Columns and Editorials

When it comes to setting tax rates, I can hear in my mind a litany of objections to any increase coming down the pike from my many years of reporting.

The most common that arose within my hearing over the years goes something like this: “I don’t get any public services for the taxes I’m paying.”

It seems to me that’s a gross exaggeration.

Last week, the United States celebrated the 95th anniversary of women’s right to vote, a milestone made possible by the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Kentucky was the 23rd state to ratify that amendment, but it did not clear its final legislative hurdle until Tennessee became the 36th in Aug. 1920.  Interestingly, that decision was a close one, occurring only when a young legislator voted in favor at the request of his mother.

One of the ongoing challenges our country faces is making sure our veterans receive the full benefits they have rightfully earned.

Unfortunately, as we discovered during a legislative meeting earlier this month, there are still some who are either unaware of what is available or who have become mired in bureaucracy.  The good news is that, thanks to the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA), we are making great strides in closing these twin gaps.

By Mark Fassio, guest columnist

DISCLAIMER:  If this piece makes it into the Local, you’ll be reading it as I’m emerging  from cancer surgery #4.  So if there’s any objections to what I’ve written, wait for my post-op recovery before coming after me, ok?