VIEWS EXPRESSED BY CONTRIBUTORS IN COLUMNS/OPINION EDITORIALS ETC. ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF CLAYCONEWS

By Kentucky Center for Economic Policy

433 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40403
859-756-4605 | Information and inquiries:

As public and private employers across Kentucky increasingly offer paid parental leave, tens of thousands of Kentucky state workers are forced to use paid sick leave, vacation time and even unpaid leave to spend important time with a new child.

VIEWS EXPRESSED BY CONTRIBUTORS IN COLUMNS/OPINION EDITORIALS ETC. ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF CLAYCONEWS

A Call to Action: Why We Must Abolish the Restaurant Tax
By: Gerardo Serrano/Pro-Life Advocate, Defender of Individual Rights

Across Kentucky, 50 cities have implemented a restaurant tax, quietly sold to the public to promote tourism and boost local economies. The truth, however, is far from what these politicians would have you believe. This tax is not about building our communities—it's about burdening our residents, enriching political allies, and consolidating power at the expense of those who live and work in these cities.

VIEWS EXPRESSED BY CONTRIBUTORS IN COLUMNS/OPINION EDITORIALS ETC. ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF CLAYCONEWS

Opinion Editorial by: Bill Polyniak —Owner, Kentucky Cannabis Company

Kentucky is facing a growing crisis that has hit our schools and communities hard. School-age children are not just vaping nicotine anymore—synthetic cannabinoids, often referred to as "fake weed" or "fake marijuana," have taken over. And now, instead of addressing the vaping epidemic, the problem is evolving. Synthetic gummies and drinks, often marketed to youth, are replacing vape products and are being sold openly in convenience stores and gas stations. This shift is alarming, especially as teachers and school nurses witness the fallout firsthand. Beyond the schools, emergency rooms are treating more cases of people experiencing seizures and other severe health issues after ingesting these synthetic cannabinoids. This isn't just a public health problem; it's an urgent safety issue.

VIEWS EXPRESSED BY CONTRIBUTORS IN COLUMNS/OPINION EDITORIALS ETC. ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF CLAYCONEWS

By: Pro-Life Advocate, Defender of Individual Rights, Gerardo Serrano

As a Pro-Life Republican with a Libertarian philosophy, I firmly believe that the rights of a child begin at conception. This conviction is rooted in my deeply held spiritual beliefs, but I also recognize that my faith alone cannot dictate policy in a nation that values individual freedoms. If we want to create laws that save lives, we must rely on principles that everyone—religious or not—can recognize and respect.