WELCOME

Dear Friends:
With the enactment of our JOBS for Kentucky tax modernization plan and a new state budget, we have made historic gains for the citizens of Kentucky. We have undertaken an overhaul of our tax system, while providing all areas of the Commonwealth with some much needed infrastructure and economic development initiatives. As with any complex legislation, the budget and tax plan are not perfect. But when considering the tax modernization idea, please look at the overall picture and the benefits that can be derived for families across our state.

Our tax laws have not kept pace with rapid changes in our economic system, which has moved toward a technological society. Tax modernization must address the inequities, inadequacies and inconsistencies in the tax structure in order to make Kentucky more competitive.

Almost all working Kentuckians will receive an income tax reduction. In addition, 216,000 filers, representing 496,000 Kentuckians, are being taken off the individual income tax rolls. A new postsecondary tuition tax credit will help families cope with rising costs of tuition. It is estimated that more than 61,000 families can use the tuition credits, providing a maximum benefit of $500 for families with incomes below $87,000.

Health savings accounts will allow taxpayers to contribute tax-deductible funds into an account to cover medical costs. This will make high-deductible health insurance policies more affordable, which will increase the number of people insured. The repeal of the corporate license tax and the reduction of the corporate income tax will stimulate job growth and investment in our economy.

We are committed to encouraging all citizens to take more control over their personal well being and healthcare costs. We have made adjustments in the taxes on cigarette and alcohol products. A school nutrition bill will contribute to a healthier environment in our schools and establish Kentucky on the forefront of this national movement. I am pleased that the First Lady’s “Read to Achieve” program was also supported by the Legislature.

It is essential that we create jobs for our citizens. As we work to move our state in the right direction, I will be grateful for your support of the initiatives that will help advance the vision of success for our Commonwealth.

Sincerely,
Ernie Fletcher
Governor
www.governor.ky.gov

Greetings!
We seek your assistance in our outreach to minority students who have graduated from high school or those who are at least 18 years of age to fill seasonal/interim employment opportunities at our various state parks and other state agencies, including the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington and the Fairgrounds in Louisville.

All interested applicants must complete a state application. Interested applicants must indicate the position(s) they are seeking (ex. Apprentice I & II, Clerk II, Lifeguard, Park Laborer, Park Worker I). State applications and job descriptions of these positions can be found at http://personnel.ky.gov/index.html. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The applicant must also indicate the county(s) where they are seeking to be employed. If the applicant desires only to be considered for a specific park/agency, then the county of that park/agency should be listed. (Note: This may not be the same county in which the applicant resides). If the applicant is very flexible, a statewide notation will give the candidate the opportunity to yield the greatest amount of job opportunities.

Once the applicant has completed the application, they should mail the application to the Governor's Office of Minority Empowerment, 700 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601, or Fax to 502-564-0437.

Please Note:
• Interim positions offer no benefits, other than the accumulation of sick and annual leave depending on the number of hours worked per month.
• Interim employees are at will and can be terminated without cause.
• Interim positions are termed positions and range from 2 to 8.5 months.
• Although interim employees are seasonal, we expect that interim employees follow all policies and procedures of the park and report to work on time when scheduled.
• Please remember that all applicants must be either 18 years of age or a high school graduate.
• All lifeguards must have the appropriate certification to be considered for lifeguard positions. Proof of certification must be submitted and verified before hiring.

Please feel free to contact the Governor’s Office of Minority Empowerment at 502-564-2611 with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Tierra Kavanaugh Turner
Executive Director of Minority Empowerment
Office of the Governor
www.ome.ky.gov


NEW MINORITY INITIATIVES

Economic Development Empowerment
This office will continue to investigate opportunities to maximize economic growth in the Commonwealth. We will specifically focus on educating minorities on fiscal responsibility and accountability. We will look for employment and advancement opportunities for qualified minorities in both the public and private sectors. We will continue to investigate the processes of awarding state contracts to minority businesses to address the evident procurement inequities from past administrations. The increased monitoring and awarding of government contracts will help to create more jobs. As stated earlier, in KY, according to the 1997 Census data, 96.9% of all businesses are classified as small businesses. Of that population, 34% are minority and woman-owned businesses. Thus, if each minority and woman-owned business would have the growth opportunity to hire 2 new employees during our current term in office, in excess of 150,000 new jobs would be created over the next 3 years.

Education Empowerment
The Governor's Office of Minority Empowerment works directly with the Education Cabinet and each of it’s departments to look for applicable solutions to close the academic achievement gaps between non-minority and minority students. We look to facilitate effective vocational education into our public schools to stimulate self confidence and achievement for those seeking to learn the initial components of a meaningful lifelong trade. We will continue to work with educators in all public school facilities to illustrate the need of on-going diversity training that focuses on racial and socioeconomic differences.

While ensuring that all of our youth are receiving a quality education we also have to ensure that qualified minority administrative personnel and teachers are aggressively being recruited, hired, retained and promoted. My office will continue to review the number of minority students in special education and the number of minority students in advanced programs. Included in our review processes will be test scores and discipline disparities. Illiteracy is an epidemic problem that further promotes generational bondage which is prolific within minority communities. Thus, adult literacy education and GED preparatory coursework will also be reviewed.

Healthcare Empowerment
GOME coordinates its efforts with the Cabinet of Health and Family Services to review the levels of access minorities have to quality healthcare facilities and services. We will continue to work to disseminate healthcare information to all minorities throughout the Commonwealth to improve the overall health of minorities. Our primary focus will be in the areas of prenatal care, adolescent pregnancy, diabetes, stroke, heart disease and HIV.

Housing Empowerment
We continually strive to improve the housing conditions of minorities throughout the state, while being uncompromising in our efforts to increase the percentage of minority homeowners throughout the state. We will accomplish this by using many of the existing government programs established for home-buying assistance. Please review our upcoming highlights to learn when our "Come Home to Your Home" Seminar will be in your area.

Government Services Empowerment
We continuously work to ensure that the minority community is well aware and informed of the services offered by their government and to provide technical assistance to the community to ensure that said services are properly, fairly, and effectively administered, delivered and maximized.

Criminal Justice Empowerment
Our office will work closely with the Justice Cabinet and all other relevant state agencies and organizations to review sentencing uniform guidelines within the criminal justice system. In addition, we will review sentencing guidelines and treatment for substance abuse offenders.

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UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission
Luncheon & Workshop
Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Louisville Water Company, Metropolitan Sewer District, LG&E Energy, and the Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission
Second Annual Joint "Show me the Opportunity" Reception
Thursday, April 14, 2005

Homeownership Education Workshop
The Governor's Office of Minority Empowerment along with the Kentucky Housing Corporation announces the Come Home to Your Home, Yes You Can...Own a Home, Homeownership Education Workshops. The workshops are held around the state throughout the year and are held from 9 am to 2 pm.

If you need answers to your credit questions (no credit, credit problems, etc.), help with a down payment or closing costs, details about the home buying process, loan prequalification information, or home maintenance guidance and information, this workshop is for you. We can help! Register to attend our workshop when it’s in your area by calling: Kentucky Housing Corporation, 800-633-8896 ext. 413 or the Governor’s Office of Minority Empowerment, 502-564-2611 ext. 370 or send an e-mail to kyome@ky.gov.

Don’t pass up this opportunity to learn how to become a successful homeowner.

The Come Home to Your Home workshops are currently scheduled for:
May 14, 2005: Louisville, KY
July 23, 2005: Shelbyville, KY
September 17, 2005: Lincoln Trail area

If you would like assistance with Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance, click here or for help with Special First Mortgage Loan Programs click here.

Kentucky Housing Corporation Offers Section 8 Homeownership Program
Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), the state housing finance agency, administers many housing programs including lower-than-market rate home mortgages, multifamily housing production financing and a variety of rental assistance and housing rehabilitation programs. Besides mortgage loans, KHC’s homeownership programs offer home buyers down payment and closing costs assistance, homeownership education/counseling and loan servicing. There are also various options designed specifically for single-parents, elderly and home buyers with disabilities.

One of KHC’s newest options is a home buying program for people receiving federal Section 8 rental assistance. Eligible Section 8 participants are issued a homeownership voucher and must not have owned a home for the last three years. They must complete pre-purchase counseling and become credit-ready with a minimum annual income of $10,300. For a person with a disability receiving SSI, the minimum income is $6,948. One or more members of the household must currently be employed on a full-time basis (at least 30 hours per week) and have been employed for at least one year (exception for elderly and disabled). The buyer must be able to pay one percent of the sales price of the home and receive post-purchase counseling.

For more information, contact Laura Sudduth at 1-800-633-8896 x 222.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The mission of the Commonwealth’s Personnel Cabinet is to take care of state government employees, as well as, those seeking employment with the state. Thus, we invite you to peruse their website at http://personnel.ky.gov/index.html. We are confident you will find the information beneficial.

Internship Opportunity
O, The Oprah Magazine is looking to hire fall interns in the Fashion and Style Departments. Candidates must be highly organized, detail-oriented and be able to juggle multiple tasks at once. Prior internship experience preferred, but not required. This opportunity is available for college students in need of credit hours and recent graduates who are available to start immediately, full-time from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 5 days a week. Send resumes with a cover letter to: Cindy M. del Rosario, Associate Editor, O, The Oprah Magazine, 1700 Broadway, 38th floor, NY, NY, or call 212-903-5149.

Verizon Opportunity
Verizon is seeking graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the following areas of interest: Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, Information Technology, General Business, Finance and Marketing. Interested applicants should submit their resume to: Melissa.W.Langham@verizon.com to be considered for career opportunities with Verizon.

 Harvard's Tuition Announcement
Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers announced in February 2004 a major new initiative designed to encourage talented students from families of low and moderate income to attend Harvard College. While the new initiative has four major components, including recruitment, admissions, and a summer academic program designed to prepare talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds for college, the financial aid component increases aid for students from low and moderate income families. Parents in families with incomes of less than $40,000 will no longer be expected to contribute to the cost of attending Harvard for their children. In addition, Harvard will reduce the contributions expected of families with incomes between $40,000 and $60,000.

Thus, if you know of a family earning less than $40,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. To find out more information about Harvard's free tuition initiative, please click here visit Harvard's financial aid web site at http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/index.htm or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495-1581.

Department of Military Affairs
GEOPROCESSING SPECIALIST I, 9780, Pay Grade: Grade 12; Salary Range: $2,245.76 (entry level) - $2,975.22 (midpoint); Location: Engineering and Services Branch, Facilities Division, Frankfort, KY (Franklin County); Selection Method: Non-P1; General Job Duties: Coordinates/conducts facility documentation, updates master plans, conducts site inspections, prepares reports and integrates with Facilities Center (PRIDE). Maintains database, digitizes map layers and updates existing maps as needed. Identifies sources of data, develops coding structures for non-graphic data, and documents information regarding source and preparation of map layers. Designs and produces map products, accurately complies and integrates cartographic data from varied sources in preparation for the digital conversion process. Designs GIS systems, analyzes existing GIS and database programs, makes corrections and or enhancements, tests programs to determine usefulness, provides specifications for applications development, customizes software to meet end users' GIS application needs. Provides guidance for compilation, conversions, modification and enhancement of computer maps. Monitors GIS workstations and system performance, installs new authorized version of software and additional hardware components, performs periodic backups, maintains security on the systems and ensures the supplies are available as needed. Provides user support and training for database and map generation systems. Attends professional meetings and training to update department master planning/GIS programs. Develops and compiles cost data and requirements to submit budget request in support of master planning/GIS programs. Performs other duties as necessary or as assigned. Minimum Requirements: Education: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree. Applicant must have successfully completed six semester hours in computer science, data processing, or geographic information system courses. Experience: None. Substitution Clause: Education: None. Experience: Experience in geoprocessing will substitute for the bachelor's degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. One year experience in geoprocessing will substitute for the six semester hour requirement. Experience in manual mapping techniques, photogrammyetry or land surveying will substitute for the bachelor's degree on the basis of 18 months experience for one year of education. Submit Application To: Julius Berthold, Executive Director, Office of Management & Administration, 100 Minuteman Parkway - EOC Building, Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, KY 40601. To request an application, contact: Teresa Lee, (502) 607-1237. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 09 April 2005

John F. McGillicuddy Scholarship
The United Negro College Fund/JPMorganChase Bank is offering a full scholarship known as the John F. McGillicuddy Scholarship.

This scholarship pays (FULL TUITION) & provides a (COMPUTER LOADED WITH THE LATEST SOFTWARE). This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors entering as a college freshman full time at a UNCF college/university. Applicants must be residents of one of the below participating states.

Participating States: Missouri, California, Indiana, Arizona, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Delaware, Michigan, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana, Utah, and West Virginia.

Leroy Clarke (Past Scholarship Recipient): Leroy Clarke is a 1995 recipient of this same scholarship and was able to attend Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC. He completed three summer internships at JPMorganChase while receiving funds for school and professional mentoring. Leroy joined the firm full-time in 1999 after being offered a position in one of the Management Development Programs. He now works in Investment Bank Technology and currently serve as an active member of the United Negro College Fund/JPMorganChase Bank John F. McGillicuddy Scholarship Selection Committee. Should you have any scholarship only related questions you can contact Leroy Clarke at Leroy.Clarke@jpmorgan.com

All Scholarship Information Can Be Found at: http://www.uncf.org/scholarships/scholardetail.asp?Sch_ID=173

Application Deadline: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

38 UNCF Member Colleges/Universities:

1. Benedict College, Columbia, SC
2. Bennett College, Greensboro, NC
3. Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, FL
4. Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC
5. Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA
6. Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
7. Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, FL
8. Fisk University, Nashville, TN
9. Florida Memorial College, Miami, FL
10. Huston-Tillotson, Austin, TX
11. Interdenominational Theological Ctr, Atlanta, GA
12. Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, TX
13. Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC
14. Lane College, Jackson, TN
15. LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN
16. Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC
17. Miles College, Birmingham, AL
18. Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
19. Morris College, Sumter, SC
20. Oakwood College, Huntsville, AL
21. Paine College, Augusta, GA
22. Paul Quinn College, Dallas, TX
23. Philander Smith College, Little Rock, AR
24. Rust College, Holly Springs, MS
25. Saint Augustine's College, Raleigh, NC
26. Saint Paul's College, Lawrenceville, VA
27. Shaw University, Raleigh, NC
28. Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
29. Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL
30. Talladega College, Talladega, AL
31. Texas College, Tyler, TX
32. Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS
33. Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
34. Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA
35. Voorhees College, Denmark, SC
36. Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, OH
37. Wiley College, Marshall, TX
38. Xavier University, New Orleans, LA

For more education opportunities please click here.

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BUSINESS

Interested in doing business with the Commonwealth? One must be registered to do so. All potential vendors seeking a contract with the Commonwealth and/or wanting to be notified of opportunities to do business with the Commonwealth should be registered. Registration allows vendors the opportunity to identify products and services they wish to offer to the Commonwealth. In addition, vendor registration makes it easier for agencies to find your company. Vendors may register and review current bid opportunities on the eProcurement website: https://eprocurement.ky.gov/. A vendor registering for the first time may go to the New Vendor Registration section on the eProcurement page and provide the requested information.

Application for Emerging Business Leaders Summit (EBLS) for Minority Undergraduate and Graduate Students
The Emerging Business Leaders Summit (EBLS) for minority students is fast approaching. This event is held each year in Washington, DC in conjunction with the National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. Your assistance is needed to help identify interested minority students who can apply to attend this exciting event in Washington during the period September 11-14, 2005. Fifty (50) minority students will be selected from across the nation to attend this event and will be provided a full conference package (including travel, meals, and hotel accommodations). Ten (10) of the 50 students attending colleges and universities in the Atlanta Region (eight southeastern states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will be selected to represent the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) - Atlanta National Enterprise Center. A panel of judges will convene to select students to represent the Atlanta Region in Washington.

The application is available (online) for minority students to apply to participate in the 2005 Summit. MBDA's web site address is www.mbda.gov and students can download the application by clicking on "EBLS" on MBDA's home page (left hand column under the heading "LEARN ABOUT"). Students selected to attend this event will have an opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship as a career option. Please notify as many minority college and graduate students as possible or your contacts at educational institutions about this event and the application process. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 15, 2005.

Information on MED Week is located at the following site: www.medweek.gov or contact: Cheryl May-Holmes, Esq., Business Development Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), 404/730-3300, 404/730-3313 (fax), www.mbda.gov, email: cmayholmes@mbda.gov.

"MBDA - The only Federal agency created specifically to foster the establishment and growth of minority businesses."

The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce launches national campaign to dramatically increase access to capital for women-owned businesses. Read more...

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NEWS OF INTEREST

Governor Ernie Fletcher announces Minority Action Committee, Blue Ribbon Panel for Human Rights Commission. (Click here to view pictures of this news conference.)

Governor Ernie Fletcher commended legislators today for passing Senate Bill 42; legislation to establish the Office of Minority Empowerment in the Office of the Governor.

Governor Ernie Fletcher signs historic tax modernization legislation.

Governor Ernie Fletcher Works to Secure an Additional 2.2 Million for Kentucky State University

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HEALTH NEWS

April is National Minority Health Month and focuses on the elimination of health disparities among Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latin Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, etc. The objectives of National Minority Health Month are:

- To build public/private partnerships around addressing health disparities
- To foster cultural competency among healthcare professionals
- To encourage health education, literacy, training, and expand the use of state-of-the-art technologies within communities of color

May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month - Make Dreams and Aspirations Come True: Prevent Adolescent Pregnancy. Tips for preventing adolescent pregnancy include:

- Get teens involved in school and recreational activities (after school programs)
- Talk with teens about their feelings and fears. Help them to set positive goals for the future
- Talk with your teens about abstinence, sex, and sexuality
- Encourage teens to avoid using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
"Source: Tennessee Department of Health 2005 Calendar"

To see more information on minority health click here.

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Minorities in State Government
Learn about your voice in Frankfort and find out who's who.
Please call 502-564-2611 for your copy.