Economy

Many people list Jeremiah 29:11 as one of their favorite verses in the Bible: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" This inspirational verse brings comfort to our lives when the future looks bleak and we feel like we have no hope. This verse reminds us that we can take comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father has a plan for our lives, a good plan for our future. But do we ever stop to think about the context of this verse?

Among all our freedoms, none is as important to the economic well-being of our country and commonwealth as free trade. And so, removing barriers to free trade could represent the most important step toward regaining our economic footing. Ironically, even as our economy slipped, the voices of isolationism have grown bolder. The short-sighted, who cannot move beyond a bumper-sticker mentality, swallow the go-it-alone propaganda of economic Robinson Crusoes hook, line and sinker ?

By Tom H. Hastings Jumbo shrimp. Buy and save. Jobless recovery. Americans are on Full Oxymoron Alert these days, as we read and hear about this "jobless recovery. " Recovery for whom? The unemployment rate is high and growing higher, nearing an official 10 percent, which is always lower than the reality of impoverished underemployed and "discouraged workers" who have stopped bothering to officially register. Since this recession began, 7 million Americans have lost their jobs.

Residential real estate sales by members of the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors positively impacted the Jessamine County economy in 2009 as of June 30 with 234 reported sales totaling $40.77 million. Sales continue to be a driving force in the Jessamine County economy when considering the multiplier effect on the area of buyers and sellers who purchase appliances, carpet, flooring, landscaping, etc in response to their transaction needs. Sales were up in Jessamine County 20 percent in June 2009 vs. June 2008.

I voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, a comprehensive piece of legislation that creates clean jobs, moves us away from foreign dependence on oil, tackles pollution, and transforms our economy to face the challenges of the 21st century. Supporting the bill was not an easy decision. I struggled with this legislation, and I recognize the good points on both sides of the issue. But I believe we have to take this opportunity to invest in the future of our economy, and we have to act before the environmental crisis gets worse.

FRANKFORT ? During most special legislative sessions, the governor often narrows the agenda to a single, pressing issue. Sometimes, however, others will be added if the governor and House and Senate leaders feel progress can be made. That's what happened during the special session that ended last Wednesday. The General Assembly's first priority may have been overcoming a billion-dollar budget deficit, but there were more than a half-dozen other major accomplishments that, collectively, should help jump-start our economy.

On Tuesday I voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, a comprehensive piece of legislation that creates clean jobs, moves us away from foreign dependence on oil, tackles pollution, and transforms our economy to face the challenges of the 21st century. Supporting the bill was not an easy decision. I struggled with this legislation, and I recognize the good points on both sides of the issue. But I believe we have to take this opportunity to invest in the future of our economy, and we have to act before the environmental crisis gets worse.

College students and recent graduates gathered Tuesday at Centre College to practice handling discipline situations they could face as resident assistants in the Governor's Scholars Program. The 19 RAs have spent the week preparing for the scholars' arrival today. Like most programs that receive state money, GSP has felt the sting of the budget shortfall and hasn't escaped being impacted by the suffering economy. The program gets 78 to 80 percent of its funding from the state, with the remaining 20 or 22 percent coming from private donations, GSP Executive Director Aris Cedeno said.

The city of Nicholasville is feeling the effects of the sour economy in its 2010 fiscal year $13.38 million general fund budget it passed Monday. The FY '10 budget cycle begins July 1. According to Nicholasville Finance Officer Laurie Young, a 2.8 percent decrease in payroll tax in FY 2010 is projected, compared to FY 2009 figures; in 2009, the city collected 5.377 million in payroll taxes and is projected to take in 5.225 million in payroll in 2010. "That is economy-related," Nicholasville Mayor Russ Meyer said.

The Kentucky Equine Humane Center, a charitable organization that takes in horses, donkeys, mules and ponies which owners are no longer able to keep, has joined its ranks among the masses experiencing trouble with the hard-hitting economic woes as more and more horse-owners are working with a shrinking income. "Horses are an expensive luxury," KyEHC executive director Lori Neagle said. Even with owning a farm and a relatively healthy horse, costs range between $2,000 and $3,000 a year.