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“Historical Horse Racing” Appellate Brief Filed before KY Supreme Court
Download Appellate Brief Remarks by Kent Ostrander, Executive Director of The Family Foundation (September 9, 2019): FRANKFORT, KY – We have begun our tenth year in this court case by filing our Appellate Brief before the Kentucky Supreme Court. This case has...
“Historical Racing” / slot gaming case to be heard by the Kentucky Supreme Court
Stan Cave may have the patience of Job, but he certainly has the faith of Jonathan and his armor bearer. (See I Sam 14) Cave, The Family Foundation’s attorney, has been fighting with as many as 14 attorneys at a time since August of 2010 in the various machinations of...
“Four Truths” about gambling expansion
It has always worked this way: A few people who have money try to induce those who have little to “take a chance.” Those wealthy individuals never gamble on their machines — they know better. Now we have the horse racing industry, which claims to need money,...
Foxes Guarding Hens
On Aug. 21, a meeting was held in Frankfort to discuss the newest idea for solving the state’s financial problems. The Joint Interim Licensing and Occupations Committee took testimony on sports wagering legislation. Unfortunately for supporters of this legislation,...
Some want to put a fox over the sports wagering hen house, says family group spokesman
LEXINGTON, KY — A spokesman for a group opposed to sports wagering rang alarm bells today about how lawmakers wanting to expand gambling in the state plan to regulate it. "Proponents of sports wagering in the Kentucky General Assembly want to put a fox in charge of...
Lawmakers ignoring Constitution on sports wagering, says family group
LEXINGTON, KY — "That silence you hear coming from Frankfort is the Joint Licensing and Occupations Committee not talking about how their sports wagering legislation is unconstitutional," said Martin Cothran, a spokesman for The Family Foundation, which opposes...
Federal Appeals Court hears oral argument
CINCINNATI, OH – “This case is about women’s safety,” said Joyce Ostrander, policy analyst for The Family Foundation. “If justice prevails, EMW and Planned Parenthood will continue to be required to have a written agreement in place ensuring the smooth and rapid...
The Value of Every Life
People should be able to make choices free from the moral restraints of the religious views of others. That’s what liberals and even libertarians have long argued because, after all,“you can’t legislate morality.” However, every law is just that – a moral decision....
States’ momentum building to overturn Roe
On May 14, the five conservative justices of the U.S. Supreme Court joined together to overturn a 40-year-old court precedent because they believed it to be “an incorrect resolution of an important constitutional question.” Though the case had nothing to do with...
“Historical Horse Racing” Appellate Brief Filed before KY Supreme Court
Download Appellate Brief Remarks by Kent Ostrander, Executive Director of The Family Foundation (September 9, 2019): FRANKFORT, KY – We have begun our tenth year in this court case by filing our Appellate Brief before the Kentucky Supreme Court. This case has...
“Historical Racing” / slot gaming case to be heard by the Kentucky Supreme Court
Stan Cave may have the patience of Job, but he certainly has the faith of Jonathan and his armor bearer. (See I Sam 14) Cave, The Family Foundation’s attorney, has been fighting with as many as 14 attorneys at a time since August of 2010 in the various machinations of...
“Four Truths” about gambling expansion
It has always worked this way: A few people who have money try to induce those who have little to “take a chance.” Those wealthy individuals never gamble on their machines — they know better. Now we have the horse racing industry, which claims to need money,...
Foxes Guarding Hens
On Aug. 21, a meeting was held in Frankfort to discuss the newest idea for solving the state’s financial problems. The Joint Interim Licensing and Occupations Committee took testimony on sports wagering legislation. Unfortunately for supporters of this legislation,...
Some want to put a fox over the sports wagering hen house, says family group spokesman
LEXINGTON, KY — A spokesman for a group opposed to sports wagering rang alarm bells today about how lawmakers wanting to expand gambling in the state plan to regulate it. "Proponents of sports wagering in the Kentucky General Assembly want to put a fox in charge of...
Lawmakers ignoring Constitution on sports wagering, says family group
LEXINGTON, KY — "That silence you hear coming from Frankfort is the Joint Licensing and Occupations Committee not talking about how their sports wagering legislation is unconstitutional," said Martin Cothran, a spokesman for The Family Foundation, which opposes...
Federal Appeals Court hears oral argument
CINCINNATI, OH – “This case is about women’s safety,” said Joyce Ostrander, policy analyst for The Family Foundation. “If justice prevails, EMW and Planned Parenthood will continue to be required to have a written agreement in place ensuring the smooth and rapid...
The Value of Every Life
People should be able to make choices free from the moral restraints of the religious views of others. That’s what liberals and even libertarians have long argued because, after all,“you can’t legislate morality.” However, every law is just that – a moral decision....
States’ momentum building to overturn Roe
On May 14, the five conservative justices of the U.S. Supreme Court joined together to overturn a 40-year-old court precedent because they believed it to be “an incorrect resolution of an important constitutional question.” Though the case had nothing to do with...
“Historical Horse Racing” Appellate Brief Filed before KY Supreme Court
Download Appellate Brief Remarks by Kent Ostrander, Executive Director of The Family Foundation (September 9, 2019): FRANKFORT, KY – We have begun our tenth year in this court case by filing our Appellate Brief before the Kentucky Supreme Court. This case has...
“Historical Racing” / slot gaming case to be heard by the Kentucky Supreme Court
Stan Cave may have the patience of Job, but he certainly has the faith of Jonathan and his armor bearer. (See I Sam 14) Cave, The Family Foundation’s attorney, has been fighting with as many as 14 attorneys at a time since August of 2010 in the various machinations of...
“Four Truths” about gambling expansion
It has always worked this way: A few people who have money try to induce those who have little to “take a chance.” Those wealthy individuals never gamble on their machines — they know better. Now we have the horse racing industry, which claims to need money,...
Foxes Guarding Hens
On Aug. 21, a meeting was held in Frankfort to discuss the newest idea for solving the state’s financial problems. The Joint Interim Licensing and Occupations Committee took testimony on sports wagering legislation. Unfortunately for supporters of this legislation,...
Some want to put a fox over the sports wagering hen house, says family group spokesman
LEXINGTON, KY — A spokesman for a group opposed to sports wagering rang alarm bells today about how lawmakers wanting to expand gambling in the state plan to regulate it. "Proponents of sports wagering in the Kentucky General Assembly want to put a fox in charge of...
Lawmakers ignoring Constitution on sports wagering, says family group
LEXINGTON, KY — "That silence you hear coming from Frankfort is the Joint Licensing and Occupations Committee not talking about how their sports wagering legislation is unconstitutional," said Martin Cothran, a spokesman for The Family Foundation, which opposes...
Federal Appeals Court hears oral argument
CINCINNATI, OH – “This case is about women’s safety,” said Joyce Ostrander, policy analyst for The Family Foundation. “If justice prevails, EMW and Planned Parenthood will continue to be required to have a written agreement in place ensuring the smooth and rapid...
The Value of Every Life
People should be able to make choices free from the moral restraints of the religious views of others. That’s what liberals and even libertarians have long argued because, after all,“you can’t legislate morality.” However, every law is just that – a moral decision....
States’ momentum building to overturn Roe
On May 14, the five conservative justices of the U.S. Supreme Court joined together to overturn a 40-year-old court precedent because they believed it to be “an incorrect resolution of an important constitutional question.” Though the case had nothing to do with...
Older Posts
Kentucky has five pro-life bills “in court”
The past two years have been busy in federal courts for Kentucky’s laws that protect life and women. Not only have the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and EMW Women’s Surgical Center sued the Commonwealth over new laws, they have begun to file legal challenges over...
GRACE: Like the Israelite mid-wives in Egypt, Help Centers are saving lives and shaping futures of young mothers
To become a state with a comprehensive “culture of life” it takes many people and many groups doing the many things necessary. As mentioned previously, Grace and Truth must both be manifest. Pregnancy Help Centers are the essence of Grace –meeting women at their point...
TRUTH: Kentucky has led the nation with 10 new pro-life bills passed in the last three years
Though Kentucky has been a “pro-life state” for several decades, with polls in the late 1990s suggesting that 70 to 80 percent of Kentuckians favored restrictions on abortion,it was not until the last few years that pro-life legislation has flourished. Legislation, of...
Our Commonwealth is one of the national leaders for the SANCTITY OF LIFE!
In the late 1980’s Dr. James Dobson, Founder and President of Focus on the Family, made this statement: “America is involved in a Civil War of values, and the prize to the winner is the next generation of children.” Sadly, he was painfully correct. Since 1973, through...
Life’s National Snapshot
LIFE'S NATIONAL SNAPSHOT Momentum for overturning Roe has been building since the 1973 case legalized abortion and established the trimester framework governing when and why states could regulate it. In 1992, Planned Parenthood v. Casey came close to overturning Roe,...
The Value of Every Life
People should be able to make choices free from the moral restraints of the religious views of others. That’s what liberals and even libertarians have long argued because, after all, “you can’t legislate morality.” However, every law is just that – a moral...
Senate Marches On With Confirmations
SENATE MARCHES ON WITH CONFIRMATIONS The U.S. Senate, under Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s leadership, confirmed 15 federal judicial nominees this month. Since 2017, he has led the U.S. Senate to confirm 112 of President Trump’s judicial nominees. The confirmation...
Seeing Life is Believing Life
Seeing Life is Believing Life Every parent remembers seeing and hearing their child for the first time through an ultrasound. Ultrasounds have the unique ability to help parents bond with their children by accessing additional human senses. A nationwide study found...
Adults and Their Sexual Fantasies
Adults and Their Sexual Fantasies The Louisville Free Library is holding a “Drag Queen Storytime” tomorrow, May 18. The event had been scheduled on March 30, but was cancelled for some unknown reason. However, according to WHAS, Louisville’s interim library director...
PP Attempts to Thwart Safety Regulation
LEXINGTON, KY--"The organization that talks about safe and legal abortions doesn't seem to care enough about safety to make sure that women get the care they need if something goes wrong," said a spokesman for The Family Foundation today. The comment came in response...
Louisville’s Planned Parenthood pushing against Bevin Administration
In January 2016, upon discovering that abortions were being provided without the legally required license, newly-elected Kentucky Gov. Bevin sent Louisville’s Planned Parenthood a cease-and-desist letter. America’s largest abortion provider and the Commonwealth have...
Rep. Tim Moore: A key pro-life leader in the House
Without doubt, Kentucky’s pro-life success is the culmination of decades of work from many leaders. Tim Moore is one of them. Many people, both inside government and outside government, have labored on the sanctity of life issue in Kentucky since the 1973 Roe v. Wade...
Some want our money at all costs
Opinion: By Martin Cothran, Senior Policy Analyst for The Family Foundation The gambling bill in the 2019 Session is dead, but the corruptive influence of the gambling industry never dies. In early February, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported that a prominent...
Free Speech secured for KY’s state universities
This legislative battle actually brought a few of those on the left to work with those on the right. The result was “victory.” It’s not often that a conservative college student and liberal college student stand side-by-side in support of legislation at the Kentucky...
Historical Racing case is farcical
It’s a fact that these machines were operating LONG BEFORE there was a ruling. How the Kentucky judiciary had been allowing these “historical racing” slot machines to operate long before it ruled in the case is “Exhibit Number 1” of how the gambling industry corrupts...
HB 175: Massive gambling expansion bill fails!
Though it was described simply as a “Sports Wagering bill,” HB 175 would have had huge ramifications for Kentucky families. House Bill 175 was “advertised” in the General Assembly in Frankfort as the “Sports Wagering Bill” but it actually went way beyond its moniker....
U of L medical professor taken out in ideological purge files suit
LEXINGTON, KY—"Once again, in the name of tolerance and diversity, the University of Louisville is practicing the exact opposite. And, yes, once again people who pretend to champion science are instead imposing an ideological party line," said a spokesman for The...
Which path will the Court choose?
On Wednesday, February 27, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that will settle the fate of a nearly 100-year-old cross-shaped war memorial in Maryland. The Court also has an opportunity to clarify or change the legal standard to be applied in other...
Testimony on HB 175 – The Gambling Expansion Bill
Testimony HighlightsVideo highlights of attorney Stan Cave's Feb. 13, 2019 testimony before the House Licensing, Occupations, & Admin Regs Committee concerning HB 175 (as filed). Call the toll-free Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 and leave this message...
Gambling expansion is bad policy! – CALL!
The legislative efforts to expand gambling are now coming from some Republicans. Phone calls are the best tool to stop them. HB 175 is posted for passage in the Kentucky House. Stan Cave, attorney for The Family Foundation, who testified against HB175 (as filed)...
Casinos are here without authorization – CALL!
There are only two ways left to stop them: 1) Gov. Bevin can do it; and 2) The Family Foundation’s 8-year-and-counting court case. The only way to stop the six casinos that have come to Kentucky with their slot-like “historical racing” machines is to have one of the...
Cannabis must be fully researched – CALL!
House Concurrent Resolution 5 (HCR 5) calls on the FDA to properly study cannabis, just like it does all other medications. ALL of the herbs and grasses of the field, and ALL of the shrubs and trees have been given to man to use and develop for his benefit. Cannabis...
Louisiana law case could be the tipping point
The case deals with abortion so it could give some indication where the Court, now with Kavanuagh and Gorsuch, wants to go. Much has been debated about what the US Supreme Court will do with the abortion case coming out of Louisiana. The measure on trial, known as Act...
HB175 not constitutional
LEXINGTON, KY — An attorney for The Family Foundation told a House committee today that the so-called sports wagering bill was neither constitutional, nor was it only a sports wagering bill. Stan Cave, attorney for the group, said the bill, HB 175, was "an attempt by...
Leaders’ Letter
The Leaders' Letter for the Timely and Orderly Confirmation of Judicial Nominees was delivered to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Senate Judiciary Chairman Graham on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Copies were also delivered to the Republican Members...
The 2019 General Assembly: OPPORTUNITY!
Difficult issues are facing our Senators and Representatives, so they will need ALL the help they can get! (So, be sure to make your calls.) Here's the "Bad News” for the 2019 General Assembly Session: There are 32 brand new Representatives in the State House of...
Legislators need your encouragement. Make YOUR toll-free call (one call on each)
Call 1-800-372-7181 Call the toll-free Legislative Message Line and leave these messages. It is very easy. You will not have to speak to your legislator(s) – simply leave a message with the receptionist for “all legislators in (your) county.” Double your impact by...
How A Bill Becomes A Law
A law begins its journey toward enactment when it is introduced as a bill. It can be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, but it must be approved by both in order to be sent to the Governor for his signature, at which point it becomes law....
They believe “It’s time for us to do something . . .”
The plight of “looking after widows and orphans in their distress” caused this couple to step out . . . and now, step into Kentucky. When contemporary Christian singer Matthew West wrote “Do Something,” he probably didn’t envision Special Assistants for...
HC Resolution 5: Best path forward – CALL!
Keep the good (medications) and eliminate the bad (contaminants, hallucinogens, etc.) In other words, do the RESEARCH FIRST! Kentucky legislators are preparing for what will likely be a hot debate over a plant. Two bills to legalize marijuana and a resolution to...
Gambling is bad public policy! – Please CALL!
The efforts to expand gambling are coming from two directions: The Legislature, and the Executive Branch (using the courts). The gambling industry, using its wealth and influence, is attacking Kentucky on two fronts in order to expand its grip on the finances of...
Legislators of Faith
A very significant gathering! A very significant time! By Kent Ostrander, Executive Director of The Family Foundation Perhaps one of the most encouraging events that has taken place in my 30 years of work in the legislature, took place on Saturday, Dec. 1. On that...
Kentucky Marriage Movement: A Fruitful 2018!
By Greg Williams, Director of the Kentucky Marriage Movement Looking back on 2018, I am pleased to see the Kentucky Marriage Movement (KMM) continue to grow in every way. KMM facilitated events for 13 churches and expanded the Love and Lordship series with Lexington...
Casinos are here but no one knows how or why
Opinion: In 2010 Gov. Beshear and the gambling industry set a course to manipulate the judicial system and bypass the legislature. By Martin Cothran, Senior Policy Analyst for The Family Foundation For twenty-five years, Kentucky has been debating the issue of...
Kennedy & problems with same-sex marriage
The Obergefell decision began a collision course with other rights that Kentuckians, and all Americans, have always cherished. Casting the deciding vote and writing for the Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Kennedy decided that the “limitation...
As I See It… Two Inconvenient Truths
Kentuckians now await Judge Joseph McKinley’s decision on live dismemberment of the unborn. His decision may be a year away. By Joyce Ostrander, Policy Analyst for The Family Foundation Testimony in the November 2018 trial of Kentucky’s newest abortion statute...
The federal judiciary continues to move right
The transformation of the federal judiciary moves forward with Trump and McConnell working diligently hand-in-hand. As President Trump’s second year in office comes to a close, one of his greatest accomplishments has been the lifetime appointments of federal judges....
Court left the Assembly out, so slots are coming
After more than eight years of manipulations by the gambling industry, a judge ruled in their favor. But an appeal has been filed! The transformation of the federal judiciary moves forward with Trump and McConnell working diligently hand-in-hand. On Oct. 24, Franklin...
Marijuana from a Healthcare Provider Perspective
With some states legalizing “medical marijuana” and some states even legalizing “recreational marijuana,” health practitioners are having to increase their knowledge of the complications arising from marijuana use by their patients. “Medical marijuana” in these states...
Marijuana? Let’s do the research first – CALL!
Get the good, helpful chemicals out of the plant with none of the bad chemicals that do harm. In other words, do the research! There is a large battle looming in Kentucky that will be centered around the question of whether marijuana should be a legal substance. Right...
The gambling industry is working now – CALL!
Watch for a number of bills to be offered in the 2019 Session. It will be sold as a “revenue-raiser,” so watch their guile. The gambling industry is at it once again in its attempt to put down roots in Kentucky. Besides the eight-year-long court case where they are...
The Nov. 6 message? EVERY vote counts!
Consider these facts: six House seats were decided by 50 votes or less. There were six House races that were decided by 50 votes or less, including one race that was decided by ONE VOTE. House District 13: Incumbent D.J. Johnson (R) was defeated by Jim Glenn (D), the...
Nov. 6 was a good election day for the family
Many of those who were elected ran with pro-life and pro-family campaigns, suggesting good things for the 2019 Session. From a “pro-family” perspective, the Nov. 6 election and its impact on the Kentucky General Assembly should turn out to be a major step forward....
Kentucky mixes blue & red
Republican-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate were racing forward with their conservative agenda – passing seven bills in the first five days of the 2017 Session. The speed is not the same in 2018 for a number of reasons. Among the bills passed early...
Don’t trust those who covet YOUR money
Opinion: The gambling industry weasels it’s way into the most favorable position. It’s very good at sleight-of-hand. By Martin Cothran, Senior Policy Analyst for The Family Foundation The gambling industry has made regular attempts to buy its way into Kentucky. Its...
Trail Life USA: A new option for boys, parents
“. . . that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God . . .” In the midst of the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) shifting image and decline in membership, Trail Life USA has emerged with...
The state pension issue IS important, but . . .
Some are using our significant crisis as a political weapon rather than truly working to find the solution. The 600-pound gorilla in the room this Fall is the question of state pensions. Clearly, just as bread has two sides, there are naturally two sides in this...
Consider these 2017-18 victories when you vote:
The list of successfully passed pro-family legislation over the last two years is a reason for which every family can be proud. Major changes in how the General Assembly responds to the will and values of everyday Kentuckians has come into play. Simply consider the...
Trump continues to move federal courts right
He’s just doing what he promised to do when he campaigned for office in 2016. (It’s actually quite refreshing.) According to U.S. Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY), “The most important thing the Senate is involved in is the personnel business” and “most...
Showdown: Unborn Child Dismemberment Ban
House Bill 454 is one of nine bills in the nation that limits this particularly barbaric abortion procedure. November 13 marks the start of a multi-day courtroom showdown between the Commonwealth and abortion advocates. The judge must decide whether to uphold the...
“Kentucky Family Values” is a Super PAC; It is NOT a “family values” group.
Caution: It’s just a Political Action Committee whose “values” are to elect Democrats. Its name is misleading. Since the 2010 Supreme Court campaign finance decision, new groups have emerged on Kentucky’s political scene. Often referred to as Super Political Action...
See this unique, nonpartisan Survey
Listed side-by-side, candidates respond in their own words. The Kentucky Candidate Information Survey’s website has something for every Kentuckian. It’s an excellent resource for the busy citizen who desires to be an informed voter. Find the resources and info you...
ALL should give direction for state & nation
Kentuckians are rooted in traditional values and are grounded in common sense. Clearly, America needs those virtues now. The phrase “elections have consequences” is often bandied about during election cycles in order to get voters inclined to vote one way or another....
Sports betting: Another proposed boondoggle
Opinion: Why do government officials not recognize that their duty is to the people of Kentucky, not the gambling industry lobbyists? By Martin Cothran, Senior Policy Analyst For The Family Foundation One of the state lawmakers pushing a bill to legalize sports...
Archive of Printed Editions
(2013-2017)