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COMMUNITYThe Spencer Magnet • May 16, 2012

“Serving the people of Spencer County would be an honor”

Your vote and support on May 22 would begreatly appreciated.

KINGANNETTEElect

http://annetteking2012.wordpress.com • Paid for by candidate, Annette King

Traveling Spencer County roadways campaigning

for Spencer County Clerk, I have had the pleasure of

meeting many families.

I would like to introduce my family to you: my

husband, Keith; my sons, Shelby-Tyler and Hunter;

and my daughter, Helisha Christian.

I am a life-long resident of Spencer County and a

graduate of Spencer County High School and Midway

College where I received a paralegal degree.

I served as Director for Taylorsville-Spencer

County Economic Development Authority for seven

years. I also served as Main Street Manager for two

years. My family and I ask for your vote on May 22nd.

Serving as your next County Clerk would be an honor.

~Annett e

K

Spencer County ClerkSpencer County resi-

dents seeking employment opportunities now have more computer access, training and job workshops at the new Public Library Workforce Center (PLWC). The Spencer County Public Library is one of 46 public libraries in the state that will have a PLWC.

The centers house com-puters and software that will be used to provide training in a formal workshop set-ting to Kentucky residents seeking employment oppor-tunities.

“The new centers will help Kentuckians who do not have access to comput-ers and broadband service to use 21st century technol-ogy to access training, jobs and economic opportuni-ties,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Our local public libraries have become an important community access point for people to search for jobs, write resumes and learn computer skills. These centers will provide a direct link to help for people in areas with high unemploy-ment levels.”

The centers are made possible by a $1.3 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant provided through the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The project is sup-ported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA). The grant targets counties with high unem-ployment.

“We are pleased to use these grant funds to create Public Library Workforce Centers in 46 Kentucky public libraries. The centers will assist their communi-ties in the economic recov-ery and provide lasting ben-efits in education and eco-nomic development. We are proud to be working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and partners across the Commonwealth to bring technology and training to so many Kentuckians at their public libraries,” said Wayne Onkst,

Kentucky’s state librarian and commissioner of KDLA.

“There are many resi-dents in Spencer County whose former employers did not provide computer train-ing and there have been few places in Spencer County where adults could boost their computer knowledge,” said Spencer County Public Library Director Debra Lawson. “We are so happy to be able to offer computer classes relevant to people’s day-to-day lives. Many employers and government agencies require email accounts of individuals who apply for jobs or benefits. The Public Library Workforce Center is a place where Kentucky residents can learn to set up the accounts they need, search for available jobs, and write a resume that gets them an interview that, hopefully, gets them the job.”

To create its PLWC, the Spencer County Public Library installed 13 laptop computers and 10 desktop computers with funds from the BTOP grant. All of the computers have Office 2010. The library has also purchased a laser printer, a digital projector and a sub-scription for a career data-base for the center’s use. Additionally, the library purchased computer tables and chairs. The library used more than $31,000 in grant funds to purchase the equip-ment, furniture and soft-ware.

The Spencer County PLWC will offer monthly in-house workshops to serve residents who are either seeking employment or looking for a better job. Classes include Internet Basics and E-mail Accounts, Easy Resumes & Job Searching, and Microsoft Word and Excel Basics.

KDLA provides equita-ble access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of govern-ment programs is created, efficiently maintained, and made accessible. For more information on KDLA resources, programs and services visit www.kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-8300 ext. 315.

Spencer County Public Library now off ers more computer stations,

employment workshops

Spencer County opens

Public Library Workforce

Center

Submitted to the Magnet

Since taking office last year, State Rep. Kim King (R-Mercer) has insisted that legislators should not be paid for budget-related special sessions.

On April 24, she put her money where her mouth is and announced that the pay she will receive from the recent special session will be donated to the American Red Cross.

And not just her net pay. King said she will donate her gross pay, even though she has already paid taxes on the amount.

“Last time I donated the money to Kentucky Right to

Life,” King said. “This year I’m donating to the Red Cross. With all the storm damage, I’m sure their resources have been deplet-ed.”

One of King’s first efforts after being elected was to spon-sor legislation to ban lawmakers involved in budget-related spe-cial sessions from being paid.

She sponsored House Bill 36 in 2011, and House Bill 413 this year, but said neither ever made it to the House floor for a vote.

That, she blames, on the Democrat-controlled commit-tees that refused to let the bills be heard.

“That’s one of the most frus-trating things I’ve learned dur-

ing my first term, is how much power committee chairs have over any piece of legislation,” King said, noting that it costs taxpayers an estimated $63,000 each day to have legislators in special session.

Another bill King created when she first entered office was House Bill 81, which called for all votes on fiscal measures to be done by roll call.

“It was for anything to do with money,” she said. “It called for a visual account, not just yeas and nays.”

King represents Anderson, Mercer and a portion of Spencer County as part of the 55th District.

King donates special session pay to Red Crossby BEN CARLSON

Landmark News Service

MALLORY BILGER/The Spencer MagnetHobert Judd, right, accepts a check from State Rep. Kim King on behalf of the American Red Cross. King donated her pay from this year’s special session to the Red Cross.