizing to accomplish the following goals: • foster democratic values • change unjust institutions • empower individuals • overcome racism and other discrimination • communicate a message of what’s possible • build the organization • help people participate • win issues that affect the common welfare • have fun KFTC membership dues are $15 to $50 per year, based on ability to pay. No one is denied membership because of inability to pay. Membership is open to anyone who is committed to equality, democracy and nonviolent change.

Our voice and vision are needed to move us forward.....................................................................................3

Member Commentary Environmental justice conversation grows, needs more voices................................................................. 4 Root causes to root solutions...................................................................................................................................5

KFTC News Steering Committee adopts 2016 Program of Work....................................................................................... 6

New Energy and Transition Update Youth lead on just transition to a sustainable energy future....................................................................... 8 Will Kentucky comply with the Clean Power Plan?......................................................................................... 9 Leading presidential candidates offer ideas on just transition................................................................... 9 Just Transition efforts get a big boost with introduction of .....................................................................10 RECLAIM Act as Rep. Rogers responds to grassroots support.................................................................10

General Assembly Update Members layout a progressive vision for Kentucky at opening rally........................................................ 11 KFTC’s 2016 Legislative Issues at a Glance........................................................................................................ 12

Voting Rights Update Voting Rights – 10 years in the making and still work to do....................................................................... 13

Economic Justice Updates Members push back on governor’s budget priorities....................................................................................14 Kentucky Together focuses on revenue options..............................................................................................14

KFTC STEERING COMMITTEE

Grassroots Fundraising Update

Dana Beasley Brown, chairperson Tanya Torp, vice chairperson Elizabeth Sanders, secretary-treasurer Homer White, at-large member Sue Tallichet, immediate past chair

Local Updates

Chapter Representatives

Leslie Bebensee, Scott County Sarah Martin, Central Kentucky John Hennen, Rowan County Serena Owen, Northern Kentucky Ryan Fenwick, Jefferson County Alan Smith, Southern Kentucky Andrea Massey, Harlan County Randall Wilson, Perry County Megan McKinney, Madison County Lillian Prosperino, Letcher County Charly Sholty, Big Sandy Leah Bayens, Wilderness Trace Leslie McBride, Shelby County Alternates: Rosanne Klarer, Scott County; Sharon Murphy, Central Kentucky; Lisa Montgomery, Rowan County; Joann Schwartz, Northern Kentucky; Daniel Morgan, Jefferson County; Dora James and Jeanie Smith, Southern Kentucky; Carl Shoupe, Harlan County; Russell Oliver, Perry County; Meta Mendel-Reyes, Madison County; Eric Dixon, Letcher County; Kim Walters, Big Sandy; Lee Ann Paynter, Wilderness Trace; Nancy Reinhart and JoAnna Rouse, Shelby County Balancing the Scales is published by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth and mailed third class from Lexington, Kentucky. Reader contri­butions and letters to the editor should be sent to 250 Plaza Drive Suite #4, Lexington, Ky, 40503 or tim@kftc.org. Subscriptions are $20/yr.

KFTC membership: how we build and use our power................................................................................... 15 Members reflect on lessons learned at PolicyLink Equity Summit...........................................................16 Berea residents stand up for racial justice in their community.................................................................. 17 Central Kentucky chapter hosts citizen lobby training................................................................................. 17

Canary Project Updates Timber theft in Kentucky is a problem that needs action............................................................................ 18 KFTC 35th Anniversary ............................................................................................................................................19 KFTC Calendar.............................................................................................................................................................20

Your membership in KFTC helps to build a community of Kentuckians working for New Power!

NAME: _______________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________ CITY: _______________________________________ STATE & ZIP: _____________________________________ PHONE: _______________________________________ EMAIL: _______________________________________

Suggested membership dues are $15-$50 annually, based on ability to pay. We welcome you to give whatever amount you are able.

Step Two: Payment Method: □ Check or money order enclosed □ Electronic Funds Transfer (best option for Sustaining Givers). Please return this form with a voided check from the account you wish to have the withdrawals made. □ Credit card: Complete information below. □ Visa □ Mastercard □ Am. Express □ Discover

Select which organization you would like to donate to:

□ KFTC: Membership dues and donations are not tax-deductible. □ Kentucky Coalition: Membership dues and donations are tax-

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deductible.

Become A Sustaining Giver: Sustaining Givers provide steady

income to support KFTC’s work throughout the year. And being a Sustaining Giver allows you to make a bigger impact. With as little as $5 per month, you can make a greater investment in KFTC.

Make me a Sustaining Giver!

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I authorize KFTC/KY Coalition and their authorized third-party processing vendor(s) to debit my account or charge my credit card in accordance with the information provided. I understand that this authority will remain in effect until cancelled or changed by reasonable notification to KFTC/KY Coalition.

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www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Balancing the Scales | 3

executive committee corner

Our voice and vision are needed to move us forward

By Dana Beasley Brown I was moved by the way our voices echoed together throughout the capitol rotunda at our We Are Kentuckians rally on January 5. It was clear to those present, and those throughout the commonwealth, that we stand united by our vision. We came from all parts of the state to declare: We are working for a day when Kentuckians – and all people – enjoy a better quality of life. When the lives of people and communities matter before profits. When our communities have good jobs that support our families without doing damage to the water, air, and land.

When companies and the wealthy pay their share of taxes and can’t buy elections. When all people have health care, shelter, food, education, and other basic needs.

When children are listened to and valued. When discrimination is wiped out of our laws, habits, and hearts.

And when the voices of ordinary people are heard and respected in our democracy.

I believe every Kentuckian deserves the bright future laid out in our vision, regardless of which holler they are from or what skin color they have. We will tirelessly communicate this vision to the people who represent us in Frankfort.

We will evaluate the success of the 2016 General Assembly against this vision, specifically what it does for our workers, our families and every Kentuckian.

Our voices and our vision will move us forward. Not just in the halls of the capitol building but in the hollers and neighborhoods across the state. In 2016, we will work to make this vision a reality.

Together we are moving closer to this vision all across the commonwealth. KFTC and our allies are winning local minimum wage ordinances, passing local endorsements of the POWER+ Plan to create clean energy jobs, pushing back against methane pollution in West Louisville, and standing up for fairness and racial justice.

Our voices are louder than these challenging times.

When our voices resound across the commonwealth, when we stand together, our elected leaders have no choice but to listen.

Let us raise our voices louder than ever this year. Raise your voice by going to a chapter meeting and bringing a friend. Raise your voice by lobbying in Frankfort. Raise your

ACTION: Become a KFTC Sustaining Giver More and more KFTC members are choosing to become Sustaining Givers. These folks are investing in the future of KFTC and our vision for Kentucky.

Being a Sustaining Giver is the best way to support KFTC because: • You get to choose how much and how often you give.

• You can have a bigger impact on KFTC’s work. Small monthly gifts can add up to a deeper investment throughout the year.

• It’s easy. Once your Sustaining Gift is established, your membership is always current.

Who are KFTC Sustaining Givers?

• People of all ages and income levels.

• Parents

• College students • Working people • Retired people To become a Sustaining Giver, fill out the form on Page 2.

voice by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper.

Raise your voice by joining an issue committee or by calling your local legislator.

The voices and vision of real people have never been more important to our state.

The state we love and the vision we believe in require our best selves. We must listen to one another and be unified. We have the solutions that will not only make our vision a reality, but will make the commonwealth a better place to live for all Kentuckians.

Your voices inspire me to raise mine. Together, our voices will echo throughout the commonwealth. Let’s do this!

KFTC OFFICES AND STAFF MAIN OFFICE Morgan Brown, Robin Daugherty, and Burt Lauderdale P.O. Box 1450 | London, Kentucky 40743 606-878-2161 | Fax: 606-878-5714 info@kftc.org

FIELD OFFICES Louisville Elizabeth Adami, Beth Bissmeyer, Alicia Hurle and Carissa Lenfert 735 Lampton Street #202 Louisville, Ky 40203 502-589-3188 Whitesburg Sara Pennington and Sara Estep P.O. Box 463 Whitesburg, Ky 41858 606-632-0051 Central Kentucky Tim Buckingham, Jessica Hays Lucas, Beth Howard, Erik Hungerbuhler and Heather Roe Mahoney 250 Plaza Drive, Suite 4 Lexington, Ky 40503 859-276-0563

Northern Kentucky Joe Gallenstein 640 Main Street Covington, Ky 41005 859-380-6103 Floyd County Jessie Skaggs, Jerry Hardt 154 North Lake Drive P.O. Box 864 Prestonsburg, Ky 41653 606-263-4982 Berea Lisa Abbott, Amy Hogg, Kevin Pentz and Sasha Zaring 140 Mini Mall Drive Berea, Ky 40403 859-756-4027 Bowling Green Molly Kaviar 502-599-3989

email any staff member at firstname@kftc.org except for Jessica Hays Lucas, use jessicabreen@kftc.org; Beth Howard, use BethHoward@kftc.org; and Beth Bissmeyer, use BethBissmeyer@kftc.org

Cover: KFTC Chairperson, Dana Beasley Brown and her daughter Evangeline spoke at the January 5 We Are Kentuckians rally to kick off the 2016 General Assembly.

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www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

member commentary

Environmental justice conversation grows, needs more voices

By Aaron Pardieu January is a time to not only look forward to the new year but to also reflect on the successes and failures of the previous twelve months. While it is easy to get hung up on our mistakes and failures, it is also important to celebrate our personal successes, as well as those made by our neighbors and compatriots.

During the past year, taking actions to address climate change has been in both national and global news. Representatives from nearly 200 countries met at the U.N. Climate Change Conference held in Paris, France, in December to discuss and agree on ways to curb the detrimental effects of climate change. In August, President Obama and the EPA announced the Clean Power Plan – federal legislation that will commit state governments to reducing carbon emissions.

In our own region, there were a number of events that took place last fall that brought people together to discuss the environmental health of their community and ways to make the community healthier.

An Environmental Justice Workshop was hosted by the U.S. EPA on October 30 and held at the University of Louisville Shelby Campus. Nearly 60 people from a number of backgrounds attended the workshop. Representatives from private companies and governmental regulatory agencies had the greatest presence.

A smaller number of professors and U of L students also attended, along with a handful of activists from grassroots organizations.

The workshop described environmental justice as the access to economic, social, and psychological well-being regardless of race or wealth. A long history in Louisville and the state shows industrial development bringing the greatest amount of pollution and negative effects in communities of color and/or poverty.

For example, West Louisville and the Rubbertown district have been the destination for chemical plants and landfills since before African-Americans were pushed into the area in the 1950s and ’60s due to racially motivated zoning and housing policies.

For activists and scholars, the notion of environmental racism may not be a new concept. However, the effort to make government workers and industrial decision makers in Louisville more aware of such disparities is something worth applauding the event coordinators.

A week later, the Louisville Sustainability Summit – hosted by the Louisville Sustainability Council (LSC) – focused on ways that air quality in Louisville can be improved.

Moderators of the event highlighted that Kentucky has the fourth highest asthma rate in the country. In addition, 63 percent of Louisville neighborhoods have a life expectancy lower than the national average of 78 years.

It was stated that Louisville is one of the worst places in the country to live if you have a breathing disorder, despite a rating that the city received in terms of best places to visit.

Speakers from the Institute for Quality Air, Water, and Soil, Humana, and a number of local action groups discussed initiatives that are attempting to address poor air quality. A large theme of the summit was ways in which individual consumers can contribute to the effort.

To paraphrase Chuck Lambert, the 2015 chair of the LSC, improving Louisville’s air quality is a task that requires the efforts of the entire community. Planting more trees, using electric lawn mowers and vehicles, riding bicycles and using more natural gas as an alternative to gasoline were the suggested efforts. Yet these suggestions posed many questions.

If we use electricity as an alternative, what natural resources are used to do so? Coal, one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions, not to mention the detrimental extraction methods?

Does planting trees in a city with low air quality create more allergens? Where will this natural gas come from and how? While any idea to improve air quality is worth considering, it is important to also consider the themes of environmental justice.

On November 7, a day after the Louisville Sustainability Summit, another summit was held outside of Lexington. The title of this summit was “Pipelines, Fracking and Kentucky’s Future Beyond Fossil Fuels.” In contrast to the LSC event that charged a sizable entrance fee with limited scholarships, the summit in Lexington was free to the public.

The majority of this audience were activists and concerned citizens who live in areas of the state where natural gas and coal are extracted, along with the pipelines that transport the gases.

Many of the attendees were passionate about protecting their health and holding industries and regulators responsible during likely gas leaks or the poisoning of local resources.

Each summit provided useful information on a variety of environmental topics with a lot of overlapping ideas. Attendees and moderators all had good intentions. It all comes back to those themes of environmental justice.

When hosting events about community health, such dialogues need to be more accessible to the most marginalized residents in terms of cost and when these events take place. When we discuss the health and lives of impoverished people and communities of color, these community members must be present and made more aware of such events.

We must also reflect on how alternative fuels differ from renewable resources, and how the healthiest resources can be made available to everyone. We as a society should not settle for the most cost effective solutions when healthier options are available.

I commend and thank everyone involved in planning these events. There were many successes. And there is always more to be done.

KFTC and allies are leading for Environmental Justice Climate Justice Alliance On January 19, the Climate Justice Alliance (CJA) carried out a day of action across the nation, including demonstrations and meetings with U.S. EPA officials in all 10 regional offices. These actions were designed to deliver a powerful response from frontline communities to the EPA’s Clean Power Plan.

CJA is an association of more than 35 frontline communities and movement organizations working to advance a just transition and address the root causes of climate change. KFTC is a proud CJA member. KFTC provided lots of input into the plan – called Our Power Plan – which was delivered to the EPA in January.

To learn more about the action and the Our Power Plan, visit: www.ourpowercampaign.org Environmental Justice Leadership Forum on Climate Change In mid-January the EJ Leadership Forum on Climate Change released a report about ways states can incorporate equity and justice into their Clean Power Plan process and outcomes. KFTC provided input into this report, and our work is featured as a case study.

To read the Environmental Justice Guidance to States, visit: www.ejleadershipforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/EJ-State-Guidance-Final-v5jan-15-2016.pdf Kentuckians For The Commonwealth KFTC and many of our members and allies recently sent comments to the U.S. EPA about several proposals on how the Clean Power Plan will be implemented.

When the new federal rule to limit carbon pollution from power plants was finalized this fall, it contained a number of complicated proposals about how it will actually be put into action.

Here’s what KFTC had to say about the proposed Clean Energy Incentive Program: www.kftc.org/resources/ kftc-comments-epa-proposed-clean-energy-incentiveprogram Here’s what KFTC had to say about the EPA’s proposed federal plan (if states refuse to comply) and the EPA’s proposed model rules for pollution trading: www.kftc.org/resources/ kftc-comments-epa-proposals-within-clean-power-plan

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Balancing the Scales | 5

member commentary

Empower Kentucky is a long-term organizing strategy

By Serena Owen

I am a mother, community advocate, and a youth ministry worker. I live in northern Kentucky and ran for local office, because I’m trying to improve the quality of life of others.

Healthy communities and a healthier democracy are very important to me.

I grew up in the West End of Louisville where coal plants and chemical plants emit pollution into the air. Like many other low-income and people of color communities, residents in my neighborhood have many negative health impacts due to a heavy burden of toxic air pollution.

My son, who’s about to graduate from college, was born in Louisville and developed asthma at an early age. The smell was so disgusting that as a teenager I remember being too embarrassed to invite friends into the West End to visit with me, and daily I couldn’t wait to get out of the West End to get fresh air so I could BREATHE! Can you imagine having to leave your home, your community, just to BREATHE?!

Voices in my former community in the West End of Louisville and my current community in Elsmere are not often heard or valued, but our lives matter! Everyone deserves a good quality of life and everyone should be able to breathe clean air! In cases where power plants are strategically planted in low-income minority communities and emit harmful toxins and pollution into the air, this is considered Environmental Racism. We as Power Builders can and must do something to help our brothers and sisters!

That’s one reason I joined KFTC, a grassroots social justice organization with thousands of members, to organize for change and build New Power. KFTC has a powerful vision that guides in the way we do our work and the issues we work on. “We are working for a day when Kentuckians – and ALL people – enjoy a better quality of life.” And we are guided by the vision of the “voices of ordinary people being heard and respected in our democracy.”

While we know there are root causes to the issues we work on, we also know that there are root solutions. We know we must build a political process in which every voice is heard, that is inclusive, transparent, and creative.

Empower Kentucky This past August the U.S. EPA released the final version of the Clean Power Plan to protect us and especially our children and future generations from the harmful effects of global climate disruption. The plan lays out targets, unique to each state’s situation, for reducing carbon pollution from power plants over the next 15 years. Kentucky’s target is a 41 percent reduction by 2030.

The Clean Power Plan creates an opportunity for us and other states to build a strong economy that is good for all people, while addressing the risks of climate change. We can put clean energy solutions to work – creating good new jobs, ensuring affordable energy, and improving the health and quality of life of all Kentuckians.

But it won’t be easy to transform the ways we generate and use energy in Kentucky. Our economic, energy and political systems have long been shaped by fossil fuels, especially coal. That’s why KFTC has launched the Empower Kentucky

project. Empower Kentucky is KFTC’s campaign to engage people from all walks of life in conversations about our ideas and vision for a bright energy future.

This year we are organizing public forums, listening sessions, house parties, workshops and scores of interviews to listen and learn. Then together we will write our own model state plan.

The Empower Kentucky plan will lay out ways to make our communities more livable, strengthen our economy, and support a just transition for workers and Tina Michel, Jeff Hampton, Virginia Johnson, and Serena Owen lobby in Frankfort. communities while meeting or exceeding the EPA’s targets for pollution reduction. nity to build healthier communities and a healthier democracy The Empower Kentucky project is part of a long-term by voting, lobbying our local officials and legislators in Frankorganizing strategy to build the political will necessary for a fort to support the Clean Power Plan, being inclusive by seekclean energy transition, one that is good for all people and ing and sharing stories, and creating space so everyone’s voice communities. is heard.

Kentucky could – and we believe should – comply with It’s up to us to ensure that Kentuckians understand the the Clean Power Plan by investing in home-grown solutions choices we face and have every opportunity to shape solutions and a just transition for communities and workers by sig- that can benefit their lives, health and economic well-being. nificantly expanding energy efficiency and renewable energy Your voice is your power. You are invited to visit www.

– especially in communities most affected by pollution and EmpowerKentucky.org to share your story, learn how you can economic distress. help Empower Kentucky, and help improve the quality of life This moment we’re in right now presents us the opportu- of all Kentuckians! Thank you.

ACTION: Special Election ­— House Districts 8, 54, 62 and 98 On March 8 many Kentuckians will have the opportunity to go to the polls to elect state representatives to finish unexpired terms for four House seats that recently became open.

With the election of former State Representative Mike Harmon as Kentucky State Auditor and former State Representative Ryan Quarles as Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, as well as appointments to other government positions for former Representatives Tanya Pullin and John Tilley, the seats became vacant in mid-term.

The Kentucky House of Representatives districts impacted are numbers 8 (parts of Trigg and Christian counties), 54 (Casey and Boyle counties), 62 (Owen and parts of Scott and Fayette counties), and 98 (Greenup and part of Boyd county).

Voters in these districts will have the chance to vote on March 8 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to elect who they want to represent them for the remainder of the 2016 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly and through the end of the year. All House seats are up for re-election in November.

To find your polling location, please visit elect.ky.gov.

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www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

kftc news

Steering Committee adopts 2016 Program of Work 2016 is shaping up to be a big, busy year for Kentuckians For The Commonwealth.

On January 30, the KFTC Steering Committee met in Berea to discuss the 2016 Program of Work. The Program of Work is a document that describes our common purpose for the year. It’s not so much a workplan as an articulation of what we hope to do across each of our strategies (for example, leadership development, communications, voter empowerment) and issue campaigns (tax reform, new energy and transition, etc.) in a given year.

“Reviewing the Program of Work is interesting to me because it allows us to see the true breadth of our work and commitment, as well as setting the tone for the upcoming year,” said Steering Committee member Sarah Martin of Lexington. “Getting to be a part of this important decision-making process and seeing the ‘nuts and bolts’ of KFTC’s structure and programming is one of the reasons I decided to run for my chapter’s Steering Committee position.”

The Program of Work process starts in November when the Steering Committee reflects on the previous year, naming highlights and good work as well as identifying areas to improve. The Steering Committee did this work at their retreat in November, when they also created and discussed the KFTC Compound Lens.

A compound lens is a set of lenses – each treating the light in a different way – but all working together to bring the light or image into focus. The Steering Committee has thought of the KFTC Compound Lens as a set of key considerations that impact what we might focus on this year.

The Compound Lens is a dynamic and imperfect tool to help inform leadership’s thinking and decision-making.

Between the November meeting and the January meeting, the KFTC issue committees and leaders discussed their specific areas of work, evaluating the last year and planning for the year ahead. These committees attempted to use the KFTC Compound Lens as a way to focus in on the top priorities for the body of work.

The Steering Committee began their January meeting by circling back to the work they did in November on the KFTC Compound Lens. For each lens, they added any additional insights or analysis. The lenses that make up the KFTC Compound Lens include: •

KFTC Vision: which grounds all our work

•

KFTC 2021: where we want to be in 5 years

•

KFTC 2016: our self assessment / reality check (key strengths and weaknesses)

•

POLITICAL LANDSCAPE: in which we work

•

OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS: that impact our work this year

•

EXISTING AGREEMENTS: to ourselves and allies

After reviewing the KFTC Compound Lens, the Steering Committee walked through the 2016 Program of Work. As the Committee went through the Program, it kept in mind three core parts of our work: infrastructure/

capacity, resources/finances, and the program. The Steering Committee is working to be intentional about better aligning those three components.

In the coming year, a strong voter empowerment program is among the top priorities for the Steering Committee.

There are important elections at the local, state and national levels – elections that will impact the political landscape in which KFTC works in very real ways. The Steering Committee wants to prioritize developing robust local voter empowerment strategies that build toward statewide impact. More KFTC members and allies are running for office than in previous years, and there’s an opportunity to insert KFTC issues and messages into the public debate through the electoral work.

“We have members running, and there are lots of races this year,” noted Daniel Morgan of Louisville. “We can start local, and it’s a pipeline that builds power statewide.”

Randy Wilson of Perry County noted the importance of doing voter empowerment work in such a way to demonstrate that something else is possible, that there are real solutions out there.

“We need stories of empowerment like the story of Benham $aves,” said Wilson. “We can show that there is vision and that some things are working.”

The committee also talked at length about the Commitment to Diversity work. Racial justice work has been a growing edge within KFTC’s work over the last few years.

Early last year, the Steering Committee established a Racial Justice Ad Hoc Team charged with helping to educate the membership and staff about racial justice and other oppression issues.

The team provided articles for Balancing the Scales, helped facilitate part of a Steering Committee retreat, helped with two workshops at the annual meeting, facilitated an eastern Kentucky racial justice workshop, and more. In their planning for the 2016 Program of Work, the team asked the Steering Committee to consider establishing a standing Racial Justice Committee within KFTC’s structure.

The Steering Committee explored this recommendation. They recognized the growing body of work around racial justice and the momentum and interest within the membership. And yet the committee recognized that the capacity required to staff and maintain a new standing committee may be a limiting but real factor. The Steering Committee asked the Racial Justice Ad Hoc Team to do some planning about how to staff and structure a standing Racial Justice Team in such a way to maintain alignment between capacity and program. The team agreed to bring

some ideas back to the April 9 Steering Committee meeting.

“We don’t take the capacity issue lightly,” noted Martin, a member of the Racial Justice Team. “We can brainstorm a plan for how it might work.”

The committee affirmed the direction of KFTC’s work in other strategies and across issue campaigns. They noted the importance of leadership development across all the work both for this year and where they want to be in five years. They discussed how this strategy intersects with stewardship and building strong chapters.

“Right now we have a lot of people joining,” noted Tanya Torp of Lexington. “We have to figure out entry points to engage them so they stay involved. It’s a high priority.”

The committee expressed interest in elevating communications, including strengthening skills in reframing key issues and in further developing a mobile strategy and social media presence. They discussed interest in regional trainings focused on communications.

“How can we get our messages and stories out quickly?” asked Dana Beasley Brown of Bowling Green. “We need to make sure the messaging work we are doing is ‘tweetable’ and such.”

Committee members discussed the momentum around issue campaigns and affirmed that Empower Kentucky and work on tax reform are important priorities they’ve committed to for this year.

By the day’s end, the Steering Committee adopted the 2016 Program of Work, establishing an ambitious yet strategic body of strategies and campaigns on which to focus.

“Going through the Program of Work is KFTC’s democracy in action,” said Meta Mendel-Reyes of Madison County. “As a Steering Committee member, I feel empowered to have a say in KFTC’s priorities for the year.”

Martin added, “A great deal of change within our state and local governments has occurred in the last year. I feel the same is also true for KFTC. I believe that at today’s meeting, we made decisions that will put us in a better position for the long-term. It will allow us to respond more effectively, uplift and focus on the most pressing of issues, and to return the support of our dedicated and terrific staff that has underpinned us, and this work, for so long.”

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Balancing the Scales | 7

We are Kentuckians Shavaun Evans, Jefferson County How did you first get involved with KFTC? I first heard about KFTC through some publicity around the Louisville Loves Mountains event when I was living in Washington, D.C. – so I wasn’t even living in Kentucky.

I just heard about this really cool event that celebrates the mountains, and I thought that that connection between Louisville and eastern Kentucky with mountains and working on mountaintop removal issues was something that I really wanted to get involved with.

When I fully moved back to Kentucky a few months later, KFTC was one of the first things that I wanted to explore more. It was going on 10 years since I’d actually lived in Kentucky. I have been very active in social justice and organizing circles in every place that I’ve lived. So when I got back, I was like “I need to get into some organizing circles. I need to join something that really cares about social justice.”

And KFTC was my first choice.

How do you talk with others about KFTC? I tell people that KFTC is probably one of the smartest organizing models that I’ve ever seen. It’s really focused on the people of Kentucky and making sure that all of our voices are heard. And in a variety of ways: it ranges from state policy,

local policy, making sure our concerns about our neighborhoods are heard, making sure that elected officials know what we care about. I just really appreciate that KFTC is so focused on uplifting the voices of the people of Kentucky and bringing them in front of elected officials and other folks who are making decisions for our entire state but oftentimes aren’t listening to what we have to say. So KFTC for me is sort of that vehicle that gets our voices in front of the folks that really need to be listening to the people.

You said you’ve done social justice organizing in every place you’ve lived. How is KFTC unique or different?

I’d say KFTC is unique from other organizing circles that I’ve been involved with just because there’s a really great state-based model that KFTC uses. A lot of times, you get so focused on the community that you’re within, which I think is really, really good in its own sense, but I think that what I really appreciate about KFTC is that we’re not only focused on just Louisville and just Jefferson County, but we really look at how the work here affects the rest of the state and vice versa. How mountaintop removal in eastern Kentucky and issues in western Kentucky or central Kentucky – how all of that affects every place and person in Kentucky. We are really concerned with and want to organize with other folks across the state to make sure that we’re all working together to better this state.

What is your favorite KFTC moment so far?

I think my favorite KFTC moment so far would be the We Are Kentuckians event we did at the Clifton Center in Louisville. It was an amazing spirit in that room. People were so happy to celebrate the culture of black Kentuckians. I got to meet a lot of the folks from the eastern Kentucky chapters. People from central Kentucky came. It was just a really incredible celebration of blacks in Kentucky and bringing together folks from Louisville who didn’t even realize that there was such a large black population in some other parts of the state. So I really enjoyed that, just being able to be in that space and feel that energy from so many people who really wanted to celebrate black Kentuckians. It was just really incredible.

I was on the planning team for the We Are Kentuckians event. I got to help reach out to folks that we wanted to come and either have them speak or have someone to cater the event. The really cool part is we were able to incorporate a really great soul food place here called Dasha Barbours. They are a part of the Barbour family farm. The family that owns Dasha Barbours – the husband – he grew up on the farm in Hart County, and they still source chicken and produce from that farm to use in the restaurant. To be able to connect this incredible black farming family and their local restaurant to KFTC and this event – it just brought everything full circle.

I thought it was really incredible.

KFTC is made up of more than 10,000 members who together amplify our voices and fight for a better Kentucky. As individuals we bring our own talents and treasures with us to the organization. We Are Kentuckians is a series that profiles KFTC members in various aspects of the organization.

How does KFTC develop grassroots leaders?

One of my favorite parts about KFTC is how KFTC is really focused on uplifting the voices of people in Kentucky to make sure that our voices are heard. You can see that translated into a lot of the work with grassroots leadership. It’s the voices of the members that are brought to the forefront.

We are the ones that help to come up with the concepts for events that we want to do. We are able to lead in trying to

bring folks together to do different events around the city.

I really love the fact that I am able to have such a leadership role within an organization without being a staff person.

I think that is one of my favorite things about the organization is just that I am able to really have a say in the direction of KFTC and the work that the organization is doing, which I think is huge because the work of KFTC has the potential to affect all of Kentucky. I really appreciate that KFTC wants the voices of Kentucky to really shape the organization and shape the direction it’s going in the future.

How does being a part of KFTC build or grow our power?

KFTC is a great connector that can bring together a lot of folks across the city who may not have worked together in anything else. They may be new to each other or new to some of these issues, and it brings us together to focus on some really critical social justice issues, and it allows us to be able to work together to really make change for the state of Kentucky and for Jefferson County.

We talk a lot about wanting to be able to change our community, and oftentimes we complain about things that are going on in our communities. KFTC really allows for people to come in and work to make that change happen.

When I first moved back to Kentucky, it was easy for me to complain about things that I didn’t like in the neighborhood.

It was easy for me to complain about things that I didn’t like happening where my nephew was living. It was easy for me to complain about all of these different things – environmental justice issues. I could have just kept complaining, but KFTC really allowed for that space for me to turn those complaints into actual energy to change it. So I would say to anyone who wants to stop complaining and wants to start seeing change, join KFTC.

What is your vision for Kentucky?

My vision for Kentucky is just a place where I would be proud to raise a family, and a place where I would be proud to see my nephews grow up. If my nephews and my family can feel like we are in a safe space and that we are able to be in control of our environment and that we have a say in the way that laws are made here and that politicians are listening to us and that our voice is respected, then I would say that we would be happy in Kentucky.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A KFTC MEMBER? • You’re part of a community of people who share a vision for Kentucky.

• You get to impact issues that are important to you. You’ll receive information, training and opportunities to speak directly with decision makers.

• You get to amplify your voice and build New Power. Working together, we can do so much more than any of us can do alone.

• You get fellowship and fun with others who share your values.

8 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

new energy and transition updates

Youth lead on just transition to a sustainable energy future Young KFTC leaders from eastern Kentucky are taking charge of their future, and they used the occasion of a clean energy committee hearing in Frankfort to help convey that message.

“As a young person who is trying to make my life in this region … I know that if I’m going to do that, to stay here, we have to plan for our future and create more policies that diversify our energy and do less harm to people and other parts of our community that we enjoy and need to survive,” said Kendall Bilbrey of Whitesburg. “We’re trying to be the voices of fellow young people for the future.”

Bilbrey was one of a van load of younger KFTC members who made the long trek to Frankfort on January 28.

They are part of the broader effort toward a just economic transition in eastern Kentucky. The committee hearing provided the opportunity to talk with legislators about the jobs and economic benefits of sustainable energy solutions.

“We’re building power by showing up together. They can’t write us off if we’re more than one voice,” said Jacob Mack-Boll of Hindman. “An important part of this is about the relationship building.”

“It’s timely right now with Governor Bevin not even mentioning eastern Kentucky in the State of the Commonwealth address,” added Jonathan Hootman of Whitesburg.

“A response to that is: ‘Hey, we’re here, too. There’re a lot of committed people who care about their home and want to have better representation.’

“As a conservation biologist, I’m obviously concerned about clean energy,” Hootman added. “When we went through the [KFTC] lobbying packet, the thing that jumped off the page for me was the taxes, that the lowest income earners are paying the highest percentage. To me, that’s so appalling that it’s not headline news. It just really stuck with me. To feel like I could have a little bit of sway into helping shape the argument for a more just tax system sparked something in me, for sure.”

During the committee hearing, the eastern Kentucky delegation got to hear how the kind of change they are working for in Kentucky has had a positive impact elsewhere.

A Renewable and Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) in Kentucky would create jobs, save money, improve public health and invigorate the economy, members of the House Economic Development Committee were told.

A REPS can be the “impetus for tremendous economic growth in states that have adopted those policies,” said Randy Strobo, an adjunct professor of environmental law and policy at Bellarmine University’s School of Environmental Studies. “This proposal opens the door for Kentuckians to benefit … from one of the fastest growing sections in the U.S. economy.”

Concrete evidence of the benefits of REPS was provided

by Daniel Brookshire, a regulatory and policy analyst with the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association. He described the benefits in job creation, economic growth and the impact on ratepayers since North Carolina passed a REPS in 2007.

“Between 2007 and 2014, $6 billion has been invested in clean energy in the state, much invested in poorer counties,” he said, noting that communities have experienced

Young KFTC members from eastern Kentucky talk with Rep. Horlander during their visit to Frankfort on January 28 in support of the Clean Energy Opportunity Act and new economic opportunities.

$1.54 in benefits for each $1 invested. This effort has increased in $7 billion in revenue and 20,000 full-time jobs for North Carolinians.

“The job numbers have steadily grown over time, and the revenues have skyrocketed over time,” Brookshire said.

“The North Carolina REPS has injected a new market for electricity production, and this market has resulted in … projects that are investing millions of dollars in the poorest parts of our state.

“Clean energy stays very localized in its destination markets. Forty-six percent of the clean energy products that were generated in the state stayed within county level – so local businesses doing local economic development work – and 35 percent of that stayed within the state.”

“Over time it is projected that our REPS standards will save ratepayers $651 million between 2008 and 2029 compared to what would have been done in a conventional setting,” Brookshire added.

For several years Rep. Mary Lou Marzian has sponsored the Clean Energy Opportunity Act, which is modeled largely after North Carolina’s REPS. The bill has usually been sent to unfavorable committees as an energy bill.

However, Economic Development Committee Chair Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo recognized the legislation as a jobs bill and called for the hearing in her committee. The bill is expected to be filed soon, and it is unknown to what committee it will be assigned.

“This is something that will help our families, children and our workers,” said Marzian. She noted that a solar manufacturing plant in Danville had moved out of state “because we did not have a policy to help them survive.”

“These are jobs Kentucky can no longer afford to miss out on,” said Strobo.

“With the testimonies based in facts, figures, percentages, the sort of things that can be confusing…but talking about the opportunity in a visionary way is much more impactful, not just saying we could increase jobs at such and

such percent, but saying that there is really opportunity to put people to work in our communities with these bills,” said Bilbrey.

“What was neat and important about the clean energy legislation was how many issues there are to it, how there’s a jobs component and an employment component,” observed Mack-Boll. “There’s some really good things that can come out of it if we approach it like North Carolina did, by focusing on and giving priority to low-income areas for jobs and energy savings. And for here, there’s the benefit to those who have been most affected by extraction and its health effects, and the effects of a mono economy.

“To be able to survive, we need to be building different alternatives, multiple pathways forward.”

Several committee members, including Rep. Dennis Horlander from Louisville, spoke favorably about the opportunities offered by renewable energy. Comments from Reps. John Short and Kim King were less favorable.

Just prior to hearing of the clean energy opportunities, the committee approved a bill by Rep. Rocky Adkins allowing coal companies to benefit from an economic incentive program.

Earlier in the day, members of the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition planted pinwheels on the lawn outside of the Capitol Annex to represent support for the renewable energy legislation.

The KFTC members expressed feelings of empowerment and responsibility that come with lobbying.

“It was a lot simpler process than I was expecting. I thought it might be more than just a conversation, which is what it was. Now I know what goes down when you do that kind of thing, have those kinds of conversations. It’s something I would do again,” said Sydney Allen of Richmond, adding her preference for lobbying with a group.

“I would do it again,” Hootman added. “At least I feel like I’m making an effort to have my voice heard in our government.”

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Balancing the Scales | 9

new energy and transition update

Will Kentucky comply with the Clean Power Plan?

On January 21, Kentucky took a small but important first step toward meeting the requirements of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. Governor Bevin announced that his administration will seek a two-year extension from the U.S. EPA before submitting a state implementation plan.

“It’s a positive first step toward finding home grown solutions to the state’s energy future,” KFTC’s chairperson Dana Beasley Brown told journalist Greg Stotelmyer. “This just makes sense because we really do need a plan that’s going to be best for Kentuckians and written and created by Kentuckians.”

The Clean Power Plan invites each state to write its own energy plan. The new federal rule requires states to reduce carbon pollution from power plants by 2030 and gives them the opportunity to say how to get it done. If a state chooses not to write its own plan or submits a plan that does not comply, the EPA will impose a one-size-fits-all solution directly on the utilities and consumers of that state.

The EPA has given states lots of time and flexibility to come up with their plans. For example, states may submit a final plan on September 6, 2016, or they may request a

two-year extension at that time. To qualify for an extension, states must demonstrate that they have begun a process of “meaningful public engagement,” including with “vulnerable communities.”

It remains far from certain, however, if Kentucky will ultimately submit a state plan that complies with the federal rule. As a candidate, Gov. Bevin vowed to resist the Clean Power Plan. Under the Beshear administration, Kentucky joined with two dozen other states in challenging the rule’s legality.

One of the first actions taken in December by Charles Snavely, Kentucky’s new secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet and a former Arch Coal executive, was to file an additional petition calling on the EPA to reconsider the rule. And finally, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a law in 2014 that – unless it is changed – makes it extremely hard, if not impossible, for Kentucky to submit a final state plan that complies with the rule.

By announcing that his administration will seek a twoyear extension, Gov. Bevin is effectively buying time for legal challenges to play out. Importantly, his action also creates

an opportunity for concerned Kentuckians to make their best case for adoption of a thoughtful state plan loaded with home-grown solutions.

In her interview with Greg Stotelmyer, Beasley Brown said that KFTC is working hard to make the case that “energy transformation can be good for Kentuckians’ health as well as the state’s economy. It starts with energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency is a win-win-win approach that can generate good jobs and improve economic security for our families and industries.”

Last fall KFTC launched the Empower Kentucky project to gather public input about Kentucky’s best options for transforming the state’s energy system in ways that are good for everyone’s health, economy and equity. In April KFTC will host a series of community conversations in every congressional district and in June will host a public summit to share the results. The input from those gatherings, online surveys, interviews and other listening sessions will inform the creation of KFTC’s own plan – a people’s plan – describing ways Kentucky can meet or exceed the Clean Power Plan goals while strengthening the state’s economy and health.

Leading presidential candidates offer ideas on just transition All three (at the time) Democratic candidates for U.S. president have released ambitious proposals for addressing the risks of climate change while creating good new jobs and supporting worker transition. Two of the three candidates have offered specific ideas for a just transition for coal workers and communities in Central Appalachia as part of their overall energy and climate agendas.

Over the summer, Martin O’Malley announced a fourpart climate agenda to become entirely reliant on renewable energy by 2050. While the candidate’s proposals do not include specific policies aimed at a just transition in Appalachia, he does call for investments in “job transition assistance and a new Clean Energy Jobs Corps.” O’Malley’s four-part climate agenda includes: •

A complete transition to renewable energy, and an end to our reliance on fossil fuels, by 2050.

•

Doubling energy efficiency savings within 15 years to waste less energy and create jobs.

•

Investing in our physical and intellectual infrastructure to power the Clean Energy economy.

•

Creating a new Clean Energy Job Corps to rebuild, retrofit and restore our communities and environment.

In November, Hillary Clinton’s campaign announced a plan to invest $30 billion in supporting workers and communities affected by the decline in the mining and burning of coal. Her plan to revitalize the Central Appalachian economy was included as a plank in the candidate’s broader energy and climate agenda. This Appalachian transition proposal calls for: • Shoring up pension plans and health care benefits for

retired coal workers •

Reforming the system of support for workers with black lung

•

Providing funds to local schools whose tax base is harmed by the decline in coal jobs

•

Investing in key aspects of community infrastructure, including water systems, roads, bridges, and the utility grid

•

Investing in reclaiming and repurposing abandoned mine lands and power plants

•

Expanding renewable energy production on federal lands, including hydropower at existing federal dam sites

•

Expanding the use of New Market Tax Credits to spur private investment

•

Creating a Coal Community Challenge Fund to give competitive grants to projects in the areas of entrepreneurship and business development, education, training, health and wellness, art and culture, and housing.

In December, Senator Bernie Sanders introduced a package of three bills to end fossil fuel subsidies, create clean energy jobs, support a just transition for workers and families, and address climate change. Senator Sanders’s bills are cosponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Or), and Sen. Ed Markey (DMA). They include the following: The Clean Energy Worker Just Transition Act provides three years of financial support (including salary, health care and pension) and up to four years of job training and living expenses for coal workers and other employees affected by the transition to cleaner energy sources. It directs investments

in economic development in Central Appalachia and other economically distressed communities and provides incentives to employers who hire transitioning employees. The total package of proposed just transition investments is worth $41 billion and is funded by closing a tax loophole that benefits companies who ship their headquarters overseas.

The American Clean Energy Investment Act of 2015 would double the number of clean energy jobs in the U.S. to 10 million by 2030. The act ends subsidies for fossil fuels and expands incentives and support for a host of clean energy solutions, including renewable energy and energy efficiency.

It provides support for U.S. manufacturers of advanced clean energy technologies. And it expands access to electric vehicles and incentivises fuel-efficient trucks and advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol and algae-based biodiesel. The full package directs nearly half a trillion dollars to support a U.S. transition toward a clean energy future, reducing our dependence on costly and polluting fuels.

The Climate Protection and Justice Act aims to reduce U.S. carbon dioxide emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. It puts a price on the carbon content of fossil fuels produced or imported into the United States, and returns the bulk of the revenue raised directly to families earning less than $100,000 a year. The bill invests $20 billion annually in helping disadvantaged communities prepare for and respond to the negative impacts of climate change. It also provides $3 billion annually for helping cities, towns and low-income families make energy efficient upgrades to lower their energy costs. The bill also contains provisions to make our electricity grid more resilient and efficient and reduce energy costs and pollution related to U.S. agriculture.

10 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

new energy and transition update

Just Transition efforts get a big boost with introduction of RECLAIM Act as Rep. Rogers responds to grassroots support A strong grassroots movement toward just transition in eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia, including major federal investment in the region, has resulted in new legislation.

On February 3, U.S. Representative Hal Rogers introduced the RECLAIM Act (Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More). The bipartisan bill aims to accelerate the use of $1 billion in funding in the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Fund to help revitalize coal communities hardest hit by the downturn of the coal industry.

“This is great news. I am thrilled that Kentucky is taking the lead with Congressman Hal Rogers’ introduction of the bill,” said KFTC Chairperson Dana Beasley Brown. “A proposal to restore the land and water of abandoned mine sites in eastern Kentucky in ways that will put people back to work and create economic development opportunities is what folks in the region and beyond have been working hard toward for years.”

The legislation distributes $200 million annually to states and Indian tribes to carry out reclamation projects that will create favorable conditions for economic development in the surrounding area.

The AML Fund was created in the 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) to address environmental damages from abandoned coal mines. A change in

the statutory language of SMCRA is required to allow funds to be used for those expanded purposes.

“This legislation, if passed, will bring a much-needed kick-start to our struggling economy and put laid off miners and others back to work while restoring the land and water of abandoned mines in ways that create economic and community development,” said KFTC member Carl Shoupe, who has worked to build local support for this and other investments in Appalachia’s bright future.

The RECLAIM Act mirrors a proposal from the White House in February 2015 that was part of a broader POWER+ Plan which included job training, strengthening the health and pension plans of 100,000 retired coal miners and their families, and other direct investments in communities affected by the nation’s transition from coal.

That proposal did not gain much traction until last fall when communities in eastern Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee began passing resolutions in support of the POWER+ proposal. The Kentucky resolutions called on Rep. Rogers to sponsor the legislation necessary to allow the extra $1 billion in AML funds to be used for economic and community development projects.

“We have been working together locally as a community for quite some time, and are excited to see the ball start to roll in our favor, to see representatives from our state on our side,” said Kimberly Shepherd of Harlan County. “I was happy back in August when our county government here in Harlan County passed a resolution in support of POWER+.

I’m just as happy now that others are starting to see the potential that we see here for a just transition. It’s been coming a long time. This gives me a lot of hope and optimism for the future.”

Resolutions in support of POWER+ were passed by fiscal courts in Letcher, Floyd, Knott, Harlan, Bell, Pike and Perry counties; city councils in Vicco, Hindman, Evarts, Benham and Whitesburg; the Benham Power Board and the Appalachian Renaissance Initiative Student Senate; plus 14 locals governments in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.

“This just shows that all of our little actions together can add up to something big,” said Carl Shoupe, a retired thirdgeneration coal miner.

Those who wish to show support for the RECLAIM Act can sign an online petition and get more information at www.powerplusplan.org.

GROWING

APPALACHIA

Saturday Saturday,March March21, 5 Jenny Wiley Convention Center, Prestonsburg, KY

Carl Shoupe, a retired UMWA coal miner in Harlan County, Kentucky, mailed a letter to Congressman Hal Rogers today encouraging him to push the POWER+ Plan through Congress in 2016. The letter was accompanied by copies of the 14 resolutions that local governments and organizations have passed in Rogers’ 5th District supporting the POWER+ Plan.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Jenny Wiley State Park

Join us for a day of workshops on skills for beginning organic gardening, renewable energy, small-scale mountain farming and more!

Free and Open to the public $10 suggested donation per adult (includes lunch).

Pre-registation is appreciated Register online at www.kftc.org/growing or call 606-263-4982

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Balancing the Scales | 11

General assembly update

Members layout a progressive vision for Kentucky at opening rally KFTC Chairperson Dana Beasley Brown opened the first We Are Kentuckians rally in Frankfort by sharing a vision of healthy communities, good jobs, the best health care, fairness, racial justice and a healthy environment across Kentucky.

“Our collective voice is so important in this political landscape – the voice of real people. We’re churning our dreams – you and me – with people all over our commonwealth. And we have the solutions that can make them a reality,” Beasley Brown told the crowd of 200 gathered in the capitol rotunda on January 5, the first day of the 2016 General Assembly.

In addition to KFTC, local and statewide community organizations, local labor groups, health care advocates, fairness groups and others participated in the rally to begin the 2016 legislative session with a vision of what Kentucky can be and what real Kentuckians want for our state.

“We are in challenging times, YES. But many of us have been in challenging times before,” said Beasley Brown.

“That’s not new to us, and that’s why we do this work together. I know that when I join my voice with your voice, the legislators have no choice but to listen.”

The day began with a meet-and-greet with legislators, including senators Morgan McGarvey and Gerald Neal and Representative Kelly Flood. Then the crowd gathered in the capitol rotunda to share a vision and lift up priorities for the session.

Several KFTC members spoke during the rally, alongside allies from other organizations, about minimum wage, racial justice, voting rights and the need to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians.

“We are a state built with incredible power,” said Pam Newman, a KFTC member from Louisville. Newman said 2016 is the year when “we can build our potential and use our potential.”

She encouraged those gathered to envision a Kentucky where black lives matter, where immigrants are respected, and where the land and water are protected. “We collectively have the right to organize, to strategize and to revolutionize.”

Mantell Stevens, a KFTC member from Lexington who lost his right to vote because of a felony conviction 16 years ago, told the crowd, “I believe that every Kentuckian should have the right to vote. Period. Because every Kentuckian shares the responsibility of making our commonwealth better.”

“Our vision statement is a strong tool,” said Serena Owen of Elsmere. The vision statement guides KFTC’s work but can also hold elected leaders accountable, Owen said.

KFTC member Meta Mendel-Reyes, who also represented Standing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), told the crowd that achieving racial justice would take white people working together – and taking action together.

Member Jesus Gonzalez – along with his daughter, Bella – spoke about the impact of a minimum wage increase on low-wage workers. “I don’t care who’s in that office. I don’t care who’s our governor. We still expect our lawmakers and our politicians to stand for the people of Kentucky,” Gonzalez said.

Senators Gerald Neal (right, gesturing) and Morgan McGarvey were among the legislators who spoke with KFTC members on January 5 at a Legislator Meet-and-Greet prior to the We Are Kentuckians Rally.

Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign told the crowd, “Friends, the time for fairness is now, and the ones who will win it are you.”

Rebecca Peek of SEIU/NCFO 32BJ (Service Employees International Union, National Conference of Firemen and Oilers) focused on the right of workers to organize – a right that is threatened by “right to work” legislation. “One of the best ways to ensure a better future for all of Kentucky is to stand up for the right of workers to bargain with their employers,” Peek said.

KFTC members who attended the event said they came to send a message to the governor and legislators.

“I think today is very important because it is a new era for Kentucky with the new Governor Bevin coming in,” said Rosanne Fitts Klarer, a KFTC member from Scott County.

“I feel like he needs to hear from the progressive part of Kentucky that we expect things to not slide backwards and we are holding him to account. That’s why I’m here.”

Paul Schwartz of Fort Thomas said, “It’s important for the representatives to understand the needs of the people and what the people want and not just to hear from the constituents that maybe are the big campaign contributors or the big businesses. They represent the people; they don’t represent those people.”

12 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

KFTC’s 2016 Legislative Issues at a Glance Here’s a list of the bills KFTC has a position on in the 2016 General Assembly, through February 8. The KFTC Executive Committee (which serves as the legislative strategy team) reviews bills and amendments weekly. For a current update, visit www.kftc.org/billtracker.

Priority Legislation: Support

Issue

Summary

Status

Restoration of Voting Rights Amendment HB 70

HB 70, the Restoration of Voting Rights Amendment, would allow voters statewide a chance to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to most former felons upon the completion of their sentence.

Tax Reform HB 342

The Kentucky Forward Bill would make Kentucky’s tax system more fair, HB 342 is assigned to the House Appropriations and Revenue adequate and sustainable with a broad variety of reforms.

Committee.

Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant

This legislation would apply statewide housing standards to encourage The bill will be assigned to a committee once it is introduced. “landlords and tenants to maintain and improve the quality of housing.”

These standards already exist, with local governments having the option to adopt them, though many have not.

Act (URLTA)

HB 70 was approved by the House Elections & Constitutional Amendments Committee on February 1 and the full House on February 4 by an 82-9 vote. It is now before the Senate State and Local Government Committee.

Clean Energy Opportunity Act HB 339

The Clean Energy Opportunity Act would create a Renewable and Effi- HB 339 has been assigned to the House Tourism Development ciency Portfolio Standard requiring utilities in Kentucky to get an increasing and Energy Committee. share of their electricity from clean, renewable sources and energy efficiency programs. It also would establish a Feed-in Tariff that sets a guaranteed rate for renewable energy producers. The two policies could create 28,000 new Kentucky jobs over the next 10 years.

Stream Saver Bill HB 152

HB 152 would provide important protections for our water by prohibiting HB 152 is assigned to the House Natural Resources & Environthe dumping of toxic mine wastes, most commonly associated with moun- ment Committee. taintop removal, into “an intermittent, perennial, or ephemeral stream or other water of the Commonwealth.”

Here are other bills KFTC supports and is working for passage

KFTC’s Legislative Strategy Team

Statewide Fairness (HB 155), Expungement (HB 40), Pipeline Safety (HB 240), Earned Income Tax Credit (HB 86 and SB 127), Abolition of the Death Penalty (HB 203 and SB 41), Stop Payday Lending Abuses (SB 101), Limits on Campaign Contributions (HCR 14), Raising the Minimum Wage (HB 278), Early Voting (HB 290), Ban the Box (HB 180), Preventing Cruelty to Dogs (SB 14), and Addressing Timber Theft (HCR 29).

KFTC is opposing the following bills

Right to Work (SB 3), Lowering the Prevailing Wage (SB 9 and SB 94), Exempting Unmined Minerals Tax Owners (HB 23 and HB 195), Allowing Nuclear Power Plant Construction (HB 103 and SB 89), Making Kentucky a Sanctuary for Polluters (HB 104) , and Mandatory Drug Testing for Public Assistance Recipients (HB 62).

Do your representative and senator know how you feel about these bills and if you want them to support or oppose a particular bill? How about letting them know? Contact your legislators by leaving a message through the Legislative Message Line at 800-372-7181 (open 7 a.m.

- 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday and until 6 p.m. on Friday), calling their legislative office directly at 502-564-8100, emailing (find their address at www.lrc.ky.gov/whoswho/email.htm – not all legislators respond to email) or visiting them in Frankfort or in their home district.

Are you receiving Legislative Updates from KFTC via email? If not, then we don’t have a current email address for you. To remedy that, send an email to Morgan@kftc.org and ask to be added to the list.

KFTC's Executive Committee serves as our Legislative Strategy Team, with input and recommendations from our issue committees, lobby teams and allies. They have a weekly call to make strategy decisions, review bills and take positions, where appropriate. You can see all the positions we've taken, the status of the legislation, and download copies of bills and our handouts through the KFTC Bill Tracker (www. kftc.org/bill-tracker). Pictured are, left to right, Elizabeth Sanders, Sue Tallichet, Homer White, Tanya Torp and Dana Beasley Brown.

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Balancing the Scales | 13

voting rights Update

Voting Rights – 10 years in the making and still work to do In late December Gov. Matt Bevin’s action to take away automatic voting rights restoration to an estimated 150,000 Kentuckians was unnecessary and sets back progress toward a healthy democracy, KFTC leaders said.

“We’ve been working with Democratic and Republican House leaders for a permanent legislative solution to this issue for a decade,” said KFTC Chairperson Dana Beasley Brown. “We’re glad that Gov. Bevin supports this approach.

But until Republican leaders in the Senate stop blocking the needed legislation, we need interim solutions like the executive action taken by Gov. Steve Beshear in November.”

In November Gov. Beshear established new protocols for making automatic the restoration of voting rights for former felons if they met three requirements – they had fulfilled their sentence, had no pending criminal charges, and had not been convicted of a violent or sexual offense, bribery or treason.

The new protocols streamlined the review and eliminated the requirement of an individual pardon from the governor, which could take months or never be granted. “[D]isenfranchisement makes no sense. It makes no sense because it dilutes the energy of democracy, which functions only if all classes and categories of people have a voice, not just a privileged, powerful few,” Beshear said in November. “It makes no sense because it violates the principles of fairness.”

However, Bevin rescinded Beshear’s executive order and says he favors a legislative solution.

“If Gov. Bevin does support a legislative solution, as does KFTC, there is still no reason to reverse Beshear’s action,” said a KFTC statement. “There is no justification for prolonging this injustice – or in this case reinstating an injustice for 150,000 Kentuckians – while there is no guarantee that his own party’s legislative leaders will agree to a legislative solution. Bevin’s action was unnecessary.”

KFTC member Mantell Stevens said he was shocked and hurt to learn of Bevin’s action. “I don’t know why anybody in their right mind wouldn’t want anybody to have the right to vote,” said Stevens, who lost his right to vote in 2000 after spending 30 days in jail and three years on probation for a drug possession charge.

“The only thing I needed to do was get it notarized,” he told The Courier-Journal about his application for restoration. “It’s really weird because I’m literally sitting here looking at the envelope. It’s stamped.”

“The new process had given a lot of people hope, and was working,” said Beasley Brown. “People were excited for the opportunity to fully participate in our democracy.”

Proponents of a healthy democracy have, for nearly 10 years, pushed legislation that would automatically restore voting rights. Since 2007, each year those bills have been approved by the Kentucky House by large bipartisan margins, only to be killed by Senate leaders. That prompted the request to Beshear to take executive action.

Studies by the Kentucky League of Women Voters and the Sentencing Project estimate that there are 180,000 Kentuckians who have completed their felony sentences and are not able to vote. That’s about one in 17 Kentuckians of voting age and one in four African Americans – one of the highest rates in the nation.

Kentucky is one of only four states that permanently disenfranchise people convicted of a felony. Up to now, only those who received an individual pardon from the governor had their rights restored.

“Restoration of my voting rights was key to feeling like I was a part of society again,” added Jason Smith of Elizabethtown, one of a small number of Kentuckians who have received one of those gubernatorial pardons. “I felt like I was sentenced to a civil purgatory, with a scarlet letter around my neck. Being able to get my voting rights back allowed me to get jobs I couldn’t before, and even allowed me to become a chaperone at my child’s field trip to Frankfort.”

“Getting your voting rights back is so important,” said Teddi Smith Robillard of Lexington. “As long as you are denied voting rights, you are still serving your sentence. And that’s not right.”

On February 1, House Bill 70, the perennial Restoration of Voting Rights for Former Felons bill, once again passed the House Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee. On February 4, HB 70 passed the House with a vote of 82-9. The bill has passed the House 10 times in the last nine years but has been killed by Senate leaders. The bill has now been recevied in the Senate and is assigned to the State and Local Government Committee.

SOUTHERN KENTUCKY CHAPTER SPOTLIGHTS RENTERS’ RIGHTS Since its creation, the Southern Kentucky chapter of KFTC has worked to strengthen protections for renters, building awareness and change to an issue that affects many Kentuckians.

Working with students, the local Homeless and Housing Coalition, and countless other groups, chapter members have been successful in putting renters’ rights at the forefront of the social justice conversation. This is why members were shocked and dismayed when the local paper released an article titled “Downtown panhandling must be dealt with” disparaging people experiencing homelessness in Bowling Green.

Although the article itself was dismaying, the response by the community was ideal.

The paper was flooded with letters to the editor, and within days “Fountain Square For All” was organized by a group of students. KFTC member Kate McElroy said, ”People experiencing homelessness in our city have a right to access public spaces, and that’s what the event was meant to communicate. We occupied Fountain Square Park on a Saturday afternoon with signs, petitions for renters’ rights, and a lot of supportive energy. It was peaceful and informative, all while reaffirming that there are always people willing to advocate for others in our community.” It was an exciting outreach opportunity for the chapter.

A few weeks later, the chapter hosted “Rock for Renters’ Rights,” a concert aimed to raise awareness and funds for KFTC. Three local bands played and members spoke about the importance of organizing against substandard housing and unfair evictions. The chapter gained new members and raised money for its work, while strengthening our connection with the local music scene. Aeryn Darst said the event “helped us reach out to the community in a way we hadn’t been able to in the past.”

Although the news article was embarrassing and disappointing, the community and the chapter responded powerfully with a more positive vision.

“Musicians, farmers and everyday community members showed up and offered any support they could give,” said Libby Kelly. “Seeing it come together was such a fun and uplifting event, with lots of opportunities for participation. I think it was rewarding for everyone to be part of.”

14 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Economic Justice Updates

Members push back on governor’s budget priorities On January 26, KFTC members gathered all over the state, from Madison County to Whitesburg to Covington to Lexington, to watch and process Gov. Matt Bevin’s State of the Commonwealth and Budget Address and come up with action plans to push for adequate funding for preserving Kynect and Medicaid expansion, access to higher education, protecting the arts, community health and much more.

In northern Kentucky, about a dozen folks gathered at Wunderbar, a local bar in Covington, and noted throughout what wasn’t being talked about in the address: How would so many areas of our state budget weather another 9 percent cut?

In Whitesburg, more than 20 members from Letcher County and Harlan County gathered at Heritage Kitchen, where members noted that the governor seemed out of touch with most Kentuckians, out of touch with how to overcome Kentucky’s challenges, and really interested in criminalizing folks instead of helping them.

They noted the governor’s emphasis on punitive measures for drug addiction, instead of funding for treatment.

And they noted the qualification about the funding for Medicaid expansion, which is connected to efforts to “root out” Medicaid fraud.

Lillian Prosperino said, “I’m a mental health counselor, but what the people in my office worry about is people losing their health care.”

About 20 members also gathered in Lexington at Wild Fig Books and Coffee and noted that the governor’s vision was not in alignment with their own. Driving around to use a lot of gas and hoping for future tax breaks for corporations is different from a vision for economic development in Kentucky based on investing in ourselves and our infrastructure to create an economy that truly serves the people.

Gary Bentley works in manufacturing in Lexington and reflected, “I am currently a resident of Lexington but spent 12 years as an underground miner. With the decline in the coal industry and lack of employment in my home

Members in Letcher County gathered at Heritage Kitchen in Whitesburg to watch the governor’s budget address.

of Whitesburg, this is a very, very important issue for me.

Without better education, improved adult education, and workforce development I feel that our state will continue to suffer.”

Folks were also concerned about the funding of programs that will impact kids’ ability to learn. “What about the family resource centers that make it possible for kids to learn once they’re in the classroom? Those are so important.”

Several members tuned in to the reference of performance-based funding for higher education. “What does that mean for universities who are working with students who are coming from chronically under-resourced schools?”

Members were also confused about how Gov. Bevin approached categorizing the workday for caseworkers as he delved into the issue of overtime pay, and noted that most state workers would be without a pay raise, again.

As a creative way to watch the address, members printed out “Ky’ian” bingo cards. The bingo cards, like the proposed budget, didn’t end up turning out many winners. But members say that it was still good to be with other folks to watch and process the speech, and to be in touch with each other on social media, sharing reflections and analysis along the way.

Sarah Martin from Lexington said, “It was really great to see folks, new and seasoned members alike, come out and get involved with educating themselves on what plans Gov. Bevin wants to implement for Kentucky. It was also very interesting to see the commentary on social media about what wasn’t being said that will come down the pipeline.”

Members are planning next steps, including lobbying the legislature for a better budget, reaching out to local officials to build support for tax reform, and participating in action meetings where impacted folks can strategize together.

Kentucky Together focuses on revenue options The Kentucky Together coalition says there is an alternative to an austere budget. By generating new revenue, tax reform can help build thriving communities.

“We’re all in this together,” says Serena Owen, a northern Kentucky KFTC member who’s also on KFTC’s Economic Justice Committee.

Owen is a mother of two and has worked tirelessly both for disability support services for her children and in her community of Elsmere for a public transportation system, in part because the school doesn’t offer transportation or even crossing guards for the local students. The stories of her family and her community lift up the need for statewide revenue reform.

Kimberly Shepherd is a member in the Harlan County chapter. She’s a mother, a student of welding, and has done some thinking about creating a life for her family in Harlan County and a brighter future for her community. Her story is also about the opportunities we can create when we invest in

ourselves.

These two members are featured in the work of Kentucky Together, a new, broadening coalition of education, economic, health, and local community organizations across the state focused on generating new revenue.

The initiative’s goal is to show the support across the state for raising revenue for state investments in elementary and higher education, mental health and other social services, public safety, and environmental safeguards. KFTC is proud to be a member organization.

ACTION: Join Kentucky Together 1) Visit KentuckyTogether.org 2) Follow on social media @ky_together.

3) Share how you and your community are impacted by the state budget.

4) Attend a workshop: Mon., Feb. 1, 7 p.m. Prestonsburg Thurs., Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m. Georgetown Mon., Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. Jefferson County

Thurs., Feb. 11, 2 p.m. Bowling Green Mon., Feb. 15, 6 p.m. Perry County Tues, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Covington Mon, Mar 28, 7 p.m. Madison County For exact meeting locations, visit www.KentuckyTogether.org or email bethbissmeyer@kftc.org for more information.

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Balancing the Scales | 15

Membership and fundraising update

KFTC membership: how we build and use our power Have you renewed your KFTC membership?

Building our power so we can use our power is one way we often describe KFTC’s work. Using our power to win in 2015 on minimum wage, voting rights and litigation against coal companies was possible because we built our power through grassroots organizing, leadership development and membership.

Membership takes many forms: attending chapter meetings, lobbying during the General Assembly, registering voters, learning about issues, developing leadership skills, helping others become leaders, bringing new people into the work, representing KFTC with ally organizations around the country, and supporting KFTC financially.

With 13 local chapters and members in 105 Kentucky counties and several states, we have thousands of people who are engaging with KFTC in a variety of ways.

And thousands of folks over three decades have helped us grow into the strong organization we are today.

But to achieve our vision for Kentucky, we need more KFTC members invested in the work for the long haul.

KFTC is strongest when our members are lifting up the organization through their support. Our membership numbers and the dollars we raise translate into power and enable us to win on important issues.

In 2015, we gained about 1,000 new members and grew KFTC to 10,000 members. Still, we fell short of our $500,000 goal (raising $424,000), and fewer than half our members made a donation in 2015 – meaning we have a lot of room for improvement.

If all our members give every year at whatever level they can afford, we can build the power we need to achieve our vision for Kentucky.

And we’ve seen that KFTC members, working together, can do amazing things.

“It was exciting to watch the grassroots fundraising last fall, especially when we raised over $50,000 in just one week to earn a major matching gift of $50,000 more!” said Homer White, a KFTC member from Georgetown.

“I think that progressive Kentuckians are concerned about the direction the state is taking politically and are determined to push back. This was reflected in our experience locally, here in Scott County: we saw regular givers increasing their donations to KFTC this year,” White said.

“The challenge for 2016 is to increase the base of members who give regularly, especially through the Sustaining Giver program. Regular giving gives members an extra sense of ownership in KFTC and a vested interest in its success.”

White has been a member of KFTC since the early 1990s, when his family moved to eastern Kentucky. Now living in Georgetown, he helped start the Scott County chapter and serves on the KFTC Executive Committee.

He has made a financial contribution to KFTC every year since 1993 and is a Sustaining Giver who gives monthly.

In 2015, more than 100 other KFTC households

stepped up to become Sustaining Givers. KFTC now has 424 Sustaining Givers whose combined pledges will bring more than $55,000 to KFTC this year. As we work to raise $500,000 in 2016, primarily through membership donations, these Sustaining Givers will have a big impact.

Imagine if we had 4,000 Sustaining Givers, giving what they can every month. We’d have many more folks invested in KFTC’s work for the long haul, and we’d easily meet our fundraising goal each year. We’d be a stronger, deeper organization.

In addition to Sustaining Givers, other members are doing their part to build KFTC’s power through membership and fundraising. During the fall campaign, 51 members hosted PowerBuilder pages to recruit members and raise funds for KFTC. PowerBuilders could set a goal for either number of donations or number of dollars.

Many folks chose a number of donations ranging from 10 to 50, and almost everyone either met their goal or got several donations toward the goal. Together, PowerBuilders raised $25,398 from 554 donors.

Meta Mendel-Reyes is a Sustaining Giver who also hosted a PowerBuilder page in the fall and met her goal of 15 donations. She actually got 16 donations.

“Membership recruitment and fundraising are so critical because our members are our power,” said Mendel-Reyes. “When we ask people to join or give, we are giving more Kentuckians the chance to be a part of the most powerful grassroots organization in Kentucky.”

If you still feel connected to KFTC but didn’t renew your membership in 2015, please consider renewing today. Or become a Sustaining Giver so you never have to worry about renewing and you can support KFTC’s work every month. Use the form on Page 2.

If all of us give what we can, every year, KFTC will be the strong, deep organization that can achieve our vision for Kentucky. How will you help build New Power?

ACTION: Feedback needed!

Want to help us do better work around membership and fundraising?

Answer this five-question survey. Complete these questions on a separate sheet of paper and mail it to us at KFTC, 140 Mini Mall Drive, Berea KY 40403. Or do the online version here: surveymonkey.com/r/KFTC2015 What was some of the most effective membership recruitment or fundraising work you saw in your chapter or KFTC generally in 2015?

What ideas do you have for building our power through membership growth and fundraising in 2016?

Do you have ideas for ways we can build our power through our 35th anniversary this year?

In addition to Sustaining Givers and PowerBuilders, what other roles can members play in building KFTC’s membership and raising funds?

Why do you think membership and fundraising are important to our work?

16 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Local Updates

Members reflect on lessons learned at PolicyLink Equity Summit

By Tanya Torp & Jessica Bellamy Last October several KFTC members and staff traveled to Los Angeles for PolicyLink’s Equity Summit 2015: All in for Inclusion, Justice & Prosperity. Equity Summit 2015 included interactive panels, tours, skill-building sessions, networking opportunities and cultural activities and was attended by organizers, activists, advocates and equity leaders from across the country. The summit focused on “forg[ing] powerful partnerships for building an equitable and prosperous nation.”

Below are two reflections on the Equity Summit written by attendees Tanya Torp, KFTC Executive Committee member, and Jessica Bellamy, Jefferson County KFTC chapter member.

Tanya Torp’s Reflection I sat weeping watching the Equity Summit 2015 opening video. All of the trauma of the racism in America, from what I have personally experienced, to the murders of unarmed black and brown people all over our country and the horrors of mass incarceration.

I felt safe. I felt validated. I felt alive in a room full of people who believed. Believed that this is indeed happening to us, and did not want to bury their heads in the sand.

As a woman of faith, one of the most powerful moments for me was when Rev. Michael McBride said, “On our watch we’ve allowed the expansion of the prison industrial system. Right under our noses! We’ve got a lot of repenting to do. We have not fought for our young people in the way we needed to do.”

It was the “we” that grabbed me and forced me to look at my own failings in this fight. Did I speak out enough?

Did I visit those in prison? Did I fight for reform? “We” is a powerful word. “We” are complicit. “We” are not there yet.

“We” need to bring others along in the fight. But there are some other great we’s too. “We” are advancing. “We” are leading the way. “We” are in the fight.

For me, the Equity Summit confirmed that we [KFTC] are on our way as an organization. We are not where we should be, and acknowledging that is important.

As inclusive and beautiful as our vision statement and platform work are, living that out tangibly in KFTC remains an aspiration. Our staff does not yet reflect our desires to be multiracial and multicultural. Although we desire to be “all in,” many of our members have not connected with the work of #BlackLivesMatter So my commitment to equity is to educate myself and others, and to do a lot more listening to allies in the making, ushering in safe spaces for them to “get it” while feeding my own soul as well.

Jessica Bellamy’s Reflection PolicyLink’s Equity Summit 2015 was a multifaceted training and fueling event. Each moment was filled with social justice leaders from around the nation sharing their strategies and stories around a variety of intersecting issues. Art, dance and poetry were also interwoven into daily events and panels. Artists used their skills and talents to create living narratives of struggling communities and

families. Their works invited us all to participate in a collective experience. This experience helped us let down our defenses, opened our minds and hearts, and put us in a place of intentional listening.

Each plenary, panel, forum, etc., not only gave us insight into concepts that could be implemented in our communities back home, but also gave us tools to better weaponize our rhetoric and elicit more support from our policymakers. These tools included: National Equity Atlas, Mapping Police Violence Project, Clocking In, Assets and Opportunity Local Data Center and Scorecard, PolicyMap-Healthy Food Access Portal, and so on.

It was very important that Alicia Hurle, KFTC’s Jefferson County chapter organizer, and I got to attend this conference because we have been working with other members to create an equity plan for Kentucky.

We have been in conversation with members statewide to talk about sustainable development, community empowerment and support, data justice/data for the people, and more.

This summit gave us the opportunity to learn from social justice warriors from communities that face coercion, gentrification and general pushback at a more accelerated rate than has been my experience in Louisville.

The grassroots organizers, activists, data analysts, nonprofit leaders, and so on have not only shown us innovative ways to pursue social justice, they’ve given us valuable evaluative methods, strategies to take pilot programs to the

next level, equipped us with new data tools, elevated our vocabulary, boosted our network, and gave us tips on how to catalyze projects so that more cross-section leaders can work together.

I’m just sayin … this trip was crucial for the development of a strong and sustainable equity plan for our state.

Alicia and I attended several different forums separately in order to get the most out of the summit. During lunch and after dinner we would often meet up with other members of the conference to share notes and talk about our experiences as we unpacked mentally from the day.

We had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Mercado La Paloma at 3655 S. Grand Avenue in Los Angeles.

In Louisville there’s been a lot of arguing around what we’re told will be a food hub or food port, but what we’ll get here will be nothing like this great place.

The Mercado La Paloma is a large indoor market and community center that is supported by the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, a nonprofit that is truly and authentically dedicated to the community around it.

They have provided the overhead necessary for a variety of amazing cultural restaurants to really thrive over the last 14 years.

I felt like I was in a dream. Who could imagine that such a place existed in the world … and that’s the problem.

We can only do as much as we can dream and imagine.

Unlocking our potential as a state will take some steppin’ outside of state lines every once in awhile.

Members travel to Iowa

Serena Owen and Sharon Murphy

“Three KFTC members – Serena Owen, Sharon Murphy and Sarah Thomas – represented KFTC at a conference with hundreds of community leaders from across the midwest held in Des Moines, Iowa on January 9. Owen gave a presentation about KFTC’s work to empower Kentucky and create good jobs in the growing clean energy sector. Other workshops at the conference focused on criminal justice reform, the fight for a living wage, and much more.

While in Iowa, the KFTC delegation also had an opportunity to attend a forum with several candidates running for president.

The forum focused on issues affecting communities where racial bias, exclusion, and sustained disinvestment have resulted in concentrated poverty and high unemployment.

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

Balancing the Scales | 17

Local Updates

Berea residents stand up for racial justice in their community

By Meta Mendel-Reyes and Megan McKinney In late November 2015, more than 600 community members, along with Berea College staff and students, lined Chestnut St., the main road through Berea in Madison County. Among those attending the demonstration were community and student KFTC members. The participants carried signs and banners, each proclaiming ideas such as love over hate, peace and justice, and no to Confederate flags.

The air was filled with shouts and songs of love and hope.

This rally was prompted by the increase in the number of Confederate flags prominently displayed on buildings and vehicles in Berea following South Carolina’s decision to take the flag off of its capitol. A new organization has formed, Berea United for Racial Justice (BURJ), and KFTC members played a key role in its development.

Initially, BURJ was formed in response to the intimidation of Berea residents, black and white, by the presence of so many flags. When Madison County KFTC members and allies found out that Confederate flag merchandise was be-

Race: The Power of an Illusion The Scott County chapter of KFTC along with the NAACP will host a film series and discussion around the films Race: The Power of an Illusion. √ √

February 16 – Chapter Two: The Story We Tell February 23 – Chapter Three: The House We Live In

The screenings will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Learning Research Center at Georgetown College. The events are free.

ing sold at the annual town festival, the Spoonbread Festival (which draws 50,000 people), it was decided that action was necessary.

A silent protest took place at the festival, and this demonstration kicked off a larger campaign to prohibit the sale of the merchandise at future Spoonbread Festivals. The campaign has included delegations, letter writing and lobbying local officials.

Berea College got involved after black students were intimidated and even assaulted by people in Confederate flagcarrying trucks during the college Homecoming weekend.

The college and BURJ worked together to organize an event that would showcase the alternative to actions based on hate.

It became the rally described above, which put into action the inclusive values upon which the town and the college were both founded.

“It was so exciting to be among so many people saying that Berea is better than this,” said KFTC member Meta Mendel-Reyes. “And it was good to see so many KFTC members showing up for racial justice.”

She is not alone in feeling this way. The community response against hate and injustice was incredible, with everybody from elementary school students to senior citizens uniting together and demanding progress.

Following the rally, there has been increased work around the issue of racial justice. In November the Berea College organization Bereans 4 Michael Brown (B4MB) worked with KFTC to organize a nonviolent direct action training. The response was electric, with the number of participants outnumbering the chairs in the room.

Additionally, after much pressure from local community members and business leaders, the Berea city council lent its support to a new contract being drawn up between the city and the Berea Chamber of Commerce to ban the sale of Confederate Flag merchandise at the Spoonbread Festival.

Members are waiting to see if the Chamber will sign the contract and agree to the new terms.

With the important growth and steps taken, members realize the work is far from over. On the horizon, they anticipate a second, more in-depth nonviolent direct action

KFTC members Megan McKinney, left, and Jessica Holly at the November rally in Berea.

training taking place in the community. In addition, they are working hard to gain more active support and ensure that fellow citizens are being educated and that dialogue is able to continue.

The combined support of students, community members, and KFTC members has been an integral part of this movement, and this has allowed more bonds to be created and stronger relationships to be formed within Berea.

“I’ve made some astounding memories with the Madison County KFTC chapter. Its members participate in local dialogues around racial justice but never speak over and never dismiss the voices of those most impacted,” said Quentin Savage, Bereans 4 Mike Brown co-founder and KFTC chapter member. “They’ve fostered a great working relationship with the student movement at Berea College and some wonderful cross-pollination has been the result. In fact I joined KFTC because of the authenticity I felt here.”

Central Kentucky chapter hosts citizen lobby training with Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition and Kentucky Dream Beginners and advanced citizen lobbyists had the chance to pick up some skills and resources and share tips and best practices during a January 21 training. The opportunity was provided by the Central Kentucky chapter of KFTC along with the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition and the Kentucky Dream Coalition.

Danielle Empson, a KFTC member and an active member of KSEC, helped facilitate the training.

“I lobby because it’s effective and reminds our legislators who they really represent – the people,” said Empson.

“Training others to participate in our democratic tradition

beyond the ballot box not only builds our people power, but is fun and rewarding! I love knowing I’ve helped advance truth and justice and show others they can do the same.”

Most of the participants were first-time lobbyists, including Mizari Suarez of the Kentucky Dream Coalition.

“Being able to attend the lobby training, I’ve learned that as a Kentuckian, I have the right to challenge our politicians and keep them accountable for what they promised,” Suarez said. “Before the training, I was oblivious to the fact of lobbying and that our communities have the power to challenge our system and politicians.”

The training gave tips and best practices, as well as prepared participants for what to expect and how to respond to different responses from people in power. The group discussed the challenging atmosphere of this particular legislative session and acknowledged that it’s more important than ever to come together and speak out.

“I lobby so that my voice can be heard. It feels as if Kentucky is under attack from those in power. I believe this assault can be stopped. We the people can stop it if we join together and speak loud enough,” said Sarah Bowling, a KFTC member.

18 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

canary project update

Timber theft in Kentucky is a problem that needs action • It also fosters cynicism among Kentucky citizens about all law enforcement and state government.

By Nina Cornett With a new administration and a long legislative session this year, it’s a good time to take a hard look at timber theft in the commonwealth.

Timber theft is an ongoing problem estimated at costing landowners more than a billion dollars a year across the United States. While nobody knows exactly how much of that billion dollars of timber is stolen in Kentucky, we do know that, by and large, those thefts go unremarked, uninvestigated and unpunished here in Kentucky.

Some years back The Courier-Journal called timber piracy perhaps the least-prosecuted crime in the state.

State criminal authorities’ lack of action against an alltoo-common crime puts Kentucky well behind an increasing number of states that are moving to strengthen their laws against this scourge.

Besides the fact that Kentucky is falling behind other states in curbing timber theft, more attention needs to be directed toward timber theft in Kentucky for a multitude of additional reasons, some of which are: •

It is a major economic justice issue. Victims tend to be old, poor and often in ill health. They lack the resources to investigate, hire an attorney and pursue a civil lawsuit for redress of what is a criminal act that the state is responsible for pursuing. A distressing number of victims are told, when they approach law enforcement, to go file a civil suit.

• It fosters disregard for the law. The prevailing attitude by those who take timber that doesn’t belong to them seems to be that they are home scot-free, and with a load of cash, because of the lack of prosecutions. Lack of prosecutions effectively incentivize timber theft.

• The presence of loggers who take timber illegally brings into doubt the reputation of honest loggers.

• The stolen timber depresses the market value of legally-acquired timber, just as imported stolen timber does.

•

Shortly after that, on October 4, a Legislative Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Environment held a hearing on timber theft. Tom FitzGerald of the Kentucky Resources Council testified at that hearing.

•

Not long after, NPR aired a segment on timber theft in Kentucky.

•

At roughly the same time, the issue drew attention nationally. Elizabeth Bishop, who works in the timber products industry and writes a weekly blog on wood and wood issues for Hardwood Floors magazine, ran a four-part interview with Nina Cornett, who has been in the forefront of the fight against timber theft in Kentucky. Part One of that blog can be found at http:// www.hardwoodfloorsmag.com/green-blog/consideringu-s-timber-theft-nina-cornett-interview-part-1.htm

•

On the national front, a major change in timber theft prosecutions surfaced. For the first time, the federal Lacey Act is being applied to timber thefts inside the United States. Last summer, several Washington state men, allegedly hired by a timber processor, cut valuable maple from an Oregon National Forest. The alleged thieves were caught, and an act that heretofore had been considered to apply only to timber harvested illegally outside the U.S. and imported here was to the surprise of many applied to this “inside” job. The sawmill owner pled guilty and the timber cutters will be facing trial soon.

This new timber application of the Lacey Act, passed by the Congress roughly a hundred years ago, has wonderful promise for those victims who cannot persuade their local and state authorities to act on their timber theft.

• The costs are real and serious to the victims, compounded by the fact that much of the timber grows in eastern Kentucky, a section of the state with high poverty rates where the coal industry is dying, compounding the effect of losing valuable timber that might otherwise help tide people over hard times.

For all these and other reasons, Kentucky needs to take a hard look at what is happening in the woods, and follow other states in taking action to remedy the problem.

Some Kentuckians are trying. Rep. Leslie Combs, who represents a piece of eastern Kentucky, has for a number of years introduced legislation on this issue. For the last two sessions, one of her bills made it through the House but died in the Senate. She is trying again in the 2016 session.

In addition, there has been a flurry of activity on the issue last autumn.

•

The Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission, which reports to the governor, decided to revisit the resolution they passed about three years ago asking the Kentucky legislature to take action on timber theft.

They met in September 2015, decided the former resolution needed to be toughened, passed a new resolution that does that, and sent it to the legislature in advance of the current session. The text of the resolution can be found at http://eqc.ky.gov/Documents/2015%20Timber%20Theft%20Resolution.pdf

Meanwhile, the fight continues to curb timber theft in Kentucky. More information about the problem can be found at www.timbertheft.org and www.ecooutpost.org.

Big Sandy chapter organizes a “Tools for Building Racial Justice in the Mountains” workshop Folks from around eastern Kentucky gathered in Prestonsburg on November 7 to participate in the “We Are Kentuckians: Tools for Building Racial Justice in the Mountains” workshop.

The day-long workshop, a collaboration among KFTC, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) and the Catalyst Project, was organized to give participants an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the history of race and racism and the role it continues to play in our world today, while also developing new tools and language to navigate conversations and situations as we engage people in racial justice work.

“It was so affirming and encouraging to meet, to learn, and to work with passionate and talented people who are committed to doing something about these issues that we are all involved with and responsible for,” said Izzy Broomfield, a KFTC member from Perry County. “The workshop provided a phenomenal framework to understand what’s going on in our communities and how we got here, and laid the foundation to figure out what we can do about it.”

At the end of the day, folks were excited to talk about who else in the region could be engaged in this work, the different ways to engage them, and how we can all come together and collaborate around this issue. Discussions are underway for a possible film and discussion series as well as a more in-depth workshop in the future.

“I look forward to expanding our antiracist capacity to

the point that we are the ones facilitating the workshops, and that the stories and models we share are successes that we have built here in the mountains, together,” Broomfield said.

If you would like to stay up to date with what’s happening around the issue of racial justice in eastern Kentucky or to get involved, please contact Jessie Skaggs at jessie@kftc. org or 606-263-4982.

KFTC www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

35 Anniversary th

KFTC is 35 years old (nearly). We’ll be celebrating throughout the year!

We officially turn 35 in August. But we’re starting with this issue to recall some of the history of KFTC and the people involved. We’ll have an installment in each issue of Balancing the Scales in 2016 where we’ll recall what was happening 35 years ago and during some interval years since. In this issue, however, we look at some of the events and situations that were present prior to KFTC’s formation in 1981.

There is a lot of history for the people and land of southeastern counties of Kentucky, where KFTC has its roots – too much to even try to summarize here. One element that is essential to the history and culture is the relationship with the land. So attempts by others – largely absentee corporations – to control that land and its abundant resources have defined the history of the area for nearly 125 years.

People in the area also have a strong history of organizing and working for change – labor unions, black lung associations, quilt circles, community efforts to fight strip mining, welfare rights organizations and much more. Early members brought much of that experience and knowledge to KFTC. In some ways, as is evident in the events recapped below, not much has changed in how the companies after the huge profits to be made from the coal and timber, oil and gas treat the land and the people who call that land home. It is a lot of history to overcome, not just in terms of ending the oppression but also in establishing the belief that vibrant and sustainable communities can flourish across the region.

Here is a short list of nearly 100 years of events that reflect what was happening to the land, minerals and people of southeastern Kentucky leading up to KFTC’s formation in 1981.

Balancing the Scales | 19

1945: A strip mine on 12 acres of steep land gives way in a storm, sweeping away homes below. Russell Fork Coal is held liable by Pike Circuit Court. The Court of Appeals reverses the decision, declaring the slide to be “an act of God.” 1955: Knott Circuit Judge John C. Cornett rules in Buchanan v. Watson that a Mayo deed allows strip mining without the permission of the landowner, but that the surface owner must be compensated for damage.

Both sides appeal. The Court of Appeals upholds Cornett’s ruling.

1956: The Court of Appeals decides to reconsider its ruling in Buchanan v. Watson and declares that surface owners have no right to compensation for damage to their property done by strip mining under broad form deeds.

Ollie Combs is arrested in November 1966 for trespassing on her own land, which was being strip mined without her permission.

Photo by Bill Strode.

1957: After floods bring widespread destruction and loss of life, the U.S. Forest Service finds poor logging practices and the effects of strip mining “clearly evident during and after the storm,” a situation it predicted would get worse.

1965: Public opposition to the destruction of land by strip mining flares. “Uncle Dan” Gibson, an 81-year-old Knott County minister, and 61-year-old Ollie Combs are arrested for stopping the stripping of family land. Governor Ned Breathitt cancels the mining permits on the Gibson and Combs land.

1887: John C. C. Mayo buys his first mineral rights using a broad form deed to separate ownership of the minerals from the surface land. He pays 50 cents an acre.

1970: The Knott Fiscal Court passes an ordinance, by a 3-2 vote, banning strip mining in the county. The crowd in the packed hearing room cheers for five minutes. Leslie, Henderson and McLean counties consider similar moves, but Attorney General John Breckinridge blocks the enforcement.

1888: Joseph Eversole, a Hazard attorney, is assassinated. He had been warning landowners not to sign mineral deeds offered by a certain land syndicate. A feud breaks out involving syndicate members. Twenty are killed, but there are no convictions.

1974: A surface owners’ rights bill introduced by Rep. Raymond Overstreet is passed by the legislature. A year later, the Court of Appeals declares it unconstitutional.

1906: The state legislature passes a law, written by Mayo, invalidating old Virginia land grants and allowing land with unpaid taxes to be claimed by coal companies.

1976: Deputy Sheriff Joe Begley helps organize the Citizens League to Protect Surface Rights in Letcher County, one of a number of local groups to fight strip mining.

1921: The first of many rulings that the mineral owner has dominant rights over the surface owner comes from the Court of Appeals (then Kentucky’s highest court).

Looking Back …

throughout the state are working to stop a deluge of out-of-state waste into Kentucky’s unlined landfills.

Compiled by Rev. Maynard Tetreault from a variety of sources.

30 Years Ago …

• KFTC works in the 1986 General Assembly on bills to tax unmined mineral property, strengthen a 1984 broad form deed law, allow local control of the siting of hazardous waste facilities, and more. Although several bills won various committee or floor votes, ultimately all were defeated by the manuevering of House Speaker Don Blandford and Majority Floor Leader Greg Stumbo.

20 Years Ago …

• KFTC rents a “Democracy House” in Frankfort for members to stay in while in town to lobby.

• KFTC defeats an attempt in the 1996 General Assembly to repeal the unmined minerals tax victory won in 1988. Forestry legislation and bills related to lowincome utility issues fail to win legislative approval.

10 Years Ago …

• 125 people attend I Love Mountains Day, which focuses on lobbying. Two weeks later, KFTC held a Music for the Mountains event in the Capitol.

• KFTC supports tax reform, coal truck safety, voting rights and affordable housing trust fund legislation in the 2006 General Assembly.

• KFTC joins a lawsuit against the U.S. EPA for failing to enforce the Clean Air Act related to dust from coal processing plants.

25 Years Ago …

• The KFTC Steering Committee votes to focus more on working among low-income and minority communities – constituency-based organizing rather than just issue-based organizing.

• KFTC works in a special legislative session (annual sessions had not started yet) to push for local control of solid waste disposal and the siting of landfills. Members

15 Years Ago …

• A bill to prohibit racial profiling by law enforcement agencies and another supporting home energy assistance programs passes the General Assembly with KFTC support. Members also lobbied on bills related to factory farms, economic disclosure, property rights and hazardous duty retirement for solid waste workers.

• Students organize against sweatshop-made apparel sold on university campuses.

5 Years Ago …

• 14 KFTC members occupy the governor’s office for the weekend after Gov. Beshear refuses to enforce mining laws; they emerge to join a crowd of 1,300 at the capitol to celebrate I Love Mountains Day. • In the 2011 legislative session KFTC supports Voting Rights, clean energy, fair immigration policies, tax reform and more.

• KFTC campaigns for reform of rural electric co-ops.

Januarys & Februarys

20 | Balancing the Scales

www.kftc.org | February 12, 2016

CALENDAR OF EVENTS February 15 Perry County Chapter Meeting 6-8 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 160 Broadway, Hazard Info: Jessie@kftc.org or call 606-263-4982 February 16 Northern Kentucky Chapter Meeting 7 p.m. at Center for Great Neighborhoods 1650 Russell St., Covington Info: Joe@kftc.org or call 859-380-6103 February 18 Shelby County Chapter Meeting 6 p.m. at Stratton Community Center 215 W Washington St., Shelbyville Info: Carissa@kftc.org or call 502-208-1696 February 18 Rowan County Chapter Meeting 6 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 145 East 5th St., Morehead Info: Sara@kftc.org or call 606-632-0051 February 18

Central Kentucky Chapter Meeting 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Mission House, 203 E. 4th St., Lexington Info: BethHoward@kftc.org or call 859-276-0563 February 22 Madison County Chapter Meeting 7 p.m. at Berea College Appalachian Center, 205 N. Main St., Berea Info: Sasha@kftc.org or call 859-358-9713 February 23 Southern Kentucky Chapter Meeting 7 p.m. at The Foundry 531 W. 11th Street, Bowling Green Info: Molly@kftc.org or call 502-599-3989 March 3 Scott County Chapter Meeting & Potluck 6:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Georgetown, 112 E. College St., Georgetown.

Info: Joe@kftc.org or call 859-380-6103

EVENTS February 16: Race: The Power of an Illusion, 6:30 p.m., Webber Room of the Learning Resource Center, 400 E. College Street, Georgetown Info: Joe@kftc.org or call 859-380-6103

February 20: White Environmentalists Active for Racial Justice, 9 a.m., Thomas Jefferson unitarian Church, 4936 Brownsboro Rd. Louisville.

Info: Alicia@kftc.org or call 502-589-3188

February 17: Kentucky Fairness Rally, 8:45 a.m., Lobby Training in Capitol Annex Room 131, 9 -11 a.m. Lobby Legislators, 1:30 p.m. Rally in Capitol Rotunda. 700 Capital Ave. Frankfort.

Info: Jamie@Fairness.org or call 502-893-0788

February 27: Jefferson County Tax Justice Meet & Greet, 10 a.m., Main Public Library, 301 York St. CCC Classroom, 2nd Floor, Louisville Info: Alicia@kftc.org or call 502-589-3188

REMEMBERING 10 YEARS OF I LOVE MOUNTAINS DAY(S):

KFTC and friends have had 10 years of great success with I Love Mountains Day, bringing thousands to the capital in February to let elected leaders know of our love for Kentucky’s people and mountains, our determination to stop their destruction, and our vision for Appalachia’s Bright Future. Last year KFTC leadership decided that the 2015 I Love Mountains Day would be our last.

Just as we tried over the decade to evolve the theme of I Love Mountains Day from one of just protest against mountaintop removal, valley fills and environmental destruction to one that also included value-based solutions like clean energy and economic justice for all, KFTC’s legislative strategy also has evolved.

We started this year with the We Are Kentuckians rally on January 5, the first day of the new legislative session. Speakers across the state spoke eloquently of what we all want to see for our commonwealth – support for workers and families and protection for our mountains. It was our intention to help frame the public and political debate at the very beginning of the session and the new administration. We had a larger than expected crowd, including a strong presence from allies like labor union locals, fairness groups and health care advocates.

Another component to our evolving strategy is to have more at-home meetings with legislators. Our experience is that legislators often are deluged with messages, so they look for and pay the most attention to what their own constituents have to say. We are helping to make those athome meetings happen, and making direct contact with legislators available to more people who can’t travel to Frankfort. (If you’d like help setting up an at-home meeting with your legislator, contact your local KFTC organizer or Jessica Hays Lucas at 859-276-0563 or jessicabreen@kftc. org.)

The first few I Love Mountains Days were just lobby days (no rally) that focused on conversations with legislators. We had strong participation, and the desire to have a more publicly visible presence led to the decision to include a rally. A few years later, we added the half-mile march from the Kentucky River, to heighten our presence and symbolically make the connection to water. I Love Mountains Day quickly became a landmark event during the legislative session, drawing more than a thousand participants during its peak years.

Those large rallies took a lot of organizational capacity. It was a great way for people to participate, but actually lessened our direct contact with legislators – another reason to shift our strategy.

We ask you to celebrate with us the great 10-year run for I Love Mountains Day, and find new ways to be involved in KFTC’s legislative strategy this year.

February 23: Race: The Power of an Illusion, 6:30 p.m., Webber Room of the Learning Resource Center, 400 E. College Street, Georgetown Info: Joe@kftc.org or call 859-380-6103

ACTION: Special Election — ­ House Districts 8, 54, 62 and 98. Visit elect.ky.gov On March 8 many Kentuckians will have the opportunity to go to the polls to elect state representatives to finish unexpired terms for four House seats that recently became open.

With the election of former State Representative Mike Harmon as Kentucky State Auditor and former State Representative Ryan Quarles as Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, as well as appointments to other government positions for former

Representatives Tanya Pullin and John Tilley, the seats became vacant in mid-term.

The Kentucky House of Representative districts impacted are numbers 8 (parts of Trigg and Christian counties), 54 (Casey and Boyle counties), 62 (Owen and parts of Scott and Fayette counties), and 98 (Greenup and part of Boyd counties).

Polls are open March 8, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.