All Entries in the "Jody Richards" Category

An influential Ky. Democrat will suffer defeat Tuesday

A powerful Democratic lawmaker with one of the most storied legislative careers in the last half-century will be dealt a devastating political blow in Tuesday’s race to be Kentucky’s House speaker.

But who that loser will be remains a mystery even in the final days before the majority caucus of House Democrats cast their secret ballots.

Those lawmakers have dropped few hints about whether Jody Richards, the longest serving House speaker in state history, can extend his tenure or if they’ll turn to his challenger, Rep.Greg Stumbo, one of the state’s most cunning, if controversial, politicians.

Lawmakers to pick their leaders

Although the hotly-contested House Speaker’s race has been the talk of Frankfort, other top posts in the Democratic House leadership team are at stake during Tuesday’s legislative organizational meetings.

And the drama in the top contest between Speaker Jody Richards and longtime Democratic Floor Leader Greg Stumbo has spilled over into the House Democrats’ other races to the point that two major slates have loosely formed.

Beshear defends use of coal tax to balance budget

LOUISVILLE – Gov. Steve Beshear defended his plan Friday to divert about $17.5 million headed for coal counties to help address a $456 million state budget shortfall.

But the Democratic governor added that he was “open” to discussing the move with state legislators.

Beshear proposes cigarette tax boost, 3-day furloughs

FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear wants to raise the state cigarette tax from 30 cents to $1 a pack and put state workers on three days of unpaid leave to tackle a $456.1 million budget shortfall.

His plan also includes implementing 4 percent budget cuts in most state agencies and the legislative and judicial branches, diverting surplus coal severance tax proceeds and draining the state’s “rainy day fund” for emergencies. The plan now goes to state legislators, many of whom are wary of Beshear’s call for a tax hike.

Hillary makes pick in KY House speaker race?

State House Democratic leaders predict slight gain

Speaker co-sponsors bill to rescind director’s 47% raise

Stumbo’s survey asks and answers key questions

Stumbo to challenge Richards for House speaker

Stumbo edging toward top post