balancing the scales - September 2012

September 23, 2012

pg. 7

In Memory of Larry Gibson pg. 3 Disenfranchisement of citizens serving time for misdemeanors pg. 5

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Lexington, Ky. Permit No. 513

Statewide voter empowerment work reaches 1,000’s of voters

Change Service Requested

Volume 31 Number 6

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

balancing the scales

Electoral organizers hired, trained and hit the ground running pg. 6

Coal corruption scandal in India involves key figure

pg. 15

“Wilderness Trace” KFTC members form a new local chapter pg. 17

KFTC 2012-2013 Proposed Platform pg. 8

Members provided plenty of input to Blue Ribbon Commission pg. 16

Union College students build “Reel Power” with film festival pg. 18

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balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Table of Contents

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth

In Memory of Larry Gibson page 3 Letters-to-the-Editor Research contradicts Paul’s claim about black lung disease Ten-year-old Timothy Bolton reflects on actions in Washington, D.C.

is a statewide grassroots social justice orga­­ni­ zation working for a new balance of power and a just society. KFTC uses direct-action organizing to accomplish the following goals:

page 4 page 4

Voter Empowerment Update Central Kentucky chapter finds Roots & Heritage Festival a place to build voter empowerment and registration allies page 5 Disenfranchisement of citizens serving time for misdemeanors page 5 Singing for Democracy builds enthusiasm in Lexington for the restoration of voting rights; Senator Seum speaks out page 6 Electoral organizers hired, trained and hit the ground running page 6 Statewide voter empowerment work reaches 1,000s of voters page 7 KFTC 2012-2013 Proposed Platform Steering Committee nominates an experienced, diverse group KFTC Executive Committee and Kentucky Coalition board to be selected at annual meeting

page 8 page 12 page 12

Canary Project Update New power plant poses high costs, risks for western Kentucky Coal corruption scandal in India involves key figure in India-Kentucky proposed coal deal; no news from governor

page 14 page 15 page 15

Economic Justice Update Members provided plenty of input to Blue Ribbon Commission

page 16

Local Updates Voter registration happening all over northern Kentucky Northern members find strong relationships at Recovery Reunion “Wilderness Trace” KFTC members form a new local chapter Growing power in Shelby County; members form chapter Union College students build “Reel Power” with film festival

page 17 page 17 page 17 page 18 page 18

Steering Committee welcomes new Wilderness Trace chapter, honors K.A. Owens for many years of service

page 19

• 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.

KFTC Steering Committee Steve Boyce, Chairperson Sue Tallichet, Vice-Chairperson Dana Beasley Brown, Secretary-Treasurer K.A. Owens, Immediate Past Chair Rick Handshoe, At-Large Member

Chapter Representatives

I want to help KFTC build power!

Name: Address: City, State Zip: Phone: Email: I want to make my donation to the following organization (check one): ____ KFTC (not tax-deductible) ____ Kentucky Coalition (tax-deductible) B a n k W i t h d r a w a l / C re d i t C a rd P a y m e n t Authorization: I authorize KFTC/KY Coalition 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.

Who asked you to join KFTC?

Suggested membership dues are $15-$50 annually. ____ One-time Gift: Amount $_____________ ____ Sustaining Giver:

I will contribute $___ (check one):

__ Monthly __ Quarterly

__ Annually Authorized Signature: ________________________ Date: _____________ Circle one: Mastercard American Express

Visa Discover

Card #: __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ Expiration date: ___ ___ / ___ ___ Cardholder’s name (as it appears on the card):

Rosanne Fitts Klarer, Scott County Erika Skaggs, Central Kentucky Ted Withrow, Rowan County Ben Baker, Northern Kentucky Mary Love, Jefferson County Travis Lane, Bowling Green & Friends Carl Shoupe, Harlan County Cleveland Smith, Perry County Megan Naseman, Madison County Elizabeth Sanders, Letcher County Nathan Hall, Floyd County Alternates: Vacant, Scott County; Christian Torp, Central Kentucky; Lisa Bryant, Rowan County; Katie Meyer, Northern Kentucky; Christine Farmer, Jefferson County; Vacant, Bowling Green & Friends; Roy Silver, Harlan County; Tiffany Skiles, Perry County; Meta Mendel-Reyes, Madison County; Ada Smith, Letcher County; Bev May, Floyd County

_____________________________ Date: ____________ For bank drafts, return this form with a voided check from the account you wish to have the withdrawal made. Make checks payable to KFTC or the Kentucky Coalition and mail to: KFTC • P.O. Box 1450 • London, Ky. 40743-1450.

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 Southland Drive Suite #4, Lexington, KY. 40503 or tim@kftc.org.

Subscriptions are $20 per year.

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balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

In Memory of Larry Gibson

Tireless mountain hero Larry Gibson dies at age 66, leaves behind legacy of activism

KFTC members and friends are invited to “Celebrating Larry Gibson: The Life and Legacy of the Keeper of the Mountains” on Sunday, October 14 in Charleston, West Virginia.

Gibson was an iconic figure in the fight to save his beloved Appalachian mountains from mountaintop removal and an abusive coal industry. He died of a heart attack on September 9 while working on his family’s land on Kayford Mountain, which he spent the last decades of his life protecting from mountaintop removal coal mining.

The celebration will be from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium, located on the corner of Virginia and Truslow Streets across from the Town Center Mall in downtown Charleston, West Virginia. The program will feature family, friends, prominent activists, southern West Virginia residents, musicians and preachers.

Gibson, 66, successfully protected his 50-acre homeplace that is now surrounded by massive mining operations. He would not sell out to the coal companies despite harassment, threats and physical violence.

He welcomed many visitors to his home, and spurred many to become active in the struggle to protect the Appalachian mountains.

Jefferson County KFTC member Beth Bissmeyer was one who was so inspired.

She said she was first moved by Gibson’s words and passion in spring 2007 in New York City when he spoke at a rally for a sustainable Appalachia outside the United Nations.

“His booming voice and story about his work to protect his beloved home on Kayford Mountain broke my heart, but more than anything else, it moved me to do more in the movement to end mountaintop removal,” Bissmeyer recalled. “Countless people across the country and world can say the same thing: Larry changed their lives and moved them to act.”

Dave Cooper of Lexington also remembered the profound influence Gibson had on his life.

“I first met Larry in March 1998 … and he ended up changing my life,” Copper wrote in an email letter. “I visited Larry’s mountain shortly after hearing him speak at a Kentucky Sierra Club meeting, and I’m still working on the mountaintop removal issue 14 years later. He changed many other lives, too.”

“Larry was such an inspiring, complex, awesome, dogged and determined person.”

Gibson also traveled extensively to spread his message and was always on the front line of marches and actions.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; two sons, Cameron and Larry, Jr.; and his daughter, Victoria.

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

FIELD OFFICES Louisville Jessica George, Jerry Hardt, and Colette Henderson 901 Franklin Street Louisville, Ky 40206 502-589-3188 Whitesburg Tanya Turner P.O. Box 463 Whitesburg, Ky 41858 606-632-0051 Berea Lisa Abbott, Amy Hogg, Carissa Lenfert, Sara Pennington and Kevin Pentz 140 Mini Mall Drive Berea, KY 40403 859-986-1277

Larry Gibson of West Virginia, a friend and fighter for the mountains, passed away at age 66. Gibson inspired many people to join the movement to stop mountaintop removal coal mining and protect his Appalachian home. Pictured above, Gibson was at I Love Mountains Day 2012 in Frankfort and took the opportunity to show solidarity with Kentucky residents.

The family has requested that those wishing to express condolences make donations to the Keeper of the Mountains Foundation. Cards and letters to family can be mailed to the Keeper of the Mountains Foundation office at 179 Summers St, Suite 234, Charleston, WV 25301; or http://mountainkeeper.blogspot.com/.

“I feel so lucky that I got to meet Larry, to wear one of his signature shirts and march with Larry, to experience his kindness and humor, and to stand on his mountain as he shared his story, moving other young people to act,” Bissmeyer added.

“Appalachia and the larger justice community lost a good man with Larry’s passing, but he will live on through our work to protect our land and to bring justice to all our communities.”

Teri Blanton 118 Baugh Street Berea, Ky. 40403 859-986-1648 Central Kentucky Tim Buckingham, Jessica Hays Lucas, Erik Hungerbuhler, Heather Roe Mahoney, Dave Newton and Ondine Quinn 250 Plaza Drive Suite 4 Lexington, Ky 40503 859-276-0563 Northern Kentucky Joe Gallenstein 859-380-6103 Floyd County Kristi Kendall 606-226-4159

e-mail any staff member at firstname@kftc.org except for Jessica Hays Lucas -- use jessicabreen@kftc.org

On the cover: Central Kentucky Chapter KFTC Electoral Organizer Tanya Torp registered voters at the Annual Roots and Heritage Festival in Lexington. KFTC hired 10 part-time electoral organizers across the state to register voters leading up to the deadline and to help educate and mobilize voters for election day.

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Letters-to-the-Editor

balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Research contradicts Paul’s claim about black lung disease

This letter is in response to the one published on September 7 on the editorial page in The Courier Journal, written

by Sen. Rand Paul. He was responding to a previous letter pointing out that he did not back a bill that would further control coal dust encountered by coal miners. Paul claimed that the incidence of black lung (CWP or Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis) had decreased from 33 percent to 3 percent. His opinion was that since the disease was much better controlled, we do not need any further safeguards, which he felt might cost jobs in the mines.

Dear editor, Having just visited eastern Ken-

tucky with a group from my church, we were presented with facts much different from those presented by Sen. Paul.

Not content with accepting those facts as truth, I checked the website of the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), plus two other sites on the internet. Go to NIOSH’s website to see the study in detail: http://1.usa.gov/NDZL9k.

Maybe Sen. Paul should do the same. In a new study by NIOSH, they documented several cases of the disease among surface coal miners.

The study was done in 16 states and was very comprehensive. It was the first study of its kind done in a decade.

In the last ten years, the incidence of black lung disease has doubled and continues to be on the rise. Some of this is due to the fact that surface miners are also contracting the disease.

In the past, it was assumed that surface miners were in less danger of contracting Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) than underground miners.

The last study of CWP in surface miners was done in 2002 and showed a rate of less than 2 percent. This recent study found five times that rate.

For the surface miners, CWP comes from exposure to silica, not coal dust.

Surface mining involves rupturing coal seams laced with silica-laden rock.

NIOSH “suggests that current federal permissible dust exposure limits might be insufficient to protect against black lung.”

They also “recommend changes to the manner in which respirable silica and coal dust are measured for compliance and enforcement purposes.”

If further regulations that would save lives costs jobs, I’d say something is wrong in the coal industry.

Kentucky deserves lawmakers who will stand up and fight for the health and safety of our fellow Kentuckians.

Dear editor,

I flew on an airplane with my grandmother and I also walked, rode in a taxi, a bus and the subway.

I saw the Smithsonian, Chinatown, Natural History Museum, the National Mall, the Metro, Union Station and the White House.

I also attended an award ceremony for SouthWings, for their volunteer pilot Susan Lapis, for the time she has spent as their motto says, “Conservation thru Aviation.”

I even went to a rally and was selected

to deliver a petition of over 13,000 people trying to stop mountaintop removal to the C.E.Q (the Council on Environmental Quality) and even got a fist bump.

I went to stand for the mountains, mountain heroes to end mountaintop removal mining, and citizens gathered at the White House to call the nation’s leaders to end mountaintop removal coal mining.

Thank you to Earthjustice and KFTC for allowing me to go to Washington, D.C.

Rosemary H. Smith Jefferson County

Ten-year-old Timothy Bolton reflects on actions in Washington, D.C.

Timothy Bolton handed a representative of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, a digital copy of the Mountain Heroes Photo Petition asking the Obama administration to end mountaintop removal following a rally outside the White House. The petition, organized by Earthjustice, had more than 13,700 signatures and can be viewed at http://earthjustice.org/mountain-heroes. Photos courtesy of Earthjustice.

Timothy Bolton, age 10 Madison County

Celebrate Kentucky with Real Kentuckians Stella’s Kentucky Deli will donate a portion of their dinner sales to KFTC Central KY Chapter on Thursday Oct. 11 from 5:30 - 9 p.m.

Stella’s is located at 143 Jefferson (between Short St. and Second St.) in Lexington

balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Voter Empowerment Update

Page 5

Central Kentucky chapter finds Roots & Heritage Festival a place to build voter empowerment and registration allies In early September, Lexington held its annual Roots and Heritage Festival, which is a celebration of African-American heritage, culture and achievement.

Central Kentucky Chapter members used the festival as an opportunity to register voters and host an information booth about good democracy, which included information concerning restoration of voting rights for former felons.

Members registered 58 voters on Saturday.

Additionally, while registering voters, members had conversations with festival goers about KFTC’s work to restore voting rights to former felons who’ve paid their debt to society. These conversations led to more than 420 postcards signed in support of voting rights.

These postcards will be sent to various legislative targets to promote restoration of voting rights through a constitutional amendment.

KFTC wasn’t the only organization at the festival doing voter registration.

Delta Sigma Theta, Lexington Urban League Young Professionals, Tuskegee Airmen, the local NAACP chapter, the Central Kentucky Council for Peace and Justice and many other organizations

Voter Registration deadline is Oct. 9 The Kentucky voter registration deadline is October 9. If you are not registered or you are unsure of your voting status, please take the time to contact your local County Clerk to check your status, register, or update your voter address.

Note that Kentuckians who are 17 years old but will turn 18 on or before election day on November 6 are eligible to register to vote.

Also note that students have the right to either register at a permanent “back home” address or a temporary campus address and it’s up to them which, but we encourage students to consider registering to vote where they’re actually living because that will make voting much easier.

New Study: 5.85 Million Disenfranchised Voters Recently the Sentencing Project released a comprehensive state-bystate report of felony disenfranchisement rates in the U.S. as they stood in 2010.

The report documents that a record 5.85 million people were disenfranchised as a result of a felony conviction.

Central Kentucky electoral organizer, Tanya Fogle registered voters and asked festival-goers to fill out postcards supporting restoration of voting rights to former felons. had booths, and many were actively canvassing the crowd to register voters.

Taking it a step further, The Urban League took people’s pictures to create an online gallery of public service announcements encouraging people to vote.

Additionally, candidates who are currently running for public office were registering voters.

Along with KFTC’s voter registrations, collectively groups registered well over 120 voters at the festival.

Disenfranchisement of citizens serving time for misdemeanors One of KFTC’s major statewide campaigns is to restore voting rights to former felons who have served their debt to society. But a little known fact is that Kentuckians convicted of even the most minor misdemeanors who happen to be currently serving jail time on election day also lose the right to vote (Kentucky Constitution, section 145).

Note that Kentuckians who are in jail for but who have not been convicted of either a felony or a misdemeanor may request an absentee ballot by contacting the County Clerk in the county where they are registered to vote.

“The following voters may apply to

cast their votes by mail-in absentee ballot if the application is received not later than the close of business hours seven (7) days before the election:... Voters who are incarcerated in jail who have been charged with a crime but have not been convicted of the crime” (KRS 117.085).

And of course someone who merely has a misdemeanor in their past retains the right to vote.

KFTC Electoral Organizer Tayna Fogle has been working with those communities in jails near Central Kentucky to make sure that inmates who legally can vote are registered and ready to request absentee ballots in October.

In addition, findings include: • The number of disenfranchised persons has increased dramatically along with the rise in criminal justice populations in recent decades, rising from an estimated 1.17 million in 1976 to 5.85 million today.

• Of the total disenfranchised population, about 45 percent – 2.6 million people – have completed their sentences but reside in one of the 11 states that disenfranchise people post-sentence • 1 of every 13 African Americans of voting age is disenfranchised, and in three states – Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia – the figure is one in five.

The report is authored by Christopher Uggen and Sarah Shannon of the University of Minnesota and Jeff Manza of New York University.

In Kentucky specifically, the study found that: • 243,842 Kentuckians don’t have the right to vote because of a past felony conviction – 7.35 percent of the voting age population. That’s up from the 186,000 estimate KFTC members have previously used.

• 22.34 percent of voting age African Americans in Kentucky don’t have the right to vote.

And even these numbers are lagging from 2010 and are likely much higher in 2012.

To read the full study, visit KFTC’s blog at www.KFTC.org/blog (Short link)

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Voter Empowerment Update

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Singing for Democracy builds enthusiasm in Lexington for the restoration of voting rights; Senator Seum speaks out KFTC and allies held a powerful Singing for Democracy event in Lexington in August to continue building support for the campaign to restore voting rights to former felons who have served

their debt to society.

Singing for Democracy events have become a large public awareness tool that bridges communities through the combination of gospel music and activist

Choir members helped to celebrate at the Lexington Singing For Democracy event held in late August. KFTC members have been organizing Singing For Democracy events as a way to register voters but also to bring attention to the restoration of voting rights campaign.

groups. Primarily organized by KFTC member and leader Tayna Fogle, this is KFTC’s ninth Singing for Democracy in the last few years.

More than 250 people gathered at Shiloh Baptist Church for the event.

Performers included the Total Grace Missionary Baptist Church Choir, Bethsaida, Imani Church Choir, Antioch Children’s Choir, and numerous solo singers, dancers and more.

Additionally, a few elected public leaders addressed the crowd, and half a dozen former felons told their stories of disenfranchisement.

“We will not be quiet or sit still until every one of us has the right to vote,” said Rev. Owens of the Shiloh Baptist Church.

“Singing for Democracy is a good title. That’s all we’re asking for – democracy. Senator [Damon] Thayer ought to have the respect and decency to allow this bill to be discussed as part of the democratic process,” said Lexington Council member Chris Ford.

“That’s how this country started out – no taxation without representation. It wasn’t right then and it’s not right now. If Senator Thayer and others need a history lesson to help remind them of that, then I’m happy to help do the teaching,” said

Teddi Smith Robillard, a former felon.

Some KFTC members are exploring the possibility of additional Singing for Democracy events in 2012, including one in eastern Kentucky.

Participants in the event also took action by filling out postcards to legislators, pledging to call in to the legislative message hotline, or by registering to vote.

“If you don’t get out and vote ... well that should be the crime. People died to give us the right to vote. Back in the Civil Rights Movement, when people saw something that isn’t right, we got out into the streets and did something about it. And that’s what we’re starting to do now,” said Teddi Smith Robillard, a former felon.

In other voting rights news, Republican Senate leader Dan Seum of Louisville made headlines recently when he made a public statement in support of voting rights for former felons.

Seum has long been a supporter of voting rights like most of his Republican colleagues in the Senate, but it is rare for a Republican senator to voice an opinion that differs from Senate President David Williams. This might be the start of a productive legislative session when senators return to Frankfort early next year.

Electoral organizers hired, trained and hit the ground running

KFTC’s campaign to register, educate and mobilize thousands of voters leading up to the November 6 election took a leap forward on August 27 as KFTC ran an intensive two-day training of brand new electoral organizers from chapter areas across the state.

These organizers will be assisting KFTC members and chapter organizers to build grassroots power and strengthening Kentucky’s democracy.

Madison County: Carey Henson Bowling Green: Alan Smith Floyd County: Allyson Williams Letcher County: Stephanie Tyree Central Kentucky: Tayna Fogle and Tanya Torp Jefferson County: Kristah Lavalle, Beth Bissmeyer, Jennifer Jeffers and Linda Stettenbenz

Electoral Organizers took a few minutes at their two-day training to pose for a group photo. These temporary organizers will help KFTC expand capacity to register, educate and mobilize voters for the November election.

balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Voter Empowerment Update

Page 7

Statewide voter empowerment work reaches 1,000s of voters

UK KFTC efforts yield more than 500 voter registrations

Student members of the University of Kentucky KFTC group held a series of voter registration tabling events on campus and have registered more than 500 voters leading up to the voter registration deadline on October 9.

T h e y have collected as On the UK campus … many as 170 voter registration cards in a threehour period and are often limited only by the number of clipboards they bring (as many as 15) or the number of blank registration cards they can get.

UK KFTC Coordinator Sanjana Pampati says that the largest voter registration events are yet to come, including a campus-wide coordinated effort between KFTC, UK NAACP and UK Catalyst (a new diversity and social justice campus group).

They’re planning to set up tables throughout campus for one big push and also have tapped campus media including the student paper and two radio stations to help spread the word.

At the Worldfest in Louisville …

The UK KFTC group meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in UK Student Center room 111.

Voting rights field work in Georgetown Scott County KFTC members made it out to several basketball games at the Ed Davis Learning Center as well as a downtown outdoor concert and many other events in the past few weeks to register voters and talk to people about KFTC’s campaign to restore voting rights to former felons who have served their debt to society.

Willie Gossey, an announcer for the games and ally with the local NAACP, took some microphone time to encourage people to register to vote several times throughout the evening.

While registering voters and getting people to sign postcards in support of voting rights, members met several former felons who shared their stories.

One former felon had applied to get his rights back several times over the years, including once two years ago when KFTC members ran into him at a similar event, but had not heard back from the governor’s office.

Everyone that members met expressed support for restoring voting rights to former felons, and most people were already familiar with the issue.

Members found themselves doing a lot more listening than educating, a good sign that this issue has earned a lot of awareness in many communities.

Hazard Community & Technical College voter registration update from eastern Kentucky

KFTC members from Perry and Letcher counties came together to register students at Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) to vote.

Register to Vote!

Members were invited to For more information: Dave@KFTC.org set up a KFTC or 859-420-8919 voter registration booth at the HCTC Student registered more than 30 voters throughActivities Fair for two days. out the weekend.

Over the course of just a few hours over the two days, members registered Madison County brings the 29 students to vote, got 12 signatures for KFTC’s restoration of former felon votheat; registers voters on campus ing rights petition, and sparked some interesting conversations about why it

Madison County Electoral Organizis important to vote, even if - especially er Carey Henson coordinated the Madiif - one doesn’t like any of the candidates son County chapter’s efforts at Eastern on the ballot.

Kentucky University on September 17 Perry County members were exand threw the voter registration gauntcited to return to Hazard for the Black let down by registering 252 students in Gold Festival on September 20-21 and one session.

With volunteers from the Boone County High School National Honor Society at the library in Florence …

And at the Hazard Community & Technical College Student Activities Fair

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balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

KFTC’s 2012-2013 DRAFT Platform Proposed by the Steering Committee, September 8, 2012 For consideration by the membership at Annual Business Meeting October 28, 2012

2012 Annual Membership Meeting Kentucky Leadership Center

Proposed additions are printed in BOLD CAPS. Each change will be discussed and considered at the annual meeting.

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth is a statewide, grassroots, citizens organization working for a new balance of power and a just society. As we work together we build our strength, individually and as a group, and find solutions to real life problems. We use direct action to challenge — and change — unfair political, economic and social systems. Our membership is open to all people who are committed to equality, democracy and nonviolent change. KFTC’s goals of organizing are: (1) fostering democratic values, (2) changing unjust institutions, (3) empowering people and communities, (4) helping people participate, (5) overcoming racism and other discrimination, (6) communicating a message of what is possible, (7) building organizations, (8) winning issues that affect the common welfare, and (9) having fun.

We will work to create a society which focuses on supporting the human rights of all people. We are a social justice organization.

We believe that all people must be treated with respect and dignity regardless of ability, age, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other defining characteristic.

Since clean air, water and land are every Kentuckian’s right, KFTC will work to protect and preserve a clean environment and protect bio-diversity by working for stronger regulations and better enforcement. Specifically: • We oppose the use of the mountaintop removal method of surface coal mining and valley fills that bury perennial, intermittent and ephemeral continued on next page

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balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

protect forests and private property rights.

• We support protection of biodiversity, including endangered species.

KFTC Proposed Platform continued from previous page

We will fight to protect surface owners from the abuses by extractive industries. Specifically:

streams.

• We will work for a sustainable forestry products industry [non-timber and wood products] for Kentucky that relies on ecologically sound forest management and the use of Best Management Practices on public and private lands.

• We will work to preserve and protect publicly owned lands and their natural resources.

• We oppose on every front the rollback of the authority and funding for agencies and services that protect the environment and the rights of surface owners.

• We will fight to ensure safe, accessible and affordable water for all Kentuckians.

• We demand reasonable regulation of oil and gas drilling including protection and replacement of water and reclamation of damaged land.

• We demand full enforcement of laws and regulations related to the mining, transportation and burning of coal in order to protect water resources, prevent blasting damage, and require the reclamation of land and permitting of secondary roads used for hauling coal.

• We oppose the use of dangerous coal sludge impoundments and call for the development of emergency action plans for communities living near impoundments.

• We oppose the environmental and economic destruction of industrial farming and its threat to clean air, clean water, rural communities, and small family farmers.

• We oppose importation of all solid, hazardous and special wastes, and promote local control over land-use decisions involving landfills and incinerators and related facilities.

• Recognizing the high costs and deadly effects of uranium mining, processing, and waste disposal, we oppose the expansion of nuclear power.

• We will work to protect air quality to ensure the health and safety of Kentuckians.

• We will support reducing the use of harmful pesticides, the right of the public to know the nature of pesticides applied, and the right of a local government to have more stringent control of pesticide use.

• We promote source reduction, recycling, strong procurement policies for recycled products and a bottle bill.

• We will oppose environmental racism and classism, or the practice of locating polluting industries and waste facilities near low-income and minority communities, and in neighborhoods where people are least able to fight back.

• We support strengthening present timber theft laws in Kentucky to

• We demand that the broad form deed amendment be fully enforced by all levels of government.

• We support a change in property laws so that a minority owner of an undivided interest cannot allow the sale, leasing or mining of land or minerals against the wishes of the majority of owners.

• We demand that oil and gas operators have permission of surface owners before they drill.

• We support the property rights of all landowners and will work to ensure these rights are exercised responsibly and equitably so as not to unfairly compromise the interests of the public, the environment, or surrounding property owners.

We will work to empower voters and expand authentic, democratic participation that makes government open, honest, and responsive to the needs of the people. Specifically: • We will fight to protect the local control of solid waste management and siting, and support strong host agreements before permits are issued by the state.

• We will work to strengthen and enforce ethics codes for elected and appointed officials.

• WE SUPPORT AN AMENDMENT TO THE US CONSTITUTION MAKING IT CLEAR THAT CORPORATIONS ARE NOT PEOPLE AND MONEY IS NOT SPEECH. FURTHERMORE, WE WILL WORK TO ELIMINATE THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN MONEY IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND GOVERNMENTS THAT ARE NON-RESPONSIVE TO THE PEOPLE. • We support campaign spending limits and public financing of elections to reduce the amount spent on elections and the power of big money contributors. continued on next page

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balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

• We will work to make state and local economic development authorities accountable to the people.

• We demand easy access and an end to the bureaucratic procedures necessary to obtain open records in Kentucky.

• We support equitable access to state funds for roads and public transit.

• We support local communities’ cooperation on common issues.

• We oppose closed-door meetings and decision making not open to the public.

• We support restoring voting rights to former felons. We support programs that promote the positive re-entry of former felons into our communities.

We will fight to create a just economy that sustains communities, families and individuals, promotes health and protects resources for the future. Specifically: • We will work with all interested parties, including recipients, to develop a welfare system that benefits the community as a whole, provides a safety net, helps people move forward, and treats people fairly and with dignity.

• We will work for an economic development process that is open, sustainable, supportive of local economies, and sees that companies receiving public money for job creation provide training, safe working conditions, health benefits and a living wage and transition away from a fossil fuel extraction industry. KFTC DOES NOT SUPPORT PRISON EXPANSION AS A MEANS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. • We support public policies and utility programs that minimize utility customer shutoffs due to inability to pay and we will work to eliminate customer shutoffs during extreme weather conditions and medical emergencies. We support energy conservation programs, the implementation of percentage of income payment plans and fair access to utility services including local gas hookups.

• We support policies aimed at significantly increasing the development of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and clean renewable energy sources in Kentucky, ultimately leading toward climate neutrality.

• We seek energy policies that promote the development of communityscale, locally owned renewable energy sources, create local jobs, and help low-wealth households, enterprises, and communities to access energy efficiency measures and clean energy solutions.

• We support funding effective and efficient community services through an equitable, fair, and progressive tax structure.

• We support the continued fair taxation of unmined minerals.

• We support the collection of coal severance taxes on every ton of coal mined and demand an increasing return of severance tax funds to promote sustainable economic development in coalfield counties; WE FURTHER SUPPORT AT LEAST ONE PERCENT OF COAL SEVERANCE TAXES COLLECTED BE PUT IN A PERMANENT TRUST FUND THAT WILL BE USED BY AND FOR THE COMMUNITIES WHERE THE COAL WAS EXTRACTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING A MORE DIVERSE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY; we call for an increase in the severance tax rate and the creation

of a community-based process to determine how funds are spent.

• We call for a system of high quality public education, including preschool through higher education, that is accessible and affordable for all Kentuckians.

• We support policies that are in favor of reducing the economic burden of higher education.

• We object to the dominance of corporate interests in the decisionmaking, values and priorities of our public universities.

• We support economic reform through the use and support of sustainable agriculture.

• We support affordable access to nutritious and healthful foods for all people.

• We demand quality, affordable and preventative health care, INCLUDING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, for all Kentuckians, and support a single payer health care system.

• We support a comprehensive approach — and investments — that recognize good health is determined by a wide range of social and economic factors such as education, social welfare, housing, income, continued on next page

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and environmental conditions, as well as traditional health factors.

• We support the right to a living wage for all Kentuckians. WE OPPOSE WAGE DISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENDER, RACE, ABILITY, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, CITIZENSHIP, RELIGION, GENDER IDENTITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS, IMMIGRATION STATUS, OR ANY OTHER DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC. • We oppose exploitation of labor and unjust international trade programs and demand an end to the use and sale of sweatshop-made products.

• We call for a new system for the transportation of coal that makes possible better pay for truckers, shared company accountability for safety violations and road damage, safe roads and safe mining communities, and reduced weight limits for coal trucks.

• We support the right of workers to organize and the right to collective bargaining.

• We support quality, affordable, accessible housing and demand just housing policies that protect the rights of renters to be treated fairly.

• We demand enactment and enforcement of occupational health and safety laws that protect all workers in Kentucky, especially workers in occupations that continue to suffer high rates of preventable workrelated death, disability, and illness such as coal miners, coal truckers, and other coal industry workers.

• We support fair and equitable lending practices.

• We support adequate, affordable, and energy efficient public transportation on a statewide basis, and we demand infrastructure planning that supports alternative modes of public transportation such as biking and walking.

• We support fair and equitable access to information systems for all people.

We will fight to create a fair and just society that respects human and civil rights, uplifts all people to their potential, and values the participation of everyone. Specifically: • We support affirmative action programs that guarantee equal rights for all people.

• We oppose all forms of racism and work to eliminate it from our society and from within our organization.

• We condemn and oppose oppression and harassment of all people by public or private individuals or institutions based on ability, age, gender, national origin, citizenship, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigration status, or any other defining characteristic.

• We will work toward a more fair justice system not mired in discrimination based on ability, age, gender, national origin, citizenship, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigration status, or any other defining characteristic.

• WE SUPPORT THE RIGHT OF RESIDENTS WHO ARE UNDOCUMENTED TO BE TREATED WITH THE RESPECT AND DIGNITY THAT ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE ENTITLED TO. WE ALSO SUPPORT OPEN PATHWAYS TO CITIZENSHIP FOR YOUTH WHO ARE UNDOCUMENTED. • We oppose the inappropriate use of police powers to address problems, the expansion and privatization of the prison system, and the use of excessive force by police. We do support full funding of public defenders.

• We support a transition from our current punitive justice system to a more restorative system that honors the inherent dignity of all individuals.

• We support the abolition of the death penalty.

KFTC Annual Meeting October 26-28, 2012 Kentucky Leadership Center in Jabez Family friendly atmosphere!

Relax, meet new people, visit old friends, learn about KFTC, share stories, dance, listen to music, attend workshops, and have fun!

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balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Steering Committee nominates an experienced, diverse group KFTC Executive Committee and Kentucky Coalition board to be selected at annual meeting

The Steering Committee acknowledged the dedicated service of KFTC’s hard-working statewide officers, and has recommended a diverse set of community leaders to serve in those positions for the coming year.

The proposed slate includes Sue Tallichet as chairperson, Dana Beasley Brown as vice-chair, Rick Handshoe as secretary-treasurer, and Megan Naseman as at-large representative. Steve Boyce will also serve in the position of immediate past chairperson.

This slate, based on a recommendation from the Leadership Development Committee, will go before a vote of the full membership in attendance at the Annual Business Meeting on October 28. Other nominations may be made from the floor at that time.

Together, KFTC’s five statewide officers make up the organization’s Executive Committee. KFTC’s officers are elected for one-year terms and may serve no more than two consecutive years in the same position.

Below is some information about the nominees: Chairperson: Sue Tallichet is an active member of the Rowan County chapter and KFTC Land Reform Committee.

She has also served for a number of years on KFTC’s Steering Committee. She is a brave and effective spokesperson about mountaintop removal mining and its impacts on land, water and people. She is also the author of a book called Daughters of the Mountain: Women Coal Miners in Central Appalachia.

Vice-Chairperson: Dana Beasley Brown was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Bowling Green KFTC Chapter. She serves on KFTC’s Steering Committee and Economic Justice Committee and is deeply involved in local efforts to improve the quality and affordability of housing in her community. Dana has spoken before several legislative committees and has been a guest on the KET program Kentucky Tonight about the need for fair tax reforms.

Secretary-Treasurer: Rick Handshoe has worked hard to build and strengthen the new Floyd County KFTC Chapter. He has served on KFTC’s Steering Committee for several years. He is a tireless leader in his community around issues related to water quality and the enforcement of mining laws. Rick has hosted hundreds of people who have visited his place to learn first hand about problems associated with harmful mining practices. He has used his story (and his excellent documentation) to educate and hold accountable many of the top decision-makers in federal and state enforcement agencies.

At-Large: Megan Naseman lives in Berea. As a college student, she was captivated by KFTC while working with Bev May to protect her holler in Floyd County. After graduating from Berea College, Megan thought she might be bound for the west coast; but at the end of one year in Seattle, she heard this Bluegrass State calling her back to what is now her home. Besides working with KFTC, she finds great joy in baking pies, hiking, playing banjo and singing with the band Sugar Tree.

Immediate Past Chairperson: Steve Boyce is an active member of the Madison County chapter. He has served in many leadership roles, including as Steering Committee Representative and four years on the KFTC Executive Committee. He has provided leadership as a member and chairperson of KFTC’s Finance Committee, as well as a member of the Economic Justice Committee. Steve has provided testimony about fair taxation before the Kentucky House Appropriations and Revenue Committee and was appointed to the citizens’ advisory board of the Berea Municipal Utility. He retired from the faculty of Berea College.

Kentucky Coalition Board members

During the October 28 Annual Business Meeting, KFTC members will also have the opportunity to vote on three members to serve on the board of the Kentucky Coalition. Kentucky Coalition is a tax-exempt affiliate organization to KFTC that supports leadership development, research and public education about important policy issues, and civic participation. The KC board is comprised of the five statewide officers of KFTC, plus an additional three individuals who are elected by KFTC’s membership. The Steering Committee has nominated the following individuals to serve next year on the KC board: Bill Stolte: Bill is a member of KFTC’s Madison County chapter. He served on the KC board during the previous year and has provided leadership as a member of KFTC’s Finance Committee.

Beth Bissmeyer: Beth is an active member of KFTC’s Jefferson County chapter. She previously served on KFTC’s Steering Committee and on the KC Board.

Doug Doerrfeld: Doug is an active member of the Rowan County chapter. He is a past chairperson of KFTC and has just completed about a decade of service on KFTC’s Steering and Executive Committees.

Other Upcoming Events For a full chapter meeting schedule, visit page 20.

Oct. 1

KFTC Armchair Seminar “Voting and Democracy”, 7:30 p.m. For more information and to register contact Carissa@kftc.org or call 859-8931147.

Oct. 3

UK KFTC chapter meeting, 6 p.m., Room 111 University of Kentucky Student Center. For more information contact sanjana.pampati@gmail. com or call 270-519-6905. The UK student group meets every Wednesday during the school year.

Oct. 6

Water Testing Training II and Land Reform Committee Meeting, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Hazard Community Technical College. For more information contact Kevin@kftc.org or call 606-335-0764.

Oct. 9

Voter Registration Deadline.

Oct. 11

Vice Presidential Debate, Centre College, See page 19 for more information.

Oct. 14

Memorial for Larry Gibson, friends and family will celebrate Larry’s life and legacy from 2-4 p/m/ at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium, on the corner of Virginia and Truslow streets across from the Charleston Town Center Mall. Public is encouraged to attend, gifts can be made at mountainkeeper.blogspot.com.

Oct. 26-28

KFTC Annual Meeting, Kentucky Leadership Center in Jabez, KY. Family friendly atmosphere! Relax, meet new people, visit old friends, learn about KFTC, share stories, dance, listen to music, attend workshops, and have fun! For more information and to register, visit www.kftc.org/annual-meeting.

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Registration Form

Celebrating our Differences: Finding Common Ground

or register online at www.kftc.org/annual-meeting Name(s) Address Phone Email Please specify your needs below.

Lodging __ Friday night (10/26) __ Saturday night (10/27) Saturday Meals Sunday Meals

__ Breakfast __ Lunch __ Evening Banquet __ Breakfast __ Box Lunch

Do you have any special dietary needs?

Please specify Do you need a room equipped for physical disabilities?

Please specify

Friday, October 26

6 p.m.

Registration begins at the beautiful Kentucky Leadership Center (near Somerset, KY). Directions will be sent to every one who registers. Please eat dinner before arriving.

8 p.m.

Music on the Porch: Grab a rocking chair and join us on the big front porch for some live music.

7 p.m.

10 p.m.

Please let us know if you are willing to help out by: Bringing items (including crafts) for a silent auction Participating in the cultural sharing and talent show on Saturday Night Transportation: I can drive myself I can drive and am willing to offer a ride to others from my area I need a ride Cost: The cost for the weekend is $90 per adult, which includes two nights lodging, five meals, meeting costs and child care, if needed. (Costs can be adjusted if you attend only part of the meeting. If $90 is beyond your budget, please contribute what you can).

Early Bird Registration: Register by October 12 and pay only $70!

Do not let the expense keep you from attending!

I have enclosed $______ for my registration.

I cannot attend but am sending $______ so that someone else can participate.

Please make check or money order payable to KFTC and mail with this registration form to: P.O. Box 1450, London, Kentucky 40743

8 a.m. Breakfast 9 a.m.

Why Equality and Diversity Matter: Join us for the opening of KFTC’s annual meeting. We’ll explore a historical perspective of organizing in Kentucky across racial, economic, geographic, age and gender lines. A panel of members will speak to why our commitment to diversity is important, times we have done it well and times we didn’t do as much as we could have. We’ll identify key ideas and questions to discuss throughout the weekend.

10:45 a.m.

Workshops: Understanding Equality in Kentucky, Immigrants’ Rights, LGBTQ Rights, Racial Justice, and Rural Communities.

12:15 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

Lunch

Keynote Speaker: K.A. Owens -Community Organizing Across Lines of Difference in Kentucky

Workshops: Building Equality in Kentucky; Changing the Conversation About Race and Class; Power in Multi-Racial Coalitions; How to Have Difficult Conversations; Building Strong, Diverse KFTC chapters; and Building Community in Kentucky

Dinner and Awards Banquet

Cultural Sharing & Home Grown Talent Show: All are welcome to join us for an evening of home grown entertainment and sharing. If you have talent – or a piece of your culture – please share it! Poetry, crafts, music, dance, humor—and of course stories. All are welcome!

Sunday, October 28

8 a.m. Breakfast 9 a.m.

Annual meeting checklist If you’re planning to come … √ Register as soon as possible using the form above or online at www.kftc.org.

Don't forget to send in your registration fee in the amount you feel you can afford. √ Ask other KFTC members and non-members to come. Offer them a ride or try to carpool. √ Get excited. You’re going to have a great time.

Late-night bonfire under the stars

Saturday, October 27

2-4 people will share each room. Do you have a preferred roommate(s)?

Please specify Will you need child care? __ Yes __ No # of children ___ Ages__

Welcome, introductions, and icebreaker on the porch.

10:45 a.m.

Workshops: Putting our commitment to equality and diversity into action. Join us in small groups focused on the KFTC issue campaign that interests you most. In each conversation we will learn about the issue and discuss how an intentional focus on equality and diversity can help strengthen the campaign as we move forward.

KFTC’s Annual Business Meeting: Join us to review and vote on KFTC’s issue platform, elect statewide officers, and approve new and returning KFTC chapters. Then we’ll close out the silent auction, fill out evaluation forms, and say good-bye.

Please remember to bring items to donate to the silent auction!

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balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Canary Project Update

New power plant poses high costs, risks for western Kentucky

Residents of many mid-west towns, including Princeton and Paducah in western Kentucky, are beginning to face the sticker-shock of paying for the new Prairie State project, a 1600 MW coal-burning power plant developed by Peabody Energy.

The plant, which is close to completion, has been called “the last of its kind in this country” by The New York Times.

Over the past decade, Peabody Energy aggressively marketed the project to mid-western municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives. More than 200 towns and 17 member-run electric co-operatives purchased ownership shares in the power plant and a nearby coal mine.

After a Michigan-based utility pulled out of the deal, the Kentucky Municipal Power Agency took out a $500 million bond to purchase a 7.8 percent share in the project. The electricity will be sold to municipal utilities in Paducah and Princeton, which together have a population of about 31,000 residents.

Peabody itself kept just a 5 percent stake in the overall project.

Unfortunately for residents in participating communities, the costs and the risks associated with the project are coming in far higher than the developers promised. The per-megawatt costs of power in the first months of operation far exceed the average cost of power on regional wholesale markets.

In fact, according to a new report, released in late August by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA): “Instead of being a source of low cost electricity, the first year cost of power from Prairie State is 40 to 100 percent higher than the current cost of power in the Midwest wholesale markets and is expected to remain higher than market prices for the next ten to thirteen years, if not longer.”

The higher initial costs are largely due to delays and cost over-runs in the construction of the plant. But the

Peabody Energy’s swath of deceit and deception: Each dot on the map below represents a community that invested in this “energy opportunity” presented by

report also details several additional risks facing the project that could cause headaches in the future for ratepayers in Paducah and Princeton as well as for the other 2.5 million affected ratepayers across the Midwest.

These risks stem from the fact that towns that purchased ownership shares in the Prairie State project also took an ownership interest in the Lively Grove coal mine that is the source of fuel for the plant, along with an interest in a nearby coal ash landfill.

There are indications that both the mine and the landfill may have less capacity and shorter lifetimes than projected.

Specifically, the mine that provides coal for the Prairie state plant has been cited by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration for operating with an unapproved ventilation plan and unapproved roof control plan.

While those violations are still under appeal by the company, the proposed plan to resolve the safety problems would in-

Peabody Energy. More than 200 towns and 17 member-run electric cooperatives purchased ownership shares in the power plant and a nearby coal mine. Kentucky

crease costs of production and decrease the amount of recoverable coal from the mine.

In addition to presenting serious concerns for the lives and safety of the mine workers, those conditions mean ratepayers in participating communities face the risk of additional future capital and operating costs at the mine. And, since many of the towns that bought into this project – including Paducah and Princeton – signed “take-or-pay” contracts, their customers are on the hook for those costs whether the local utilities use the power from Prairie State or not.

The report concludes with a set of questions that local elected officials, ratepayers and participating public utilities can use as they seek answers to important questions about the costs and economic risks of the Prairie State project.

More information and sample questions can be found at http://prairiestatecoalplant.org

Municipal Power Agency took out a $500 million bond to purchase a 7.8 percent share in the project , while Peabody itself kept just a 5 percent stake.

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balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Canary Project Update

Coal corruption scandal in India involves key figure in India-Kentucky proposed coal deal; no news from governor A major public corruption scandal involving coal-connected politicians and industrialists is rocking India’s business and political circles.

At the center of the $34 billion scandal is a man named Manoj Jayaswal, the chair and managing director of a company known as the Abhijeet Group.

Just one month ago, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear announced a $7 billion private-sector deal reached between the Abhijeet Group and coal producers in Kentucky and West Virginia.

The scandal revolves around ways in which government-owned coal tracts in India were awarded to private interests.

Starting in 2004, tracts of state-owned coal, called “blocks,” were awarded by the Indian government to private individuals and companies in order to increase domestic coal production.

The government did not use a competitive bidding process to award the blocks, and it appears that some of the assets were given for free to individuals who immediately sold them for huge sums.

In August India’s auditor and comptroller issued a report documenting that many blocks were given to individuals and companies with close ties to powerful politicians.

According to an Indian newspaper, the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently raided locations in 30

cities as part of its investigation into the scandal that has come to be known as “Coalgate.”

The CBI also filed complaints against three companies connected to Manoj Jayaswall for “irregularities in coal-block allotment.”

“Mr. Jayaswal is embroiled in a $34 billion coal mining scandal that has exposed the ugly underside of Indian politics and economic life: a brazen style of crony capitalism that has enabled politicians and their friends to reap huge profits by gaining control of vast swaths

When questioned about his role in the deal, Rep. Hall proudly told Peterson, “I’m not just a friend of coal. I’m coal’s best friend.”

News of the scandal was first reported in Kentucky on September 6, 2012 by Erica Peterson of WFPL-FM radio. Her report cited the Indian newspaper above and noted: “There are doubts...whether the embattled Abhijeet Group will be able to honor its commitment on Kentucky coal import, considering that it was allotted 10 coal linkages and now stands accused of misrepresenting facts and making false claims in applying for blocks in India and later selling stake in an irregular manner.”

A scathing story in The New York Times on September 15 provided an additional view of the scandal. According to that article:

of the country’s natural resources, often for nothing.”

In yet another wrinkle to this story, Erica Peterson of WFPL-FM also reported that the deal with the Abhijeet Group to purchase Central Appalachian coal was brokered by Keith Hall, a state representative from Pike County.

According to Hall’s financial disclosure form, he owns several mines and coal-related businesses and sits on the board of FJS Energy, the New Jerseybased company that signed the deal with India. Rep. Hall himself has been the focus of earlier ethics investigations, and last October was fined $2,000 by the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission.

When questioned about his role in

Rep. Keith Hall (D) PO Box 577 103 McCoy Bottom Phelps, KY 41553 Work: (606) 456-3432 Ext. 25 the deal, Rep. Hall proudly told Peterson, “I’m not just a friend of coal. I’m coal’s best friend.”

As it happens, Governor Beshear recently concluded 7-day economic development visit to India. KFTC members will be watching to see if reporters ask him about this scandal - and its possible impact on Kentucky.

Community Organizing & Water Testing Training, Part II Hosted by the KFTC Land Reform Committee

Saturday, October 6: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

First Federal Building at Hazard Comm. & Tech College, Classroom 223 One Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701 People from all over the mountains have come out to our multiple “Community Organizing & Water Testing” trainings. This is the opportunity for those folks to meet, dig deeper, share stories, and make a plan to move forward, together. Hope you can make it!

Please call 606-632-0051 if you plan to come or have questions.

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Economic Justice Update

balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Members provided plenty of input to Blue Ribbon Commission

The Blue Ribbon Commission public input meetings have come to a close, and KFTC members and allies have certainly made an impact.

More than 40 of the speakers across the state were KFTC members (not including all the people who submitted statements online, or signed up to speak but had to leave before their name was called, or all the people from ally organizations who shared KFTC’s framework for comments).

Members helped tip the balance toward the good. Overall, the comments aligned with KFTC’s tax reform principles – comments that advocated for a better budget or taxes that are distributed more fairly with policies like an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – outweighed the comments that contradicted KFTC’s principles by almost 2 to 1.

One early indicator of KFTC’s impact is the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s recently released statement weighing in against both the EITC and the tax fairness graph that members lifted up during their statements.

That chart, from ITEP – the Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy – shows that higher income individuals pay a signicantly smaller portion of their income in state and local taxes than do people with less income.

The chamber didn’t discredit ITEP’s analysis of the disproportionate impact on lower income Kentuckians; they point out that ITEP didn’t take into account the cost of public investments for the common good, like public schools and community health centers.

Members and allies see the chamber’s reaction as evidence that tax fairness and good solutions are squarely part of the debate. (For a rundown of the chamber’s claims, check out the response from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy here: www.kypolicy. org/content/myths-and-facts-aboutearned-income-tax-credit-kentucky. You can also find it on KFTC’s website under Resources.)

A panel of economists hired by the commission introduced a report of several tax policy options at a September 19 meeting. The commission isn’t bound to the policies included in the report, and the report wasn’t necessarily a set of recommendations. However, it carries a lot of significance as the commission’s

starting point.

Some policy “options,” as they were described, are encouraging and some raise red flags. Here’s an early breakdown of the policy suggestions and the ways in which some of them are positive starting points and others less than what is needed: • The report includes an Earned Income Tax Credit. It’s not as robust as KFTC’s proposed 15% credit, but it’s included in the report.

• The report includes a sales tax expansion to services. KFTC’s Kentucky Forward Plan also includes a sales tax for some select services. The economists’ list is less targeted than KFTC’s and includes a tax on some services that would impact lower-income Kentuckians, like car and appliance repairs.

• Some corporate tax reforms are included. The reforms, however, fall short of combined reporting, which is a policy solution that KFTC members have been lifting up that 24 other states have implemented to stop large corporations from hiding income in states where it can’t be taxed.

• The report includes the option of rolling back all the itemized deductions, which largely benefit higher-income Kentuckians. Removing these deductions would be a step toward a more progressive structure.

• The report includes unfreezing Kentucky’s property tax rates set by HB 44 years ago, which would be another step toward making the tax structure more progressive.

• Several KFTC members (and nonmembers, as well) who are retirees pointed out that they weren’t paying their fair share in taxes because most of their pension income is untaxed.

The economists’ report includes reducing these tax breaks on retirement and pension income.

• The report includes the option of allowing local governments to impose local sales taxes, an issue that Jefferson County members have been learning about because of the mayor’s support

of such a policy and their concern that sales taxes disproportionately impact lower-income consumers.

• The policy option that will raise the biggest flag for KFTC members is the option to expand the sales tax to food that people buy at the grocery store. This policy, even coupled with the EITC or a food card as was noted by the economists, is astonishingly regressive. One commissioner, Sheila Schuster, told the economists that she was “really struggling” with how the food tax made the list, given all the people who came to the meetings who’d been adversely impacted by our regressive tax structure.

There are other options included in the report, and a more thorough analysis and statement from KFTC is forthcoming. In the meantime, the commission will meet three more times before making their recommendations to the Gov-

ernor by November 15. These are not public input meetings, but they are all open to the public. The times and dates are listed below.

Blue Ribbon Meeting Schedule: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Capitol Annex Room 154 Tuesday, October 23 Location and time TBA (Possibly Capitol Annex from 1 to 4).

Thursday, November 8, 2012 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Capitol Annex Room 149 If you haven’t submitted comments about Kentucky’s tax straucture to the commission, you can still do so online. Please take a minute to do that this today! You can find the link on www.kftc.org/blue-ribbon.

Central Kentucky KFTC members speak out for tax justice at final Blue Ribbon meeting

“I’m a mom, a full-time employee, a part-time employee, a homeowner, a landlord, and a student. As a local working parent and student, the majority of my income is already invested in Kentucky’s future.… I recently spent several hundred dollars on back to school supplies, including paper, pencils, tissues, and hand sanitizer. Not only would I like Kentucky’s schools to be able to provide these supplies, but I would like to see Kentucky schools provide a competitive education including art, music, and technology for all of our children. By holding corporations accountable to pay their fair rate in taxes and equalizing the percentage of taxes paid by all Kentuckians we can raise our revenue and invest in Kentucky’s future.” -- Psera Newman

“I want to flag...the long history the legislature has of granting tax incentives in order to attract business. There may be rationale for such gifts to entice a new industry. But it must never be permanent. There must be quid pro quo and once an industry is on its feet making money, the incentive must expire.

That is not raising their taxes, it is simply giving them the full responsibility of being a citizen here....

“We really don’t need more minimum wage jobs on which our families cannot live. We need clean, green jobs that pay a living wage and better. We do not need industries that get rich on the backs of minimum wage workers. We need support for small, locally owned businesses that are here because this is where they want to be.

“Design and establish a new paradigm. Let incentives expire; review them regularly. Better yet, write them to expire automatically, and show the people what we have gotten for those incentives – and that would not be more minimum wage jobs.” -- Joy Arnold

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Local Updates

Voter registration happening all over northern Kentucky

The Northern Kentucky KFTC Chapter, not to be outdone, has had its share of success this voter registration season.

The chapter has registered more than 270 new voters thus far, and is hoping to build upon this success by offering more opportunities for voters to learn more about the candidates seeking office this year.

The success has come from a variety of places, but beginning with the Covington Farmers Market. All year chapter members have been at that market registering voters and talking about KFTC issues. The tables have resulted in a growing recognition of the work KFTC does and have helped establish relationships

that have been key in planning Northern Kentucky Loves Democracy!

This work has been supplemented by great success at the local libraries, where members have been registering voters since the end of August.

Focusing on the population centers of each county, the chapter has been registering voters at the Covington branch in Kenton County, the Newport branch in Campbell County, and the Florence branch in Boone County. This work has been aided by a continuing partnership with volunteers from the Boone County High School National Honor Society.

Complementing the above work, the Northern Kentucky chapter has worked

with students at Thomas More College to register voters, as well as rotating from campus to campus at Gateway Community and Technical College. Through this work the chapter hopes to increase voter participation from youth populations in northern Kentucky elections, as well as build a better dialogue about what makes a strong democracy.

Members in northern Kentucky will not be resting on their laurels, as they hope to use these events to help voters become more educated about the election by inviting them out to a series of upcoming events.

A candidate meet-and-greet, aimed at bringing together voters from across northern Kentucky to meet candidates for local elected office, will be held on October 7 at Groove Coffee House. KFTC also is partnering with the Newport Citizens Advisory Council and Brighton Center to bring together a candidate forum for Newport City Commission candidates on October 18.

The chapter hopes that this work, along with get-out-the-vote calls and voter guides, will help encourage more voters to turn out to the polls on November 6.

Northern members find strong relationships at Recovery Reunion

The Northern Kentucky chapter recently tabled at Transitions, the Annual Recovery Reunion, in support of its work with those dealing with addiction.

This annual event, which celebrates the success and continues support of those who are fighting addiction, had more than 400 people attend.

Hosted by Transitions, a recovery group in Northern Kentucky, the event included food, games and live music.

Other organizations in attendance were KFTC ally People Advocating Recovery (PAR) and Gateway Community and Technical College.

Both organizations talked about many of the issues impacting people

struggling with addiction, especially for those trying to reintegrate into society.

KFTC members used the opportunity to table alongside these resources and talk about voting rights, hand out applications for restoration of civil rights, and to register eligible voters.

Many people who attended were excited to take action to restore voting rights for former felons, especially since many personally knew someone impacted by the current policy.

The event was a success and KFTC chapter members were thankful to be there. The chapter looks forward to participating in this event next year.

“Wilderness Trace” KFTC members form a new local chapter

A group of KFTC members had been meeting in the Danville area for almost a year to discuss environmental and other local issues. In September they decided to make it official by becoming a chapter.

The Wilderness Trace Chapter has members in Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln and Mercer counties. Rather than name their chapter after one county, they chose the name Wilderness Trace because it’s historically been used to describe this group of counties.

The chapter plans to focus on: • sustainable energy issues – promot-

ing local solar projects and addressing problems from the neighboring coal-burning power plant and slurry pond; • affordable housing – making sure the people in these areas have good places to live; and • economic justice in general – helping people have a voice and way to speak out.

They’re also doing voter registration and planning their participation in the speakers’ forum associated with the upcoming vice presidential debate at Centre College.

The Covington Farmers’ Market has been a hotbed for registering voters leading up to the November election.

KFTC is hiring!

KFTC is currently hiring 4 community organizers to help build new power across the state.

Geographic Areas: Bowling Green (and surround counties), Jefferson County, Madison County, and Eastern Kentucky.

To learn more about each position and to apply, please visit www.KFTC. org/jobs for more information.

www.KFTC.org/jobs

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Local Updates

balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Growing power in Shelby County; members form chapter

By Lisa Aug

KFTC activist Tona Barkley entertained with several original songs and got everyone in the right mood to inaugurate their KFTC chapter.

When people stop you at the dentist’s office a week later to tell you how wonderful your annual meeting was, you can probably safely label it a success.

A group of KFTC members in Shelby County have been meeting together for several months, and they plan to petition at the statewide Annual Membership Meeting in October to officially become a KFTC chapter.

In the meantime, 30 people enjoyed food, music and fun at the first Shelby County chapter annual meeting on September 10.

Two members, Ann Ellerkamp and Gina Rose, catered the celebration at no charge and really outdid themselves with sweet and sour meatballs, meat and veggie wraps, stuffed dates, fresh fruit and veggies with dips and hummus, brie, brownies and cupcakes.

Shelby County poet Gail Chandler read several of her poems, evoking both her Kentucky childhood and her recent experiences helping people in Africa.

Folk musician John Harrod, who grew up in Bagdad, and Owen County

Of the 62 (and counting!) KFTC members in Shelby County, about a dozen have been meeting monthly for the last year to work on an initial campaign of rural electric co-op reform at Shelby Energy.

Members have made several forward strides and are preparing major actions toward getting a Member’s Bill of Rights adopted.

Over the last 18 months, KFTC members at Union College and around Knox County have been gaining momentum toward building a local KFTC chapter or student group at Union College in Barbourville.

From distributing around town KFTC voter guides and KFTC’s newspaper balancing the scales to attending I Love Mountains Day and hosting film screenings, the membership has steadily risen.

On September 17, members at Union College partnered with Reel Power to host a second film screening on campus.

This partnership allowed members to share free screenings of Deep Down: A Story From The Heart of Coal County and Gasland, along with free refreshments.

The members received a grant from Reel Power to fund the event and to also bring a spokesperson for Deep Down to campus. Jason Howard, a Kentucky author, musician, and once the faith-based organizer for Deep Down, helped to lead a Q&A about the film.

Howard, also a long-time KFTC member, was able to talk about the impact of the film and also topics such as organizing and KFTC. Additionally, Union College student Jacqualine Bengie participated in the panel discussion.

Campus Minister Rev. David Miller welcomed more than 30 people from campus and around Knox County at the beginning of the screening. Some came to learn more about KFTC, some were interested in the films, and others came for a class.

One Union faculty member (and KFTC member) made a five-page study guide to accompany the film Deep Down and brought his entire class to the screening.

Many familiar faces were in the crowd. Two people joined KFTC and many others left with membership information.

The energy at Union College continues to build. Members are now planning outreach and carpool logistics for the upcoming statewide KFTC Annual Membership Meeting in October.

They also have agreed to start work on two more campaigns: getting a Fairness Ordinance adopted in Shelbyville and Shelby County, and fighting wage

theft in Shelby County.

The chapter seeks the voices of all of its members as it moves forward and finds its direction.

Members accepted the following initial coordinators for our first year: Steering Committee representative: Mary Hano Steering Committee alternate: Joanna Macklin Membership coordinator: Patrick King Fundraising coordinator: Ann Ellerkamp Publicity coordinator: Lisa Aug

KFTC members John Harrod and Tona Barkley set the mood for the meeting with some fine original music. Harrod is originally from Bagdad (near Shelbyville).

Union College students build “Reel Power” with film festival Real Power is People Power!

• renew your dues at KFTC.org • ask a friend to join • Register to vote, VOTE! •Become active in your community • Join us for the 2013 Legislative Session as a citizen lobbyist

balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Steering Committee welcomes new Wilderness Trace chapter, honors K.A. Owens for many years of service

The September 8 meeting of the KFTC Steering Committee was bittersweet as a new chapter was welcomed and a dear friend and long-time member was honored.

The committee unanimously and enthusiastically accepted a chapter petition from the Wilderness Trace Chapter. This new chapter represents Boyle, Mercer, Garrard and Lincoln counties.

The chapter is interested in working on issues related to sustainable energy, power plants and coal ash as well as affordable housing and economic justice.

Daniel Morgan, who petitioned on behalf of the chapter members and will represent them on the Steering Committee, said, “We appreciate that there’s an organization like KFTC.”

With the addition of the Wilderness Trace chapter, KFTC now has 12 active local chapters.

The Steering Committee also honored KA Owens and his service to the Steering Committee. Owens currently serves as the Immediate Past Chairperson on the Executive Committee; however, his term in that position is ending, meaning that he will roll off the Steering Committee after more than a decade of service.

“K.A. is low key and kind. He asks penetrating questions, questions that get right at the heart of things,” noted Chairperson Steve Boyce. “K.A. is really dedicated to grassroots as a way of operating and he’s become a great friend.”

After a standing ovation honoring his leadership, Owens responded, “It really means something that the time I’ve spent with KFTC is noted in some way.”

The committee then moved on to an ambitious agenda for the day. After reviewing financial reports and finalizing a draft platform for consideration by the membership at the Annual Meeting, the Steering Committee discussed a New Power media campaign that will get underway this fall.

This will be a multi-media campaign to advance KFTC’s New Power frame and promote key issues. The committee discussed key objectives for the campaign and how it will fit into the electoral landscape. Committee

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members also discussed criteria for determining if the New Power PAC might engage in any races this fall.

Finally, the committee discussed the KFTC staff team and approved a plan for some staff transition and possible new hires.

Reflecting on their work, Ben Baker, representative for the Northern Kentucky chapter, said, “We all come from different backgrounds, different parts of the commonwealth. But we come together as one.”

Meta Mendel-Reyes of Madison County added, “It makes me feel really good that we’re an organization trying to make the world better. We’re a statewide organization, but we’re really broader than that.”

Centre College play host for October 11, Vice Presidential Debate KFTC members are not planning any KFTC-centric events for the Vice Presidential debate but encourage all interested to visit Centre College and witness and participate in the national conversation. KFTC has requested numerous speaking time slots at the Speakers Park but we are waiting confirmation. Visit www.KFTC.org/calendar for more information as it becomes available.

The information below comes directly from the Centre College public website for the Vice Presidental debate, www.centre.edu/centredebate2012/

Debate Festival

Centre College and AARP welcome the public to take part in celebrating the spirit of democracy by joining friends and neighbors for a FREE Debate Festival on the Festival Lawn starting at noon [October 11,2012]

Festival attendees can watch the Vice Presidential Debate as it happens via a live televised broadcast on the Festival Lawn and enjoy the following programs and performances: • “You’ve Earned a Say”: A conversation with Debate Festival sponsor AARP • Centre’s very own Brass Ensemble • Local family favorite The Danville Children’s Choir • Popular student/faculty group The Kentucky Ensemble • Mercer County’s very own Nashville-based country pop duo Aly’an • Kentucky cellist and singer/songwriter Ben Sollee • An official Kentucky welcome from Centre College President John Roush • A headline performance by Southern rock pioneers

The Marshall Tucker Band …and much, much more! Actual performance times to be announced.

Directions & Parking

The Festival Lawn will open at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 11. The entrance to the grounds is located near the corner of West Main Street and Maple Avenue in Danville, KY on the campus of Centre College. Parking is available on a first come, first served basis in and around downtown Danville on the street or in public parking lots. Please obey all normal parking laws (do not block driveways, park in front of fire hydrants, etc).

Information about street closings in and around Danville to be announced.

Festival Lawn Rules & Regulations

Please remember that Centre College and the Festival Lawn are private property. All visitors who wish to remain on campus during the Festival must abide by the following rules: • No disorderly conduct.

• NO WEAPONS ALLOWED, CONCEALED OR OTHERWISE. • All persons and personal property are subject to search.

• Be respectful and courteous at all times.

• Chairs in bags must be removed from bags.

• No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances.

• No smoking allowed on Festival lawn.

• No glass of any kind.

• No coolers allowed.

• Group expressive activity is to only take place in Speakers Park (off Russell Street).

• No PA systems or noisemakers.

• No stakes, posts, or poles.

• No signs other than candidate campaign signs, 24 X 36 inches or smaller.

• No tents or large umbrellas.

• No grilling or cooking equipment.

• No pets other than service dogs.

• NO PERSONAL ITEMS MAY BE LEFT UNATTENDED.

Speakers Park

Have a cause or organization you’d like to represent?

Speakers Park—part of the 2012 Vice Presidential Debate at Centre—is your venue. Speakers Park is a secure, enclosed area equipped with a public address system and stage.

For the safety of all participants in Speakers Park, all bags and packages are subject to inspection. The following items are not permitted: Weapons (concealed or otherwise), Fireworks, Alcohol, Coolers, Grilling or cooking equipment, Glass bottles, Smoking, Animals (service dogs permitted).

Viewing the Debate

A large screen for viewing the Debate will be provided in the area, and concessions will available for purchase.

Directions to Speakers Park

Speaker’s Park is located on Centre’s Practice Football Field on the North side of Russell Street between Beatty Avenue and College Street. The Park will open at noon on October 11.

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balancing the scales, September 23 , 2012

Chapter Meetings Oct. 1

Wilderness Trace chapter meeting, 6:30 p.m., at the Inter-County Energy Community Room, 1009 Hustonville Road. Email Lee Ann aperturienne@att.net for more information or to volunteer.

Oct. 2

Letcher County chapter meeting, 6 p.m., Whitesburg KFTC Office.

Contact Tanya@kftc.org or call 606-632-0051.

Oct. 4

Scott County chapter meeting, 7 p.m., at the Georgetown Public Library. Email Dave@kftc.org or 859-420-8919 for more information or to volunteer.

Oct. 8

Floyd County chapter meeting, 7 - 8:30 p.m., St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Prestonburg. For more information contact Kristi@kftc. org or call 606-226-4159.

Oct. 8

Jefferson County chapter meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 809 South 4th Street in Louisville.

Oct. 16

Northern Kentucky chapter meeting, 7 p.m. at 25 W 7th Street in Covington. Contact Joe@kftc.org or call 859-380-6103.

Oct. 16

Perry County chapter meeting and potluck, 6 p.m., Bring a dish to share if you like, or just enjoy some food and fellowship with us! HCTC Tech Campus Owens Building 115B. Contact Tanya@ kftc.org or call 606-632-0051.

Oct. 18

Central Kentucky chapter meeting, 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Diocese Mission House (corner of Martin Luther King Blvd. and 4th Street) in Lexington.

Oct. 18

Rowan County chapter meeting, 6 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church on 5th Street in Morehead.

Oct. 22

Madison County chapter meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Berea College Appalachian Center, 205 N. Main St., Berea.

Oct. 23

Bowling Green chapter planning meeting, 6:30 p.m. at The Foundry, 531 West 11th St. Contact JessicaBreen@kftc.org or call 859-276-0563.