Kentucky Call For Action - Week of February 4, 2018!

Kentucky is gorgeous and abundant land, with beautiful places and people. However, sometimes, there is major confusion in the people running the show around here! Just as we've gained a little ground with availability to 

clean energy sources, we have big utility trying to swoop in, control it all and push out the little guys. The House Natural Resources & Energy Committee is supposed to vote on House Bill 227 on Thursday, February 8, 2018. This legislation would end net-metering as we know it, threaten our homegrown solar industry, and put rooftop solar out-of-reach for most Kentuckians. Thanks to effective calls and emails from the community during the first go round, the committee was unable to make a decision, which provoked Chairman Gooch to "stack the deck" by adding three more members to the committee in hopes of passing the bill.  If you're a resident, will you take a few minutes to make our voices heard? Checkout Plowshares Community event post for details how!  Also, for a good summary on HB 227 checkout this article by Steve Wilkins of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
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So it seems Thursday the capitol is actually hearing some meaningful issues! We also have a fantastic opportunity to help get Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) licensed in Kentucky! CPMs are licensed in 28 states but not yet licensed in Kentucky. By having a recognized license, a standard education is necessary, insurance would more likely provide coverage for home birth, it would ensure provider accountability which in turn is more protection for mothers and babies, and an overall recognition of the profession would hopefully help bridge the gap with coordination and respect between hospital personnel and midwives. The Kentucky Home Birth Coalition (KHBC) is a consumer led grass-roots organization working to license CPM in Kentucky. KHBC knows "Licensing Certified Professional Midwives is the best way to ensure that those families who choose out-of-hospital birth will have access to quality maternity care." Thankfully KHBC has wonderfully organized "Lobby Day" this Thursday, February 8, 2018. If you are in the Frankfort area, or able to make the commute, we'd love to see you at the capital! Please sign up here, and they will let you know all the details of how you can help! ​