KFTC

In this episode, we recap what exactly went down with GOP health bill in the Senate, and how Kentuckians organized for action against it. From a round-the-clock people's hearing to a surprise visit from Vice President Pence, it's clear we've had a busy summer in Kentucky. Because tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans are unacceptable when our lives are on the line.

Republicans in Congress waited 7 years to repeal and replace Obamacare. Now that they have the chance, we'll take a look at what exactly they've come up with. But one major piece of the AHCA - the GOP's alternative to Obamacare - involves repealing medicaid expansion for states like Kentucky. In this episode, find out how the AHCA would impact Kentucky, why Governor Bevin wants to skirt the rules on Medicaid, and what Kentuckians are doing to push back in resistance.

A few weeks ago, the Bluegrass Community Foundation here in Lexington organizing a city-wide conversation about our vision for our city. Over 100 gatherings across the city sprung up, asking one thing - what sort of Lexington do you want to see? KFTC members here in Central Kentucky hosted a potluck dinner to join the conversation. We also had members host tables in partnership with the NAACP. In this episode, we sit down with three table hosts - Chris Woolery, Sharon Murphy, and Russell Allen, to talk about their experience at the event.

In the U.S., LGBT discrimination is still legal in 30 states. Kentucky is one of them. Since the 90's, grassroots activists have been fighting for the civil rights of LGBT individuals across the commonwealth. We'll look at the Fairness movement today on a state level; we'll also hear from residents from Bowling Green to Vicco on why they keep showing up for Fairness.

What happens when the minority party catapults itself into supermajority power, for the first time in almost 100 years? On this month’s show, we’re taking a look at the new Frankfort - who’s calling the shots, and who is showing up in resistance. After a deep breath on the first day back at the capital, we dive deeper into some of the major bills that sailed through the legislature in January - two abortion bills and two labor bills. What do these new laws mean for women in Kentucky? For workers?

What happens when one party sweeps an election? Where do we go from here? In this episode, PTTP producers reflect on a devastating loss in Kentucky and beyond. Also, we sit down with Sellus Wilder to discuss the future of progressive movement in Kentucky - from the city to the holler.

What's the deal with nonpartisan elections? How can we get more progressive candidates on the ballot? What's it like to vote for the first time as a US citizen?

With one week left until Election Day, we take a look at these questions and more. Tune in to hear what keeps some people from voting, ways to address those issues, and get some key info on races in and around Lexington.

In this episode of the Power to the People, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth explores the who, what, when, where and why of voting in Kentucky. As we dive into our pre-election voter empowerment work at KFTC this fall, we take a look at underrepresented populations in Kentucky, and think about how me might lift up those voices to build a just economy.

In the first half of the show, we’ll hear from University of Kentucky Law professor Joshua Douglas, an electoral law scholar and author of the new book Election Law Stories. We’ll also see what KFTC is doing to get more Kentuckians registered and to the polls this election season.

In the second half, we’ll hear from Lexingtonian Jimmy Cheatham on why voting is important to him after not being able to vote for several years. And finally, we’ll talk with staff member Erik Hungerbuhler on how to get registered and volunteer with us before Election Day.

Produced end edited by Maria Starck, Macy Gould, Anna Ross and Meredith Wadlington

Special thanks to Chuck Clenney, Beth Howard, Joshua Douglas, LexTran, God’s Pantry Food Bank, and Richard Young

Announcements by KFTC members Leslie McBride, Nick Asher and Molly Kaviar.

Hi! And welcome to our first episode! This segment of Power to the People highlights the work of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth: a state-wide social justice organization that has been building grassroots power for over 35 years.

In this episode, we invite you to come along with us to our annual members’ meeting, held at General Butler State Park. We’ll hear from KFTC member Princess Gordon on her second visit to the annual meeting, and from long-time activist and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jeff Chapman Crane, on their KFTC origin stories.

Executive director Burt Lauderdale and Immediate Past Chairperson Dana Beasley Brown share with us their perspectives of KFTC’s vision as an organization – how it has been shaped, and how it will continue to manifest over the next 35 years.

We bring you to workshops on racial justice and nonviolent direct action, zoom in on long-term campaign building, and share stories and conversations of why our work is important in Kentucky.

Produced and edited by Macy Gould, Maria Starck, and Meredith Wadlington

Special thanks to Allison Crawford, Chuck Clenney and Beth Howard for production assistance.