In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Spring is on the horizon, and with it comes the much-anticipated change in daylight saving time! On Sunday, we set our clocks forward one hour, giving us longer daylight to enjoy. While we lost an hour of sleep, we gained more time to take evening walks, spend time outdoors, and engage with our wonderful community. Let’s make the most of the extra sunshine and embrace the energy of the season!
I also invite you to join me for a special event celebrating the unstoppable spirit of women in our community!
The 2nd Annual Rosie the Riveter Awards Celebration
📅 Thursday, March 13, 2025
🕑 2:00 p.m.
📍 Council Chambers, City Hall – 601 W. Jefferson St.
This inspiring event honors ten phenomenal women who embody the "We Can Do It!" spirit of the iconic Rosie the Riveter. These trailblazers have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and service, making a lasting impact on our city. Each honoree will receive a proclamation and the distinguished Rosie Award in recognition of their contributions.
This event is open to the public and free to attend—so bring your friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate these remarkable women!
I look forward to seeing you there as we uplift and honor the strong women who continue to shape our community.
With gratitude and service,
Councilwoman McCraney
The Louisville Metro Council Women’s Caucus will host its quarterly meeting on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
The meeting is dedicated to celebrating the significant contributions of women throughout history with the Rosie the Riveter Award to ten outstanding women in the community.
The honorees include the Honorable Gerina Whethers, Emily Bingham, Anna DeBeer, Diane Porter, Rhonda W. Mathies, Marsha Weinstein, First Lady Rachel Greenberg, Heather French Henry, Meka Kpoh, and Christina Lee Brown.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS ILLUSTRIOUS CELEBRATION!
The meeting is free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend in person, you may view the celebration on the Louisville Metro Council Women's Caucus Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMCWomensCaucus.
An application for a zoning change for the development of a LeafSpring School proposed on the vacant property at the corner of Whipps Mill Rd & Old Whipps Mill Rd in Lyndon has been submitted. This notice is for an informational meeting the applicant is required to conduct before a formal application can be made with Louisville Metro Office of Planning & Design for this development proposal.
Meeting Location:
University of Louisville Shelby Campus
Founders Hall, Room 14
450 N. Whittington Parkway
Louisville, KY 40222
Date: March 12, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In an effort to provide you with the most useful, up-to-date information on construction activities at the site of the new Louisville VA Medical Center, we would like to share some details about upcoming work on the north side of the property.
Work is tentatively scheduled to begin Monday on the installation of a water tank next to the water tower. This 750,000-gallon tank will be placed at ground level with underground piping connections to the water tower and other water pumps.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions about this or any other activity taking place on the site. Being good neighbors to everyone in the community is important to us as we proceed with the construction of the new Louisville VA Medical Center.
The Louisville Metro Council held its regularly scheduled Council Committee meetings this week.
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, March 13th, at 6:00 p.m.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council Meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the LouisvilleMetroTV channel by clicking here,
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live-streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
Greetings from Mayor Greenberg:
I hope everyone had a great week as we continue to move Louisville in a new direction – from significant public safety arrests to pothole repairs and early childhood education, we’re focusing on priorities that are important to you and our community.
Click here, Mayor’s Minute, to take a look at this week’s message.
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The Kentucky League of Cities, Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA), and Airbnb clashed in a House committee as ongoing litigation makes its way through the courts.
House Local Government Committee Chair Representative Patrick Flannery, R-Olive Hill, called for the testimony of House Bill 490, which he sponsors. The bill was amended in committee to contain provisions of Senator Steve West (R-Paris) Senate Bill 110. Both bills are opposed by the Kentucky League of Cities.
Vincent Frillici, the policy lead for the Great Lakes region for Airbnb, testified on behalf of the bill making an argument that the legislation represented “harmonization,” not centralization of remitting transient room taxes. He and lobbyist Jason Underwood said if the bill were to pass Airbnb would begin to remit taxes to the state within 30-days.
House Bill 490 requires the local government imposing a transient room tax to establish an electronic payment system for transient room taxes, the legislation also requires the development and adoption of a mandated tax return and various reporting requirements to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office.
It is likely if the bill comes back next week they will again amend it in the House committee to include many of the preemption previsions contained in Senate Bill 110. That bill requires local governments to treat short term rental businesses the same as residential properties and prohibits local governments from being able to fully continue to regulate short-term rentals by restricting local governments’ ability to require any permitting, including conditional use permits, or to impose any density-based restrictions that would require distance spacing or any percentage limitations within geographic limitations.
KLC and KTIA sued Airbnb in Dec. of 2023, seeking Franklin Circuit Court to force Airbnb to comply with House Bill 8 in the 2022 legislative session, to collect and remit transient room tax and pay cities back taxes for properties rented in their jurisdiction.
As amended, Kentucky statute authorized local governing bodies, including cities, to impose a transient room tax of up to 3% to provide funds for the operation of its local tourism commission. The statute also authorizes such a local governing body to impose a special transient room tax of up to an additional 1% to renovate or expand a local convention center and, in certain circumstances, pay for the operating expenses of such a center.
KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney testified on the league’s opposition to the bill this week.
“The irony is not lost on local governments that in one breath the legislature expresses its anguish at the severity of the housing crisis in Kentucky, and with the next, gives life to legislation which threatens to greatly exacerbate it," Chaney said.
The bill was not voted upon.
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In the sixth legislative week, the Senate took up its second House Bill of the session, House Bill (HB) 241—a bill I originally supported because it provided critical flexibility for schools recovering from closures due to extreme weather and other emergencies. It was a bipartisan, common-sense solution to help students and teachers.
But what happened next is exactly what frustrates so many people about politics. In a rushed, backroom process, the Senate Education Committee hijacked this bill, attaching unrelated provisions that shield a struggling virtual school from oversight, despite its documented failures and corruption. This completely hijacked the bill’s purpose, turning it from a practical fix for lost school time into a protection measure for an unaccountable online program.
Had we received a clean bill that followed its original intent, I was in full support. However, I cannot support a bill that prioritizes political maneuvering over student success. Therefore, I voted against HB 241 as amended, which passed 23-14. It will now be returned to the House with the Senate’s changes, where I hope the added provisions are removed. If the House does not concur with the changes, it will go to a conference committee.
In addition to HB 241, other legislation that I opposed passing the Senate this week include:
SB 257, known as the Kentucky DOGE Bill creates an Office of Government Efficiency, but don’t be fooled. It’s a smokescreen. A solution in search of a problem. This serves as a tool for political interference, not good governance. The Auditor’s Office already has this power. This bill is about control. I voted NO, but it passed 32-6.
SB 9 changes how teachers’ sick leave is accrued and used in retirement. This bill opens the door for future cuts, for future harm. I voted NO, but it passed 31-7.
SB 6 changes how school funding is calculated, shifting resources in ways that could deepen inequality, punishing schools with struggling students, punishing communities already on the margins. I voted NO, but it passed 31-7.
SB 132, presented under the guise of “conscience protections,” would allow healthcare professionals to refuse care based on personal moral or religious beliefs, except in emergencies and sexual assault exams. I voted against this bill because it opens the door to discrimination, prioritizing ideology over patient access and potentially restricting Kentuckians necessary medical treatment based on who they are. However, the measure passed 26-6.
SB 202 regulates the manufacturing, labeling, and sale of CBD beverages, capping their potency at 5mg per serving. I voted against the bill, which ultimately passed by a vote of 29-6.
SB 183 bans financial managers from considering environmental, social, and governance ESG factors when making investment decisions for retirement funds. Translation: it ties the hands of experts, forcing them to ignore long-term risks, and putting retiree pensions at risk. A bad deal for working people. I voted NO, but it passed 32-6.
SB 162 modifies unemployment insurance policies by expanding fraud investigation and reporting requirements. It directs the Education and Labor Cabinet to refer cases to law enforcement based on suspicion alone and mandates the termination of public employees found to have improperly received benefits. Fraud prevention is necessary, but this bill lacks fairness, lacks balance, and lacks due process. Justice requires evidence, not just accusations. I voted NO, but it passed 31-7.
Not all hope is lost. When we set aside political games, when we put the people first, progress is possible. Here are some measures that I supported that passed with broad support.
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SB 1 Establishes the Kentucky Film Office to bring jobs and industry to our state.
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SB 3 Updates NIL Name, Image, and Likeness laws to support student-athletes.
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SB 38 Expands school bus safety by catching reckless drivers on camera.
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SB 93 Expands insurance coverage for children’s hearing aids. No child should struggle to hear because of financial barriers.
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SB 117 Invests in advanced police training, improving law enforcement practices.
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SB 130 Expands fraud protections, stopping scams that rob Kentuckians of their hard-earned money.
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SB 144 Allows firearms used in homicides to be destroyed, not resold. A common-sense gun safety measure.
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SB 181 Protects student-teacher communication, keeping our schools safe.
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SB 190 Updates charitable gaming laws to ensure fairness.
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SB 218 Strengthens financial transparency in local government.
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SCR 67 Creates a Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force to better prepare for emergencies.
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SJR 66 Creates a task force to study air mobility and aviation economic development.
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SB 193 Allows the Secretary of State to issue jailer service cards.
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HB 216 Allows agriculture employees access policy programs.
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HB 219 Requires hospital staff to receive assault response training.
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HB 261 Allows retired CPAs to engage in unpaid services.
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HB 262 Allows CPA firms to retain names after departures.
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HCR 20 Proposes a study of access to sexual assault nurses.
Each of the bills that passed the Senate this week — including House bills with Senate changes — now go to the House for further consideration. House bills without Senate changes will go to the Governor for his consideration.
For more information on the advanced legislation, or to read all bills making their way through the process, visit the legislative record by CLICKING HERE.
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March 11th | 9:00 AM | Ntaba Coffee – 2407 Brownsboro Road
Join your neighbors and police officers for coffee and conversation!
No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood!
Major Jason Grissom
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A healthy lifestyle goes a long way in preventing heart disease in women. Incorporating the following tips into your everyday life may help you reduce your risk of heart disease during and after menopause:
Avoid or quit smoking. Smokers have twice (or higher) the risk of heart attack than nonsmokers. In addition to eliminating cigarettes, stay away from secondhand smoke, as it also increases the risk of heart disease.
Maintain a healthy body weight. The more you are over your ideal weight, the harder your heart has to work to give your body nutrients. Research has shown that being overweight contributes to the onset of heart disease.
Exercise throughout the week. The heart is like any other muscle -- it needs to be worked to keep it strong and healthy. Being active or exercising regularly (ideally, at least 150 minutes total each week) helps improve how well the heart pumps blood through your body. Activity and exercise also help reduce many other risk factors. It helps lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces stress, helps keep weight off, and improves blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor if you have been inactive before increasing your activity level.
Eat well. Follow a diet low in saturated fat; low in trans-fat (partially hydrogenated fats); and high in fiber, whole grains, legumes (such as beans and peas), fruits, vegetables, fish, folate-rich foods, and soy.
Treat and control medical conditions. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure make you more likely to have heart disease.
Source: WebMD.com
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Households with incomes below $67,000 are eligible for participation in this program. We are required to see social security cards for everyone included on a tax return. Please note that the IRS does not allow our program to prepare returns that include farm income, income from rental properties or businesses or self-employment income that includes depreciation or that includes expenses for other employees of the business.
There are two ways that you can take advantage of the free tax services:
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Self-File: Click here to access free versions of Turbo Tax or My Free Taxes (H&R Block's product) and click on the Free Online Tax Filing tab which is located near the top of the page. Prepare and e-file your own return. Assistance, if needed, is provided through an 800 number.
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Traditional VITA Service: You schedule an appointment using this site and work with a certified volunteer that will assist you in preparing your return, review it with you and efile it for you when finished.
There are seven locations for the VITA program:
- Bates Memorial Baptist Church - 728 E. Lampton Street Louisville, KY 40203
- Louisville Urban League - 1535 West Broadway Louisville, KY 40203
- Wesley House Community Services - 5114 Preston Highway Louisville, KY 402013
- St. Vincent de Paul - 1029 South Preston St. Louisville, KY 40203
- United Crescent Hill Ministries - 150 State Street Louisville, KY 40206
- Family Scholar House UofL - 403 Reg Smith Circle Louisville, KY 40208
- Family Scholar House Riverport - 3320 Mary O'Connor Drive Louisville, KY 40216
- Online Appointment system
Please note that we do offer free tax preparation software on our website, labcservices.org.
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Are you between the ages of 16 and 21? SummerWorks offers an incredible opportunity to gain valuable job experience while earning a paycheck.
Through this program, you'll develop professional skills, explore career pathways, and even secure a job that aligns with your education and future goals. Don't miss this chance to build your resume and take a step toward a successful career.
For more information, click here.
Pro soccer returns to Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, March 15, as Racing Louisville hosts the North Carolina Courage. A new season for our city’s top-tier pro team kicks off at 5 p.m. with tickets available now.
Racing will debut some new jerseys, fans can order a green beer in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, and complimentary schedule magnets and posters will be available for pickup. That’s all in addition to Lynn Family Stadium’s $2 happy hour. starting when gates open at 3:30pm.
Ticket packages start at just $12 per game and include a variety of benefits that, when combined, total up to 10 times the value of the price. Packages can be paid for up front or in convenient monthly installments.
Fans who purchase Louisville City season tickets (Men's soccer team) in addition to Racing Louisville will also save 10%. Please note, the discount doesn’t apply to premium seating areas including club, rail, ledge and loge boxes.
On March 23, 2025, kick off Derby season in style! This unique event offers an exclusive preview of the latest couture designs for both women and men from the Featured Milliners at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
What to Expect:
Runway Showcase: Watch models bring the season’s most stunning hats and jewelry trends to life.
Signature Style: Collaborate with our featured milliners to create your perfect Derby look.
Shopping Experience: Explore exclusive shopping opportunities with milliners and a curated selection of specialty vendors.
Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show — Kentucky Derby Museum
It's never too late to focus on brain health. In this interactive session, you will learn about the six pillars of brain health, strategies for supporting brain health, and hopefully be inspired by others.
Free Lunch included with completed registration
Monday, March 24th 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Goodwill Opportunity Center 2820 W. Broadway
To Register call 877.926.8300
AARP.ORG log in - Register Free Online
Click here to read the social media public comment policy of the Louisville Metro Council.
Just for Fun Answers
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