The controversial voter ID bill that has seen much debate in the Kentucky General Assembly has passed. Yesterday, the Kentucky Senate obtained a 2/3 override vote in favor of the measure, which would require all residents to show their ID when attempting to vote. Proponents of the bill say it will help to shore up election security, but those who oppose it, including Governor Andy Beshear, say it promotes voter suppression. The Governor previously vetoed the bill when it reached his desk, but both the House and the Senate overrode the Governor’s veto. The law would go into effect before the November presidential election.
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As stimulus checks from the CARES Act begin to deposit across the country, residents are being cautioned about possible scams related to the CARES Act. 2nd District Representative Brett Guthrie says that the government will not contact individuals by text, phone, or e-mail requesting access to their bank account. Individuals who filed taxes last year are eligible for the $1200 check with $500 for every child under 17 years old; however, those who are claimed as dependents on last year’s tax documents are not eligible for the check.
In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 2,210 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 177 were newly confirmed. In addition, 653 people have recovered from the virus. However, there were 11 new deaths reported last night, bringing the state’s total to 115. In terms of updates, Governor Beshear lauded the public’s response to the Team Kentucky Fund, including from the Order of Kentucky Colonels, who donated the largest amount seen so far towards the fund; $1 million. In addition, the Governor applauded the public’s efforts in donating personal protective equipment, but stressed that more is still needed. An update was also given on unemployment from Josh Benton of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet who reassured those who have not gotten the service they need that the government assumes responsibility, and they are working on it. Benton said the top reason that claims are tied up in the system is that the claim is still within the 13 to 15 day window since filing.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Red Cross is dealing with a shortage of blood. To help combat this problem, the City of Elizabethtown will be hosting a blood drive to help boost supplies. The drive, which will occur on April 27th, will take place at the Historic State Theater in Downtown Elizabethtown. However, donations will be by appointment only to ensure the safety of donors and staff alike. More information can be found at redcrossblood.org.
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has established a donor-based program to help remove financial obstacles that may prevent students from continuing or successfully completing their college education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund is called the Student Emergency Fund, and relies on donations in order to disperse assistance. Those interested in donating to the fund should visit elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/studentemergencyfund. The application link will be shared with students when it becomes available.