Governor Bevin gave a non-scripted State of Commonwealth Address this week that included a “Think big, be bold” message in regards to restructuring the state’s tax system.
You can watch it in full here.
https://www.facebook.com/GovMattBevin/videos/1659652661001287/
He decried the underfunding of a state’s pension system that he describes as a “checking account about to go bankrupt” and said while cuts to the state’s inventory and estate tax would happen, other taxes might have to increase to fund pensions.
He talked about the state’s children, says he would appoint a “czar” to overhaul foster care and adoption programs to create a model for the nation and that the justice system has to crack down on “deadbeat dads.”
On education, he said funding for state universities would be dependent on meeting educational goals, that charter schools are coming to Kentucky an that high schools should teach fiscal management and discipline and civics.
He lauded the “right to work” law and restrictions on abortion that have already been passed by the legislature, criticized the media, and pledged support to veterans.
Kentucky Youth Advocates issued a statement on the Governor’s address that included:
“There was no more profound point in the Governor’s address than his clarion pledge to fundamentally reform Kentucky’s child welfare system. The commitment to tackle issues from foster care to adoption, from child abuse to family supports, can be a game changer for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable kids. And opportunities abound in efforts like family preservation, kinship care, and the transition out of foster care. Making that commitment a reality will require legislative action, Executive Branch leadership, and community-based engagement by faith communities, nonprofits, and caring neighbors.
“An encouraging reminder that kid issues are multi-generational in nature came in the Governor’s commitment to continuing criminal justice reform, building on successes such as expanding expungement and “banning the box” for state government jobs. Those are the kinds of efforts that need to be acted upon if we are to really get to the core issues that affect and afflict families in the state.
“We are inspired by the Governor’s thoughtful approach to core reform of K-12 through postsecondary education. A growing emphasis on career preparation, charter school roll-outs, slashing bureaucratic obstacles to student achievement, and common-sense changes in accountability form an education agenda centered on what’s best for kids.”
