Chapter: Western Kentucky

We share a vision of a Kentucky where people and communities matter above profits, taxes are fairly assessed, we empower voters and protect their rights, we defend our environment, basic needs are met for all, and we value our most vulnerable populations. We engage with these issues because it is our goal to achieve a more equitable and just society. Our chapter is dedicated to addressing these issues with our government and leaders and holding them accountable.

If you also share this vision, please join us for one of our upcoming chapter meetings or events. We’d love to see you there!

Recent Activities

Southern Kentucky and Western Kentucky members see representatives sworn in despite new limitations on access to the Capitol

Alexa Hatcher on January 17, 2019 in , Southern Kentucky, , Western Kentucky, General Assembly

On Tuesday, January 8, Kentuckians gathered at their Capitol for the first day of the 2019 legislative session.

Fixing What's Broke: why Congress must support a Just Transition for miners with black lung and communities

Lisa Abbott on October 21, 2018 in Coal and Water, Economic Justice, New Energy and Transition, Appalachian Transition, , Community Science & Public Health, , Energy Democracy, , Mountaintop Removal and Strip Mining, , Sustainable Energy, Big Sandy, , Cumberland, , Harlan County, , Perry County, , Rowan County, , Western Kentucky, Black Lung, , Climate Justice, , Congress, , Empower Kentucky, , Federal tax policy, , I Love Mountains Day, , Knott County, , Mine Safety, , OSM - Office of Surface Mining, , Power Plants, , RECLAIM Act

A new report from KFTC describes ways Kentuckians are organizing to demand action from Congress – and especially from Senator Mitch McConnell – in support of a Just Transition for miners with black lung disease, retired and laid off miners, and their communities.

To build a new economy in coal communities, the report says Congress should start by "fixing what's broke," including strengthening funding for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, passing the RECLAIM Act, and protecting miners' pensions.

Students should feel safe, protected, and free at school

Grace S., Graves Co. High School sophomore on March 27, 2018 in , Communities Taking Action, Western Kentucky, Congress, , General Assembly, , Leadership Development
As a student, it is my belief that students should feel safe, protected, and free at school. However, arming teachers may not make students feel safe, it could in fact do the opposite.

Kentuckians tell McConnell time is up, pass RECLAIM now

KFTC staff on March 14, 2018 in Coal and Water, New Energy and Transition, Appalachian Transition, Big Sandy, , Harlan County, , Perry County, , Western Kentucky, RECLAIM Act

Senator Mitch McConnell is in a position to direct more than $100 million to economic and community development projects in communities hardest hit by the decline in coal mining.

Kentuckians held an action outside his Lexington office today asking him to waste no more time in doing that.

“The time is now to pass the RECLAIM Act,” said Lyndsay Tarus, the Economic Transition Coordinator for the Alliance for Appalachia. “This is a jobs bill. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has estimated that 4,600 jobs could be generated through the RECLAIM Act across the country.

Progressive voices join to win Fairness ordinance in Paducah

KFTC staff on January 10, 2018 in , Western Kentucky, LGBTQ equality

In a historic win for Fairness in western Kentucky, Paducah has become the ninth city in Kentucky to adopt an anti-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ+ people.

On January 9, more than 250 people packed the Paducah City Hall chambers, about two-thirds of the crowd showing support. After lengthy public testimony and debate, the measure passed by a 4 to 1 vote.

The ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. An amendment to include exemptions for religious business owners failed by a similar 4 to 1 vote. Such an exemption exists in state law, however.

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Chapter Feature:

Members organize, create new chapter in Western Kentucky from Kentuckians For The Commonwealth on Vimeo.

Some recent media hits

Senators Take Heat On Health Care During Summer Break

Western Kentucky KFTC members stand for tax justice outside Bevin’s bill signing

Western Kentucky residents meet to form a KFTC chapter

KFTC members and allies hold a Stand For Kentucky solidarity rally in Paducah, as others take action in Frankfort

Regular Meetings:

Faculty Hall Murray, KY

We meet every third Sunday of the month at 3:30 p.m. in Faculty Hall on Murray State University's campus.  Call Organizer Laura Harper Knight (502)216-6642 or join our Facebook group to connect with the chapter and find meeting details.

Chapter Organizer:

Laura Harper Knight
KY 42001
270-282-4553

Other Pages

Upcoming Events:

March 28

RECLAIM hearing

15 Independence Ave SE
Washington, DC 20515

Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of the U.S.

April 4

ORSANCO Hearing (Evansville)

421 NW Riverside Drive
Evansville, IN 47708

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) is considering a proposal that would make its Pollution Control Standards voluntary for states to enforce.

April 21

Western Kentucky Chapter Meeting

Faculty Hall
Murray, KY

Join the Western Kentucky Chapter for our monthly meeting! Learn about our latest work, take action with us, and enjoy conversation and community with like-minded people.