Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman spelled out a plan to get more internet service to low income school children during Tuesday’s coronavirus briefing.
Coleman said the so-called last mile initiative relies upon $8 million in federal CARES ACT funding. “Our goal is by September 15 through an RFP we will identify providers who will supply high speed internet service for all K-12 students in low income homes at no more than 10 dollars per month for the next two to three school years,” said Coleman.
Governor Beshear and Cabinet Secretary Michael Brown detailed another round of inmate commutations. This second early release involves 646 inmates who are medically vulnerable or have less than six months left on sentences for non-violent non-sex related crimes.
The governor says a new program to provide additional flexibility in delivering child care services across Kentucky is in the works. The governor stressed during the briefing the new initiative won’t lessen the importance of providing services safely. Health and Family Services Cabinet Secretary Eric Friedlander said it will involve a comprehensive plan. “We need to work on how we increase access, how we increase the number of child care providers, even while we’re struggling. So, those are things we are going to work on.”
Friedlander noted some $67 million has been spent to help child care centers re-open and to help with capacity. The cabinet secretary added more still is needed. Governor Beshear announced 688 new COVID-19 cases and ten deaths.
If you appreciate access to this important content during this global health emergency, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.
