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Dear Neighbor and Friend,
Mayor Fischer delivered the annual budget address during the Metro Council meeting last evening. Citing an expected revenue shortfall of $115 million for FY20/FY21, Mayor Fischer presented a continuation budget and renewed his call for flexible federal relief.
Listed within the lines between my message are several entries from a press release issued by the Mayor's office about the budget address, along with links for you to click on to view the presentation in its entirety.
Because of a massive economic downturn caused by the impact of COVID-19 virus in the city, Louisville Metro Government (LMG) is projecting a $46 million revenue decline for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, and another shortfall of $69 million during the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.
In explaining the projected revenue shortfalls for FY21 and FY22, Mayor Fischer noted that the critical services that Louisvillians rely on – police, fire, 911, EMS, public health, sanitation, roads and sidewalks, parks, libraries, community centers – are funded by the taxes that businesses and their employees pay:
- About 47 percent of the city budget comes from payroll taxes. When businesses cut jobs, as COVID-19 has forced many to do, the number of people earning a paycheck goes down, and city revenue goes down with it.
- About 11 percent of the budget comes from taxes that businesses pay on profits. When the economy is bad and businesses see less profit, that lowers city revenue.
- The city also gets about 10 percent of its revenue from service fees associated with EMS, the Louisville Water Company and the Louisville Zoo, among many other sources.
- A slower economy also slows the appreciation of real estate values, thus reducing property tax revenue – about 25 percent of the city budget.
And none of that accounts for the impact on public-sector partners, like TARC, MSD, Louisville Tourism and the state, the Mayor said, adding that the city also has less cash on hand now because tax filing deadlines were extended to July 15.
Because of all those factors, he said, LMG is projecting $46 million in lost General Fund revenue for the current fiscal year, which ends just 68 days from now. And the city expects this shortfall to be followed by another General Fund shortfall of $69 million during the next budget year.
“For context, remember the painful cuts forced by a $25 million deficit last year?” the Mayor said, “Now, we’re facing the prospect of cuts about three times that amount. There is simply no way to absorb this level of loss without considering a significant tax increase or reducing every single agency of Metro Government, including our top priority of public safety, since it makes up over 60 percent of our budget.”
Mayor Fischer noted that budget conditions have already forced the furlough of 380 Metro public servants, and without external relief and/or stimulus, the city is looking at more furloughs and possible layoffs.
The question, he said, is if the federal government will provide the direct, flexible assistance that states and local governments desperately need to cover revenue shortfalls. LMG has been provided about $134 million in reimbursements for COVID-19 expenses through the federal CARES Act. But as the law is written, the city is not allowed to use any of that funding to cover its dramatic budget shortfalls.
SEE FACTS ABOUT THE BUDGET RECOMMENDATION
WATCH THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS
READ THE MAYOR'S REMARKS
Message from McCraney (continued):
The economic downturn and subsequent declining revenue caused by the novel coronavirus has thrown our already cash-strapped city budget into a more strenuous predicament, raising major concerns about the budget challenges that lie ahead. Next week, I will be working with the Budget Committee to review the Mayor's proposal, discuss the overwhelming burden of finding additional revenue, and begin looking at ways to avoid decimating the very services that we have grown accustomed and are entitled to as citizens. Essential services such as Police, Fire and EMS are once again in imminent danger of being drastically cut, and the thought of that possibility is frightening and unconscionable. Financial assistance from the federal government is needed, and I would not advise, as someone has, that our city file bankruptcy to work our way out of a budget crisis.
Depending on how bad a stranglehold coronavirus has on our community in June, I will host at least one budget forum for you to voice your opinion and make suggestions regarding the budget. If need be, I will host the meeting online through Facebook Live, Zoom, Webex, Skype or some other video teleconferencing method.
Our first budget meeting is Thursday, April 30. As a reminder, all Metro Council Committee meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and UVERSE Channel 99. The meetings are also available online by clicking the “Watch Meetings Online” button at the Metro Council home page. Click link below to access: http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk
Due to social distancing requirements, the public is not allowed to attend Budget Committee meetings in person. However, the Committee will be taking written public comments through an online process. The form should be available on May 4th on the Metro Council Clerk’s website at:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk.
In addition, the Budget Committee’s schedule includes two opportunities for the public to speak on the budget, through the video teleconference system, WebEx. Those virtual public hearings are scheduled for May 7th at 5:00 p.m. and May 13th at 6:00 p.m. Beginning May 4, information about signing up to speak at the virtual meetings will be provided on the Metro Council Clerk's website at
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk
May 7th is the suggested date for applicants for External Agency funding to speak about their applications or funding. (Note: External Agencies are not required to speak; it's optional.)
A complete schedule of Council Budget meetings, can be found here:
FY 2021 Budget Hearing Schedule
I'll keep you posted on our progress, and the date of our district budget forum. In the meantime, please stay safe, stay distanced and stay full of spirit!
COVID-19 tracker: Latest numbers by country and state
OR
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Crystal Staley or Sebastian Kitchen
Office of the Governor
700 Capitol AvenueFrankfortKY40601
https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=138
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 23, 2020) – On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Monday, April 27, the state will begin the gradual restart and reopening of our Phase 1 health care services and facilities, although they will operate vastly different than they did before the outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
“To do this safely, make sure you are going above and beyond. This is our proof of concept in the medical community. We have to prove that we can do this the right way,” Gov. Beshear said.
On March 23, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order ceasing all elective procedures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and increase hospital capacity to treat patients.
Thanks to Team Kentucky’s extraordinary efforts to flatten the curve up to this point, Gov. Beshear and the Department for Public Health feel safe easing some restrictions on health care procedures and facilities.
The Governor said the phased health care services reopening is the first step under the Healthy at Work initiative he introduced Tuesday to help businesses reopen safely when the time is right.
“Doing this right is about saving lives, making employees safe and making sure the people they serve are safe when we reopen,” Gov. Beshear said.
The initiative set out public health benchmarks for reopening Kentucky’s economy. These benchmarks closely follow the White House’s Guidelines for Reopening America.
Gov. Beshear said a foundational basis for safely reopening the economy requires a massive scaling up of testing capacity in the commonwealth.
Guidance for Health Care Practitioners and Facilities
On April 27, health care practitioners can resume non-urgent/emergent health care services, diagnostic radiology and lab services in:
Hospital outpatient setting
health care clinics and medical offices
physical therapy settings, chiropractic offices and optometrists
dental offices (but with enhanced aerosol protections)
This guidance does not apply to long-term care settings, prisons, other industries, or other settings for which separate guidance has already or will be provided in the future. This guidance does not apply to elective surgeries or procedures which will be addressed in a subsequent phase.
“This is intended to be a phased, gradual reopening so that we can do this thoughtfully, safely, and see the consequences of our actions to make the necessary adjustments,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner for the Department for Public Health.
Dr. Stack emphasized that this is a phased, gradual reopening of services and that a COVID-19 surge may require adjustment.
Telehealth
In all phases, health care practitioners should still maximize telehealth rather than in-person services.
Visitation
Health care facilities should still not allow visitors except when necessary in end-of-life situations, or for vulnerable populations or minors, and even then, visitations should be kept to a minimum.
Waiting Rooms
Health care facilities should also eliminate traditional waiting room or common seating areas and use non-traditional alternatives, for example, a parking lot “lobby.”
Social Distancing
Health care facilities should maintain social distancing, keeping people at least six feet apart in all possible settings, and employ other steps to minimize direct contact between individuals within the health care setting.
The Governor reminded Kentuckians how important it is to stay fluid and flexible based on the severity and number of cases in the state and the status of a vaccine and treatment options.
“We think that following these benchmarks, possibly before May we could see some loosening in the health care area,” Gov. Beshear said. “We could see the ability to open up in some small ways before May, during May and beyond, but this will be a phased approach based on our benchmarks and recommendations from many groups. We have to ensure any actions we take protect the sacrifices that so many Kentuckians have made.”
More information
The Governor is asking all Kentuckians to continue to fight the spread of the virus by following his 10-step guidance, which includes practicing social distancing and staying healthy at home. Gov. Beshear says these efforts have the potential to save the lives of as many as 11,000 Kentuckians.
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Watch the Governor’s social media accounts at 5 p.m. ET each day for his regular briefing. Kentuckians can also access translated COVID-19 information and daily summaries of the Governor’s press conference at tinyurl.com/kygovespanol (Spanish)
and tinyurl.com/kygovtranslations (more than 20 additional languages).
For more information on the White House’s criteria of reopening, visit:
whitehouse.gov/openingamerica.
COVID-19 Louisville Information
Louisville Metro has a website with updated information about COVID-19, including information from Mayor Greg Fischer’s briefings about City services. You can access it here.
All of the Mayor’s press briefings can be found here: https://louisvilleky.gov/news/what-you-need-know-about-coronavirus#news.
You can watch the town hall and all press briefings on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayorGregFischer/ and MetroTV: http://louisville.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=2.
Mayor Fischer says direct federal aid to cities is critical to maintaining essential services amid COVID-19 outbreak
Mayor Greg Fischer has urged Congress and the White House to send more help to American cities struggling to maintain essential city services while battling to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. LEARN MORE.
Other Key Information:
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By far the best way to keep up with the latest news about the novel coronavirus in Kentucky is at the state website:
kycovid19.ky.gov.
Guidance is being added to the website as it becomes available.
There is also a hotline you can call: (800) 722-5725.
The COVID-19 hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the Kentucky Poison Control Center, who can provide advice and answer questions. Please be patient as those professionals are handling a high volume of calls and want to give everyone the time they deserve. For general information, please review the website prior to calling the hotline.
Below are the statewide numbers for today from https://govstatus.egov.com/kycovid19.
Current as of April 23, 2020 at 5 p.m. Eastern time Kentucky Coronavirus Monitoring Number Tested: 42,844 Positive: 3,481 Deaths: 191
Team Kentucky hashtags for social media #TeamKentucky, #TogetherKY, #Patriot and #HealthyAtHome.
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COVID-19 National Information
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The Centers for Disease Control has a wealth of information about COVID-19, including the latest guidance, like the recommendation to wear a cloth face covering in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). The website is here.
TRACK VIRUS NUMBERS BY COUNTRY AND STATE HERE:
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
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How to Report Non-Compliance
Residents who see businesses defying the order to close or curtail their activities can report those violations in several ways:
State of Kentucky – 1-833-KY-SAFER / 1-833-597-2337 (tollfree)
City of Louisville – Metro311
- Email: 311@louisvilleky.gov
- Twitter: @LouMetro311
- On the web: louisvilleky.gov/tell311
- App: Louisville Metro 311 on Android or iOS
- Phone: 311
Due to an increased volume of phone calls, city officials are asking residents to contact Metro311 via the web if possible. Your complaints will still be addressed, and your questions will be answered.
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Due to a construction project, the fishing pier at Thurman Hutchins Park off River Road will be closed for approximately two weeks beginning Tuesday, April 21.
There are plenty of great bank fishing opportunities at Thurman Hutchins Park remaining! Please continue to practice social distancing, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
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Resources available to both workers and small businesses, including unemployment benefits, are collected at a Louisville Metro website here. These programs are crucial in trying times such as these.
Increased business is leading to new jobs in some industries, with immediate hiring. KentuckianaWorks and GLI have partnered to create a new online jobs board listing current job opportunities in the area. You can see job listings at www.kentuckianaworks.org/jobs and it’s being updated daily. Companies that are hiring can also add their listings to the website.
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 You can see which companies are hiring right now in the Louisville area and how you can apply at our new online Job Board, created in partnership with Greater Louisville Inc. in response to COVID-19.
Job listings are based on information submitted from employers and are updated daily.
Click on this link to find your new job:
HTTPS://WWW.KENTUCKIANAWORKS.ORG/JOBS
  We've Got Hand Sanitizer!
Flavorman is proud to be a part of efforts to address the national shortage of hand sanitizer. We are currently manufacturing liquid hand sanitizer in bulk according to FDA and WHO guidelines, and we have registered our product as required by the FDA.
Our liquid hand sanitizer comes in 1-gallon bottles with a screw top (no pump) for $35 each. Products are available for local "no-touch" pickups at our location in downtown Louisville. Simply drive up, pick up, and drive away!
If you have any questions, please call our Hand Sanitizer hotline at (502) 400-9716.
 The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) invites you to attend the first 2020 Clearing the Air workshop. Join APCD for a discussion on Louisville’s Air Quality and how APCD works to help keep the air clean. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the workshop will be held online.
Date: Monday, April 27
Time: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Link to Join Workshop: https://louisvilleky.webex.com/louisvilleky/onstage/g.php?MTID=e54f536dcee45c2b915206ffa0440029b
Click here for details: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/air-pollution-control-district/clearing-air-community-workshop-series
Are you feeling isolated or running out of activities do to at home? Lift Up Lou is a great way keep your spirits high and stay connected, despite social distancing.
This is an effort joined by numerous local organizations and individuals to boost spirits, entertain, educate, and provide health and exercise options.
Every day, followers of the @LiftUpLou social media channels can count on:
- A morning exercise option
- An afternoon education lesson
- An afternoon entertainment session
- A mindfulness exercise to finish up the day
For more information on the Lift Up Lou initiative, visit liftuplou.com or go to @LiftUpLou on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. The website will include tips on activities the family can enjoy during this time, links to social media pages, ways for the public to share ideas on how to boost community morale, and a button that will allow individuals, groups, or organizations to donate to the One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund.
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For the first time, The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods' One Love Louisville Ambassador Institute one day training will be offered online! The program is designed to provide extended knowledge and skills for community members to make a difference in their neighborhoods. Training content will include Conflict Resolution, Mental Health 101, Suicide Prevention, Community Organizing and the Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention.
Participants will gain skills to take action in the One Love Louisville initiative. The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods is confident that your participation in the Ambassador Program will be instrumental in our collaborative effort to create a safer Louisville.
You can register online here.
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 We've been working on bringing you a Virtual Museum experience on our website so you can enjoy the #MuseumfromHome and keep on celebrating #DerbyEveryDay with us! Each day we'll bring you featured artifacts, fun facts, Oral History videos, Educational Lessons, activities you can do at home, and more!
https://www.derbymuseum.org/virtualkdm.html
We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch via email at info@derbymuseum.org or any of our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. To keep up-to-date on news about the Museum and our events, sign-up for our E-Newsletter.
Use #derbyeveryday to share your at-home Derby projects with us!
 Welcome to Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory's Virtual Museum! We'll be sharing featured artifacts and photos from the archives, fun articles, videos and much more.
https://www.sluggermuseum.com/explore-the-museum/virtual-museum
We'll be adding new content to the Virtual Museum every Tuesday and Thursday. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for Virtual Museum updates.
 LIBRARY CARDS AND OVERDUE BOOKS:
New Library cards will be granted virtually – follow directions at www.lfpl.org/get-card.htm
ALSO:
- Restrictions due to overdue fines and replacement fees have been lifted
- Recently expired and soon-to-be expired library cards are extended until June 1st
- All holds have been extended to 21 days so that your current holds will be here when we reopen
- Late fees are suspended at this time, don’t worry about returning materials to the Library until we reopen
DOWNLOADABLE AUDIOBOOKS:
Downloadable audiobooks - High quality, free, unabridged, downloadable audio books via RB Digital .
| e-MAGAZINES AND COMIC BOOKS AVAILABLE 24/7 FROM THE LIBRARY |
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More than 170 popular magazines, comic books, and graphic novels are now available free online for use on a PC, Mac, tablet, most color eReaders, and other Internet-enabled devices.
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OTHER USEFUL LINKS:
Government & Law:
Federal Government
Federal Government Legal Resources
General Government & Legal Sites
Homeland Security
Legal Research
Local and Kentucky Government
Local Legal Resources
National Political Parties
State Government & Politics
Tax Resources
United States Congress
Veterans Information
General Information Benefits
Health Care
Homelessness
Housing Information
Jobs
Kentucky
Legal
Louisville/Jefferson County Resources:
Tough times don't last, tough people do.
In tough times, everyone has to take their share of the pain. -Theresa May
Sometimes people underestimate the difficulty you’re going through, however, being silent is a virtue and it doesn’t make your suffering any less.
 I think you need to go through some stuff to really appreciate life and understand what it means to persevere, overcome and have faith. I think those tough times make you a stronger person. -Judith Hill
A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that adults over 50 who do word and number puzzles have the equivalent brain function of someone up to 10 years younger than they actually are.
Can you solve the below equation by moving only one matchstick ?
This is quite a tough brain teaser. As quickly as you can, say the COLOR of each word above. Don’t just read the colors, say the actual color that the word is typed in.
BRAIN TEASER 1: Hint: (It's all in the 6.)
BRAIN TEASER 2: Double bed; tricycle; Stay overnight; One-on-One, I overslept; Close race
BRAIN TEASER 3: Piggy back ride; Side by side; Laptop computer; Double bars; 4D days, 4D nights; All hands on deck
BRAIN TEASER 4: The mistake is not in the numbers, it's in the spelling of the word 'mistake'.
BRAIN TEASER 5: It demonstrates a conflict between your left brain – (words) and your right brain –(colors and creativity). After practicing a few times it gets easier! People often make the mistake of reading the words. That’s easy. Don’t read the words, just say what color the word is printed in. The actual colors in the puzzle are black, green, yellow, blue and red. White is not included, although the word 'white' is. For example: If the word 'Blue' is written in Green, say 'Green'. Read the directions again and give it another try.
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