After being closed for more than three years, regional offices to reopen for in-person unemployment insurance assistance
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 6, 2021) — Gov. Andy Beshear and Labor Cabinet Secretary Larry L. Roberts announced today that in-person unemployment insurance (UI) services will open April 15 at more than a dozen regional Kentucky Career Centers (KCCs).
KCC staff will be available for in-person assistance by appointment only. At 1 p.m. EDT tomorrow, April 7, Kentuckians can begin scheduling Monday through Friday appointments at kcc.ky.gov.
Openings tomorrow will be for appointments April 15-30. Beginning April 19, appointments for May 3 will become available, with additional appointment times opening each day thereafter.
“When you combine years of painful staffing cuts, an out-of-date system designed to tell people no and the effects of a once-in-100-years pandemic – many Kentuckians have been unable to obtain benefits,” Gov. Beshear said. “In addition to taking many new actions to help Kentuckians in need, we are now making good on our promise to begin putting unemployment specialists back into the local career centers.”
Labor Secretary Roberts said the Kentucky Career Center staff is working diligently to prepare for opening day.
“It has taken a lot of work to make it happen in a short window of time, but our staff has worked hard in recent weeks to pull everything together to get us in a position to once again provide services that unemployment claimants need at this critical time,” Roberts said.
Under the previous administration, KCC locations around the state stopped providing in-person assistance to UI claimants in the fall of 2017.
The record level of unemployment spurred by the pandemic and years of painful staffing cuts, location reductions and failure to upgrade IT systems slowed the state’s ability to help many Kentuckians who lost jobs through no fault of their own.
The Governor’s proposed budget included General Fund spending of $1.1 million in fiscal year 2021 and $8.4 million in fiscal year 2022 to provide funding to restore employees to help with unemployment claims at the career centers throughout the commonwealth.
On March 31, Gov. Beshear spoke about the need for additional state funding to bolster career center staffing for the long term. The Labor Cabinet will be utilizing current staff in the career centers that normally provide career counseling services to begin offering in-person UI assistance.
Kentucky Career Center Regional Locations The cabinet will also be opening a new, temporary facility in Lexington, which will also provide UI assistance.
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Ashland
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1844 Carter Ave.
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Ashland, KY 41042
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Bowling Green
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803 Chestnut St.
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Bowling Green, KY 42101
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Covington
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1324 Madison Ave.
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Covington, KY 41011
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Elizabethtown
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233 Ring Road, Suite 100
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Elizabethtown, KY 42701
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Hazard
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412 Roy Campbell Dr.
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Hazard, KY 41701
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Hopkinsville
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110 Riverfront Dr.
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Hopkinsville, KY 42240
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Lexington
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2624 Research Park Dr.
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Lexington, KY 40511
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Louisville
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600 W. Cedar St.
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Louisville, KY 40202
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Morehead
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1225 U.S. Hwy. 60 West, Suite 160
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Morehead, KY 40351
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Owensboro
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3108 Fairview Drive
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Owensboro, KY 42303
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Paducah
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416 South 6th St.
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Paducah, KY 42001
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Prestonsburg
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686 North Lake Drive
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Prestonsburg, KY 41339
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Somerset
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410 East Mt. Vernon St.
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Somerset, KY 42501
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Special instructions
- Anyone attending an appointment must wear a mask at all times.
- Photo ID is required to enter a KCC building.
- Temperatures will be taken before entering KCC buildings due to COVID-19.
- Accommodations will not be made for those without appointments.
- While staff make every effort to answer all questions during this appointment, UI specialists may not be able to provide a resolution during a single appointment. Some claims could require additional paperwork or take additional time to complete. An additional appointment will not be necessary.
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IR-2021-59, March 17, 2021
WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will be providing formal guidance in the coming days.
"This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, while also working on important tax administration responsibilities," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Even with the new deadline, we urge taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds. Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds, and it can help some taxpayers more quickly receive any remaining stimulus payments they may be entitled to."
Individual taxpayers can also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This postponement applies to individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax. Penalties, interest and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of May 17, 2021. Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by May 17.
Individual taxpayers do not need to file any forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the May 17 deadline can request a filing extension until Oct. 15 by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Filing Form 4868 gives taxpayers until October 15 to file their 2020 tax return but does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes due. Taxpayers should pay their federal income tax due by May 17, 2021, to avoid interest and penalties.
The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax refunds associated with e-filed returns are issued within 21 days.
This relief does not apply to estimated tax payments that are due on April 15, 2021. These payments are still due on April 15. Taxes must be paid as taxpayers earn or receive income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments. In general, estimated tax payments are made quarterly to the IRS by people whose income isn't subject to income tax withholding, including self-employment income, interest, dividends, alimony or rental income. Most taxpayers automatically have their taxes withheld from their paychecks and submitted to the IRS by their employer.
State tax returns
The federal tax filing deadline postponement to May 17, 2021, only applies to individual federal income returns and tax (including tax on self-employment income) payments otherwise due April 15, 2021, not state tax payments or deposits or payments of any other type of federal tax. Taxpayers also will need to file income tax returns in 42 states plus the District of Columbia. State filing and payment deadlines vary and are not always the same as the federal filing deadline. The IRS urges taxpayers to check with their state tax agencies for those details.
Winter storm disaster relief for Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas
Earlier this year, following the disaster declarations issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the IRS announced relief for victims of the February winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. These states have until June 15, 2021, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. This extension to May 17 does not affect the June deadline.
For more information about this disaster relief, visit the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.
Part of Metro Council District 20 is in MLS Area 7. They will have an online meeting for residential property owners on April 13th at 6:30, click https://jeffersonpva.ky.gov/event/2021-residential-property-assessment-meeting-with-area-7/ to register. And there will be an online meeting for commercial property owners on April 15th at 6:30, click https://jeffersonpva.ky.gov/event/2021-commercial-property-assessment-meeting-with-area-7/ to register.
To see if you are a part of the new assessment this year please click on the following link for residential and commercial, https://jeffersonpva.ky.gov/events/
| Jefferson County PVA (ky.gov)
Vaccine Appointment Scheduling Available to Everyone Age 16 and Over
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On Monday April 5, all Kentuckians age 16 and over are eligible to be vaccinated as we are in a race against the variants. We must now pivot from asking for patience to encouraging haste. Links to all providers are on our website at: louisvilleky.gov/vaccine
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COVID vaccine supply has caught up with demand. There are now appointments available through our hospital partners at UofL Health, Norton Healthcare and many pharmacies.
Some are available as early as tomorrow. Links to all providers are available on the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness website at: louisvilleky.gov/vaccine.
If you have questions or need assistance with registering for a COVID vaccine appointment please call the LOU HEALTH Helpline at 502-912-8598.
We must now pivot from asking for patience to encouraging haste. Together we can protect our community from preventable illness and death.
Businesses across Louisville are now able to register their employees for COVID-19 vaccinations at the LouVax mass vaccination site operated by the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW).
The decision to open up fully to 1C personnel follows Governor Andy Beshear’s announcement last Friday that the state would transition to include individuals ages 16-59 with qualifying medical conditions and essential employees.
Employers, business owners, human resource reps, lead supervisors and managers can make registration easier for employees by submitting a roster of team members through the health department’s Essential Workers Company Signup Form. https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/z1ym91d90scddjj/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Once the form is received, a member of LMPHW’s LouVax team will then reach out to businesses to gather any additional information and get employees scheduled for appointments.
Employees that live in neighboring counties in Kentucky and Indiana but work in Louisville are eligible to get their vaccination through their employer at LouVax.
Employers who have questions or need assistance with the sign up process can call the COVID-19 Helpline at 502-912-8598.
1-FBH-0002 10551 Broad Run Rd 10551 BROAD RUN RD 20 04/02/2021 Joel Dock
Factory built housing on 5.13 acres in R4 zone, Neighborhood form district
https://aca-prod.accela.com/LJCMG/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Planning&TabName=Planning&capID1=21CAP&capID2=00000&capID3=01U84&agencyCode=LJCMG
Notice of Public Meeting (16101 Dry Ridge Road)
If you wish to submit comments on this case, please submit comments (in writing) to the case manager by 5:00 P.M.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
Or visit www.louisvilleky.gov/government/Planning-Design for:
Meeting agenda and staff report
More information on zoning processes
Public comment opportunities
A list of persons notified of this proposal is available in the case file.
Persons who desire special accommodations should contact the Planning Commission office at (502) 574-6230 at
least one week prior to this meeting. TDD users please use the Relay Service, 1-800-648-6056.
Subject Property: 16101 Dry Ridge Road
Case Number: 21-MPLAT-0031
Case Manager: Jay Luckett (Jay.Luckett@louisvilleky.gov)
Meeting Type: DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021
Time: Meeting will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until all cases are heard
Location: Online Meeting -
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design/upcomingpublic-
meetings
Don’t have internet access? Please call 574-6230 to find out how to connect to the
meeting by telephone.
Please complete a speaker record form or contact the case manager in advance of the
meeting if you wish to speak. The speaker record form is available at the above website.
You are invited to attend a review to allow new single family access to a collector level road.
LOUSVILLE (March 25, 2021) – Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission (LMRC) will extend the 2020 annual occupational license tax filing and payment deadline from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021.
The extension is for all taxpayers that file Forms OL-3, OL-3EZ, OL-3A, OL-3S, OL-3EXT and I-2. All other LMRC deadlines will remain in place.
The commission has approximately 102,000 active occupational license tax accounts, and roughly 60,000 of those accounts represent local individuals that file once a year. The extension follows the federal government’s decision to allow individual taxpayers to defer filing and payments of federal income tax from April 15, 2021, until May 17, 2021.
Starting April 5, 2021, the LMRC will provide in-person customer service by appointment Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Please refer to www.metrorevenue.org for more detailed information on the extended deadline or hours of operation. Anyone with questions can contact LMRC staff at (502) 574-4860 or taxhelp@metrorevenue.org.
Cat of the Week:
Fluffball is a scaredy paws whose ready to purr goodbye to the shelter life that frightens him. The handsome 3-year-old Tabby’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter. It’s always free to adopt adult cats from LMAS, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Fluffball is already neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. He weighs about 11lbs. To meet or adopt Fluffball, visit Animal House Adoption Center located at 3516 Newburg Road from 12-6pm daily. No appointment is required. For more info about Fluffball, call 502-473-PETS.
Dog of the Week:
Salt Water Taffy’s adoption bio is short and sweet, just like him. The approximately 2-year-old Pit Bull is a very friendly, happy and silly dog who loves socializing with people and other dogs. Salt Water Taffy’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. He’s already neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Salt Water Taffy weighs 57lbs. He can be tested with other dogs, cats, or children by request. To meet or adopt Salt Water Taffy, visit Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Rd.) from 12-6pm daily. Walk-ins Welcome. For more info about Salt Water Taffy, email animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.
 
Six months until enforcement of federal REAL ID Act begins
Do you have a license that will fly?
In six months – Oct. 1, 2021 – federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act is scheduled to begin, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) encourages Kentuckians to be aware of changes that will bring.
One of the most important changes will occur at airports, where an ordinary driver’s license or identification card for persons 18 and older will no longer be accepted for boarding a U.S. commercial flight. Nor will it be accepted for entry to restricted federal installations, such as military bases, nuclear plants and the White House.
“After such a difficult year fighting COVID-19 and being separated from our loved ones, I know many Kentuckians will be excited to travel or visit service members when it is safe,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want all Kentuckians to know about REAL ID requirements so a long-awaited trip doesn’t get delayed or canceled just because someone had the wrong form of ID.”
“It’s an important change, and we want to help our fellow Kentuckians avoid an unsettling surprise in October,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “Upgrading to a REAL ID license or ID card is a secure, convenient way to ensure continued full access.”
Once REAL ID enforcement begins, a standard-issue license will still be good for driving, and as proof of identity, age and residence for purposes of voting and making age-restricted purchases, such as buying alcohol. It also will still be good for accessing such federal facilities as Social Security offices and Veterans Administration hospitals.
It’s important to know the difference. A Kentucky REAL ID bears a black cutout star; a standard driver’s license features the Kentucky Unbridled Spirit logo. Find more information here.
REAL ID credentials are not the only forms of federally approved ID that authorities will accept beginning Oct. 1. Others include a valid, unexpired passport or passport card, military ID or Department of Defense ID. Get the full list here. Note that a REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport or passport card for international travel.
In Kentucky, REAL ID licenses and IDs are issued at KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Offices in select counties. Click here for a listing of offices and an appointment scheduler. In addition, documentation requirements are strict. Guard against having to make a return trip by ensuring you arrive with the proper documents. Use the IDocument Guide here or access the website at www.realidky.com.
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21-EXTENSION-0002 Covington by the Park 4501 TAYLORSVILLE LAKE RD 20 03/11/2021 03/16/2021 Julia Williams
Extension of Expiration application
https://aca-prod.accela.com/LJCMG/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Planning&TabName=Planning&capID1=21CAP&capID2=00000&capID3=019IF&agencyCode=LJCMG
21-MPLAT-0043 Garret - S English Station Rd 1007 S ENGLISH STATION RD 20 03/11/2021 03/31/2021 Heather Pollock
A minor plat application to create 2 tracks from 1
https://aca-prod.accela.com/LJCMG/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Planning&TabName=Planning&capID1=21REC&capID2=00000&capID3=31296&agencyCode=LJCMG
21-RSUB-0004 Creekside Commons 1200 S ENGLISH STATION RD 20 03/15/2021 03/31/2021 Jay Luckett
A revised major subdivision application for 85 lots on 47.58 acres in the R4 zoning district
https://aca-prod.accela.com/LJCMG/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Planning&TabName=Planning&capID1=21REC&capID2=00000&capID3=32587&agencyCode=LJCMG
Saturday April 10th
8 am to 1 pm
American Legion & Auxiliary
3408 College Dr
Jeffersontown, KY 40299
ALL LEGION COVID 19 rules will apply.
Proceeds to fund our many veteran programs.
Theme: Relays For Life - Paint the City Purple with Hope!
Date: 2nd and 4th weekend night in June TBD
Time: 5:00 - 10:30 pm
Places: One event in each of five metro regions:
Northwest, Southwest, Central, Southeast, Northeast
Local Event Summary
Relay Teams will meet at a local event site (TBD) to receive Hope Lives Here signs and gifts to
deliver to local community cancer survivors in order to Celebrate our lives together.. After delivery of
the signs Relay Teams will return to the event site to complete their competition in the Relay Cup and
to participate in our drive-in luminaria to Remember and Honor our loved ones.
Local Event Components
Parking Lot Tailgate Assembly of Teams
Drive-thru registrations to receive sign delivery supplies
Relay Cup Team Competition
- Teams compete for both local and city wide prizes and the Relay Cup trophy.
- Relay Cup and Local Champions crowned by total points in the following categories:
1. Total amount of money raised for Relay For LIfe of Louisville
2. Total number of signs sponsored for delivery.
3. Team theme, car decorations and costumes for team members.
4. Delivering Hope Lives Here signs to local cancer survivors
Drive-in Luminaria Ceremony
Closing Event
Other Planned Events Leading up to Relay For Life - Hope Across Louisville
April 7 Kick Off: Paint the City Purple - April 7, 2021 - World Health Day
April 22-25 Relay for Life Purple Cancer Eaters at KDF mini-marathon
May The Relay For Life Stakes Virtual Racing Night
Plus other team events we will develop as guidelines allow.
Be sure to check the reverse side for ways you can help.
Some Ways You Can Help and Be Involved in Spreading Hope Across Louisville
Ways groups and individuals can be involved in Relay For Life of Louisville and help spread
Hope Across Louisville.
1. Put a team together to be part of Relay and compete for the Relay Cup.
2. Volunteer your team to help our team put on your local event.
3. Donate supplies and gifts for Survivors Packages
4. Donate prizes and gift certificates for our Team Competition.
5. Anyway you believe we can help your organization’s mission in the community.
If you would like to help in a financial manner, here are some ways to help:
1. Be an official sponsor of your local Relay event.
2. Sponsor Hope Lives Here signs to be delivered by teams to local cancer survivors.
3. Be a presenting sponsor of Relay For Life - Hope Across Louisville
4. Donate online
If you would like to donate to relay, register a team or an individual, or register as a cancer survivor to
help show our city that Hope lives right next door, use the link below:
Relay For Life of Louisville
https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=100081
If you would like updates for Relay For Life, feel free to like our Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/RelayforLifeofLouisville
If you would like to discuss details of sponsoring Relay For Life of Louisville, please use the contact
information below or contact your Local Event Lead.
Scott Endres
Relay For Life of Louisville - Event Lead
scottendres@yahoo.com
502-420-8584
Frankfort, KY (April 1, 2021)—The Kentucky Public Service Commission will conduct three public meetings to provide information on and receive public comments regarding Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities rate cases (2020-00350 & 2020-00349). The meetings are being conducted virtually due to the continuing COVID-19 state of emergency. Each session will begin with a brief overview from PSC staff on the key elements in the case followed by public comments.
Dates and Times:
- Wednesday, April 14, 2021 - 1:00 p.m.
- Thursday, April 15, 2021 - 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 20, 2021 - 5:00 p.m.
All times are Eastern Daylight Time. Anyone wishing to speak, please email psc.meeting@ky.gov to be placed on the list of speakers. Include your name, address, phone and email address.
Additional details on how to attend by either viewing or speaking during the virtual public meeting will be posted on the PSC web site. For more information, please visit: https://psc.ky.gov/home/pm.
Records in this case are available at psc.ky.gov. The case numbers are 2020-00349 (KU) and 2020-00350 (LG&E).
The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,100 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky.
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This is a Little Free Library with books for all ages located at the Fern Creek Community and Chamber of Commerce building, 6104 Bardstown Road, Louisville 40291. Located behind the building for easy access to parking, this little library has books for all ages. Please feel free to stop by and take a book. We are asking that you only donate one book per visit. We cannot take boxes of books or multiple books at this time. Our Little Free Library is registered as part of the national group of Little Free Libraries. It was donated by Next Gen Leadership of Fern Creek High School, Friends of the Fern Creek Library, and Fern Creek Woman’s Club. Please stop by and enjoy a good book!
We are continuously working to improve the experience Louisville residents and businesses have using the official city website, Louisvilleky.gov. Please take a minute to give us your feedback with this short feedback form!
https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/2021-louisvillekygov-user-survey/
Project delayed due to weather
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 9, 2021) –The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 5 Office advises motorists of the delay of a pavement repair project scheduled to begin on I-265 (Gene Snyder Freeway) in Jefferson County. A lane closure on I-265 South as well as the closure of the ramp from Taylorsville Road to I-265 South were scheduled to begin tonight. The work has been postponed due to rain in the forecast over the weekend and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Visit goky.ky.gov for the latest in traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You can also get traffic information for the District 5 counties at facebook.com/KYTCDistrict5 and twitter.com/KYTCDistrict5.
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Gift card scams remain a major problem. One local consumer reported to BBB she received an email regarding a secret shopper/survey opportunity. After applying, she received a check in the mail with instructions to purchase gift cards and send images of the gift cards to the scammer. As a reminder, beware of anyone asking you to send photos of gift card information and never agree to pay bills via a gift card.
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Puppy scams often involve fake breeders selling non-existent puppies, but in the case of one local consumer, these scams also involve very sick animals. This consumer reported to BBB he is out $10,000 in veterinary bills after his new puppy arrived extremely ill with parvovirus. The breeders who sold him the puppy had refused to provide any references. When purchasing a new puppy, always ask to see references first and, whenever possible, view the puppy in person before buying.
- Beware of scam emails or texts claiming to be from PayPal. A local consumer received one saying there was a large transaction on his account and he must call to dispute the charge. This is a phishing scam – don’t respond!
- Local consumers – and some BBB employees --- have received text messages claiming they have Amazon Rewards credits. These text messages are a scam – do not click on any links! The links will take you to a fake website where scammers will steal your personal information!
- BBB has received multiple reports of free trial scams, and some are trying to capitalize on the Covid-19 pandemic. One local consumer responded to a free trial purporting to offer a product endorsed by Dr. Fauci. These “free trials” are usually followed up by expensive monthly subscription fees.
- Be cautious of scam sites spoofing or mimicking legitimate websites. One local consumer attempting to file a change-of-address lost $80 after using a site that looked very similar to USPS.com. If you are concerned a website isn’t legitimate, leave the site immediately and do not enter any payment or other personal information.
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Beware of Political Action Committees (PACS) masquerading as charities. One local consumer received calls and emails soliciting donations from one such group. These organizations are often misleading about how they use the donations they receive. Before you donate, research the charity or organization by visiting BBB.org.
- Beware of scam apps known as fleeceware. Appearing on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, these deceptive apps lure users in with free trials before charging high subscription rates and have cost consumers more than $400 million. Many of the apps are image editors, camera filters, and games; they tend to target teens and children. BBB recommends parents and caregivers monitor their children’s phone use and downloads.
- Did a stranger “accidentally pay” you on Venmo? BBB warns that consumers should be wary of random payments from strangers; often the payment is sent via a stolen credit card. When victims return the payment, scammers remove the stolen credit card and replace it with their own card. Chances of victims receiving reimbursement are slim to none.
- Scammers are opening Chase bank accounts using stolen identities. Victims have reported receiving information on accounts they never opened. Keep your personal information off the internet as much as possible and regularly check your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com for unfamiliar accounts opened in your name.
WhoWeLostKY.org offers users a safe place to submit stories about friends and loved ones
A new website, WhoWeLostKY.org, has launched to offer the family and friends of Kentuckians lost to Covid-19 an opportunity to memorialize their loved ones by writing and sharing stories. The site provides free, practical writing guidance and templates, as well as an active online submission option.
WhoWeLostKY.org hopes to support resiliency and connection by ensuring that those who died are not forgotten. The social isolation caused by the pandemic has changed mourning ceremonies and customs, leaving people few options beyond social media to communicate and share expressions of grief. The therapeutic benefits of writing are well known. Participating in this project can help a mourner's healing process as they access important memories.
“Many people feel insecure about writing, perhaps due to past negative experiences in school or due to fears about their abilities,” said Martha Greenwald, a writer, educator and the Founder/CCO of WhoWeLostKY.org. “We want everyone to feel comfortable participating on the site. We encourage them to write stories to share or just keep for themselves. No writing expertise is needed. We also want to be sure friends and colleagues of those who died come to the site and post stories too. Grief affects everyone, not just family members,” Greenwald noted.
The site is designed and developed by Greenwald and a team of distinguished professionals in the fields of digital technology, education, psychology, culture, and religion. The materials featured on the site are sensitive to the difficult topics being addressed and are designed to be easy to use. The site will regularly post new materials to inspire reflection specific to different times of the year. Further plans for the future include online writing workshops and a print anthology compiled from user-submitted stories.
Charter will participate in the $3.2 billion federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program to help connect eligible households with high-speed internet during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Broadband internet access is more important than ever and the EBB program offers a tremendous opportunity to help low-income families stay connected, providing eligible households a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. Additional information is available at www.FCC.gov/BroadbandBenefit.
“Charter has long been committed to increasing connectivity by addressing broadband access, adoption and affordability, including through the ongoing extension of our broadband network into unserved and rural areas, our Spectrum Internet Assist low-cost broadband offering for eligible families and seniors, and our Stay Connected offer for K-12 schools,” said Catherine Bohigian, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Charter Communications. “Today we build on that commitment by announcing our participation in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program and we will continue our efforts to comprehensively address barriers to connectivity, investing in long-term solutions to advance access, improving adoption, and protecting Americans’ privacy and security online.”
Building on years of investment to extend its network, Charter recently announced a multiyear, multibillion-dollar broadband buildout initiative to deliver gigabit high-speed broadband access to more than 1 million unserved customer locations, as estimated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and awarded to Charter in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase I auction. Charter expects to invest approximately $5 billion to support its buildout initiative — offset by $1.2 billion in support won from the RDOF auction — expanding Charter's network to lower-density, mostly rural communities that do not currently have access to high-speed broadband service.
These newly served customer locations will have access to 1 Gbps high-speed broadband and Charter's high-value Spectrum pricing and packaging structure, including its Spectrum Mobile™, Spectrum TV and Spectrum Voice offerings. The Company will continue to apply its customer-friendly policies in newly served regions, including no data caps, modem fees or annual contracts, combined with high-quality service provided by U.S.-based, insourced employees.
As the country battled COVID-19 in 2020, Charter connected more than 450,000 students and teachers to reliable, high-speed broadband service for free for two months, opened Spectrum Internet Wi-Fi hotspots across its footprint for nearly four months, kept nearly 700,000 customers connected when they faced economic hardship, gave small businesses a month of free service, and forgave more than $100 million in past due balances to assist COVID-19 impacted customers. To help more people get connected while practicing social distancing, we invested significantly in our self-service infrastructure, with nearly 80% of installations using the program.
To increase adoption and access to technology, Charter offers philanthropic support to community organizations and in 2020 doubled its yearly commitment to the Spectrum Digital Education Grant program, which provides computers, digital education classes and technology labs and has benefited more than 56,000 people across 17 states and Washington, D.C., since 2017.
Protecting Americans’ Privacy and Security Online
As Americans increasingly rely on the internet for healthcare, remote work and distance learning, they worry about their privacy and digital security. Charter has long supported bipartisan reform that would establish a comprehensive, uniform, national framework that would protect consumers no matter where they go across the entire internet ecosystem, offering certainty now and for years to come. We continue to believe that a comprehensive opt-in approach to the use of consumer data — in which all companies doing business online would have to obtain consumers’ affirmative consent before using or sharing data, with limited exceptions — would best empower consumers to control how and when their personal data is used.
Charter recognizes the importance of the products and services we provide to millions of Americans from coast to coast and looks forward to extending connectivity to more Americans through participation in the EBB Program. By bringing high-speed broadband to more people, Charter is connecting millions to the opportunities they need to thrive in the 21st century.
https://policy.charter.com/Charter-Announces-Participation-Emergency-Broadband-Benefit-Program
 Sunday, May 9 – 2:00PM
Broad Run Park – The Parklands
11551 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40291
Sponsored by Councilman Stuart Benson, District 20 |
