Folks, tomorrow is Election Day, and it’s your last chance to vote for Buddy and Andy. Gov. Beshear needs a real partner in Frankfort, and I’m ready to work by his side. Make your plan to vote, and encourage your friends and family to vote, too. Let’s get this done together!
I have to ask again.
Why does HB 9 give every school district in KY with less than 7500 students veto power over a public charter school within its district but NOT
Beechwood Ind Schools
Covington Ind Schools
Erlanger-Elsmere Ind Schools
Ludlow Ind Schools?
Any guesses?
Bad laws like SB 150 will send jobs away, people away, and threaten lives.
@GovAndyBeshear
has done amazing, adding 43k good jobs in KY. Creating a hostile LGBTQ+ environment hurts our econ dev, hampers attracting top students to our universities, stifles free speech/expression.
Now a 2023 Dem candidate for KY Sec of State.
An honor + a challenge. Challenges aren’t new for a 1/12 sibling—from journalist to firefighter/fire chief-law student to General Assembly super-minority battler. Good trouble, and the good fight, may be a middle child curse/blessing.
When Gov. Beshear asked me to run for Secretary of State, he was looking for a true partner in Frankfort. I responded to the call because firefighters don’t back down. Proud to have his full support.
Pay attention to facts here.
Number of KY manufacturing jobs created in the 32-months since right to work legislation passed:
4,000
Number of such jobs in 32-month period before the law passed:
15,800
Right to work for less is the better descriptor.
Attorney General: The Ky Secretary of State's office violated the Open Records Act by refusing to provide certain emails requested by Steve Knipper, who ran for that office in the spring. ^JC
Currently, 45/50 states have more early voting days than Kentucky, with 43 states having at least one full week of early voting. Kentucky needs to catch up with the times and implement 2 weeks of early voting. I'll work to make it happen.
More than 93,000 Kentuckians took advantage of early voting yesterday.
Every one of those votes matter, as does your vote.
Your vote will be the difference in 2023 determining the future of KY. Make your plan to vote if you haven’t already.
Proud of my city to be the first in Kentucky to ban conversion therapy. By a 5-0 vote, the Covington City Commission passed an ordinance that prohibits this harmful and discredited practice.
Kentucky, the whole world is watching.
Our 2019 governor’s race foreshadows the 2020 elections.
If we truly Unite, we can defeat the forces that divide.
Take back our state 1 door, 1 call, 1 VOTE at a time.
We have 3+ days to change the course of history.
United we Stand...
Judi and I took advantage of early voting! Early voting is underway across the commonwealth. Your vote matters, so go vote today! Check your county clerk’s webpage for times and polling locations.
Our Constitution allows for our polls to be open until 7pm, so why do we shut the doors on working Kentuckians at 6pm? As your SOS, I'll advocate for keeping our polls open until 7. If you agree, make a contribution at before our end of month deadline.
At last night’s debate, Gov Bevin claimed supporting tolls to pay for a new Brent Spence bridge. I will continue to OPPOSE this effort. NKY families will be disproportionately burdened. NKY legislators have been unified on NOT forcing tolls on our taxpayers. I hope we still are?
#120strong
is great! But we can be greater! C’mon all you firefighters, cops, bus drivers, nurses, cafeteria and maintenance workers, let’s unite with teachers and flush dirty politics out of KY. Stay
#120Strong
thru Nov. 6. Solidarity and votes will reverse this GOP Koch agenda.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support me and our whole ticket at Fancy Farm on Saturday. One thing is for certain - Western Kentucky is Beshear country, and they’re ready to send this team to Frankfort to help him
So Michael Adams does, indeed, make big bucks off election deniers. In our debate, he claimed he doesn’t represent election deniers at the national GOP law firm where he STILL works. I’ll be a full time Secretary of State who leads with integrity.
Kentucky - today is the day. Polls are open from 6-6, and we need you to get out to vote!! If you elect me, I promise to work full time, round the clock to expand voting rights in Kentucky.
Fire chiefs make tough calls. Bulldoze undamaged building to stop fire spread. Order police to stop persons from entering a burning bldg to save a loved one. Order thousands to evacuate. Some fundamental rights are paused for emergencies.
Thank Gov Beshear for making tough calls.
Michael Adams has said that increasing voter turnout isn't the job of the Secretary of State. I couldn't disagree more. As your SOS, I'll partner with our public schools to bring back a civic engagement program directed by the SOS office, as is statutorily required.
Under President Biden:
-Bipartisan COVID Stimulus Package
-Bipartisan infrastructure bill
-Bipartisan gun reform bill
-Bipartisan chips & science bill
-Bipartisan aid to 🇺🇦
-Bipartisan reform Electoral Count Act
-Bipartisan same-sex marriage bill (will pass soon)
Not bad!!
HB 9’s unlawful treatment of Kenton Co schools affects not just public schools.
CovCath, ND, Holy Cross also treated unfairly, with public dollars going to ill-defined public charter school. Parochial grades schools, too.
P 17, lines 9-16 of HB 9 singles out Kenton schools.
Special session ended Day 1 and I went straight to Ft. Mitchell to support
@KYSenateDems
candidate Teresa Barton whose district stretches from Frankfort to Kenton County. This former Franklin judge-executive has all the right stuff to be a great senator.
No other has been a greater influence on my political doings. His desire to make KY knows no bounds. He listens. He acts. He leads. With grace, charm and determination. Haven’t always agreed, but always friends. Thank you Rocky. KY is lucky to have you.
Let’s not single out Beechwood, Covington, Erlanger-Elsmere and Ludlow Ind. schools districts by denying them the same rights all other small school districts will have under the charter school bill.
Let’s uphold
@GovAndyBeshear
’s veto of HB 9.
With a humble heart and with deep gratitude, I want to thank family, friends and supporters for sending me back to be the voice of the 65th District in Frankfort in the KY House of Representatives.
I vow to work even harder for all of the district, all of the time.
Kentucky’s constitution, and its own inviolable contract language, makes it VERY likely to be a challenge here.
At what point, perhaps thousands of employees, will challenge this law. We could be talking about hundreds of millions of dollars effected by not allowing choice.
Sitting on the floor at the KY House of Reps utterly frustrated that the rules are being suspended to stifle the minority.
Limiting debate as we consider vetoes.
Why have rules!?!?
It’s an honor to run for Secretary of State for our great Commonwealth. Though I’ve no primary, I will work daily to earn respect and trust from all Kentuckians.
Every vote matters.
Vote for your livelihood.
More polling locations = stronger democracy.
I’m on the road today with Gov Beshear and our entire ticket talking with voters in Ft Thomas, Covington, Maysville and Ashland, and one thing is certain - this team has the momentum to win! Help push me over the finish line by making a contribution at
Excited to join the time-honored tradition at Fancy Farm this year to speak as nominee for Kentucky Secretary of State. Just like my 20 as years firefighter, I won’t back down to a challenge.
Rep.
@stevensonspeaks
speaks against SB 1, which would limit a governor's ability to respond to emergencies like
#COVID19
. "In my 27 years in the Air Force, I never had a battlefield commander stripped of power to win the war. And in this instance, that's what we're doing."
Out walking Blue skies for a Blue victory for
@Rachel4KY
this Tuesday. So
#votetuesday
Feb.25 for my friend if you’re in the 67th District—Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Southgate, Highland Heights and Silver Grove.
Every day...
I feel honored to represent the 65th District in the KY House of Representatives.
Every day...I vow to reflect the diverse values of the District through the work I do as a legislator.
Today...I filed to have my name on the 2020 ballot to continue the work.
There are no words strong enough to condemn such a symbol of hate.
It must not be ignored.
Legislators talking about limiting a governor’s power during a pandemic should condemn these acts and call for safety measures at the Capitol with just as much fervor.
Collective bargaining for all state employees will truly affect positively recruiting and retaining our public servants. And give voice and value to their work.
That’s why I filed HB 537 this week.
Yesterday was another great day on the campaign trail with Gov. Beshear. My favorite part of running for Secretary of State has been meeting with voters in every corner of our Commonwealth.
Kentucky Fire Fighters know
@AndyBeshearKY
will protect our retirement security that is needed to recruit & retain quality firefighters to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth.
#KYGov
I wear a mask to protect my family and your family.
Maybe it infringes on my rights, my comfort, my style, my sense of liberty. But the health of my family and your family, all Kentuckians, all peoples far outweighs any such infringement.
#HealthyHappyKY
Kentucky earns 1 and a half stars from the nonprofit
@voteathome
on how well it runs its elections--but at least that's up from the 1 star it had before!
Thankful Covington and Ludlow Independent Schools and Kenton County Public Schools are protecting our kids. Courageous leadership is a must during this surge of the delta variant.
These are the districts who at this time have committed to mask mandates while transmission rates are high. We hope it continues to fill in quickly. Follow this 🧵 for updates. Thankful for the help of
@KYEqualJustice
,
@oliviakrauth
&
@GYMObrad
for assisting to keep this current
I fully support the education plan of
@AndyBeshearKY
and
@JColemanKY
, which directly addresses the immediate and future needs of our public schools, students, parents and teachers.
Our education budget will:
🎒 Raise pay for teachers and staff by 11%
🚌 Pay for student transportation
📚 Increase funding for textbooks, technology & training
🧠 Add more mental health resources
🖍️ Fully fund universal pre-K
It’s what’s best for our kids—and our Commonwealth.
The concept of so called right to work is astonishingly wrong for KY and America. Such laws simply drive down wages across ALL workforce sectors, not just labor unions. No rights are gained; no work is created. Ultimately, all workers lose $$$. ALL workers.
I joined
@AndyBeshearKY
for several events this week in NKY. The Governor always recognizes the vital role NKY plays in the Commonwealth’s prosperity. I’ll be a full partner with him as our next Secretary of State. NKY will have an influential voice when I am back in Frankfort.
The bill sets up a bureaucratic scheme that essentially gives legislators power to veto an administrative regulation WHEN WE ARE NOT IN SESSION. That’s the unconstitutional part.
Despite constitutional concerns raised by
@kyhousedems
members, the KY House voted today to effectively stop the Gov's ability to implement administrative regulations found deficient. Rep.
@buddywheatleyky
said the legislature cannot have this type of veto outside of session.
As the Kentucky Supreme Court is discussing the redistricting lawsuit, I want to mention an important part of my platform in my run for Secretary of State: creating an independent, citizen-led redistricting commission. 1/3
No panic button here, but if charter school bill excludes teachers from KRTS, and charter schools siphon off potential KTRS members, our teachers retirement system will be crippled. The system builds in 2% payroll growth a year. ARC based off the 2%.
Potential KTRS death spiral.
HB 9 currently states: “An employee of an education service provider. . . shall meet the same certification and background check requirements otherwise required of a public charter school employee” which appears to provide a loophole to exclude teachers from the retirement system
Was proud to stand with
@LtGovColeman
and
@LudlowSup
to oppose HB 563. After this presser, an amendment was added to HB 563 taking aim at Kenton Co in NKY.
It now especially hurts Covington Ludlow Erlanger-Elsmere Ind schools and Kenton County SD.
Call/email your KY senator.
The people who have dedicated their lives to public education represent every corner of our commonwealth. They belong to both political parties, they have diverse experiences and they know that education policy doesn't have to be partisan – it's about what's best for our kids.
Yes! I’ve signed on the HB 19. I will again fight to end the deadly practice of conversion therapy.
Thank you
@lgwillner
for leading this effort and to the bipartisan legislators in support.
It has been an honor to be the voice of the 65th District for two terms.
A lifetime of public service shows that a proven, trusted, leader is the best choice.
I ask for for your vote today.
What a turnout tonight!
Thank you,
@GovAndyBeshear
,
@RockyForKy
, and all of you who came out to support my campaign!
I look forward to serving all of my district, all of the time.
Below is a committee hearing agenda in
#kyga20
for March 18. The people’s business in this time of pandemic does NOT include ophthalmic dispensers, bourbon gift shops, and defining “stylist”!
We need to pass a budget, support health services, small biz, schools and workers.
We can talk about whatever you want, Michael - just commit to the debate. The people of Kentucky deserve to hear from both candidates, and that’s why I agreed to the debate. I hope you do, too.
Number of US workers getting a raise at midnight tonight: 5.2 million
Number of Kentuckians getting a raise: 0
Three neighboring states are set to raise their minimum wage. OH $8.55, MO $8.60, AR $9.25.
Let’s compete in KY, and reverse harmful policies that drive down wages.
Honored to be a 35-yr dues paying union KY Prof. Firefighter. I worked the state conference this year and look who else showed up-
@AndyBeshearKY
.
Both of us were endorsed, unanimously, by the statewide firefighters.
Black voters swept Joe and Kamala into office.
I met a young black man, Lewis St, Covington, on campaign trail who said he wasn’t voting b/c it didn’t matter in KY. Handed him a voter registration card. He refused it. I set it next to him. 1 hr later, he and card were gone. ✍🏾🙂
Being endorsed by
@120Strong
affirms my commitment to stabilize KY’s pension system. Public servants such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers have earned a secure retirement, and we must do more to attract and retain the best and brightest to public service.
KY 120 United is proud to endorse Buddy Wheatley for state representative of the 65th district. As a 4th generation firefighter & union member himself, Buddy knows the importance of our public servants to their communities & the pensions they deserve.
#120Strong
@buddywheatleyky
During new legislators’ orientation last week, I asked the executive director of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics commission why Kentucky government is considered the most corrupt in the nation. Now I understand better.
1 person and 1 person alone is stopping:
-schools from opening
-bars, restaurants from recovering
-firefighters and police from getting vaccines
@senatemajldr
How will he come back to KY and tell us he is working for us?
McConnell is for power
McConnell is for big corps.
We’ve told you that
@kftc
’s PAC
@newpowerky
has endorsed
@Rachel4KY
on Tuesday’s election! She will work to ensure all Kentuckians have a say in what happens in their communities - regardless of race, income, geography, or if a person has a felony in their past!
#kyelect
On the eve of Census data release, two themes emerging:
1) Historic geographic polarization & straight-ticket voting makes district maps pretty much existential for parties
2) *State* supreme courts poised to be more important than ever when it comes to gerrymandering claims
Wait! Hold on…
Democrats cutting taxes?
With Democrats, we want to cut taxes and still put Kentucky on a bold path to better schools, better jobs, better infrastructure and a happy, healthy future. 👇
I had a great time at the Oldham County Days parade today! The best part of campaigning is meeting with excited voters around the state, and it's always fun to run into my fellow firefighters.