Representative Osborne (Left) Attending Committee Testimony Session with fellow State Representatives                                  

March 17, 2006

Osborne levels playing field for high growth districts

Frankfort – Two bills, introduced by State Representative David Osborne of Oldham County, would provide relief for high growth school districts by increasing state matching funds.

Both of Osborne's bills, HB 411 and HB 684, provide additional funding for those school districts that are levying the "growth" taxes for new facilities.

HB 411 would provide that districts who have levied taxes for new facilities would receive state matching funds for debt service if the district has experienced significant student growth over the previous three years.

"When school districts experience incredible student growth like ours, I believe that the state has to act accordingly with proper funding. Our local taxpayers are shouldering an excessive burden for this growth," Osborne said.

The second bill, HB 684, would allow these same districts to recoup the state fuel tax that is levied on fuel used in school vehicles that transport students. "This measure would provide some degree of operational relief for those districts that have stretched their budgets to the breaking point."

Osborne said it was crucial for Kentucky's future to properly and fairly fund education, in order to continue to update facilities, programs and technology. He added that Oldham County residents are blessed with a wonderful public school system and Frankfort needs to be a great bigger partner in order to maintain the very highest standards for our schools.

"I think everyone understands that in a state with widely varying economic conditions, there must be some degree of reallocating funds from wealthy areas of the state in order to pay for even the most basic education opportunities in poorer districts," said Osborne. "These bills simply acknowledge that there are some districts that have imposed an excessive burden on their taxpayers and asks the state to step forward and do their share. The long-term goal would be to allow us to get to a point of equitable funding and financial stability where we could start removing those growth nickels."

March 16, 2006

Governor Ernie Fletcher Awards LaGrange with Cemetery Preservation Funds

LaGrange Baptist Church Receives Funding for the Lick Branch Baptist Church Cemetery

Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Governor's Office for Local Development (GOLD) awarded the LaGrange Baptist Church with a $4,000 Cemetery Preservation Grant for the Lick Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Governor Ernie Fletcher said, "The conservation of local cemeteries is important to many communities as it preserves the history of an area.  This funding will allow the Lick Branch Baptist Church Cemetery to remain a part of the LaGrange past."

Cemetery Preservation Funds will be used for cleaning, tombstone repairs and fencing. 

"Funding to protect cemeteries is very important," said Senator Ernie Harris (R-Crestwood).  "The families who have loved ones in the Lick Branch Baptist Cemetery will certainly appreciate the efforts of the local community to maintain the cemetery."

"Cemeteries are important not only for families who have lost loved ones, but for those seeking to find their historical roots," noted Representative David Osborne (R-Prospect). "I am pleased that the LaGrange Baptist Church was awarded funding for their efforts to improve the conditions of the cemetery."

The Kentucky Cemetery Preservation program funds maintenance, preservation and restoration activities.  Examples of maintenance activities include initial cleanup and landscaping, purchasing equipment, fencing, signage and improving interior roads. Preservation and restoration activities include acquiring conservation easements, surveying boundaries and repairing and cleaning tombstones.

Other activities that are eligible for funding are historic research, archiving, training to support cemetery preservation and improving access roads.

Counties may establish five-member county cemetery boards to apply for grants. State agencies, local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations - cemeteries, historical and genealogical groups, and local civic groups - also may apply. However, applications from county boards will receive funding priority.

The maximum grant that a group can receive is $25,000 and the minimum grant is $1,000, and a one-to-one local match is required.

A five-member state board oversees the program and makes funding decisions. The state board is comprised of representatives from the Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC), the Kentucky Historical Society, the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) and the Kentucky African-American Heritage Commission and chaired by the Commissioner of GOLD.  

Pictured From Left to Right: Rep. David Osborne, Senator Ernie Harris, Harold Roberts, Merle Purvis, Lewis "Dugan" Wallace, Whitney Simpson and Rep. Rick Rand.

Oldham County Arts Association Receives Arts Council Operating Support Check from Representative David Osborne

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Arts leaders from across the Commonwealth came to Frankfort on February 8 to celebrate Arts Day and meet with their legislators.  During this time, Representative David Osborne presented a check to the Oldham County Arts Association for their FY2006 General Operating Support Grant.  Oldham County Arts Association was awarded $1,395.00 by the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet. 

   State Representative David Osborne and

    State Senator Ernie Harris Present a Check

     to the Oldham County Arts Association on

     Feb 8, 2006

“The Oldham County Arts Association is a great asset to our community,” said Representative Osborne. The tireless efforts of the board, staff and volunteers have produced unbelievable results since the Arts Association was founded in 1997.”

2006 General Assembly Questionnaire

Click here to view and download Representative David Osborne's 2006 General Assembly Questionnaire